Imagine: Ideas that Challenge the Status Quo

Alex Sangha
AuthorHouse (2010)
ISBN 9781449095154
Reviewed by Marissa Libbit for Reader Views (5/11)

“Imagine: Ideas that Challenge the Status Quo” by Alex Sangha is a collection of opinions known as “Big Ideas” shared by the author.  In the first main section titled “Controversies,” Sangha discusses hot button topics such as abortion, affirmative action, gay rights, the death penalty, and pornography with bulleted points about each issue.  In the second main section titled “Idealism,” he discusses such topics as culture, family, mentorship, taxation, and politics also with bulleted points.  The end of the book allows for the reader to write his or her thoughts on these topics.

I believe the author’s intent is to increase communication amongst people about controversial subjects in an attempt to find commonalities and learn more about their own beliefs.  The author states, “‘Imagine’ strives to help people focus and clarify their beliefs to help each other and create a more civil society.”  The author serves his purpose by raising interesting topics in the forefront of the reader’s mind.  However, while some of the topics such as abortion and marijuana use offer opposing views, most of the topics are very one sided.  In defense of the author it does state at the beginning of the book that “‘Imagine’ is primarily an original document of the author’s views,” but I think a more balanced discussion could occur if the author were to divide the topics into two differing sides with highlighted points for each thought.  Otherwise, the book comes off mostly as the published thought process of Alex Sangha, and I am not sure that fact alone will draw readers to his book.  A more balanced approach may have increased readership.  On a personal note, I agree with much of Sangha’s views and know that his heart is in the right place with his intentions.  “Imagine: Ideas that Challenge the Status Quo” makes a reader think about his or her personal beliefs on many important topics. 

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