Meet New Books
Book Cover

Across That Bridge: A Vision for Change and the Future of America

Save:
Find on Amazon

'Across That Bridge: A Vision for Change and the Future of America' by John Lewis is a powerful memoir that delves into the author's experiences as a key figure in the desegregation of the USA and his journey as a Congressman. The book highlights themes of compassion, love, nonviolent resistance, faith, and the transformative power of belief. Through Lewis's narrative, readers are taken on a reflective journey of the Civil Rights Movement, emphasizing the importance of unity, forgiveness, and the pursuit of truth in the face of adversity.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is polished yet criticized for being overly florid and lacking depth.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative focuses on John Lewis's impactful life and his unwavering commitment to nonviolent protest during the Civil Rights Movement.

Setting:

The setting is primarily in the Deep South during the Civil Rights Movement, focusing on key locations like Selma.

Pacing:

The pacing is succinct, though some may feel it lacks detailed exploration of key events.
United States Representative John Lewis still has the scars from the beatings he took for civil rights half a century ago. But the more telling mark on the longtime congressman, whose life traces the ...

Notes:

John Lewis was beaten and jailed 40 times for standing up for civil rights.
His book is titled 'Across That Bridge: A Vision for Change and the Future of America.'
The chapters in his book are named Faith, Patience, Study, Truth, Peace, and Love.
Lewis's approach to change was rooted in nonviolence, inspired by Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi.
He believed that personal and community peace is essential before achieving broader social peace.
The march from Selma to Montgomery was a significant event, where peaceful marchers were met with violence.
Lewis emphasized the importance of forgiveness and love as tools for unity and reconciliation.
He contributed to the creation of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which took 100 years to establish.
The book is described as well-edited but criticized for lacking depth and substance.
Although he faced severe racism, Lewis called the impoverished community he grew up in 'rich in character and faith.'
He lived through the Jim Crow era and described it as dehumanizing for Black Americans.
Lewis encouraged readers to contemplate inner peace as a starting point for social change.
His legacy continues to inspire people today, making him a symbol of courage and integrity.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book includes content warnings related to discussions of violence, racism, and descriptions of suffering faced during the Civil Rights Movement.

From The Publisher:

Winner of the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work/Biography.

In turbulent times Americans look to the Civil Rights Movement as the apotheosis of political expression.

As we confront a startling rise in racism and hate speech and remain a culture scarred by social inequality, there's no better time to revisit the lessons of the '60s and no better leader to learn from than the late Representative John Lewis.

In the final book published before his passing, Across That Bridge , Congressman John Lewis draws from his experience as a prominent leader of the Civil Rights Movement to offer timeless wisdom, poignant recollections, and powerful principles for anyone interested in challenging injustices and inspiring real change toward a freer, more peaceful society.

The Civil Rights Movement gave rise to the protest culture we know today, and the experiences of leaders like Congressman Lewis, a close confidant to Martin Luther King, Jr., have never been more relevant.

Despite more than forty arrests, physical attacks, and serious injuries, John Lewis remained a devoted advocate of the discipline and philosophy of nonviolence. Now, in an era in which the protest culture he helped forge has resurfaced as a force for change, Lewis' insights have never been more relevant.

In this heartfelt book, Lewis explores the contributions that each generation must make to achieve change.

Now featuring an updated introduction from the author addressing the Trump administration, Across that Bridge offers a strong and moral voice to guide our nation through an era of great uncertainty.

 
Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.