Scan barcode
gregfielder's review against another edition
3.0
Bill Clinton envisioned his post-Presidency life as one where he could give back to the world that has given him so much. He shares stories from his own life and his foundation, as well as inspiring examples of others from around the world who choose to give money, time, talents, etc. to improve the lives of others who have not been as blessed. I admit that the sheer volume of examples and information - particularly so many numbers/dollar amounts - made it a bit difficult to get through at times. But overall I enjoyed it.
drusmilford's review against another edition
2.0
Bill Clinton's answer to It Takes a Village (which I much preferred).
ella1801's review against another edition
4.0
The first book I've ever read that I found truly inspirational... or that made me want to cry on every page.
The stories of individuals making small differences in the world (read: large differences in their communities) gradually segue into those of contributors to multi-million dollar NGOs; I was in the last chapter when I realized that Bill was giving us the tools to go out there and make the differnce ourselves.
A lovely nonpartisan work by a man so obviously interested in changing the world for the better. At times a little self-congratulatory, but overall more interested in offering examples of positive change than necessarily promoting his own foundation. Then again, he knows his own experiences best, so why not discuss his foundation?
Regardless you all know how I feel about dear Bill, and I do truly love this book.
The stories of individuals making small differences in the world (read: large differences in their communities) gradually segue into those of contributors to multi-million dollar NGOs; I was in the last chapter when I realized that Bill was giving us the tools to go out there and make the differnce ourselves.
A lovely nonpartisan work by a man so obviously interested in changing the world for the better. At times a little self-congratulatory, but overall more interested in offering examples of positive change than necessarily promoting his own foundation. Then again, he knows his own experiences best, so why not discuss his foundation?
Regardless you all know how I feel about dear Bill, and I do truly love this book.
sparklethenpop's review against another edition
3.0
It was great to hear all these stories but it would have been better to have more "regular" people and fewer friends of the former president, if that makes sense.
kimball_hansen's review against another edition
3.0
This barely made it to three stars. It does show how much of an impact giving can do but with all the statistics he gave you'd think you'd see a difference but it doesn't seem to make a dent in our world. But maybe that's because I can't see it. I do wonder how much Bill Clinton and other famous givers actually give of their income. I want to see those figures.
I like that he and George Bush Sr are friends and pleasant towards each other.
What was this cane-based ethanol that Brazil made where 70% of the current vehicles produced can run on? I haven't heard anything of that. I always wonder about the stats on certain "green" industries. People will say that if we use all of the wind power potential then it would take care of 95% of our energy demands. I'm skeptical of that. And I don't think it's a conspiracy theory either. Call me naive though.
I like that he and George Bush Sr are friends and pleasant towards each other.
What was this cane-based ethanol that Brazil made where 70% of the current vehicles produced can run on? I haven't heard anything of that. I always wonder about the stats on certain "green" industries. People will say that if we use all of the wind power potential then it would take care of 95% of our energy demands. I'm skeptical of that. And I don't think it's a conspiracy theory either. Call me naive though.
sebarose's review against another edition
4.0
A great list of options for giving and information/stories about the people who provide those options.
nicospitsjive's review against another edition
3.0
meh. I mean, I agree with the sentiment but it felt like lip service/the ol' Jay & Spray. felt a little like a waste of time.
paladintodd's review against another edition
3.0
This book became fairly monotonous. There's a chapter dedicated to each of the ways you can give - time, money, skills, etc. And then each of those chapters has lots of stories of people who give in that way (and usually, really rich folks doing really huge things). It became really boring to read.
More importantly, it was very uninspiring. I certainly didn't walk away with any desire to give, any spark of a direction I wanted to go. If you had a bit of desire and aim, maybe this would get you over the hump. If you're a bit aimless, I think this book will leave you aimless.
(And, agreed, to all the folks complaining about the name dropping and ego stroking in this book. Who gives a shit that Joe Schmo sold his apparel company for $300 million. Sure, tell me about his charity. Telling me how much money he has and how he got it is crass.)
More importantly, it was very uninspiring. I certainly didn't walk away with any desire to give, any spark of a direction I wanted to go. If you had a bit of desire and aim, maybe this would get you over the hump. If you're a bit aimless, I think this book will leave you aimless.
(And, agreed, to all the folks complaining about the name dropping and ego stroking in this book. Who gives a shit that Joe Schmo sold his apparel company for $300 million. Sure, tell me about his charity. Telling me how much money he has and how he got it is crass.)
dawn_dickerson's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed many of the stories of giving in this book. Both wealthy people/ organizatioms and your average jane were spotlighted. only dislikes were the quantity of times he said "my foundation" (aka talked A LOT about his own good doing. ..admirable, certainly, but didn't need to be the focal point here) and how the last third or so was more political in health care reform and environment. I understand these are hot and portant topics (when it was written and still today) I had previously been impressed that it was pretty non-political.
mostly a good book for someone looking to get involved in an organization and you are introduced to a plethora of wonderful ngo's that you could be involved with.
mostly a good book for someone looking to get involved in an organization and you are introduced to a plethora of wonderful ngo's that you could be involved with.