Binzy_Boi reviewed Love, Hope, Optimism by Charis Wahl
A Message of Character, Compassion, and Community
5 stars
When I picked up this book, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. I knew Layton was leader of the NDP when it was the official opposition in 2011, and I was aware that, as a result, he is seen as one of the best leaders the NDP has had to offer. However the details of how he became leader and the circumstances that lead the NDP to become the official opposition were unknown to me, and I went into this book, the first book I've finished reading in years, expecting it to simply be one that answered those questions with basic summaries.
What I found instead was a book that radically transformed my outlook on people, the world, politics, and how to approach and tackle issues at hand. Multiple times I found myself pausing after reading a quote or statement, letting the full meaning and impact of the words …
When I picked up this book, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. I knew Layton was leader of the NDP when it was the official opposition in 2011, and I was aware that, as a result, he is seen as one of the best leaders the NDP has had to offer. However the details of how he became leader and the circumstances that lead the NDP to become the official opposition were unknown to me, and I went into this book, the first book I've finished reading in years, expecting it to simply be one that answered those questions with basic summaries.
What I found instead was a book that radically transformed my outlook on people, the world, politics, and how to approach and tackle issues at hand. Multiple times I found myself pausing after reading a quote or statement, letting the full meaning and impact of the words sit with me, and reflecting on how to apply certain values and qualities to my own life.
Through these memoirs, not only did I learn extensively about who Jack Layton was, but I also learned a fair bit about myself. One reads the stories of Jack compiled in this book, and is often left with the traits and qualities of his character resonating to their very core.
While I have had the desire to become more connected to my community, as well as the desire to help shape my community for the better, Love, Hope, Optimism has done nothing less than fully invigorate me to take initiative, and to do it now.
One discovers new perspectives about the concept of work ethic, respect for your fellow man, expression of one's beliefs, respect for the beliefs of others (especially those that contrast with your own), separating people from politics, positive thinking and it's results, and finally as a summarisation of all the previous points, what makes both a good person, and a good leader.
I borrowed this book from the library, and admittedly, I struck gold. I hope to purchase my own copy for my bookshelf so that I can have constant reminders about the hope that lives in all of us, how to view politics and people in a positive light, how to dream big, and the importance of taking immediate action towards making said dreams a reality.
For Canadians who wish to become more active in politics, regardless of political affiliation, this book isn't just a must-read, it borders on being a necessity. Without question, a 5/5.