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Book Review: Hope Leans Forward

Editor's Note: This review was originally published in San Francisco Book Review.

Valerie Brown

In Hope Leans Forward, leadership coach and retreat teacher Valerie Brown merges wisdom and practices from Buddhism and Quakerism to unveil a path of self-reflection, mindfulness, and courage to weather life’s challenges. Brown is among a handful of Black Americans ordained as a Buddhist teacher in the Plum Village tradition. The author’s journey through a highly rewarding but soul-crushing career in political lobbying inspired the pursuit of spiritual practices to sustain peace and connectedness. Brown’s personal testimony about cultivating a sense of purpose is supported by profiles of people who are manifesting their brave vision for the world through their life’s work. 

Brown’s vulnerability is the best part of the book. To illustrate the evolution of her spiritual insights, Brown shares her real-life struggles: surviving the 9/11 terrorist attack, experiencing the racial justice protests during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the untimely death of her brother. It was interesting to learn how the practice of Buddhism opened the door for Brown to explore the Quaker tenet of contemplative discernment, which calls upon tending to the inner self and awakening. Reflecting Brown’s extensive leadership experience, the lessons shared in the book are organized in a logical fashion. Self-reflective readers will appreciate the thoughtful “Queries” that are included in each chapter.

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