Generation Change: 150 Ways We Can Change Ourselves, Our Country and Our World
GRADE: B
You’re young, politically-inspired, electronically-savvy tweeters ready to change the world. According to Jayan Kalathil and Melissa Bolton-Klinger, the authors of “Generation Change: 150 Ways We Can Change Ourselves, Our Country and Our World,” you are “Generation Change.”
The authors joined forces while working together at VH1,Kalathil in public affairs and Bolton-Klinger, a writer-director with a film background, on the creative side.
Courtesy of BRENDAN BOLTON
Bolton-Klinger was hoping that the book could jump off of the “change” platform that was touted during the campaign.
“We were bombarded with change, change, change […] We’re hearing this message but when he gets elected — well, now what?” Bolton-Klinger said. “Maybe we can pick up the baton and not make change become another slogan, but write something so it can feel tangible.”
The book reads like a guide of 100 tips — its very own SparkNotes.
“The way we write it is very casual; the ideas are pretty universal to everyone,” Kalathil said.
The book is broken into categories including mind, body and soul; neighborhood issues; the nation; fighting poverty; human rights and the environment. The book reads like a conversation, suggesting places for information dealing with whatever issue one may be interested in.
The book is littered with quotes from President Barack Obama. The authors explain their inclusion that “peppered throughout we’ve added quotes from the president to keep you inspired.” Some tips cross the line between helping to change the world and becoming an Obama follower. While tips like learning how to cook, knowing what’s going on in the government and laughing and smiling more are tips we can all agree with, numbers 23, “Obamify Yourself,” and 85, “Send President Obama a Thank-You Note” seem preachy. Though this may alienate some conservative or apolitical readers, the goal of the book is bipartisanship. The authors wanted the book to be something everyone can take away from.
“Granted we use the president a lot, but I think the ideas and issues we bring up don’t really fall under political partisanship,” Kalathil said.
Bolton-Klinger noted that the tips are mostly accessible to everyone.
“You should still read our book because [advice like] flossing is definitely bipartisan and we should be doing more of that,” she said. “I think change is something for everybody, not just liberals.”
The best tip for college students is using their voice, according to Bolton-Klinger.
“You have something you need to say more than anyone because this is a time in your life when you’re exposed to new things and have new thoughts and you can take advantage of that voice, and they should do that as much as they can,” she said.
“Generation Change” outlines some great ways on how to become sustainable and how to research things one has always wanted to do. The boasting of President Obama can be overbearing, but if one can get past it, the tips and resources will help one achieve goals and connect with others on issues they care about.
“We’re at a place in history where we can connect to each other and it has never been easier to get involved in a cause that interests you,” Kalathil said.
You can reach this staff writer at thescene@theeagleonline.com.
