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Book Cover for: Force of Nature: The Remarkable True Story of One Holocaust Survivor's Resilience, Tenacity, and Purpose, Gisèle Huff

Force of Nature: The Remarkable True Story of One Holocaust Survivor's Resilience, Tenacity, and Purpose

Gisèle Huff

A moving account of resilience, hope, and purpose-punctuated by unforgettable lessons from an extraordinary life.

After escaping war-torn France, where eighteen members of her family were murdered in the Holocaust, Gisèle Huff arrived in the US with her mother. It was 1947, and they had $400 to their name. Gisèle quickly found her footing in America, eventually earning a PhD at Columbia University, running for Congress, and launching a spectacular career in K-12 education. Her determination to revolutionize the school system changed the lives of countless children.

But Gisèle's successful, happy life was interrupted by devastating loss, which eventually led her to champion universal basic income through a movement that advocates for economic security for all.

Telling a story of setbacks and triumphs, grief and joy, the chapters of Gisèle's life speak to her strength, to her commitment to deep and lasting friendships, and to her determination to challenge and engage with the great minds of politics and education. Force of Nature is an inspiring account of a woman undaunted by formidable odds.

The author will donate all proceeds of your book purchase to the Gerald Huff Fund for Humanity.

Book Details

  • Publisher: Simonet Press
  • Publish Date: Aug 30th, 2022
  • Pages: 222
  • Language: English
  • Edition: undefined - undefined
  • Dimensions: 8.50in - 5.50in - 0.47in - 0.58lb
  • EAN: 9798986423401
  • Categories: EducatorsWomenSocial Activists

About the Author

Huff, Gisèle: - Gisèle Huff served for more than two decades as the executive director of the Jaquelin Hume Foundation, which invested in nonprofit, national organizations that worked on transforming K-12 education. She is the founder and president of the Gerald Huff Fund for Humanity. She lives in San Francisco, California.

Praise for this book

"Gisèle Huff tells a powerful story about tragedy, perseverance, and empathy for our fellow humans. I count myself among the many people Gisèle has inspired. Her drive to push America toward adopting a universal basic income . . . is a reason why this idea was and remains so vital."

-Andrew Yang, 2020 Democrat presidential candidate and author of The War on Normal People



"Beyond any doubt, Gisèle Huff has lived a life of real purpose and meaning. Force of Nature describes her life story, which is full of passion and grace. Among her many accomplishments, Gisèle's advocacy for customizing students' learning experiences will be long- lasting."

-Jeb Bush, former governor of Florida


"Gisèle Huff's life is indeed remarkable-and then some. Her vision and laser focus on transforming K-12 education moved major philanthropists to realize the critical role that technology plays in making education joyful and supporting all learners in realizing their goals. An early supporter of the Khan Academy, Gisèle serves as a constant inspiration for the work we do here. She was always there to help me believe in myself and what we needed to do to help hundreds of millions of learners around the world."

-Sal Khan, founder and CEO of Khan Academy and author of The One World Schoolhouse: Education Reimagined


"When anyone loses every male member of her family in the Holocaust and then her husband and son to cancer, and still summons the courage to fight for a better world, I pay close attention. Gisèle Huff's journey is a lesson in how to embrace every day with passion, generosity, and grace. This book will change you."

-Sue Toigo, founder of the Toigo Foundation

"Gisèle Huff's memoir is an engaging delight to read, filled with wisdom drawn from more than eight decades of exuberant life. The arc of the story starts as her family flees Nazi-occupied France and ends with an admonition against the resurgence of racism and antisemitism in America. In between is the story of her profoundly human-centered work in education, technology, and the universal basic income movement. Hers is also a deeply human story. Even in the face of profound loss, Gisèle summons an optimistic, hopeful, and determined framework for life. Her contributions and her indomitable spirit have made her a legend in the not-for-profit world."

-Katherine Bradley, founder and chair of CityBridge

"Gisèle's life is one directed by recognition of people's humanity, a solid basis for a life spent as a bridge builder. The impulse to connect and listen is how we met, and these pages detail her evolving inquiry into a world of connection. This beautiful book tells the story of struggle, growth, and the process of a life well lived."

-john a. powell, director of Othering and Belonging Institute and professor of law, African American studies, and ethnic studies at the University of California, Berkeley