A Persistent Peace: One Man's Struggle for a Nonviolent World

One of 197 nominees for this year's Nobel Peace Prize, Dear recounts his nearly 30 years of waging peace through speaking, networking, writing (25 books so far) and spearheading nonviolent demonstrations. While studying at Duke University, he decided to forsake his frat-boy ways for life as a Jesuit priest. His resolution took further shape after graduation during a transformative pilgrimage to Israel: “I would go forth from the Sea of Galilee forever opposing injustice, poverty, and war.” From then on, Dear was in trouble most of the time. Repeatedly jailed and often rebuked by religious superiors as he doggedly criticized U.S. policies, violated state property and told influential people how to behave, he accepted suffering as the necessary cost of following Jesus. Though his account could use more introspection, he writes moving descriptions of atrocities he personally witnessed in Iraqi and in Central American war zones, and his humane concerns are evident in his work with 9/11 survivors. Unfortunately, his righteousness will alienate readers who do not already share his beliefs. (Aug.)