Barton Rubenstein had a picture-perfect childhood — a loving family, idyllic summers at the beach, and a particularly close kinship with his progressive, charismatic, and devoted mom. When she died after a brutal five-year battle with cancer, Barton, just 18, found himself confronted by unbearable heartbreak. He was also saddened that his mother had not realized many of her dreams and petrified he could meet the same fate. This fear sent him headlong into a life of unexpected adventures and achievements, feeling that tomorrow could be too late.
Rubenstein is the author of numerous scientific articles, including in
Science
and
Optical Society of America
. As a public artist, with a focus on water and wind kinetic sculpture, he has over 100 commissions worldwide, spanning a career of nearly 30 years. As an environmental activist and cofounder of the Mother Earth Project, he has used his art and that of others to activate sustainable communities in over 80 countries, both raising awareness and demanding better climate laws.
Reviews
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In Powered by Grief
, renowned scientist, artist, activist and amateur athlete Barton Rubenstein chronicles his lifelong quest to come to grips with the tragedy of his mother's early death and his unresolved grief. Achingly honest, Barton demonstrates in the telling the unstinting resolve that compels him to strive for increasingly meaningful fulfillment in his family, community, and professional life. Given this age of personal, social, and environmental challenge, Barton's remarkable narrative is an inspiration and roadmap for all."
– Dick Anderson, creative consultant and author of
Solo: Venturing Alone in the Northern Wilds
"Rubenstein's beautiful and inspiring memoir takes us on his personal roller coaster ride following the tragic death of his
mother when he was a teenager, and shows us how this both devastated him and made him stronger. Rubenstein writes with cutting honesty and clarity. We see his pain, and his triumph. And in this way ourselves are confronted with, although perhaps each of us somewhat differently, with the tragedies and challenges that make up all of our lives.
Powered by Grief
is a must read not just for those who have faced similar challenges, but also for the wider audience who will be both touched and challenged by Rubenstein's truly endearing life story."
– Bill Hutman, former journalist and author of
Conversations: Thinking about Talking