Simon & Schuster Let Us Dream: The Path to a Better Future

First, I am not a Catholic, but regard this as a book of great solutions and practical spiritual wisdom for these troubled times for anyone. Pope Francis gleaned the most universal wisdom and solutions for housing, employment, income and care of the Earth and all her inhabitants. He is remarkably inclusive and non-judgmental in his offerings. I recommend this book to anyone who is seeking solutions for a better life in a better world. A must read for all concerned citizens of any country, religion, faith or political persuasion.

A book of values, social critique and hope. It tells us about how crises, like the pandemic, can reveal issues in society and ways to go about improving our future as one people, not just a mass of individuals.Not always an easy read, but revealing, informative and contemporary. A must-read for politicians, especially those who show populist tendencies.

Great book by great author

This is a book for our time. Simple and wise.Pope Francis encourages us not to resent the disruption brought about by COVID19 but to recognise it as a time of sifting and purification. Life brings to us all these necessary periods of “stoppage” (indeed the Pope shares three examples of his own) from which we should aspire to emerge improved after a period of reflection and discernment.Presented in three easy sections – A Time to See, A Time to Choose & A Time to Act – the book starts with a review of the pressing issues facing our world (climate change, pandemics, inequality, discrimination), continues with a discussion of the process of discernment the pandemic has allowed and finishes with some suggestions from the Pope about areas where the world might next choose to act.The simplicity and brevity (160 pages) of this book belies the wisdom of the author. It is a quick, refreshing and uplifting read. Pope Francis reminds us “Where the danger is, also grows the saving power” (Holderling)The Pope is obviously widely read and experienced. He uses passages of scripture and quotes from eminent philosophers and poets throughout the book and yet, his message has great humility. He walks alongside the reader sharing the experiences of our age, making sense of them and encouraging us to embrace the challenges that they present.If we had one criticism of the book it would be the naivety of a Pope Francis whose roots lie with the urban poor of Argentina. His confidence in man’s ultimate humanity might be more sorely tested in the West where apathy and complacency are much more deeply embedded. However, maybe it is we who should heed his message of hope!

Highly recommended