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Beyond Hashtag Activism: Comprehensive Justice in a Complicated Age is a very comprehensive and well-researched book, yet is also very readable and practical. Author, Mae Elise Cannon, is no stranger to social justice topics, having written numerous books since publishing The Social Justice Handbook in 2009 and serves as Executive Director of the Churches for Middle East Peace. Cannon begins by outlining why social justice should be important to Christians and that salvation and justice are both necessary components of the Gospel of Christ. Reading this section brought to mind James 2:16 and reminds readers that you can't preach the Gospel if people are cold, hungry, impoverished, or oppressed. Specifically Christians needs to be involved in "prophetic advocacy" and set aside the "need to be right" in order to build bridges with others. After setting this foundation, Cannon goes on to provide details about specific justice issues include poverty, race, gender, and twenty-first century divides. Within each chapter, a multitude of references are provided as well as numerous stories of first hand experiences with these topics. However, Cannon does not simply inform the reader but goes on to provide information on specific opportunities to get involved fighting against these issues and suggested readings to learn more. Each chapter also ends with discussion questions which make this a perfect book for a small group study.

While reading Beyond Hashtag Activism, I frequently found myself sitting in prayer and lament over the gross injustices and tragedies described. Then to see these issue being played out on a national stage and to be reminded of the privileged position I have in society was sobering. To think how unknowingly my purchasing habits may contribute to global poverty and then be reminded that so much of "the good we do" such as providing food to the poor is only a temporary fix rather than a sustainable long-term solution. I was also reminded that even though many individuals say people are made in the image of God, too often we sure don't act like it. Page after page provided food for thought and steps to take. As such this is a book that readers will want to own and refer to often. Readers may not agree with all of Cannon's suggestions, but each chapter is a springboard to learning more about a topic.

Beyond Hashtag Activism is highly recommended for anyone whose heart is torn regarding the current events of our country and our world and wonders what they can possibly do to help. I highly encourage individuals to find a group of people to read and discuss this important book together.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received Beyond Hashtag Activism from InterVarsity Press via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

The End of Hunger

Too often we think of The End of Hunger as something that would be nice but not likely to happen as it seems to be simply too big of a problem. We do our part by participating in fundraisers at church or school and buy goats as Christmas presents knowing full well that a year later, we'll do it all again. What if there The End of Hunger was truly possible and we're going about it all wrong? The End of Hunger: Renewed Hope for Feeding the World, recently published by IVP, shows that ending hunger truly is possible and needs to be at the top of your reading list.

The End of Hunger contains essays by top economists, politicians, doctors, and many others. As such, this is not a quick, easy, feel good read. It must be read slowly so that the reader can fully absorb the content. The statistics and facts shared lay out how extensive the problem of hunger is and how hunger and malnutrition are the root causes of so many other world issues such as human trafficking, war,immigration, orphans, and nearly everything else that comes to mind. Yet, these same chapters lay out how their truly is enough food in the world and there is enough money for the problem of hunger to be solved.

The End of Hunger needs to be read slowly and thoughtfully so that you can contemplate the content that is shared and act on it. It is a book that needs to be read with others in order to process effectively. Anyone who cares about hunger or involved in raising funds for hunger relief in the U.S.A. or the world needs to read this book. Be prepared to have your heart broken, be frustrated, and to write lots of letters to politicians. Although I received a free copy, this is a book I'm definitely going to purchase in a paper copy so I can refer to it often and share with others.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received The End of Hunger from InterVarsity Press via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.