The Gift of Our Wounds

A Sikh and a Former White Supremacist Find Forgiveness After Hate

By: Pardeep Singh Kaleka, Arno Michaelis, Robin Gaby Fisher

Narrated by: Kirby Heyborne, John McLain

Length: 6 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

When white supremacist Wade Michael Page murdered six people and wounded four in a Sikh Temple in Wisconsin in 2012, Pardeep Kaleka was devastated. The temple leader, now dead, was his father. His family, who had immigrated to the US from India when Pardeep was young, had done everything right. Why was this happening to him? Meanwhile, Arno Michaelis, a former skinhead and founder of one of the largest racist skinhead organizations in the world, had spent years of his life committing terrible acts in the name of white power. When he heard about the attack, waves of guilt washing over him, he knew he had to take action and fight against the very crimes he used to commit.

After the Oak Creek tragedy, Arno and Pardeep worked together to start an organization called Serve 2 Unite, which works with students to create inclusive, compassionate, and nonviolent climates in their schools and communities. Their story is one of triumph of love over hate and of two men who breached a great divide to find compassion and forgiveness. With New York Times best seller Robin Gaby Fisher telling Arno and Pardeep's story, The Gift of Our Wounds is a timely reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the courage and compassion that reside within us all.

©2018 Arno Michaelis, Pardeep Singh Kaleka, Robin Gaby Fisher (P)2018 HighBridge Company

Brutally Honest

Parts of this book were very difficult to listen to - particularly Arno's thoughts and actions as a white supremacist. It seems his biggest struggle growing up was a lack of discipline. With no boundaries, he somehow grew from a compassionate child to an out of control teen who seemlngly enjoyed wreaking havoc. But his brutal honesty becomes much less brutal after he becomes a father. Though difficult, this is a story of true redemption. Through the myriad scars in this book ultimately comes redemption. A beautiful story of how two men are working together to cultivate and grow good in this world - ironically, they were brought together as a result of a horrible tragedy. Good our of bad? Maybe. but the final chapters of this book foster a spirit of hope for all of us.

The Gift

this book is a must read. We can heal our society by the recognition that we are all ONE

Inspiring Story!

Instead of feeling helpless thinking that people can't change, Arno shows how even the most brutal, given enough love and compassion, can permanently shed their exhausting hate and create a new life focused on spreading love ❤

Pardeep inspired me by showing how even the most horrific tragedies can be forgiven and spark a movement to create a better world moving forward! ❤

Incredible Story

This book is beautiful and powerful. Although there are parts that are hard to listen to, it was meaningful and important to the story as a whole.

This is an invaluable book. I highly recommend it. What a beautiful journey of forgiveness and turning tragedy into an important movement.

To forgive is divine

This is amazing story. As a survivor of GV I cannot forgive the person who shot and killed my son yet I commend and understand Pardeep’s longing to know more and his work to make the world a better place!
I loved the book- it can be triggering to some though.

Heart to heart

This is one of the best books I have come across. It is a the heart to heart discussion with Arno and Pardeep. I am not sure what to write other than thank you for sharing your story. I hope people read this book and are able learn from your experience.