Don Shelby

In 2005, Dennis Van Norman climbed into a kayak for the first time to spend an afternoon “Huck Finning” down the Mississippi River with his son and grandson. Little did he know, what started as an innocent, 8-mile kayaking introduction would eventually become a passion—or an addiction. He spent thirteen years, from his sixties through his mid-seventies, kayaking the length of the Mississippi, bit by bit, traveling more than 2,500 river miles from northern Minnesota to the southern tip of Louisiana in a boat built for one.From Minnesota to Mile Zero on the Mississippi is the story of how one traveler fully experienced and embraced the Mississippi River and its surroundings. It casts light on the Mississippi River’s history, geography, and sociology, but it is a book about more than the river itself—it’s also about the individuals and characters living along the Mississippi’s shores. From the local foods and music to the customs and history, each experience is sandwiched between moments of pure serenity and those of sheer terror. This is the story of a journey of discovery on the country’s most celebrated waterway, and an exploration of the wonderment, joy, and fear that will invariably grab hold of you when you’re sitting alone in a 14-foot plastic boat on America’s greatest river.

Nationally known community organiser and activist Harry C Boyte incites readers to join today's "citizen movement", offering practical tools for how we can change the face of America by focusing on issues close to home. Targeting useful techniques for individuals to raise public consciousness and effectively motivate community-based groups, Boyte grounds his arguments in the country's tradition of "populism", demonstrating how mobilised citizens can be far more powerful than our frequently paralysed politicians. He offers practical tips on identifying potential citizen leaders and working through cultural differences without sacrificing identities. Each point is illustrated by inspiring real-life examples of Minnesotans who have prompted change: An immigrant community that created a cultural wellness center. An organisation of multiracial, multi-faith congregations that is tackling tough social problems. A cluster of suburban neighbourhoods that came together to take back Sundays from overzealous youth-sports organisations. For readers doubting their ability to make a significant difference in our world, this how-to book will show the way.