This was a good book. I live about 2 hours from where this happened so to read about how a person directly involved in the shooting and someone who lived the skinhead life came to terms with all of this along with each other was beautiful. The book could have been written a little better and it was hard to really get into the book. It was a little jumpy at times. All in all good book and I am glad I was able to get this book as an ARC for my honest review.

This powerful portrait of reconciliation from Arno Michaelis and Pardeep Singh Kaleka reads like a primer for how to tear down the barriers that keep us apart from the inside out.

In today’s world of intolerance and hate, it is a truly great gift to read a book where mutual understanding and care defeat the ugliness and help heal the pain. Uplifting and powerful. I truly enjoyed this book.
My thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for my honest review.

"What does hate look like? Hate looks like the bullet hole in the door frame leading into the prayer room at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin—a vestige of the carnage that took place there on August 5, 2012, when a troubled man with a distorted view of what America should look like executed peaceful people inside."

Wow! This book filled me with so many emotions. I felt horror, anger, grief, disbelief, enlightenment, and hope all at the same time. The story is not just about the horrible incident that happened on August 5, 2012, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but about two unlikely men who came together to find answers, to find forgiveness, and to find ways to prevent this from happening again.

Pardeep Singh Kaleka's father was one of the 6 victims who died at the Sikh Temple that day. As a former policeman and as a teacher of at-risk kids he thought he had seen it all, but he was struggling to understand why someone would want to walk into a temple and gun down innocent men, women, and children. So, to find some answers, Pardeep met with Arno Michaelis, a former white supremacist who was one of the "founders of the same group that Pardeep's father's killer belonged to".

Arno Michaelis had been a "wild child" in his youth and at age 16 he got caught up in the racism that was prevalent in many areas of the U.S. At age 18 "he was the founding member of the largest white power skinhead organization in the world". His turning point was in his mid-twenties....his daughter, Autumn. His life's mission from then on was to practice loving kindness to all and he founded the non-profit organization, Life After Hate with the mission “to inspire compassion and forgiveness for all people”.
From their first several-hour-long meeting in a small Thai restaurant, Arno's and Pardeep's lives changed forever. Shortly after that first meeting, Pardeep asked Arno to speak at his temple where his father was murdered. And now, they work together as brothers "to bring forth the gift of their wounds".

Arno and Pardeep are both very humble and inspiring men and this book has given me hope for my country and for the world. This book is well-written in both Arno's and Pardeep's points of view. The depth of feeling about themselves, about each other, and about their cause is moving and encouraging, and I believe this book is important for everyone to read. The book will make you feel uncomfortable, angry and heartsick, and will force you to reflect on yourself and how you perceive others, but it also shows you kindness and forgiveness which will inspire the most dubious person. I recommend this book wholeheartedly!

Thank you to Mr. Michaelis and Mr. Kaleka for giving me an opportunity to voluntarily review their book provided free through NetGalley.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Highly recommended read! Thanks for providing through Net Galley. Five Stars *****

This is a great book emphasizing the need to learn the differences of others. Learning about each other helps eliminate the discriminations and find the similarities.

It is ironic (and somewhat of a wonder even) how a happenstance event - a wild card dealt by Life - a tragedy even - can bring about a phenomenal revelation. Such is this story “The GIft of Our Wounds”. It is a tribute to the capacity of human beings to understand each other, to talk to each other, to love each other - no matter what differences are present.

The co-authors of this book - a former white supremacist and an Indian immigrant whose father was killed in a massacre at a Wisconsin Sikh temple tell both their stories in alternating accounts. The Indian immigrant writes of coming to America, adjusting to life in the Midwest, the culture shock, The former white supremacist, was a founding member of what went on to become the largest racist skinhead organization on Earth, a reverend of a self-declared Racial Holy War, and lead singer of a successful “hate-metal” band. Although he was not involved in the murderous rampage at the Sikh temple, he felt certain he knew who was involved. It is through this horrific event the two men seek to create an opportunity to understand and bridge
the differences that often lead to hate, intolerance, violence and lack of compassion. By way of real communication, a deep understanding of each other takes place - a bond is forged - and the birth of the organization Serve 2 Unite was formed. Serve2 Unite engages young people of all backgrounds to value humanity, to learn and practice unconditional love and forgiveness, to live a life of peace.

I cannot say enough about this book. It deeply affected me in ways I cannot even language.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advance digital copy!

This book tells the story of 2 men who become friends while trying to work together to combat hate and promote peace. Pardeep Kaleka is a Sikh man who moved to Wisconsin, USA from India. His family owned a gas station and was highly involved in their Sikh Temple. Arno Michealis is a former white supremacist. After having a daughter, he turns his life around after years of violent behavior, addiction and promoting hate. He vows to attempt to make things right to help undo the years of damage he has caused.
In 2012, Pardeep's father was killed by a white supremacist while worshipping. Pardeep, who had worked as a cop and as a teacher, wants to educate people about the Sikh religion and help people to reconcile differences. Arno Michaelis, after leaving his organization Life After Hate, begins working with Pardeep in an organization called Strive 2 Unite, which works with students to promote understanding and a non-violent culture in our schools and communities.
I enjoyed the stories of these 2 men. I do not have many Sikhs in my area so it was nice to hear firsthand what some of their beliefs are. Arno's story was also very honest and I appreciated his transparency. There are quite a few swears in the book if that bothers you or if you have young kids who might pick it up. I think this is a good read if you want to get an honest perspective on how other people think. I would've liked to hear about the project that some of the students write about in their reviews of Strive 2 Unite.

Having just watched the program “Active Shooter”, one episode covered the devastating and terrible events at the Sikh temple, in 2012. I was more than intrigued to read a book about these horrid events and the ability to find forgiveness.

This book did not disappoint. I appreciated how the book is written from the point of view of both men. Understanding the struggles each faced, in order to overcome their own personal struggles respectively was inspiring. It was a struggle at points reading about Arno’s hate riddled past, but inspiring reading about how he overcame.

The main lesson we can all take from this book is that LOVE can overcome hate, and forgiveness is always an option which allows us to grow and heal. From great pain, can come great strength and resilience.

I received an ARC copy in return for an honest review. Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press, Pardeep S. Kaleka and Arno Michaelis for allowing me to read an ARC of this incredibly powerful story.

Inspiring and eye-opening, this memoir is written by the most unlikely of friends: a former white supremest skinhead leader, Arno Michaelis, and a Sikh man, Pardeek Kaleka, whose father was murdered by a man much like Arno used to be. Each tells his own story, describing their formative years and the crises that changed them.

Several months earlier, because his daughter had forgotten her notebook for Sunday School, Pardeek drove her back home to get it, making them late. When they finally did arrive, they saw a multitude of flashing lights and emergency vehicles. Police from several jurisdictions were on high alert and struggling to make sense of what was happening. A white supremest skinhead had entered the Temple and begun shooting people. In the mayhem that followed, Pardeek’s father was killed while fighting to protect the other worshippers.
Several months later, Pardeek was shaken, angry and wanted answers. He couldn’t understand why a person would shoot people who were peacefully worshipping in their church. He read about Arno online and decided to communicate with him online. This led to their meeting in person at a restaurant. Apprehensive and terrified, he forced himself to enter and sit down at a table with a frightening looking man covered in tattoos and they began to talk. This was the start of a deep and fruitful friendship that changed both of their lives, as well as the lives of many, many others.

I encourage everyone to read this. It shines a light on the white supremacy movement that is much in the news these days. Like Pardeek, I too have been baffled as to why these violent racists expend so much energy on such a misguided quest. They seem so driven and filled with hate. This book answered many of my questions about how such a person is created and how they think. It was also interesting to learn more about the Sikh religion and practices. Since they wear a turban and often grow long beards, they are often mistaken for Muslims, and, very unfortunately, sometimes resemble Osama Bin Ladin. This has attracted violent, ignorant bigots to attack them, especially since 911. Even so, their religion is based on peace, forgiveness and service to others, and they have responded to this prejudice in positive, life-affirming ways.

Note: I received an advance copy of the ebook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Some memoirs ask us to stand with the authors by bearing witness: to their pain and their subsequent growth. In this case, two men experienced life as outsiders in their respective communities. One, due to his anger and hyperactivity, became uncontrollable and found fellowship within the white separatist movement. The other, due to his religion and family origin, felt visibly identified as ‘other’ while his parents pressured him to maintain old world connections. As adults they found some relative reconciliation with their past; until a gunman shot worshipping Sikhs in Minnesota: a gunman influenced by words and groups previously created by one of these authors. One of the dead at the Temple was a father to the other author.

In their pain at this massacre, they find one another. This book, a dialog and an outcome, is their story. There is much to learn here and two tales to tell. We should open up and greet their courage to share it. The book is moving and well-written. It will stick with you. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

The Gift Of Our Wounds by Arno Michaelis and Pardeep Singh Kaleka tells the story of two disparate men brought together by tragedy -- one forged by hate and the other steeped in love and forgiveness. The need to understand what drove Skinhead Wade Michael Page to open fire at a Sikh temple where Pardeep's father and several congregants were killed lead him to Arno, a former white supremacist.

The tale of their meeting and subsequent friendship is beautifully told. The book alternates between the point of view of the two men, but special emphasis is given to Arno's story. It is both riveting and sad. I do wish more time had been spent with Pardeep. I think the book could have benefited from this. Still, the story of how this deep relationship grew from a place of hate is a worthy one.

This is an outstanding memoir. It is told from the points of view of a former white supremacist and a man whose father was killed in the Sikh temple shooting in 2012. It is a story of their path to friendship. It is heartbreaking, moving, scary and hopeful. I found the racist rhetoric that Arno learned to be very chilling. It also reminded me again of how dangerous the country is now with people like Stephen Miller in the White House.

I received an ARC of "THE GIFT OF OUR WOUNDS" from NetGalley for an honest review. I wish to thank NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Arno Michaelis/Pardeep Singh Kaleka for the opportunity to read this book.

This book is exceedingly timely with all of the violence that we have happening in the United States currently. This book shows that if a racist skinhead and a Sikh can become brothers than we all can become ONE! The simple beauty of the book and the organization that they are involved with "Serve 2 Unite" is about EMPATHY. I love this!!

This was a very easy book to read even though it was about difficult subject matter. DEFINITE recommend!.

I believe this is an important read. Seeing how someone's hate can destroy lives was difficult, but it was uplifting and inspirational to see these two men come together in forgiveness and peace. Michaels, a former white supremacist, and Kaleka, a Sikh whose father was murdered by a white supremacist lived two very different lives but show that love, acceptance, and forgiveness make difference.

The Gift of Our Wounds covers Michaels' and Kaleka's lives from childhood through adulthood. It was an interesting juxtaposition between the two. There were times that I was extremely uncomfortable reading about Michaels' teenage and early adult years. I cannot fathom that type of hatred and disgust that he exhibited for others not like him. In contrast, Kaleka's story tells of immigrants who worked hard and gave back to their community.

After a tragic event (the Sikh Temple attack in 2012), these two unlikely allies meet and strive to change the world.

A powerful and heartfelt memoir by an unlikely friendship, offering compassion and understanding but more importantly hope for the future of humanity. Arno Michaelis and Pardeep Kaleka are living examples of the transformative power of friendship. Their meeting and mutual understanding has not only transformed each of them as individuals, but also the lives of so many others. I can't think of a book that is more needed right at this moment. Everyone living right now should read this book.

I love the premise for this book and the coming together of these two unlikely friends. I thought the book fell short, though, in quite a few ways. I found myself skipping through Arno’s LONG backstory. Anyone who knows even the slightest bit about skinheads can imagine the horrible things he did. At one point I just had to skip through it, not really because it was too inhuman or violent, but mainly because it was just monotonous and boring. In comparison, Perdeep and his family’s backstory seemed just like a blip on the radar. I knew almost nothing about the Sihk religion and would have loved to have read more about how being a part of this religion played a role in his and his family’s life.
I also felt like I had only just begun to be given a chance to see the depth of these mens’ friendship several pages before the book’s end (when the men were traveling to their speaking engagement and were laughing about Pardeep dad’s love for hip-hip).. I was left feeling jipped; this is the lighthearted, fun part of the book. I just don’t understand why there wasn’t more of this. I also would have loved to hear more about the crowds and people they touched. The quotes at the back were a weird and disappointing way to convey this, in my opinion.
What has tremendous promise just fell very short for me.

This is a truly touching memoir that revolves around the August 5, 2012, shooting at The Sikh Temple of Wisconsin by a white supremacist. The authors are Arno Michaelis (a reformed skinhead) and Pardeep Kaleka (who had family killed in this tragedy. Together this unlikely duo travel the country speaking about love and forgiveness via their organization, Serve 2 Unite.

This book is extraordinarily amazing and beautiful heart touching memoir of a friendship between former white supremacist and a peace loving Sikh. It’s not religion, color or race that makes us different or someone bad but an individual person and their perspective, we have more in common between us than differences. Arno & Pradeep’s unlikely friendship & their courage to spread the message of tolerance and peace.. This book gives such a positive message and gives hope that we can live peacefully as one nation regardless of our religion and skin color . A must recommend read .

I loved this book! It was well written and has a very positive message about acceptance and diversity. In such a troubled world filled with hatred and suspicions, this book is like a shining beacon of goodness. Even though the authors have been perpetrators and victims of violence and hatred, to read their thoughtful words and how they used that history for good is extremely inspiring. I’m so glad I read this and I hope that everyone reads this!