Overview
Born to troubled and downwardly mobile parents with leftist leanings, Sylvia learned early that life isn't fair. Plunging on from a lonely and less than pampered childhood, she was hungry for new experiences and eager to make the world a better place for all. She earned Ivy League degrees, dabbled at a free spirit's globe-trotting lifestyle, and started playing meaningful roles at the forefront of major progressive movements of the latter twentieth century. She attracted--and sometimes married--bold, venturesome men and, when she found herself a single mother, built a solid career as a college professor and author. Activist Odyssey is Sylvia's front row, eyewitness account of Berkeley in the 1960s, then preparing high school graduates from New York's poorest neighborhoods--where their schools systematically shortchanged them--to go on to college. This led her to intrigues with Black Panthers and their formidable mentor. In following decades, she continued to oppose the Vietnam War and the arms race, campaigned for abortion rights, traveled and spoke out for Latin American solidarity movements, and helped shelter the homeless. With candor and wit, she recreates all this and more in the context of her tempestuous personal life, her loves and losses.
Professional Reviews
Sylvia Hart Wright has certainly lived fully. In this fascinating memoir, she retraces her journey...showing up, speaking up, acting up as a participant in practically every progressive cause for four decades. Join her odyssey...and learn from her. - Jim Hightower, syndicated columnist, progressive political activist, author of numerous books and the monthly newsletter, The Hightower Lowdown ...In this inspiring book, Sylvia vividly demonstrates the value of nonviolence as a philosophy and a practice. The life captured so beautifully in these pages is informed by purpose and passion, courage and hope, and by an uncommon fervor for peace and justice. - Bill Ayers, Distinguished Professor of Education and Senior University Scholar, U. of Illinois at Chicago (ret.) and author, Fugitive Days: Memoirs of an Antiwar Activist I was thoroughly captivated by Activist Odyssey, especially by the evolving historical context...the things that engaged the author, and the people that populated those engagements...a very compelling telling of so many places and events...more compelling because of Hart Wright's own role in so many different movements and struggles. - Bonnie Mann, Professor of Philosophy, U. of Oregon, author of Women's Liberation and the Sublime, winner of the Arlt Award in the humanities, National Council of Graduate Schools A human rights activist recalls a richly textured life in this memoir...a remarkable life adventure...[A]t the heart of this memoir is the vehement belief that 'when good people help and the system works then, with luck, things can get better'...A smart, straight-talking account by an author who courageously followed her beliefs. - Kirkus Reviews ....For Hart Wright, the political and personal have blended, sometimes productively, sometimes painfully. Written with grace and humor, her story takes many turns but it's marked by courage, candor and insight throughout. In my decades of teaching the history of American radicalism, Activist Odyssey would have been a welcome addition to my reading list. -- Daniel Pope, Professor Emeritus of History, University of Oregon, and editor, American Radicalism A fascinating resource for students of political and social movements, this memoir is never dry since it's spiked with the irreverent asides of an accomplished woman who steadfastly resists taking herself too seriously. I can vouch for her accuracy in analysis and detail. -- Peter Bergel, community organizer, writer/producer of guerrilla theater, and editor, The PeaceWorker We are fortunate to have a memoir that is insightful and candid, packed with adventure and passion--but it's much more. This is about social issues and activism, grassroots struggles in the U.S. and worldwide, and about solidarity and the dream of a world at peace. This book is not just good reading; it is worthwhile reading. -- Paul Dix, photojournalist and co-author, Nicaragua: Surviving the Legacy of U.S. Policy
