Every time I read the inspiring stories in this book, I wind up with tears in my eyes. If you like the stories half as much as I do, you’ll really appreciate them. There is a lot of both wisdom and “heart” in these pages.

Over the past 7 years, our son Mark has been interviewing people who have a story to tell of how they dealt with a situation of potential conflict, and writing up their stories for this book. To this he’s added some great stories others have written, but which in most cases have not been easily accessible or well-known. Connirae and I are very pleased with the result, and happy to make it available to people around the world through Real People Press.

Below is the full description of the book, as well as endorsements from Dan Millman, William Ury, Mark Gerzon, Pamela Gerloff, Bill O’Hanlon, and a link to order.

— Steve Andreas

Sweet Fruit from the Bitter Tree is a book of fascinating stories of how real people dealt with conflict situations by responding in unusual and creative ways that most of us would never think of. Some intensely moving, some funny, some startling or surprising — these stories can open our hearts with a deep appreciation for what is possible.

These pages cover the full spectrum of life — from the kinds of conflicts that all of us face, to the intensity of war and threats of extreme violence. Here you will find stories that take place in the community, the workplace, the schoolyard, and the backyard. You’ll read stories from dark alleys, psych wards, jails, hostage hideouts, and wars.

These stories show how each person came face-to-face with a significant challenge and found their own unique way to meet it. There are no recipes here, no set of steps — just raw experience unfolding with a richness that will keep readers on the edge of their seats through the last page.

This unique and meaningful book includes stories from Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, Nonviolent Communication founder Marshall Rosenberg, Colonel Christopher P. Hughes, Milton H. Erickson, as well as many people like you and I — you may know some of these contributors.

  • You’ll laugh out loud at the funny interventions used by a cop.
  • Be touched by the forgiveness and generosity of heart that made resolution possible between people who suffered tragedy in the midst of war.
  • Learn how an estranged husband and wife rediscovered their love for each other by studying their dog.
  • Witness a creative teacher dealing with bullying on the school playground.
  • And marvel at how a taxi driver with a gun to his head avoided being murdered by a “psycho.”

Two of these stories have appeared earlier on this blog:
“A Stunning Example of Rapport (and Pattern Interrupt)”
“The Plywood Artwork”

Order below to enjoy the other 59 stories!

What People are Saying about this book:

“As a sage once said, ‘God invented men and women, because God loves stories.’ The stories compiled by Mark Andreas in Sweet Fruit from the Bitter Tree, tasted one by one, each morning or evening, can transmit real-world reminders about how changing our behavior can change the behavior of others — and that the right words, used skillfully and with heart, can turn a life around.”
— Dan Millman, author of Way of the Peaceful Warrior and The Journeys of Socrates

“In the immortal words of songwriter Nick Lowe: What’s so funny ’bout peace, love and understanding? This book is a charming and moving book about peace, love, creativity and understanding. I predict that you will be inspired by the stories in this book. One of them may even save your life someday.”
— Bill O’Hanlon, featured Oprah guest and author of Do One Thing Different

“There’s an old saying that some conflicts are so difficult that only a story can heal them. Mark Andreas has done us a great service with this collection of extraordinary stories that have this inspirational quality.”
— William Ury, co-author of Getting to Yes, author of The Power of a Positive No

“What a wonderful book this is — truly exceptional. The stories are so varied, so profound, so fun and surprising. The result is a sense of possibility awakened. If these ‘ordinary people’ can turn a tense or scary situation into harmony and peace, couldn’t the rest of us do that too? Sweet Fruit from the Bitter Tree subtly instructs us in the fine arts of possibility and peacemaking, as we savor its beauty and grace.”
— Dr. Pamela Gerloff, Founder of The Global Possibility Project, co-author of Dignity for All: How to Create a World without Rankism (Berrett-Koehler)

“The stories in this book can teach you more than any academic course or workshop. They are not ‘case studies;’ they are life itself.”
— Mark Gerzon, President of Mediators Foundation, author of Leading Through Conflict (Harvard Business School Press)

Order Your Copy!
If you are ordering a single copy and live in the United States, we suggest ordering from Amazon:

Order Sweet Fruit from the Bitter Tree From Amazon.com

(Amazon should ship out within 2-3 days and at this time has plenty of books in stock. Their long estimate on shipping time we think is their attempt to “play it safe” in case they are deluged with orders. However, please know that we will be shipping to them within 24 hrs. if their orders exceed supply.)

If you are ordering this book along with other Real People Press Products or live outside the U.S., use this link to go to the order page on the Real People Press website:

Order Sweet Fruit from the Bitter Tree from Real People Press