The Power of GivingSeptember 23, 2008 What better antidote to toxic news about Wall Street greed and corruption than to read one story after another of people helping one another. This book is not about the how of giving, but about the why of it all. It wonderfully delivers on the promise of its (two!) subtitles: "How giving back enriches us all - Creating abundance in your home, at work, and in your community."
Creating abundance, for example, can mean joining a babysitting co-op, thereby affording busy parents a bit of time for themselves. Though elsewhere in the book it's evident that the authors, professional fundraisers Jamal and McKinnon, work with very high-income donors indeed, this book is for EveryCitizen. The authors intersperse funny personal stories from their own lives with poignant vignettes, quotes of wisdom from the ancients, helpful web links, and so forth.
One can feel sick at heart and powerless to do anything effective about huge disasters like hurricanes, or gang violence, or homelessness in a rich country - or even about "smaller" problems in the neighbourhood. American Trappist poet and social activist Thomas Merton captured this malaise well: "To allow oneself to be carried away by a multitude of conflicting concerns, to surrender to too many demands, to commit oneself to too many projects, to want to help everyone in everything, is to succumb to the violence of our times."
Jamal and McKinnon have spectacularly not "succumbed to the violence of our times."
Each page seems to have been written with love and laughter. Even though all my life I've donated time and money to various causes; have worked as a fundraiser for non-profits; and know the many benefits of giving, I love this book because it's an invitation to everyone - not just the fundraisers - to experience the happiness and the health we create - and the meaningful relationships we build - when reach out to others.
The subtle design of the book helps you slow down a bit, taking pleasure in the relaxing act of turning the well-printed pages... of considering how the next idea might play out in one's own circle of friends.
This immensely compassionate book could make an eye-opening and inviting gift for anyone in your life - including the friend who "has everything."
Sharing everyone can do!September 17, 2008 From the pauper on the street to those in the arena of Bill Gates this book should be a "must read." We can give in thousands of ways. I have given in many of the forms mentioned here. I like the way the book is organized. Now as I share my ideas for giving with others I have a book to back up and expand my thoughts from.
Thank you for sure an insightful book on giving from the heart. I practice random acts of kindness daily; WHAT FUN!
Buy it by the dozensAugust 28, 2008 This should be required reading for everyone. Give it to your friends, your family, and your co-workers. It will inspire you to do what you have always wanted to do - make a difference. And Harvey doesn't just tell us, he shows us. All the profits from book sales are being donated. A great read with great ideas that you can act on. Buy it by the dozen.
A deeper understanding in sharing and serving the worldAugust 26, 2008 Congrads and special thanks to Azim and Harvey for giving us a deeper understanding and reminding how powerful GIVING and sharing is. The Power of Giving has helped me solidly in 2 areas:
1) It gives a wider definition of giving and envisioned me for learning to give beyond money. When I think of all the opportunities of giving I have throughout my daily life, I started living more fullfiling days. There are so many opportunities everyday for giving a smile, a compliment, valuable knowledge...Giving and sharing, thus serving, helping each other is part of purpose. It's great to be reminded this and shown the way.
2) I have read so many books on personal development, self-help etc. Of course it is vital to know what you want in life, learning to manage your thoughts, thinking positive, keeping a high motivation etc. But very few books talks about the actual POWER of giving. Giving truely creates a POWER within, it makes you feel more abundant, more connected, definetly much better.
Good BookAugust 24, 2008 0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Good book showing you all the benefits of giving but I recommend another book that deals with giving and getting back through the Law of Attraction. The book is entitled Living The Secret Everyday: My Secret Workbookand a must read if your concerns are for a happier life through gratitude and giving.
