Not On Our Watch

Cheadle, Don and John Prender. Not On Our Watch: The Mission To End Genocide in Darfur and Beyond.

This one was informative and interesting. This book does three things essentially a) relates the authors first hand accounts of trying to help, a behind-the-scenes look at activism b) provides basic information about the political, social, cultural situations in Darfur and surrounding regions placing everything into context and c) gives tips on how ordinary people--Americans for the most part--can do their part to help. Because there were three distinct goals for the writing, it at times felt a little awkward when you're reading it. Awkward is not the right word. Maybe flow is. The book is more of a reference guide than a flowing cohesive whole with breathtaking narrative. (It was a bit jumpy in places.) You get facts, facts, and more facts. And I felt that you could pick and choose what to read (or reread as the case may be.) It was straightforward and concise for the most part. It is good at highlighting heroes--people (both individuals and collective groups) that have done what they can, given it their all, fought for what's right. And it encourages people to respond by doing what they can as well. It's a book that encourages you to act.

If you're looking for personal stories, personal memoirs, emotional first-hand narratives...then this isn't the book I'd choose on the topic. However, it does the basics very well.

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