Our ancestors gathered around a fire in a circle, families gather around their kitchen tables in circles, and now we are gathering in circles as communities to solve problems. This peacemaking practice draws on the ancient Native American tradition of a talking piece and combines that with concepts of democracy and inclusivity.

Peacemaking circles are used in neighborhoods to provide support for those harmed by crime and to decide sentences for those who commit crime, in schools to create positive classroom climates and resolve behavior problems, in the workplace to deal with conflict, and in social services to develop more organic support systems for people struggling to get their lives together. The circle process hinges on storytelling. It is an effort bringing astonishing results around the country.

A title in The Little Books of Justice and Peacebuilding Series, The Little Book of Circle Processes is wonderfully narrated by Karen Chilton. This audiobook includes a bonus conversation with author Kay Pranis and series editor Howard Zehr. This audiobook was produced and published by Echo Point Books & Media, an independent bookseller in Brattleboro, Vermont ©2005 Good Books (P)