The Woman's Book of Hope ― Meditations for Passion, Power, and Promise

We live in chaotic times. Nearly every country in the Western world is confronted with a variety of daunting problems ranging from the rise of neo-Fascist parties, economic stagnation, falling currencies, and a widespread sense of disenfranchisement. There is a sense that we no longer control our lives that circumstances have careened out of control leaving us adrift in a sea of change. Hope seems to be in short supply, and fear at times threatens to overwhelm us as we try to stay afloat in our sea of troubles.

This is a book of daily meditations designed to help restore a sense of hopefulness and purpose. It is a book for women who feel overwhelmed and underappreciated. It is the perfect antidote to despair: a book that teaches women to practice hope--to take concrete steps in the face of pain and despair and to make their lives happier.

Campbell writes: "We need vision and conviction that the future can be better. With motivation we can act with bravery and daring. Determinations help drive through our vision but is balanced by patience and letting things unfold without trying to force them. Instead of being afraid of the future, we can cultivate the habit of love (the very opposite of fear). . . . With hope the world becomes transformed."

Throughout the book Campbell includes stories of those who have triumphed over adversity and have been sustained by hope, such as Anne Frank, Grace Lee Boggs, Ann Davison, Marie Curie, Artemisia Gentileschi, Hildegard of Bingen, and Xiaolu Guo. She also includes the experiences of those who have been abused or kidnapped--Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, and Natascha Kampusch, for example--and the stories of refugees who have made new lives for themselves, escaping from Uganda, Iran, and Syria.

This is a practical, friendly, and helpful book that will appeal to anyone looking for a little pick-me-up, a little help in getting through the week.