Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World by Bill Clinton Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World
Book Review: inspiring
Summary: 5 Stars
I wasn't sure what to expect of Clinton's latest book when I first picked it up. In the end, it was inspiring, informative, and motivating. He talks about the generosity of well known philanthropists such as Gates, Buffet and Bono but also speaks of the generosity of lesser known givers such as Andre Agassi and Tiger Woods. He touches on a number of causes - including poverty, the environment, education, HIV/AIDS and provides the reader with concrete ways in which they can help - be it financially, through time, or through grassroots activities. A compelling read to be sure.Book Review: How to give and give well...
Summary: 4 Stars
People who think the wealthy represent nothing but selfish, myopic, live-for-the-moment destructive opportunists will face some salient counter examples in "Giving." In it, former President Clinton pours out a tidal wave of stories involving people who put others first. True, many of those listed have wealth as vast as the universe itself, such as Bill Gates and Warren Buffet. They can give millions without even scratching their checking accounts. But happily they do. Detractors of Bill Gates as the capitalist gone amuck czar of Microsoft will see a different side of him within this binding. Clinton's outline of the state of philanthropy will help ease the cynicism that our world seeps only with self-destructive money mongering. We desperately need stories of sharing and goodwill right now. As the global economy plunges into an abyss and political tensions escalate towards breaking point, people need some hope that the whole shebang won't simply collapse on itself. "Giving" provides a pinhole light of solace in a seemingly dissolving and hopeless world.
Not everyone profiled in "Giving" has unlimited caches of wealth capable of buying Saturn's rings. Many are children. Or college students. Or people who have had enough and decided to take action on a specific issue, regardless of their limited resources. Oseola McCarty must represent the most extreme example. She lived well below her means throughout her long life, saved everything she could, and decided to give away 60% of it. This unmarried clothes washer, stricken with arthritis, saved enough to donate $150,000 to the University of Southern Mississippi. Clinton points out that if someone with such limited means can give, anyone can. "Giving" also looks at the cutting edge of internet philanthropy, such as microfinance. Nearly anyone can participate, at various financial levels, through websites like kiva.org. For those who want to give time or skill, Clinton points to volunteermatch.org. Just enter a zip code and an area of interest to find hundreds, maybe thousands, of opportunities. Those who look will find no shortage of needs.
"Giving" provides not only a resource for optimism, but a reference manual for giving. A"Resources" section lists voluminous websites, organizations, and publications that would fit any desire. "Giving" teaches the uninitiated how to give and give well. It's almost too bad that Clinton wrote this book, because many may simply write it off altogether because his name is embossed on the cover. That would be unfortunate, because the issues outlined here rise above any political squabbling. At one point Clinton mentions his friendship and philanthropic partnership with George H. W. Bush. They apparently work well together these days, despite their obvious political differences. Theirs remains an example to follow for all of us, despite today's immature and polarized political spectrum. Hopefully we can find a way towards middle ground, decide what impact we want to have on the world, and take Clinton's advice: Give.
Book Review: What Really Matters
Summary: 5 Stars
I listened to this book on CD in my car with my two teenage children. We three found the addition of Bill Clinton reading his own words very compelling and inspirational. I do agree that if you are looking for deep introspection and a "theory of citizen action," this is not it. It does, however, provide various frames for considering giving, such as gift of time, gifts that keep on giving, etc. The result? I have begun forming an NGO and my children have begun a project with their high school that will extend beyond its borders to other schools--both based on the inspiration of Clinton's words. I doubt there is a better way to "gift" back. Book Review: "Giving" back
Summary: 4 Stars
Wonderful stories about the contributions of people in different segments of society. A great way for people to determine how they can participate and be more active both locally and globally. Read it until you reach the end for a list of organizations that need more contributors. Brilliant way to enhance your life beyond writing cheques.Book Review: GIVING
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a book that should be required reading for all High School Students. A reminder that each of has some responsibility to make our world a better place. There are multiple ways to use your time, talent and dollars. This book is sort of the jumping off place to start.