Compassionate Souls: Raising the Next Generation to Change the World

By Joann Farb

Book Overview

In this title, educator, parent and activist JoAnn Farb offers practical examples of how to bring up your children to honour your values and not those dictated by corporations. She presents... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1930051034
• ISBN13: 9781930051034
• Release Date: July 2000
• Publisher: Lantern Books
• Length: 182 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.5" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

A compelling read

A friend of mine, who is a little into things on the fringe, suggested that I read this book. I must admit, that prior to reading Compassionate Souls I was very critical of the choices that my friend was making. It seemed that everything that she was doing with her children, flew in the face of what everyone else I knew was doing, and what every magazine article or book on parenting or health I had ever read advised.Yet this book has definately changed my thinking. I no longer think that sleeping with one's baby will make them overly dependent. I am no longer fearful about my friend's decision to not vaccinate her children (nor do I veiw her choice to not vaccinate as a threat to me) in fact I am regretting that I did not look into this issue more fully when my own children were younger and I was being sold on shot after shot. I find myself wondering too, if some of the horrible illnesses my children had shortly after getting shots were caused by the shots (something I never even considered related before) I have began to make some small changes in what I am feeding my family (and found the recipes in the back of the book --especially the vegan caesar salad dressing, the Green Rice, and Jojo's baked potatoes absolutely incredible!! Although I could never see myself homeschooling, I now realize that there many more benefits to it for children and families then I ever realized, and was amazed to learn that some people do it for reasons other then religious convictions and that they really made a lot of sense to me.The first chapter, On Becoming a Parent, really drew me in. In light of all that has been happening, politically, socially, educationally in our country lately, I am finding myself questioning why, with so many conveniences, and benefits to our culture, families and children seem to be struggling with life more then ever? Compassionate Souls has really been an eye opener for me. Thank you Ms Farb for writing this and sharing so much about your life and your extensive research with me. My only regret is that I didn't get a hold of your book earlier -- when I would have had more chances to act on your compelling information.

Fabulous advice!

I just finished this book and was so happy I picked it up! Far from finding the author "preachy" or "judgmental," I found her simply informative and genuine. I enjoyed the segments about a Vegan pregnancy and how to handle misinformed doctors (of which I've seen my share). I was enlightened by the author's experience with midwives, her views on hospitals and being treated as a body part by doctors and nurses. I was pleased she shared the struggles she endured trying to do the best things possible for her family, despite opposition from outside influences. I appreciated the advice on how to handle relatives and other outsiders disrespectful of her parenting choices. It was encouraging to know there are others who view the world as I do, and I don't have to forge my way in the dark. This book was edifying, affirming and inspirational for me.

Everyone Should Read This Book!!

This book should be considered required reading for all high school students!! There is so much useful information packed into it -- much of which could be best acted upon by those who have not yet started families.As the author suggests, everything about how we live and raise our children we do mostly because that is what we see being reflected back at us by our friends, family, and the media....but are we really making CONSCIOUS chioices? Are our choices about what we eat, whether or not to vaccinate, how to educate our children, where to give birth, what toys to give them etc really giving our children the best chances at a health and good quality of life?I had already been moving towards many of the views expressed by Compassionate Souls, but this book gave me so much more to think about, as well as gave me words to express much of what I was feeling in my heart. Everyone should read this book!

A must read for vegan parents

Compassionate Souls addresses virtually all the issues faced by vegan parents today. From pregnancy to homeschooling to the vaccine issue, JoAnn will take you through her own experiences and considerable research and present you with invaluable information to help you become a conscious parent. This book really makes you think. It also gives you a great basis for debating issues with your family and friends. I consider this book a must read. It's also a great gift for family and friends who may not fully understand how vegans tend to raise their kids.

Educational and Informative

Mrs. Farb's book is one that all parents should read. She includes many thought provoking chapters on all subjects involving parenting. I especially appreciated the information on Breastfeeding and Vaccinations. This would make a great gift for the parent to be!