Thanks for this article. I had been curious and at the same time, not ready to hear about the evil. I have been exposed to too much of it already.
I think what I admire most is that she acknowledges that neither her past trauma or her marginalized identities absolves or excuses what she does. This is really critical. The tendency to evade accountability and blame authoritarian, abusive, or otherwise evil behavior by pointing to systemic oppression and past hurt is BS and it's not going to move anything forward.
I also appreciate that her answer is to take action to help others. More pontificating isn't needed. Action is.
Exactly. Never making excuses is maybe what I appreciate most about her. There's no BS. Even the work she does with Humane Borders speaks to her approach. She's not just a talking head sitting on panels. She's putting water barrels in the desert. No frills.
It was hard to write too, and I can't imagine how hard it was to live. Jenn does a lot of good for a lot of people, and she has for a long time now. The world is better with her in it. I hope she knows that. Thank you for the compassionate comment, Vickie.
I say WOW too, Pablo. This is the best open understanding of Jenn’s book that I’ve read. And it even doubles my admiration and respect for her! Love you, Jenn !
Thank you for the kind words, Barbara. Jenn deserves a lot of admiration and respect. She gives me hope for people’s capacity for growth and compassion.
Excuse me for asking, and apologies if I’m off-base, but are you the “Barb” Lemmon Jenn mentions in the book, former nurse who puts water in the desert?
OH my ! Yes, I always forget that I am in there. It was actually quite a surprise when I turned a page in reading and saw my picture !! We had a "memorable day" in the desert and have met several times since. Your review is so thorough, and I wish more folks were reading her book. I did share your post with local Samaritans.
Wow. 🥹
Thanks for this article. I had been curious and at the same time, not ready to hear about the evil. I have been exposed to too much of it already.
I think what I admire most is that she acknowledges that neither her past trauma or her marginalized identities absolves or excuses what she does. This is really critical. The tendency to evade accountability and blame authoritarian, abusive, or otherwise evil behavior by pointing to systemic oppression and past hurt is BS and it's not going to move anything forward.
I also appreciate that her answer is to take action to help others. More pontificating isn't needed. Action is.
Exactly. Never making excuses is maybe what I appreciate most about her. There's no BS. Even the work she does with Humane Borders speaks to her approach. She's not just a talking head sitting on panels. She's putting water barrels in the desert. No frills.
👏 👏 👏
Hard to respond to this. Such horror and sadness.
I do believe in redemption and I always want that for those seeking it.
I hope her project is successful and that she finds solace.
It was hard to write too, and I can't imagine how hard it was to live. Jenn does a lot of good for a lot of people, and she has for a long time now. The world is better with her in it. I hope she knows that. Thank you for the compassionate comment, Vickie.
I say WOW too, Pablo. This is the best open understanding of Jenn’s book that I’ve read. And it even doubles my admiration and respect for her! Love you, Jenn !
Thank you for the kind words, Barbara. Jenn deserves a lot of admiration and respect. She gives me hope for people’s capacity for growth and compassion.
Excuse me for asking, and apologies if I’m off-base, but are you the “Barb” Lemmon Jenn mentions in the book, former nurse who puts water in the desert?
OH my ! Yes, I always forget that I am in there. It was actually quite a surprise when I turned a page in reading and saw my picture !! We had a "memorable day" in the desert and have met several times since. Your review is so thorough, and I wish more folks were reading her book. I did share your post with local Samaritans.
That's so cool! It's nice to e-meet you, Barbara! I think the people who do read her book are very moved, and that matters.
I've got this book in my "to read" pile, and so help me, as soon as I FINALLY finish The New Jim Crow, Jenn's book is next.