Gordon Parks is a national treasure. That surely isn't news. But of all his many volumes (not to mention films, symphonies, photos, journalism, and on and on) this slender and profound volume stands alone in its fearlessness, poetic and heartbreaking beauty, and its unflinching spareness. If not for the wisdom and gravity of his words and images, one would think that the sheer spareness of this book came from a young firebrand. Timeless!
He speaks of war, peace, empathy. On a more personal note, there is love: Love of family, friends, the beauty of the world we live in despite -- and sometimes because of -- the squalor or desperate circumstances that coexist with being human.
If you never buy another Gordon Parks book, or if you just aren't up to a physically "big" book right now, treat yourself to this. It will be among one of the truly BIGGEST books you will ever luxuriate in.