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Off Our Rockers says so much about the power of women who believe humorous, sometimes obnoxious, unladylike behaviour can make a change. Feistiness, smartness and courage leap off these pages in a no-nonsense style. Here’s proof that a small group of ordinary women can become extraordinary through their passion and commitment. Buy this book. It rocks. — Lorna Crozier

Fearless, outrageous, marvellous — these Grannies tell it like it is as few others do. I hope these role models inspire imitators from my gender too. — David Suzuki

If Canada is about peace, order, and good government, then the Grannies are for peace, disorder and good fun. Off Our Rockers will scratch the Canadian funny bone. — The Hon. Lloyd Axworthy

So far in my political life, I haven’t had the misfortune to be confronted by the Raging Grannies in full throttle. Off Our Rockers gives me ample reason to hope I never make a good target for them. As this immensely readable book proves, the Grannies are a force to be reckoned with — courageous, outrageous and very funny. — Ed Broadbent

[A] first-hand romp through the founding and subsequent adventures of the first Granny group, born in Victoria, B.C. …the book details over a decade’s worth of creative, confrontational protests that have turned the stereotype of quiet and politically indifferent grannies on its ear. … Witty and poignant at turns, the book remains an accessible story of the Grannies’ political struggles — Matthew Behrens, Quill & Quire

$19.95 Current Events/Political 1-894898-10-9 6 x 9, 256 pages, softcover 40 b&w, 30 colour photos 2004 Printed on eco-friendly paper Printable Version (PDF) 0.5 MB Download Acrobat Reader .

When the Raging Grannies sprang up in 1987 in Victoria, B.C., they didn’t realize they’d be starting a worldwide movement. They just wanted to protest, but in a different way. And they do. Their weapons are outrageousness, satire, and song. And they were the beginning of more than 50 chapters of Raging Grannies that now thrive throughout Canada, the U.S., U.K., Australia, and Europe.

Wearing outlandish hats and warbling witty lyrics, they poke fun at the powerful people who are wreaking havoc with their grandchildren’s world. But in spite of their lighthearted approach, their purpose is extremely serious. The Grannies have challenged nuclear-armed ships, forestry companies, arms manufacturers, multinational corporations, pharmaceutical giants, manufacturers of war toys, the World Trade Organization, and every level of government, from municipal councils to the American presidency.

For their messages of peace and justice, Grannies have been hosed by the U.S. Navy, arrested, jailed and pepper-sprayed. They’ve also been praised by Ralph Nader, Peter Gzowski, David Suzuki and Pete Seeger, invited to perform far and wide, and hailed as role models.

Off Our Rockers is a most readable and amusing book, showing how groups of older women around the world take on the powers that be, win the occasional battle, and have a wonderful time doing it all.

Upcoming events:

• September 26, 1:30 -2:00 p.m. – Alison Acker guest speaker at Word On The Street, Vancouver, in the WestJet Author Tent.
• October 14, 7:30 – Equimalt branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library, 1235 Esquimalt Rd. Alison Acker and Betty Brightwell, reading, chatting, signing, and singing.