Stones are everywhere. We walk past them, build with them,
trip over them. But rarely do we pause to think about the places they’ve been
or the stories they could tell. What if these stones had seen empires fall,
prayers whispered in the dark, children disappear into silence? What if they
could speak? This is the question at the heart of “Rocks and Stones: The
Untold Stories”, a powerful new release by Dr. Magdy Hussein.
The book offers a fresh and deeply human perspective on
history. Through its pages, stones become more than objects. They become
keepers of memory. From ancient ruins to modern war zones, Dr. Hussein guides
readers across time and geography to examine how these quiet objects have stood
witness to everything from the rise of civilizations to acts of resistance.
A standout element of the book is the voice of the Red
Stone, a poetic and thoughtful narrator who speaks on behalf of all stones.
Through this voice, readers are taken on a journey that blends storytelling,
reflection, and historical insight. The Red Stone doesn’t just tell stories. It
asks questions. It invites the reader to stop, listen, and connect with
something older and often ignored.
Each chapter focuses on a different dimension of human
experience. Some explore the emotional and spiritual connection people have had
with stones through rituals, architecture, and sacred spaces. Others focus on
the physical power of stones in shaping history, from the Rosetta Stone to the
shattered rocks of Gaza. The final chapters shift toward conflict and
resilience, honoring the memory of children lost in war and the strength of
communities that continue to endure.
Behind this work is Dr. Magdy Hussein, a San Francisco Bay
Area author, scholar, and long-time advocate for community engagement. His
background in organization design informs the structure and purpose of the
book, but his heart is firmly rooted in social impact. He is a Fellow with the
Quarterly Franklin by London Press and a Scholar in Organization Design.
He is also the creator of the “Community by Design” model,
used in workshops and trainings to help communities build stronger, more
meaningful systems. Outside of academia, Dr. Hussein has served as a Boy Scouts
of America commissioner and is a committed supporter of local wildlife
conservation efforts. This book represents a deeply personal project for him.
It is dedicated to his children, and to every child growing up in conflict,
especially those in Gaza.
This is not a history book in the traditional sense. It is a
work of heart and purpose, written to engage readers on a personal level. It
invites people to see the world differently—not through the lens of power or
politics, but through memory, empathy, and quiet observation. Whether you’re a
student, educator, community leader, or someone searching for a deeper
understanding, “Rocks and Stones” offers something meaningful.
At a time when the world feels increasingly divided and
loud, this book offers a different kind of pace—one that is calm, steady, and
rooted. It reminds us that even in silence, there is a story. Even in
stillness, there is truth.
“Rocks and Stones: The Untold Stories” is available
now through major booksellers and online platforms.