Wow!… I mean, Double Wow!!!
This was an excellent, fascinating and fantastic book to read.
I know that the story of Jim Jones and Jonestown, has been told many times, in books, made-for-TV movies and documentaries, but this book tops them all!
The author, Julia Sheeres, really helps us to envision exactly what it must’ve been like, for the more than 900 people, who followed Rev. Jim Jones into the Guyana jungles, and then, detail by detail, that I don’t think has been told before, lets us get a glimpse into the frantic, maniacal decline of Jim Jones, as he had all those people, under his spell, and his direction, and led them into mass suicide.
This book mentioned that the investigators were able to discover thousands of notes, handwritten journals, that haven’t been disclosed before, and they were able to piece together a lot more detail than ever has been told.
Even though we know the outcome of the People’s Temple and Jim Jones, this book still has you clinging on every word, and anticipating the next episode as it comes about.
I know this all happened some time ago, and if you don’t know much about Rev. Jim Jones, the People’s Temple and Jonestown, this would be a great time to get up to speed on it.
Because of what happened and Jonestown, “drinking the Kool-Aid” became part of our lexicon, and it refers to anyone who blindly follows another, doesn’t ask questions, and typically ends up with a bad outcome.
I highly recommend this book!
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
[email protected]
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at [email protected] and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
