Book Review by Richard Barnett

 "Your Wake Up Call – Signposts to Sustainability" – By Chris Wright

'Your Wake Up Call' is a succinct and highly readable exploration of the fix we seem to be heading into. It looks at fundamental issues relating to society, democracy and economics all in plain English. And for me it chimed with many of the concerns I have about 'the system' (both nationally and globally) not coping with 21st century planet earth. The book examines the causes of why the world seems increasingly both frustrating (apparently simple solutions never being adopted) and depressing (the same old values being held on to despite the fact that many are damaging and inappropriate).

Chris Wright uses the wonderful metaphor of ‘The Divine Right of Kings Moment’. The point that was reached in Cromwellian times when the country finally said enough is enough – monarchs have always ruled on the basis that their authority is God-given but that is no longer appropriate and things have to change. There is a dire need for many such moments now on a whole range of topics from the omnipotence of the motor car to the increasingly distant and irrelevant modern democratic institutions.

There are some fascinating points raised and interesting suggestions on a way forward that definitely merit discussion. Key amongst these is the need for a more ‘local’ view of the world to bring back a sense of belonging and community.

The book is a kind of ‘Small is Beautiful’ for the 21st century and is required reading for all those with a desire for change towards a more sustainable way of life.

‘Your Wake Up Call’ is published by The Community Press ISBN 0-9554580-0-5 and can be bought online. Contact Chris Wright.