Timeless Ideas, Inspiration, and Hope for the 21st Century
“Imagine: Ideas that Challenge the Status Quo” by Alex Sangha is a collection of opinions known as “Big Ideas” shared by the author. In the first main section titled “Controversies,” Sangha discusses hot button topics such as abortion, affirmative action, gay rights, the death penalty, and pornography with bulleted points about each issue. In the second main section titled “Idealism,” he discusses such topics as culture, family, mentorship, taxation, and politics also with bulleted points. The end of the book allows for the reader to write his or her thoughts on these topics.
I believe the author’s intent is to increase communication amongst people about controversial subjects in an attempt to find commonalities and learn more about their own beliefs. The author states, “‘Imagine’ strives to help people focus and clarify their beliefs to help each other and create a more civil society.” The author serves his purpose by raising interesting topics in the forefront of the reader’s mind. However, while some of the topics such as abortion and marijuana use offer opposing views, most of the topics are very one sided. In defense of the author it does state at the beginning of the book that “‘Imagine’ is primarily an original document of the author’s views,” but I think a more balanced discussion could occur if the author were to divide the topics into two differing sides with highlighted points for each thought. Otherwise, the book comes off mostly as the published thought process of Alex Sangha, and I am not sure that fact alone will draw readers to his book. A more balanced approach may have increased readership. On a personal note, I agree with much of Sangha’s views and know that his heart is in the right place with his intentions. “Imagine: Ideas that Challenge the Status Quo” makes a reader think about his or her personal beliefs on many important topics.
Imagine: Ideas that Challenge the Status Quo
Alex Sangha
AuthorHouse (2010)
ISBN 9781449095154
Reviewed by Marissa Libbit for Reader Views (May 2011)
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vancouver visionary and social activist, Alex Sangha, set to launch his upcoming book, The Modern Thinker, in the New Year!
The world is changing every day; what is your part in making a difference?
Delta, BC – Everyday, around the globe, events are unfolding that have a direct or indirect impact on one’s life. Social worker, human rights activist, and writer Alex Sangha covers thought-inspiring subjects that range from compassionate capitalism and government debt, to Canadian immigration policies, spirituality and the sex trade, in his new book, The Modern Thinker: Timeless Ideas, Inspiration, and Hope for the 21st Century.
The book is a collection of stories and articles written in a compelling style that urges the reader to think about the past and present, and take action to change the future.
Says Alex of his book, “We who are lucky to have been born or raised in Canada face a fraction of the economic, political, social, moral, religious, and sexual issues that affect others around the world. Yet there is a synergy between all things past and present and our actions today will define our lives tomorrow.”
A follow-up book consisting of readers ideas and views and designed to be the voice of Canadians is in the planning stages.”
The Modern Thinker is peppered with relevant, real-life stories and anecdotes, and is written in an easy to read style that appeals to everyone, from the hard-core activist to the layperson on the street. It is crafted in a textbook format with resources, discussion chapters, and space to jot down notes.
Says Veeno Dewan, Editor of the Voice Newspaper, “Alex is clearly a world citizen who disseminates on a wide variety of issues with amazing clarity. His refreshing views on a wide range of subjects are written with elegance and a light touch that does not cloud the issues.”
Jenny Uechi, Managing Editor of the Vancouver Observer agrees, “Alex Sangha has an impressively broad range of knowledge on issues that affect the world, and challenges problems that most people have come to accept. Sangha doesn’t just point out the troubles in this world, but thinks of bold solutions for them.”
The Modern Thinker will be available in print or an ebook from Amazon.com or at discounted rates directly from the publisher Authorhouse.com
About the Author
Alex Sangha is a registered social worker and human rights activist who has championed community-based efforts to combat bullying and racism. He has a counselling practise in North Delta, and is the co-founder of Mindset which is a mental health education, awareness and support group designed to benefit mental health consumers and their families. Alex is also the founder of a South Asian LGBT social, cultural, and support organization called Sher Vancouver.
Alex has an MSc in Public Administration and Public Policy from the Department of Government at the London School of Economics, and a Bachelor of Social Work with a First Class Standing from the University of British Columbia. He is currently nearing completion of his Master of Social Work through Dalhousie University. Alex was voted by the public in a national people’s choice award to be one of the winners of the Royal Bank Top 25 Canadian Immigrants Awards of 2011.
For further information or a complimentary media copy of The Modern Thinker for a book review or interview please contact:
Alex Sangha
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