What do you think?
Rate this book
Not On Our Watch: The Mission to End Genocide in Darfur and Beyond
An Academy Award-nominated actor and a renowned human rights activist team up to change the tragic course of history in the Sudan -- with readers' help
While Don Cheadle was filming Hotel Rwanda, a new crisis had already erupted in Darfur, in nearby Sudan. In September 2004, then-Secretary of State Colin Powell termed the atrocities being committed there "genocide" -- and yet two years later things have only gotten worse. 3.5 million Sudanese are going hungry, 2.5 million have been displaced by violence, and 400,000 have died in Darfur to date.
Both shocked and energized by this ongoing tragedy, Cheadle teamed up with leading activist John Prendergast to focus the world's attention. Not on Our Watch, their empowering book, offers six strategies readers themselves can implement: Raise Awareness, Raise Funds, Write a Letter, Call for Divestment, Start an Organization, and Lobby the Government. Each of these small actions can make a huge difference in the fate of a nation, and a people -- not only in Darfur, but in other crisis zones such as Somalia, Congo, and northern Uganda.
252 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
August 14, 2010
Did you know that John Prendergast also wrote this book? He did.
Let's not give all the credit to Don Cheadle.
Oh wait, I get it! Let's throw a celebrity name on the book and maybe, just maybe, someone will start to give a shit about something other than American Idol. Maybe someone will LEARN something and even more, DO something to stop the horrors going on in Darfur. (and elsewhere.)
Think Pamela Anderson and PETA. Who knows how many people she's brought to the cause because of hersuper awesome tits deep concern for animals!
As much as I complain about and hate on celebrities, one good thing they do with their fame and fortune is raise awareness. And for that I am thankful. Seriously.
Here's my 4th grade book report:
The book briefly explains why genocide is going on in Darfur.
The book briefly describes the atrocities occurring in Darfur.
None of this is good.
Then the book tells how you can help.
This is good.
The Cynic in me says, "WHY BOTHER!? We are set on destroying one another. Please pass the remote."
The idealist in me thinks there may be hope.
I hope the idealist wins.
I give props to both Don and John for their efforts.
(I would also like to admit that I am now smitten with the very amazing John Prendergast. Sexy and smart with a heart of gold.)
Check out http://www.enoughproject.org.
Let's not give all the credit to Don Cheadle.
Oh wait, I get it! Let's throw a celebrity name on the book and maybe, just maybe, someone will start to give a shit about something other than American Idol. Maybe someone will LEARN something and even more, DO something to stop the horrors going on in Darfur. (and elsewhere.)
Think Pamela Anderson and PETA. Who knows how many people she's brought to the cause because of her
As much as I complain about and hate on celebrities, one good thing they do with their fame and fortune is raise awareness. And for that I am thankful. Seriously.
Here's my 4th grade book report:
The book briefly explains why genocide is going on in Darfur.
The book briefly describes the atrocities occurring in Darfur.
None of this is good.
Then the book tells how you can help.
This is good.
The Cynic in me says, "WHY BOTHER!? We are set on destroying one another. Please pass the remote."
The idealist in me thinks there may be hope.
I hope the idealist wins.
I give props to both Don and John for their efforts.
(I would also like to admit that I am now smitten with the very amazing John Prendergast. Sexy and smart with a heart of gold.)
Check out http://www.enoughproject.org.
March 29, 2009
Five stars for the subject, 2 stars for the actually book. I was excited to dive into a book I thought would cover the facts of these troubled African areas to give me a deeper understanding of the current conflict and human rights violations. What I found was a disorganized proposal of acronyms and memorable rhymes for how normal citizens can invoke "change," an honorable endeavor, but this is where this train of thought ends. Rallying, funds-raising, and generating awareness is fine and good, but what does this energy lead to? How might one apply it constructively for a positive outcome in these troubled areas, and what in this context is a “positive” outcome? Considering the projects America has taken on in the past, for human rights, our loss scores heavily outweigh our wins.
In general I found the book shallow and the authors rants somehow always coming full circle to once again reiterate over their all-too-impressive personal resumes. The manner the authors egotistically marred this book, I felt, was interestingly enough what I think America would do by trying to "fix" this situation from a third party perspective. Genocide is a product of a much deeper problem and I hope energy is put towards generating stimuli to assist places like Darfur to internally save themselves, because that is where true change and future comes from: within.
In general I found the book shallow and the authors rants somehow always coming full circle to once again reiterate over their all-too-impressive personal resumes. The manner the authors egotistically marred this book, I felt, was interestingly enough what I think America would do by trying to "fix" this situation from a third party perspective. Genocide is a product of a much deeper problem and I hope energy is put towards generating stimuli to assist places like Darfur to internally save themselves, because that is where true change and future comes from: within.
August 21, 2007
The genocide in Darfur has been getting a lot of much-deserved attention in popular and alternative media, and Darfur has been a rallying point for human rights activists and enhanced foreign policy advocates for the past four years. This book is by a couple of the higher-profile individuals working to make change. It details much of what has been happening there, what has been done or not been done to stop it, and, in the last couple of chapters, offers some steps that everyone can do to stop it. Check it, read it, make a change.
May 29, 2007
For years, I have turned a semi-blind eye to Darfur because the thought of genocide seems too big to handle...depsite feeling like I could make a difference in global health, I've always felt helpless to do anything against crimes against humanity. This book is NOT a detailed history about the Darfur crisis. There is some historical background, enough to give you some knowledge to discuss in conversation. It is an extremely easy read and it's interesting to see the transformation of Don Cheadle, an actor who I love, to become an activist.
This book is about inspiring people that they can make a difference in the Darfur conflict and other regions of conflict (Somalia, Northern Uganda, etc.). It spends a lot of time giving examples of people who were moved to action and how these actions have made a difference. This book is definitely for lefties, particularly those who believe in the power of grassroots activism.
Overall, low on intellect and high on inspiration. It's a challenging topic and I give kudos to the authors.
For those who want more intellectual/policy stimulation, read the new report by the ENOUGH campaign and Center for American Progress, Plan B with teeth for Darfur, http://www.americanprogress.org/issue...
This book is about inspiring people that they can make a difference in the Darfur conflict and other regions of conflict (Somalia, Northern Uganda, etc.). It spends a lot of time giving examples of people who were moved to action and how these actions have made a difference. This book is definitely for lefties, particularly those who believe in the power of grassroots activism.
Overall, low on intellect and high on inspiration. It's a challenging topic and I give kudos to the authors.
For those who want more intellectual/policy stimulation, read the new report by the ENOUGH campaign and Center for American Progress, Plan B with teeth for Darfur, http://www.americanprogress.org/issue...
January 8, 2008
Wow. It took me forever to get through this book. Part of it was grading, pregnancy woes, and less frequent gym sessions, which all conspired against my reading time. But part of it was also that I was just the wrong audience for this book, I think. I appreciate everything the book is trying to do and am now equipped to write letters and otherwise be more active on the Darfur front; however, I didn't need so much motivating as much as clear information and resources. In fact, the most useful part of the whole book is probably the appendix at the end that offers a score of websites and other ways to get involved--that and the chapter(s) that explain the conflict itself, if you're not already familiar with it (and let's face it, even though I researched and edited an entire portion of a product on Darfur, it's hard to keep all of the parties and facts straight for more than a couple months at a time, if that).
I also could have done without Don Cheadle in this book. Again, I appreciate that his heart is in the right place and that he's using his fame and connections for a good cause, but his sections were just too fluffy for me--he had to keep up his image as a cool actor, was trying to appeal to a less educated/less politically interested audience, etc. It just got old.
Having said all that, if you have no idea what's going on in Darfur or why you should care, this is a good place to start.
I also could have done without Don Cheadle in this book. Again, I appreciate that his heart is in the right place and that he's using his fame and connections for a good cause, but his sections were just too fluffy for me--he had to keep up his image as a cool actor, was trying to appeal to a less educated/less politically interested audience, etc. It just got old.
Having said all that, if you have no idea what's going on in Darfur or why you should care, this is a good place to start.
July 19, 2007
If you want to become more knowledgeable about the crisis in Darfur, this is definitely the book to read. I enjoyed it and it is a fast read. Don Cheadle and John Prendergast really help you to be informed about what is happening in Darfur and neighboring countries. Also, they offer many recommendations on how we, as Americans can end the genocide.
June 17, 2007
I actually read this book as part of my research on Darfur....but it reads very easily and is very interesting. If you want to read about a current hot topic with politics and human rights, I highly recommend it. The topic itself is depressing but the two authors do a good job of constantly reminding the reader about what one can do to help.
July 30, 2007
This book is amazing. It gives you ways to get involved with the genocide and how to prevent it from happening again. If you consider your self a humanitarian- no if you consider yourself HUMAN read this book.
January 26, 2019
Brutality against helpless people has shocked the world many times during the past century. One would think, by now, with world organizations like the United Nations and large blocks of well-meaning people in every country, that such atrocities would no longer occur. But no! Genocide is right now occurring in Darfur.
Author Don Cheadle starred in the movie “Hotel Rwanda,” in which he portrayed Paul Rusesabagina, the real-life hotel manager who saved over one thousand people from death in history’s most violent genocide (800,000 people killed in 100 days). Cheadle teamed up with author Paul Prendergast, a career activist against regimes committing such crimes, to write this documentary “Not on Our Watch.” These authors urge a grass-roots movement to pressure governments to finally put a stop to such blatant crimes against humanity.
Cheadle, moved by the character of the person he portrayed, and impressed when he finally met that person, Paul Rusesabagina and his wife Tatiana, realizing the agony they experienced in 1994 during the genocide in Rwanda, decided maybe he should do something to help prevent atrocities like this from ever happening again. In 2004, he teamed up with John Prendergast for a speaking tour and visits to Darfur to see first-hand what is happening there. Their book “Not on Our Watch” will both shock and sadden you.
Intervention is a big commitment, and intervention can backfire on you, as we all know from the political second-guessing following the U.S. intervention against Saddam Hussein. Governments, including The United Nations, are wary of getting involved. They’ll do something that seems safe for them, like political censures and humanitarian aid. While helpful, these efforts do not get at the root cause: regimes that use genocide as a tactic against populations they want to control or eradicate.
The authors point out that a three-pronged approach is needed: protection, punishment, and peacemaking. Protection of the victims, even if it entails some military intervention; punishment of the perpetrators by political pressure, economic isolation, and ultimate accountability and punishment by an UN sponsored world court; and peacemaking by encouraging the warring parties to a peaceful settlement of their differences and assisting them in rebuilding the war torn areas. This sounds easy to say, but we all know how difficult it is to implement. What can we, as individuals, do to promote this progress? The answer is the main theme of “Not on Our Watch.”
Darfur is on our watch since we are alive during this genocide. We can pressure our governments to take constructive action. Since our government officials depend on our votes to remain in office, we can let them know that we don’t like what’s going on in Darfur, and we’re “mad as hell” that they aren’t doing anything about it. The authors quote Senator Paul Simon saying that if every member of House and Senate got 100 letters about Rwanda, the United States would have acted differently during the Rwandan genocide.
The authors describe several incidents where grass root pressure on politicians encouraged them to take action where, ordinarily, they would not have taken action. This book is both a documentary on what is happening in Darfur (and what happened in similar atrocities in other parts of the world) and a guide to what we, as individuals, can do to help. The authors describe six strategies for effective change: raise awareness, raise funds, write letters, call for divestment, join an organization, and lobby the government.
If you saw the movie “Hotel Rwanda” and wondered what would you have done had you been there, this book will explain what anyone can do no matter where they are.
Author Don Cheadle starred in the movie “Hotel Rwanda,” in which he portrayed Paul Rusesabagina, the real-life hotel manager who saved over one thousand people from death in history’s most violent genocide (800,000 people killed in 100 days). Cheadle teamed up with author Paul Prendergast, a career activist against regimes committing such crimes, to write this documentary “Not on Our Watch.” These authors urge a grass-roots movement to pressure governments to finally put a stop to such blatant crimes against humanity.
Cheadle, moved by the character of the person he portrayed, and impressed when he finally met that person, Paul Rusesabagina and his wife Tatiana, realizing the agony they experienced in 1994 during the genocide in Rwanda, decided maybe he should do something to help prevent atrocities like this from ever happening again. In 2004, he teamed up with John Prendergast for a speaking tour and visits to Darfur to see first-hand what is happening there. Their book “Not on Our Watch” will both shock and sadden you.
Intervention is a big commitment, and intervention can backfire on you, as we all know from the political second-guessing following the U.S. intervention against Saddam Hussein. Governments, including The United Nations, are wary of getting involved. They’ll do something that seems safe for them, like political censures and humanitarian aid. While helpful, these efforts do not get at the root cause: regimes that use genocide as a tactic against populations they want to control or eradicate.
The authors point out that a three-pronged approach is needed: protection, punishment, and peacemaking. Protection of the victims, even if it entails some military intervention; punishment of the perpetrators by political pressure, economic isolation, and ultimate accountability and punishment by an UN sponsored world court; and peacemaking by encouraging the warring parties to a peaceful settlement of their differences and assisting them in rebuilding the war torn areas. This sounds easy to say, but we all know how difficult it is to implement. What can we, as individuals, do to promote this progress? The answer is the main theme of “Not on Our Watch.”
Darfur is on our watch since we are alive during this genocide. We can pressure our governments to take constructive action. Since our government officials depend on our votes to remain in office, we can let them know that we don’t like what’s going on in Darfur, and we’re “mad as hell” that they aren’t doing anything about it. The authors quote Senator Paul Simon saying that if every member of House and Senate got 100 letters about Rwanda, the United States would have acted differently during the Rwandan genocide.
The authors describe several incidents where grass root pressure on politicians encouraged them to take action where, ordinarily, they would not have taken action. This book is both a documentary on what is happening in Darfur (and what happened in similar atrocities in other parts of the world) and a guide to what we, as individuals, can do to help. The authors describe six strategies for effective change: raise awareness, raise funds, write letters, call for divestment, join an organization, and lobby the government.
If you saw the movie “Hotel Rwanda” and wondered what would you have done had you been there, this book will explain what anyone can do no matter where they are.
February 6, 2022
"Not On Our Watch" is a little dated for 2022, and the writing is a bit rah-rah for my taste, but I appreciate the historic information it included and the encouragement it gives to everyday people. Pendergast and Cheadle wanted people to leave feeling the spirit of grassroot change, and I think they were relatively successful in their attempt.
I picked this book up at my local used bookstore (shout out Peace Nook in CoMo) after the high profile names on the cover caught my attention. I am also highly interested in the study of the prevention of global oppression. My knowledge of Africa is extremely limited, so this book seemed like a good choice.
It was an okay read. The high-points are Cheadle and Pendergast's first hand experience, but the background information and activist tips are nothing to avoid. Because of the book's design as an activism manual, likely for people who have never been involved in a cause like that of anti-genocide, some section can be a little surface level for those who are more radical and experienced. There's nothing wrong with that, everyone needs to start somewhere and I appreciate the authors for making something actionable and easy to consume. Just wasn't the right level for me.
I picked this book up at my local used bookstore (shout out Peace Nook in CoMo) after the high profile names on the cover caught my attention. I am also highly interested in the study of the prevention of global oppression. My knowledge of Africa is extremely limited, so this book seemed like a good choice.
It was an okay read. The high-points are Cheadle and Pendergast's first hand experience, but the background information and activist tips are nothing to avoid. Because of the book's design as an activism manual, likely for people who have never been involved in a cause like that of anti-genocide, some section can be a little surface level for those who are more radical and experienced. There's nothing wrong with that, everyone needs to start somewhere and I appreciate the authors for making something actionable and easy to consume. Just wasn't the right level for me.
April 18, 2019
The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is that it is old. I am looking for updates on the situation(s) in Africa to see if they have made progress and if the US helped at all. Tragic what people do to each other!
July 30, 2020
A powerful book that not only sheds some light on the issues, but tries to offer solutions.
An easy to follow book on a hard to follow subject.
An easy to follow book on a hard to follow subject.
December 23, 2007
First of all, if you have deeper interest in issues surrounding American intervention in Darfur, you should read this article, and the commentary following it: http://www.lrb.co.uk/v29/n05/mamd01_....
Here's a taste: "The depoliticisation, naturalisation and, ultimately, demonisation of the notion ‘Arab’, as against ‘African’, has been the deadliest effect, whether intended or not, of the Save Darfur campaign." Yep, Mahmood Mamdani is not afraid to attack this "righteous cause." But you should read the responses to get a rounder picture; you can even read the director of the Save Darfur Campaign's response to this accusation.
We should take from Mamdani's comments that it is important not to simplify your understanding of conflicts, such as Darfur. Certainly experts know that this isn't "Africans" vs. "Arabs" (and all the problems of these two terms), but the general public does not. The experts and directors of organizations of the Save the Darfur Campaign are educated - they read articles like the one above all the time, speak to specialists and are specialists themselves, but that does not give us the chance to simply lie back and take their word for it. Too often those that squawk the loudest are the most mistaken. I could tell you that I respected John Pendergrast, but I wish he had left out some of the storytelling in favor of some analysis. I understand that this is more than a book, but a way to incite people to do something for a cause, a cause that I do support. But from a book, I would expect the reader to come away with a more thorough understanding of the situation. I've seen how the media can reduce a conflict, say in Chad, to "spillover from Darfur," (Chad's problems are much more complicated). I know that in order to get people to act, we have to simplify the message, but if you're going to be an activist, you should really know what you're talking about, and I would expect more information in a book. That's why I bought a book instead of watching a movie or a television ad. As non-Africans, we need to be wary of humanitarian campaigns - there has been alot of damage done in the spirit of "civilising Africa" (See: Iraq) I am not trying to say that we shouldn't be worrying about Darfur, because the truth is, I do think we should do more, but my point is to be skeptical if what you read makes something sound simple, something that makes Africans sound flat as pieces of paper, and I can tell you that they are just as political and 3-D as you and I. In conclusion, if you want to help Africa, educate yourself about it, and a book should really do a better job than this one does. Yes! Act! but don't skip the details.
Here's a taste: "The depoliticisation, naturalisation and, ultimately, demonisation of the notion ‘Arab’, as against ‘African’, has been the deadliest effect, whether intended or not, of the Save Darfur campaign." Yep, Mahmood Mamdani is not afraid to attack this "righteous cause." But you should read the responses to get a rounder picture; you can even read the director of the Save Darfur Campaign's response to this accusation.
We should take from Mamdani's comments that it is important not to simplify your understanding of conflicts, such as Darfur. Certainly experts know that this isn't "Africans" vs. "Arabs" (and all the problems of these two terms), but the general public does not. The experts and directors of organizations of the Save the Darfur Campaign are educated - they read articles like the one above all the time, speak to specialists and are specialists themselves, but that does not give us the chance to simply lie back and take their word for it. Too often those that squawk the loudest are the most mistaken. I could tell you that I respected John Pendergrast, but I wish he had left out some of the storytelling in favor of some analysis. I understand that this is more than a book, but a way to incite people to do something for a cause, a cause that I do support. But from a book, I would expect the reader to come away with a more thorough understanding of the situation. I've seen how the media can reduce a conflict, say in Chad, to "spillover from Darfur," (Chad's problems are much more complicated). I know that in order to get people to act, we have to simplify the message, but if you're going to be an activist, you should really know what you're talking about, and I would expect more information in a book. That's why I bought a book instead of watching a movie or a television ad. As non-Africans, we need to be wary of humanitarian campaigns - there has been alot of damage done in the spirit of "civilising Africa" (See: Iraq) I am not trying to say that we shouldn't be worrying about Darfur, because the truth is, I do think we should do more, but my point is to be skeptical if what you read makes something sound simple, something that makes Africans sound flat as pieces of paper, and I can tell you that they are just as political and 3-D as you and I. In conclusion, if you want to help Africa, educate yourself about it, and a book should really do a better job than this one does. Yes! Act! but don't skip the details.
October 21, 2013
In John Prendergast and Don Cheadle's clarion call of a book, they discuss and bring to light the horrors of the mass atrocities that have happened in Africa, namely Darfur, Sudan and also the past genocide that occurred in Rwanda in the 1990's. Don Cheadle's light-hearted conversational banter about his reluctant involvement in social activism (he played Paul Rusesabagina in "Hotel Rwanda") helps to somewhat lighten the heavy and urgent message that the erudite John Prendergast (senior advisor to International Crisis Group and former official in the Clinton White House) so eloquently presents to the reader.
I liked how the book didn't just dwell on the heartbreakingly sad first-person narratives of aide workers and survivors of the genocide(s), but also discussed the many reasons why the genocide in Darfur even happened in the first place: oil reserves, government-supported militia groups, Muslims vs. non-Muslims, and slavery. The second part of the book informs the reader on the many ways they can help to make a difference with examples of how grass-roots organizations have influenced politics and social policies in the past.
To be honest, at first I felt like the fellow passenger on Prendergast's flight who told him, "How do you take it?...It just seems hopeless." Even though I've read numerous books on the atrocities that have happened in Rwanda and Darfur, I have to admit that I thought each situation, each country, even the whole continent of Africa was too large, too burdened with civil warfare and constant strife for any one individual to affect change. However, after reading this book (especially the later chapters), I felt my opinion change from one of apathy to that of possibility. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is even remotely interested in social justice, human rights, international policy, and doing good works.
I've read other books that offer first-hand accounts of the atrocities in Africa, which has helped put a face on a situation that may seem too abstract and foreign to understand. I also highly recommend them and they are as follows: A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah, God Grew Tired of Us by John Bul Dau, They Poured Fire On Us From The Sky: The Story of Three Lost Boys from Sudan by Deng, Deng and Ajak, What Is The What by Dave Eggers, We wish to inform you that tomorrow we will be killed with our families: Stories From Rwanda by Phillip Gourevitch and The Zanzibar Chest: A Story of Life, Love and Death in Foreign Lands by Aidan Hartley.
I liked how the book didn't just dwell on the heartbreakingly sad first-person narratives of aide workers and survivors of the genocide(s), but also discussed the many reasons why the genocide in Darfur even happened in the first place: oil reserves, government-supported militia groups, Muslims vs. non-Muslims, and slavery. The second part of the book informs the reader on the many ways they can help to make a difference with examples of how grass-roots organizations have influenced politics and social policies in the past.
To be honest, at first I felt like the fellow passenger on Prendergast's flight who told him, "How do you take it?...It just seems hopeless." Even though I've read numerous books on the atrocities that have happened in Rwanda and Darfur, I have to admit that I thought each situation, each country, even the whole continent of Africa was too large, too burdened with civil warfare and constant strife for any one individual to affect change. However, after reading this book (especially the later chapters), I felt my opinion change from one of apathy to that of possibility. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is even remotely interested in social justice, human rights, international policy, and doing good works.
I've read other books that offer first-hand accounts of the atrocities in Africa, which has helped put a face on a situation that may seem too abstract and foreign to understand. I also highly recommend them and they are as follows: A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah, God Grew Tired of Us by John Bul Dau, They Poured Fire On Us From The Sky: The Story of Three Lost Boys from Sudan by Deng, Deng and Ajak, What Is The What by Dave Eggers, We wish to inform you that tomorrow we will be killed with our families: Stories From Rwanda by Phillip Gourevitch and The Zanzibar Chest: A Story of Life, Love and Death in Foreign Lands by Aidan Hartley.
July 30, 2010
I had very limited knowledge of the situation in Darfur before reading this book. I definitely learned a lot about it. It's beyond tragic and the authors gave a very good picture of all the factors at play. The frustration with the lack of action from the US and the west was palatable from the authors.
The message of the book was wonderful and people need to hear about things like this rather than the celebrity garbage that wastes the bandwidth here. One of the points the book made was that people tune things out if it's bad news all the time. That's the general sentiment towards Africa. There is a lot of progress across the continent, but that is usually not covered here. So we are left with the images of starvation, ethnic wars and unstable governments as our constructs of Africa. When that happens we have no context when something as horrific as Darfur happens.
The one thing I didn't like was that the solutions all seemed to center around rallies or writing letters. Maybe I'm too cynical to think that is effective. But isn't there something else that can be done?
I learned a lot from the book (sadly much I've probably ignored or become complacent about) From a book perspective, I thought it was ok. Like I said the solutions didn't seem as strong or tangible as maybe I had hoped.
The message of the book was wonderful and people need to hear about things like this rather than the celebrity garbage that wastes the bandwidth here. One of the points the book made was that people tune things out if it's bad news all the time. That's the general sentiment towards Africa. There is a lot of progress across the continent, but that is usually not covered here. So we are left with the images of starvation, ethnic wars and unstable governments as our constructs of Africa. When that happens we have no context when something as horrific as Darfur happens.
The one thing I didn't like was that the solutions all seemed to center around rallies or writing letters. Maybe I'm too cynical to think that is effective. But isn't there something else that can be done?
I learned a lot from the book (sadly much I've probably ignored or become complacent about) From a book perspective, I thought it was ok. Like I said the solutions didn't seem as strong or tangible as maybe I had hoped.
August 13, 2016
How much you'll like this book depends on what you expect. If you simply want to understand the situation in Darfur, this may not be the best to start. Although there is an entire chapter explaining the history of the conflict, as well as some references to the measures taken until that point, the book is mostly about what the average citizen can do for the people in Darfur.
The book is a bit dates now as many things have changed politically, but the main core is as valid as it could be, as after all the conflict in South Sudan seems to heat up again and atrocities are again a daily occurrence.
This volume presents ways to get involved - writing to your political representatives, boycotting companies that support the killers, raising funds, etc and also presents the cases of several stars that got involved and the results they obtained. At some points, it is a how-to manual, at other points it is a candid series of memoirs, so it is a bit chaotic. Also, it is quite USA-centric (for geopolitical reasons), but still has enough for someone living in a less powerful country.
The main message is universal though - no one will stop atrocities unless there is pressure from citizens around the world to do so, combined with all sorts of types of innovative support, from selling designer shoes to dedicating your Bar Mitzvah to raising money.
The book is a bit dates now as many things have changed politically, but the main core is as valid as it could be, as after all the conflict in South Sudan seems to heat up again and atrocities are again a daily occurrence.
This volume presents ways to get involved - writing to your political representatives, boycotting companies that support the killers, raising funds, etc and also presents the cases of several stars that got involved and the results they obtained. At some points, it is a how-to manual, at other points it is a candid series of memoirs, so it is a bit chaotic. Also, it is quite USA-centric (for geopolitical reasons), but still has enough for someone living in a less powerful country.
The main message is universal though - no one will stop atrocities unless there is pressure from citizens around the world to do so, combined with all sorts of types of innovative support, from selling designer shoes to dedicating your Bar Mitzvah to raising money.
July 31, 2017
I wish I have read this a decade ago. I once loved a book, entitled 'Inyenzi' by Andrew Brown, which was a fictional book that perhaps was based on the genocide in Rwanda. I picked this book up because it is also about genocide but not fictional. It even was written for a cause. The authors wrote about the reality of the victims, oppressors and the governments involved. They wrote about the efforts they've done and what else everyone can do. Their activism for the lives of the people in Darfur is an inspiration that compels the reader to help their co-creations, even outside of their nations. Even though there is no war within the city I live in, it shouldn't blind me of the fact that there is an ongoing war somewhere else (especially now in the southern part of my country). This book is a call to the apathetics to just do something, anything to help or raise awareness.
February 3, 2015
This book is a clear, proactive call-to-action to stop the genocide in Darfur. Co-written by John Prendergast of The International Crisis Group and ENOUGH project, and Don Cheadle, Academy-Award nominee and activist, this work is a multifaceted analysis of the genocide in Sudan, and how Americans can contribute to stopping it. The authors carefully explain the regional conflict and history (including neighboring conflicts in Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo), and put United States and international community foreign policy in layman's terms which allows Americans at all levels of interest to become involved. Complete with actionable ideas and suggestions for specific initiatives, this book rises above the status-quo call for humanitarian support and takes activism a step forward by empowering concerned readers to take immediate action to contribute to the cause. I would love to see a follow-up section now that the book is 7 years published. Heartbreaking but actionable, this project is honest in its shortcomings as well as its achievements. A must-read for anyone working in international relations or conflict resolution.
October 30, 2013
Finally finished! I have started this book and dropped it and started it and dropped it probably a dozen times since I purchased it when it first came out. But this time, I promised I was going to stick with it.
This book should be read by people who have never gotten involved with humanitarian efforts or awareness or know nothing about Sudan. It would not be a bad book for them. Oh, and if you live in the United States and think it is the be all end all for the whole entire universe.
Having a fairly strong knowledge of the situation in Sudan, I found this book to be boring, lacking in real information, and depending too strongly on the idea that the United States government can save the whole world. I also found the book disjointed. The two authors seemed to often say different things in their narratives which would definitely be confusing for people first visiting the issue.
Also, because I read this book so far after it was published, some of the information was definitely very dated (Senator Barack Obama), but that was my fault, not the book's fault.
This book should be read by people who have never gotten involved with humanitarian efforts or awareness or know nothing about Sudan. It would not be a bad book for them. Oh, and if you live in the United States and think it is the be all end all for the whole entire universe.
Having a fairly strong knowledge of the situation in Sudan, I found this book to be boring, lacking in real information, and depending too strongly on the idea that the United States government can save the whole world. I also found the book disjointed. The two authors seemed to often say different things in their narratives which would definitely be confusing for people first visiting the issue.
Also, because I read this book so far after it was published, some of the information was definitely very dated (Senator Barack Obama), but that was my fault, not the book's fault.
March 21, 2011
I received this book years ago and finally finished reading it. This is an important book. It's basically a call to action.
Though the book focuses on the history of the most recent genocide in Darfur, it refers back to Rwanda, the Holocaust, etc. In light of recent events in Egypt and Libya, this book can shed some light on the power dynamics/alliances at work in the Middle East.
In addition to providing the relevant historical data, the book gives several examples of instances in which one person/a few people could make a difference.
Whether you feel called to do something for the earthquake victims in Japan, for victims of human rights abuses (see Prometheus Bound/fill out a postcard for Amnesty International), or for people in your community, act now--I feel motivated too.
I have already mentioned this book to a few friends/some family members (hoping that they'll pick it up soon). I got the book from a friend, so I'm hoping to return the favor.
Though the book focuses on the history of the most recent genocide in Darfur, it refers back to Rwanda, the Holocaust, etc. In light of recent events in Egypt and Libya, this book can shed some light on the power dynamics/alliances at work in the Middle East.
In addition to providing the relevant historical data, the book gives several examples of instances in which one person/a few people could make a difference.
Whether you feel called to do something for the earthquake victims in Japan, for victims of human rights abuses (see Prometheus Bound/fill out a postcard for Amnesty International), or for people in your community, act now--I feel motivated too.
I have already mentioned this book to a few friends/some family members (hoping that they'll pick it up soon). I got the book from a friend, so I'm hoping to return the favor.
May 12, 2016
This book could not really hold my interest. In fairness, I have been reading a lot of novels lately about genocide and civil wars, from multiple perspectives, and I am probably a bit jaded. The approach was unique as the main focus of the book was to illustrate to the reader that they could make a difference. The objective was to persuade any reader to take action against humanitarian atrocities and not to feel dwarfed or inconsequential in the face of such overwhelming issues. While I truly applaud the message and the kind of impact it could have, I simply was not a fan of the method of delivery. I was not engrossed with the writing style; there seemed to be a lack of flow and plot build up. Also, Don Cheadle tried too hard to come off as cool. That said, there were many bits and pieces of the story (including Don's sections) that were interesting, it just didn't all come together nicely as a whole for me.
April 20, 2016
When I see the face of Don Cheadle the three things that come to mind are Sylvester, Mouse and Hotel Rwanda. I now have one more thing to add to my fond memories for Mr. Cheadle, Not On Our Watch. This book is a journey, a history lesson, a manual, and a call to action that tap dances on the open nerves of the compassionate citizens of the world.
It is said that there is a part of social history written in every book. Not only does Don Cheadle and John Prendergast highlight pertinent aspects of political protocols of our time, they do so in a style of writing that blends facts, personal accounts and data to cover all sides of the subject for a vivid picture of important realities beyond United States borders. This definitely an "if you didn't know, now you know " book... Read more
http://drakuabookreviews.blogspot.com...
It is said that there is a part of social history written in every book. Not only does Don Cheadle and John Prendergast highlight pertinent aspects of political protocols of our time, they do so in a style of writing that blends facts, personal accounts and data to cover all sides of the subject for a vivid picture of important realities beyond United States borders. This definitely an "if you didn't know, now you know " book... Read more
http://drakuabookreviews.blogspot.com...
October 14, 2008
This book which portrays the suffering of non-Muslim Africans in the Darfur region of the Sudan is as horrific as it is inspiring. The great actor Don Cheadle and John Prendergast, who worked in The Clinton Administration, write down their memories of collaborating to make sure Al-Bashir is brought to justice for the atrocities against humanity that he is committing. There are introductions from Elie Wiesel, who has seen his own share of man's most despicable acts. Senators Barack Obama and Sam Brownback (an odder pairing you will never find) also write their own introductions on this book. The crisis in Darfur must not be allowed to continue. Please visit www.savedarfur.org for more information.
January 5, 2009
I felt this was a great book to read to help those who see problems without solutions. It focuses on the killings (genocide) within Darfur, and explains how different work by individuals has helped to bring attention to the region. It also talks about the help that these individuals have brought to the people, in spite of the feeling that more needs to be done. The examples of what a person can do are simple, but need to be refreshed for many. This book should be referenced when a person feels like there is nothing that can be done, because the simple truth is that every thing that is done does help.
June 10, 2008
I picked up this book because I had watched The Devil Came On Horseback and I wanted to learn about how to do more.
This book is really excellent because it's part text book, part personal memoirs, part call to do more. It tells you why you should care, why the authors have dedicated a large part of their lives to the cause, and how to alleivate the situation in several different ways.
Before I thought the only way to help the situation in Darfur was to write letters. But, there is so much more to do than that. Not only should people write letters, they should join organizations, call for investors to divest, raise humanitarian aid, etc.
Very compelling and inspiring.
This book is really excellent because it's part text book, part personal memoirs, part call to do more. It tells you why you should care, why the authors have dedicated a large part of their lives to the cause, and how to alleivate the situation in several different ways.
Before I thought the only way to help the situation in Darfur was to write letters. But, there is so much more to do than that. Not only should people write letters, they should join organizations, call for investors to divest, raise humanitarian aid, etc.
Very compelling and inspiring.
May 18, 2007
Got me pumped to write some letters, raise some money, do anything i can to stop genocide in Darfur. These guys did a good job of keeping the reading light and fast--doesn't bog you down with data and what not--it's basically a guide to how to be active on the issue but it has multiple references to other books and sources that are more factual and academic in their handling of the issue.
All in all, a good read if you know nothing about Darfur but care enough to learn a little and do a little.
All in all, a good read if you know nothing about Darfur but care enough to learn a little and do a little.
November 23, 2008
Provides a good overview of the conflict in Darfur, including a brief history of the issues in southern Darfur and how they relate, as well as mention of the atrocities in Uganda and Congo. The book is mostly about what we can do about this issue and provides a number of examples of what others have done, such as student groups. The book also provides a background on the two authors, John Prendergrast and Don Cheadle, and how they came to where they are in the struggle. This would be a good addition to an undergraduate class on social activism.
December 22, 2007
Don Cheadle the actor is co-author. the story is interesting about what's going on in Darfur and the reaction- or lack of reaction- by the rest of the world. the writing isn't great, but the issue is compelling
Now that I've finished I'm just a little bit pissed off. How is it that this stuff happens without any news coverage or attention from our government? How can we spend billions in Iraq for no apparent reason and not pay attention to this? I suppose as long as our foreign policy is dictated by corporations this is the stuff we get.
Now that I've finished I'm just a little bit pissed off. How is it that this stuff happens without any news coverage or attention from our government? How can we spend billions in Iraq for no apparent reason and not pay attention to this? I suppose as long as our foreign policy is dictated by corporations this is the stuff we get.
March 8, 2008
This book gets four stars because at the time of reading it is a bit outdated... however I now understand the situation that currently still transpires for the people of Darfur..
Reading from the perspective of a movie star (Don Cheadle) who is candid about his shift from apathy to activism is uplifting; the book also outlines steps on how ordinary people can get involved.
A particular response I found fascinating was the call to divestment of funds in corporations that support the government of Sudan.
Reading from the perspective of a movie star (Don Cheadle) who is candid about his shift from apathy to activism is uplifting; the book also outlines steps on how ordinary people can get involved.
A particular response I found fascinating was the call to divestment of funds in corporations that support the government of Sudan.
June 2, 2008
With prose oozing with the colorful personalities of Don Cheadle and John Prendergast, this book provides a comprehensive history of the conflict in the Sudan and an update on the violent and desperate situation still raging in Darfur. It also tells the story of Don and Johns involvement in the area, and the amazing people they have met, all inspired to end the genocide and make good on the promise 'Never Again.' It includes practical tips on how to get involved, to speak out and include others in the movement for peace and justice in Darfur.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews