This inspiring collection is the result of photographer John Noltner’s 40,000 mile journey across our country, asking the simple question, “What does peace mean to you?” 58 people from diverse backgrounds share stories of hope, redemption, and forgiveness, paired with compelling color portraits in this 144-page, full color book with a foreword by Terri Lee Freeman, president of the National Civil Rights Museum.
Designed to encourage thoughtful dialog, A Peace of My Mind: American Stories includes a series of simple discussion questions in the back for book clubs and small groups. Many of the questions included are the same ones used to conduct the interviews presented in the book. A map of the journey, an artist’s message and stunning scenic images from the American landscape complete this second book in the series.
“This work will tug at your heart and your sense of humanity. It’s difficult to digest this work and remain indifferent.” – Terri Lee Freeman, President, National Civil Rights Museum
About John Noltner:
With images and words as his medium, John Noltner has been telling stories for twenty years for national magazines, Fortune 500 companies, and non-profit organizations. His work has appeared in National Geographic Traveler, Forbes Magazine, Midwest Living,and the New York Daily News, among other publications.
Throughout his career, John has managed logistics for editorial and commercial clients, both nationally and internationally, having worked on three continents. He carefully arranges details and builds relationships with his clients and subjects, using humor, understanding, and compassion to craft compelling and insightful stories. A Peace of My Mind is John’s flagship effort, allowing him to use storytelling as a vehicle for bridging social, political, and cultural differences. A Peace of My Mind serves as a powerful catalyst for community conversations about service to others, civic responsibility, and social change.
Ela Gandhi, granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi, wrote the forward to his first book based on the art project, and says this: “John Noltner takes us on a unique journey filled with revelations of courage and commitment, resilience and hope. It is a beautiful journey that speaks to our innermost being. It touches us in a way that allows us to see the world from a different perspective. Perhaps it will inspire us to become peacemakers.” A Peace of My Mind has been presented at the Nobel Peace Prize Forum, the Peace and Justice Studies Association, the Sojourners Summit for Change, the Dayton International Peace Museum and has received both regional and national awards.
