_alexry's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of those stories that leaves me believing anything is possible—my favorite kind of story.
ktcarlston's review against another edition
3.0
A strong 3.5 review (1/2 stars goodreads - that's all we are asking for!) - I liked it and the day after I finished it one of my children was being very crazy about needing a new toy and I took lessons learned from thirst (I just googled some of Charity Water's videos to try and teach said child that they are spoiled rotten) we then proceeded to count how many clean water opportunities are found in our house alone. This book read a little long but this was a good reminder that there are lots of things to be done to help make the world better. This also reminded me that I should probably re-read Half the Sky.
gatorreads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
fast-paced
5.0
serodriguez's review against another edition
5.0
One of my absolute favorite memoirs I’ve ever read! Harrison explains the founding of Charity Water and his own personal story in such a clear and captivating way.
katieluk's review against another edition
4.0
I just completed the Fred Rogers biography and can still hear his mom's words echoing in my mind "in the face of tragedy, look for the helpers". Ironically enough, the next book I picked up was about one of those helpers. This book gives great insight to the heart of Charity: Water, as always Scott Harrison is inspiring and honest. The first half is deeply rooted in his own personal faith testimony so non-believers may get distracted by this. His intention, however, is to simply tell his story and how that led to the heart and soul of Charity: Water, which is NOT a faith based charity. I will caution, this book should come with the disclaimer "you may want to quit your job and start a charity after reading this book." His story makes me want to dive into our own nonprofit with new ferocity. Like Vik's story illustrates, my family still needs health insurance so we can't quite quit our day jobs yet. BUT the book leaves me feeling refreshed and gives me hope that changing the world isn't an unreachable dream. It is also inspiring to see nonprofit leaders fiercely chase innovation and new ways of being transparent. This book is full of energy and quite an inspiration to read over the holiday season.
annaswhite's review against another edition
5.0
I really love books that make me think about the world and recognize my own privilege. This makes me want to do all. The. Things. to help improve other people’s lives.
sarakomo's review against another edition
5.0
2019: I was immediately captured by this book. It was very inspiring, an easy read, but gripping and made me feel like there’s a real possibility that the water crisis could be solved. Which is exactly what Harrison talks about at the end of the book, the role that he wants to move into, charity: water’s chief story teller and not necessarily CEO. I think he exemplifies that perfectly in this book. The photos included as well really make an huge impact. I’m gonna go sign up to donate to them now, thanks, bye
vladco's review against another edition
3.0
Good story of entrepreneurial charity as told by a reformed club promoter who rediscovered Jesus and decided to do something good for the world. The account of his party life was too lengthy and detailed and felt a bit ... showy and self-aggrandizing, but the story of getting Charity Water off the ground was solid.
avvid's review against another edition
3.0
I needed to separate the mission of charity: water from the experience of reading the book in order to rate the book. The mission gets all the stars! It is an honorable and worthy and, i think, well-run charity that deserves a lot of support from everyone. I have been supporting it through the Charity Miles app for years (PS: if you’re not doing Charity Miles yet, check it out in the app store).
But for me, reading the book was a pretty mediocre endeavor. Harrison’s legitimate passion for his org translates into a cloying storytelling experience, with annoying and frequent references to his religious faith. I had already seen his 20-minute video on YouTube, and didn’t really get enough more out of the book than the video to justify the additional time spent reading it.
I suspect many readers will appreciate his “uplifting” storytelling; it just wasn’t for me.
But for me, reading the book was a pretty mediocre endeavor. Harrison’s legitimate passion for his org translates into a cloying storytelling experience, with annoying and frequent references to his religious faith. I had already seen his 20-minute video on YouTube, and didn’t really get enough more out of the book than the video to justify the additional time spent reading it.
I suspect many readers will appreciate his “uplifting” storytelling; it just wasn’t for me.