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Summary: no need to long for the 60's ~ you can change the present :)
Review: all my life i've been pitied that i was "born too late" ~ you see, i missed the 1960's. fortunately, i was never as grief-stricken as those around me. living in the 21st century i'm blessed to be learning about communal living first hand. although any communitarian will most likely answer "no" if asked "is it utopia yet?" (another great book to check out), this resource can help connect you with other amazing people who are actively working to re-create their world on their own terms. there are no easy answers, but there definitely is a tremendous amount of support & inspiration out there. "never doubt that a small group of committed individuals can change the world ~ indeed it's the only thing that ever has" (my apologies to ms. mead for most likely butchering her quote, and my thanks for phrasing the sentiment so wonderfully)
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Summary: Buckle Your Seat Belts Everyone
Review: As for Life Changing Potential, this book ranks very high. I've been involved with cohousing networking for several years now and live in a cohousing community, inspired to this path by the previous edition of the Directory and the work associated with it. Whatever your level of involvement or interest in cooperative living, the Directory is sure to draw you further in and help you along the way with its nuts and bolts how-to articles, vast information collections and listings, and inspirational wisdom. The book itself is a work of art with very fine layout and design. Buckle your seatbelts with this one folks.
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Summary: Something for Everyone
Review: Communities Directory Anyone interested in intentional community, of whatever variety, could not do better than starting their quest with the 2000 edition of Communities Directory: A Guide to Intentional Communities and Cooperative Living. The initial 140 or so pages have some well thought out articles about all aspects of communal living, whether Christian, gay, straight or whatever. The articles are not written as if for an academic treatise - but neither are they flippant and naive. They offer many valuable insights to seekers of a communal way of living. People often ask me how to start an intentional community. My advice is generally "don't". Instead, the seeker of community should learn about the numerous intentional communities that are spread around the globe, and stay with several of them for some period of time. They will then have a far better idea of what he/she wants. It may well be that there is no need to create a new community when there is just what you want - and they are looking for new members. The second part of the Communities Directory lists seven hundred intentional communities, not only across North America but also around the world. These are indexed in various ways to help the seeker find the sort of community in which she/he is interested. Details are provided to facilitate making contact. The third section comprises a Resource Guide, listing many books, magazines, videos, organisations, etc., all dealing with communal living as most broadly defined. They enable to community seeker or serious student to delve more deeply into whatever areas interest them. I would recommend this well researched and very useful guide to anyone interested in intentional community. Dr Bill Metcalf President, International Communal Studies Association
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Summary: This guide has the potential to change your life
Review: Do you realize that there are over 600 intentional communities (individuals that have joined to live together around common values) in North America? They come in all shapes and sizes, appear in rural and urban settings, and express themselves in various ways. Many are seeking like minded individuals with whom to share their lives. Communities Directory is THE essential reference guide for those living in, seeking, or wanting to bring more community into their lives. This book opens the door to an amazing range of choices in cooperative living todayósome tested by time, and others on the leading edge of experimentation. It serves as an encyclopedia of positive alternatives to an often fragmented and alienating mainstream culture. This directory is an easy-to-use tool offering: ARTICLES (33 examining a broad selection of key topics), LISTINGS (descriptions of over 700 communities worldwide, their values and visiting information), MAPS, CHARTS (easy reference to find the community that best serves your needs), RESOURCES, and an ANNOTATED READING LIST. Well-written, entertaining, informative and comprehensive, this guide has the potential to change your life. No kidding, An earlier edition changed mine. Russ Reina - Talking Leaves - Lost Valley Community
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Summary: Essential Resource
Review: Essential resource for seekers, communitarians, teachers, researchers and anyone wanting to learn about another way of living. I've used it in my classes and students are fascinated. Couldn't ask for a better guide!
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Summary: Essential Resource
Review: Essential resource for seekers, communitarians, teachers, researchers, and anyone who wants to learn about another way of living. I've used it in my classes and students are fascinated. Couldn't ask for a better guide!
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Summary: A Great Alternative for Modern Times
Review: I am happy to see the Communities Directory so well-researched and presented to mainstream audiences, because the idea of living in alternative ways is especially important at these times. Living in one form or another of intentional community makes sense economically, socially and spiritually when the nuclear family has fallen into such stress and disrepair. I hope many people read this book, and honestly reflect on whether their present lifestyle affords them what they most deeply want out of life. If they decide to explore alternatives, as thousands of us already have, then the Communities Directory will be an essential part of their exploration.
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Summary: The Best of all Worlds: Finding your Community
Review: I'm torn between saying "This is the only book of its kind" and/or "This is the best book of its kind." Both statements are true. I can't imagine a more comprehensive directory of contemporary intentional communities. This is the life's work of people dedicated to providing current information of the structure and philosophies of groups wishing to be listed. Many of us suspect or know our personal fulfillment needs more than the traditional *two people stuck in a box*. If this comment resonates with you, the _Communities Directory_ is a must. Happy Trails!
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Summary: Supurb
Review: I'm torn between saying "This is the only book of its kind" and/or "This is the best book of its kind." Both statements are true. I can't imagine a more comprehensive directory of contemporary intentional communities. This is the life's work of people dedicated to providing current information of the structure and philosophies of groups wishing to be listed. Many of us suspect or know our personal fulfillment needs more than the traditional *two people stuck in a box*. If this comment resonates with you, the _Communities Directory_ is a must. Happy Trails!
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Summary: Wow! They did it again!
Review: Okay, I'm a bit prejudiced. I was one of the creators of the first two editions, and have the priviledge of having written an article or two for this 3rd edition. But the first two editions got RAVE(!) reviews, and this one is better still. That's why my own personal copy is so dog-eared at this point. >>> Having been networking among many of the various intentional communities over the past few decades, I pretty much know the bulk of what's in this book--yet I keep a copy next to my desk, and never go anywhere without it. Why? Simply because it's the handiest reference around for learning about or contacting more than 700 of the most happening intentional communities in existence today. When somebody asks me for referrals, this is where I turn to jog my memory, or to look up a group's contact information. >>> The communities featured are society's pioneers--the folks with the inspiration to envision a better world, and the passion to try to create a life that's aligned with their values. >>> Want information about back-to-the-land groups? Organic farmers? Kibbutz-like societies? Alternative technology outposts? Ecovillages? Cohousing? Student Co-ops? Look no farther--it's all here! In great detail, including insiders' views of what works and what doesn't. >>> If you want to get more of a sense of community in your life, or if you just want an overview of what various groups are experimenting with, this is the book for you!
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