Visionaries: People and Ideas to Change Your Life (Utne Reader Books)
Holding that humans are infinitely capable of evolving  emotionally and spiritually, Utne editorial director Walljasper,  contributing editor Jon Spayde, and the editors of the Utne  Reader offer inspiring, real-life tales of visionaries around  the globe who foster enlightened living in the 21st century.  These activists come from all walks of life (from crone to  restaurant owner to sustainable business guru) and represent  various faiths, races, ages, and income levels. Their efforts,  ranging from social action to green advocacy to the healing of  spirit, body, and senses, are presented in well-written topical  overviews and biographical sketches. A selected resources  section at the end of each sketch lists the individual's  publications. The book includes some famous faces (e.g.,  Starhawk, Octavia Butler, Alice Waters), giving it mass appeal  as a basic reference on "new-type" thinkers. Be advised, though:  inspiring chronicles rarely serve as a catalyst for real inner  change; this is not a self-help book, as the authors suggest. It  is, however, an easy-to-read and illuminating account of  meaningful lives, making it a worthwhile choice for larger  public libraries. Lisa Liquori, MLS, Syracuse, NYCopyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.