“In the fight for social justice, giving up is not an option. From the halls of Congress to street corners across the country, Ady Barkan has become an American hero – placing his ailing body on the line for basic human rights. Eyes to the Wind is the gripping story of resistance and the triumph of human will. Barkan retells the timeless story of a parent’s love as he vividly details a very personal narrative of how far a father will go so that he can leave the world a little better than he found it.” —Senator Elizabeth Warren
“Ady Barkan is an American hero. His selfless activism fighting to make health care a right should be an inspiration to us all.” —Senator Bernie Sanders
“Ady Barkan’s writing on the choice between acceptance and resistance – a choice we must each make about injustices, from illness to oppression – is among the wisest and most beautiful I’ve ever seen. This unforgettable book made me think anew about hope, agency, justice, embodiment, legacy and, above all, what is possible through moral courage.” —Dr. Lucy Kalanithi, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Stanford University, and widow of the late Dr. Paul Kalanithi, author of When Breath Becomes Air
“Ady is one of the most inspirational activists we have right now. Whether by fighting for a fairer tax code, universal health care, or a better judiciary, he has done more for this country while suffering from ALS than most do in their lifetime. Eyes to the Wind is more than just a memoir; it’s a meditation on illness, an exposé of our broken health care system, and a 21st-century guide to organizing. It’s also a powerful reminder that losing everything you take for granted can end up inspiring great change. Just as in his organizing, Ady’s writing is driven by a deep humanity and sense of empathy.” —Representative Ilhan Omar
“In the face of death, Ady Barkan has written a beautiful, poignant story about what it means to live. His commitment to our collective struggle for democracy amid his own grueling battle with ALS is the most inspiring example of activism I’ve ever known, and a reminder that even in trying times and unimaginable circumstances, it’s possible to lead a life filled with joy, purpose, love, and peace. This memoir is a gift to anyone who dreams of a better world.” —Jon Favreau, cohost of Pod Save America and former communications director and speechwriter for President Barack Obama
“Eyes to the Wind will move you through every emotion and leave you transformed. Ady’s words are a powerful gift to those of us who are searching for hope in these dark times in our nation. Ady reminds us that no matter our circumstances, we must fight for the things we believe in at all costs because someone we love is counting on us. I am left rejuvenated and ready to win.” —Linda Sarsour
“Profound and gutting and beautiful. An inspiring meditation on what it means to be a human being at this moment in this society in this nation. Basically the opposite of everything that makes politics seem so terrible so much of the time.” —Chris Hayes
"Moves with its portrait of a man driven to act on his beliefs while learning to accept the injustice of early mortality . . . unquestionably inspiring." —Kirkus Reviews
“Barkan’s powerful narrative gives great insight into the nuts and bolts of political activism at work.” —Publishers Weekly
“The book’s primary question is existential: how to live when you are dying? Barkan’s answer is to share, open up, act, and capital-R Resist, and his memoir, clearly and candidly written, establishes a legacy.” —Booklist
“An emotional and heartbreaking chronicle of his life before and after ALS, Eyes to the Wind captures Barkan's dedication to advocacy and fighting against injustice….Powerful, passionate.” – Shelf Awareness (starred review)
