Praise For This Book
Praise for Plain Radical "If at the beginning of "Plain Radical" you wonder what kind of book you're reading, in the middle you'll be nodding your head in agreement, and by the end you may be shedding a tear or two. A mix of memoir, manifesto and eulogy, it uses a cross-generational friendship as a through-line to explore the compelling social justice issues of our day."--
Minneapolis Star Tribune "What a delightful and important read Plain Radical is! While a number of authors have begun to realize that the flourishing of life--sustainability--can only be achieved through relationships, no one has articulated this concept so well. By focusing on an intimate relationship with one friend it makes the case for communal relationships in a compelling and emotive way. This book is a must read for anyone interested in an inspiring journey of life."--Frederick Kirschenmann, author of
Cultivating an Ecological Conscience: Essays From a Farmer Philosopher "Jensen's heartfelt book about perspective, love, growth, kinship, and the necessity to live radically, couldn't possibly come at a better time. Consider it both a handbook and a compass for guidance toward both how to be human, and how best to live during the Anthropocene, as climate disruption wracks the planet and makes our lives all the more uncertain with each passing day. Mandatory reading, then follow the example."--Dahr Jamail, author and journalist, staff reporter for
Truthout "Robert Jensen has written an intimate, passionate, and clear-eyed memoir and meditation about the enduring friendship of two radical thinkers, activists and teachers. In charting his own restless intellectual and political odyssey and that of Jim Koplin, his dear friend and mentor, Jensen challenges all of us to find a path that enables us to live in and understand the world in a way that is realistic, constructive, honest, and humane. There are no easy answers or glib conclusions in this vivid, demanding, and ultimately deeply satisfying account."--Glenn Frankel, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of
The Searchers: The Making of an American Legend.
"A straight and plain and honest memoir and tribute. A learning. The story of deep love for a friend who by his life taught a clean and radical way of being in and trying to help cure an ever more challenged world. It will teach and reach you, too."--Gar Alperovitz, author of
What Then Must We Do? Straight Talk About The Next American Revolution "In a brilliant fusion of memoir and biography, Robert Jensen captures the bedrock Northern Plainsradicalism of his longtime friend and mentor. This is storytelling at its best and most inspiring, reminding the reader of what will be required for both survival of life itself and a future of mutuality."--Roxanne Dunbar Ortiz, author of
An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States Without sentimentality, Robert Jensen's masterful homage presents a life well lived, and well worth learning from. At its end, two thoughts: "I wish I'd known Jim Koplin." And "I really ought to be more like him."--Raj Patel, author of
The Value of Nothing.
"A heartfelt book about an inspiring model of wisdom, self-awareness, and thoughtful engagement with the world."--
Kirkus
