Everyone alive today in 2009 should have this book as a MUST READ. Kingsolver so beautifully encapsulates the conditions going on in our world and our environment with what it means to be human: writer, friend, daughter, mother. But most importantly, she has tremendous facts in hand with the reality of what is happening (and has happened) in our environment, with global warming. As well as incorporating 9/11 and her own personal story. I alternately laugh and cry with this book - kudos to Kingsolver. ( )

I read this after reading Rush drummer Neil Peart's book, Traveling Music ( )

I don't read a whole lot of nonfiction, but Barbara Kingsolver's essays are the exception to my rule. I LOVE them. They make me want to stand up and yell "Hallelujah, you tell 'em, Sister!" She says exactly what I think but could never express in such beautiful language. ( )

Powerful Essay ( )

Small Wonder is the second collection of essays I have read by Barbara Kingsolver. Like her first collection, High Tide in Tucson, this collection is heartfelt and thought provoking. Written in response to September 11, Kingsolver expresses her sorrow through her writing, covering a variety of subjects including parenting, world peace, agriculture, nature, social protest and homelessness. While reading Small Wonder, I was maddened, saddened and moved all at once – an exhilarating ride that left me near breathless when I was done.

I learned so much about our country in this book. My first reaction, as Kingsolver criticized how wasteful Americans can be, how inappropriate war can be and how our planet and its resources are dwindling, was anger toward the writer. I considered her un-American, a non-patriot, and a loud liberal complainer who should move to another country if she thinks it’s so terrible here.

But as she continued to write, to tell – I saw a writer just wanting to make a better place for herself and her family. I began to soften and become more objective.

In her last chapter, she made a point that will resonate with me for a long time. By protesting, by objecting, by making people aware – she is being very American. Isn’t that how this country was founded? What if Susan B. Anthony didn’t protest for women’s suffrage? Or Martin Luther King didn’t stand up for civil rights? The best changes are country has ever made were moved by people who wanted to make a difference. Kingsolver and those like her can make a difference- if people like you and me remain open-minded and listen to what they have to say.

I listened, and I am ready to take some steps to help make our country and Earth better for my fellow Americans (and especially my children):

1) Recycling – I am so ashamed that all of my aluminum cans, plastic bags and newspapers go into the trash. No more!
2) Purchasing fruits and vegetables from local farmers – By buying from a local farmers’ market, I won’t be supporting an industry that transports fruits and vegetables from all parts of the world – a way to help curb gasoline waste. My local farmers only have to come a few miles, and I bet the food will taste better.
3) Paying attention to the upcoming 2008 election – I have not been a conscientious voter. I really don’t research the candidates like I should. I will do a better job picking my candidates in the upcoming elections.

Inspired, yes. Motivated, absolutely. I am proud to be an American and a citizen on this planet. If you want to learn some ideas on how to make your little section of the world better, I highly recommend Small Wonder. Be ready to be moved. ( )