Phoenix Zones: Where Strength Is Born and Resilience Lives

I well remember when Ringling Bros. circus would park in the beach lot in Santa Monica. At night, while walking my dog, I would see the caged animals. What struck me the most, however, were the chained elephants who would rock back and forth in hopeless captivity. The author of this book has made the connection between human and animal suffering in the hopes that humans can ameliorate or eradicate mistreatment of all species. The author has the additional hope that, like the phoenix, suffering creatures, once freed, can recover from the trauma. Even those humans and animals who have greatly suffered may have the resilience to begin to heal.

Although this book has tragic stories, it also has many stories of great recovery and hope. It is interesting that the first child-abuse trial was predicated on the previous animal cruelty law: what a dog shouldn’t suffer, neither should a child. Most of us understand that one who mistreats animals also lacks human empathy. Unfortunately, most of this book reads like a blog, but for those who look beyond the writing style, this book will provide an antidote to suffering and a prescription for healing.