Portraits of Peace
Searching for Hope in a Divided America
- Ethics, Culture & Social Issues
- Publisher: Broadleaf Books (Augsburg Fortress)
- Published: 2021
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Publisher's Description
Frustrated with an increasingly polarized social landscape, award-winning photographer John Noltner set out on a 40,000-mile road trip across the United States to rediscover the common humanity that connects us. He did so by asking people one simple question: "What does peace mean to you?" Through difficult conversations, gentle humor, and a keen eye for beauty, Noltner's Portraits of Peace captures a rich collage of who we are as a nation. Beautiful storytelling and captivating photography converge to offer a uniquely human and accessible examination of the social issues that most challenge us today, such as racial equality, immigration reform, LGBTQ+ rights, women's rights, freedom of religion, and tolerance. Through the real-world stories of ordinary citizens who choose, in the midst of difficult circumstances, to pursue healing, reconciliation, and community building, we discover a glimmer of hope that something better is possible. Portraits of Peace offers a promising road map to a peaceful future as a pluralistic society. Continue your conversation with the Portraits of Peace Discussion Guide --perfect for church groups, book clubs, and individual study. For additional portraits and audio from interviews featured in the book, visit the Portraits of Peace Book Illustrations Gallery.
Endorsements (12)
“Getting to know each other's personal stories is one of the best ways to bridge our deep divides and reclaim the power of 'We the People'; this book gives us that chance. Portraits of Peace also gives us a chance to correct the lenses through which we look at others, and get back in touch with our shared humanity.”
“John Noltner artfully weaves his own story and experiences with those of hundreds of people he has encountered or interviewed, and, perhaps most importantly, whose stories he has helped tell. These stories challenge us, expand us, surprise us, and push all of us to become more human.”
“John Noltner knows three things about stories: people have them; people need to be heard; people need to listen. In this latest collection of stories, he comforts and challenges, he shows the fractured stories and the flourishing ones, he shares stories that contract and stories that expand. In this, he is a curator of the thing that might save us: our capacity to tell; our capacity to listen; our capacity to change.”
“Portraits of Peace offers so much hope for our weary hearts. I can't imagine a better book for our fractured time.”
“At a time when our world is filled with both kindness and cruelty, Portraits of Peace provides us with a mirror to witness the world as it is, and also a lens to imagine what the world can become.”
“John Noltner's art is rich without being extractive; it's morally clear without being preachy. This stems from John himself, who walks through the world with a discerning wide-eyedness and deep compassion.”
“The book skillfully succeeds in constructing a narrative of hope by revealing the lives and faces of those dedicated to breaking the cycle of conflict. John Noltner's work offers a profound awareness of what it means to be human.”
“John Noltner's elegant exploration of the many dimensions of peace is balm for the soul, especially in our contentious times. This book inspires all of us to look for the dignity and light in every person we meet.”
“Nolter's Portraits of Peace provides a new, life-giving lens. Read its words, rest your eyes on the faces portrayed on its pages, and let it lead your heart on a powerful journey from polarization to peace.”
“This book is for those who care about people and their stories and those who want to do the work of 'storycatching' themselves.”
“Portraits of Peace vividly illustrates the power of personal story, unlocked by a courageous commitment to listen. Each chapter left me asking John Noltner's favorite question: 'Tell me more.' The future of our families, communities, and country depends on pursuing the life-giving path of listening, which begins with inspiration.”
“John Noltner offers us a gift--a way to listen to others, to honor their humanity, and to stay at the table even when it is difficult. He brings us with him on his journey of discovery and change. This book belongs in every household in our country.”
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