Before Casey's death, Cindy held a vague awareness that the Iraq War was "immoral and illegal." Enflamed with grief and fury, newly fired from a government job and "addicted to the internet," Cindy reached out to others, and starting taking a public stand on the war.
Despite various conservative conspiracy theories, the Camp Casey encampment outside President Bush's Texas ranch in August 2005 was an unplanned event that captured the imagination of the world. During its remarkable 26 days, Camp Casey attracted 15,000 Americans, including many celebrities and public figures, who spontaneously came to be part of Cindy's protest against the Iraq War.
The stories of the inner machinations of Camp Casey are full of magic moments of solidarity, purpose and generosity under the sizzling Texas sun and during music-rich starlit nights, and laced with the usual growing pains, jealousies and conflicts of any partisan organization.
In Summary of "Peace Mom"
"Peace Mom" is a scorchingly forthright and subjective first-person account of one shattered mother's awakening to the illegality of the Iraq War, her journey along the way to celebrated anti-war activist, and the high personal prices she's paid for her crusade... but this is not high-brow literature. It's a quick read, and to my regret, includes no photos.
It contains loads of Cindy's opinions, much like a partisan blog, and includes controversial comments about Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez, John Kerry, Hillary Clinton and more, and expresses admiration for many other Democratic leaders, including Rep. John Murtha and Senator Ted Kennedy.
Like so many Americans, Cindy Sheehan seethes with hatred toward George Bush. She writes in the last chapter:
"George is the only president ever who had admitted to crimes while in office, and he sits in his desk chair in the Oval Office, free to commit even more crimes. If a prez can be impeached for a b*** j**, why can't one be impeached for lying to the country and for committing crimes against humanity?"
If you find that statement to be infuriating, unpatriotic or uncomfortable, then "Peace Mom" may not be the book you want to read. But, in my opinion, it's the book you should read.
Some will be very disturbed Cindy's revelations and viewpoints. Expect conservatives and some centrist Democrats to scream loudly over it. It is the thoroughly subjective, thoroughly fascinating story of Cindy Sheehan, grieving mother and anti-war activist.
As for me, I enjoyed it, was inspired by Cindy, and certainly recommend it.
You can price-comparison shop at the following links for Peace Mom: "A Mother's Journey Through Heartache to Activism by Cindy Sheehan": 
(Also see Military Mom Cindy Sheehan Resigns from Anti-War Movement, May 28, 2007)
