"An antidote to cynicism ... an essential 'how-to' manual foranyone interested in translating values into positive results."(Ben Cohen, Ben & Jerry's)

"One of the few truly optimistic books about the state of thecountry today. The book is as much a storehouse of life-changingideas that work as a you-take-charge manual on how to understandeconomics, power, teamwork, the media, corporate strategies and'living demoncracy.'"

"In their accessible, emphatically interactive volume, Lappea andDu Bois challenge debilitating myths about democracy, public life, self-interest, and power; discuss the one-on-one skills (activelistening, creative conflict, mediation, and negotiation) and theskills for use in group settings (political imagination, publicdialogue, public judgment, celebration and appreciation, evaluationand reflection, and mentoring) that are essential elements inbuilding a 'culture of democracy.'"

``The Quickening of America is as urgent and important as any bookpublished in yearsbut, unlike many, it is also of real use toordinary people.'' (Jonathon Kozol, author of SavageInequalities)

``Fascinating stories and insights from Americans who are learningthat democracy is about much more than what happens in Washington.Lappea and Du Bois reveal a new practice of democracy as citizenproblem solvingin our schools, communities, and workplaces. Apowerful antidote to despairhard hitting yet hopeful.'' (HenryCisneros, secretary, Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment)

``In The Quickening of America I learned how to movewith power, effectiveness, and good humorbeyond self-imposed limits.... Weregular people can and must make history.'' (Randy Hayes, director, Rainforest Action Network)

``After years of listening to regular women and men at thegrassroots, the authors have distilled hundreds of inspiringsuccess stories into a unique `how-to' book, infusing the conceptsof `democracy', `power', and `public life' with vibrant new meaningand challenging us to profoundly rethink our lives.'' (FritjofCapra, founder and president, The Elmwood Institute, and author ofThe Tao of Physics)

``As an elected official who longs for more empowered citizens, Ihope thousands of people will read this book, where they willdiscover again what hard work, but also what satisfying work, democracy can be.'' (Daniel Kemmis, mayor, City of Missoula, Montana)

``Lappea and Du Bois are chroniclers of changein the way we thinkabout ourselves and the world in which we live.... [a] convincingand refreshing reaffirmation of the democratic process.'' (PatrickJ. Leahy, senator, State of Vermont)