Book Review: Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World by Bill Clinton

There is not enough to be said about this book and the effort President Clinto has put forth since leaving the White House.  While this book borders on self promotion and gratification, it is written in a way that takes the attention away from Clinton and the Clinton Foundation, thus zooming in on the organizations (and people) that the foundation has helped or been involved with.  I could not help but be inspired as I listened to this book traveling the roads for Christmas Break. 

Clinton has taken on challenges that would rival that of those faced while in public office and done so in an understated and humble way.  The main theme through out the book is to do what you can, where you can, and do so effectively, which in my mind is what President Clinton has done.  Not only is the book a practical guide to giving, but it provides the reader a philosophical background and footing for giving.  After having listened to it, I take back most of my negitive opinions about President Clinton and see him has a philanthropic giant in a world that needs more.  "Isn't that a bit glowing, and gushy?" you might be asking yourself. Yes, I can answer.  In the introduction Clinton sealed the deal stating  why he wrote the book and taken the actions described in it.  Clinton talks at length about "evening the scales" for having been granted the fortunes he has been granted.  This is a man who is by all means risen from near nothing, and done great (and some less than great) things.  This notion of "evening the scales" is something that I have taken to heart at times of my life ande something we all to aspire to.
Clinton's main point of the book is to give what suites you.  Wither it be time, money, skills, or goods, nothing will be wasted if given effectively.  Clinton gives a laundry list of group, people and causes that need gift from the most mundane to the most intense.  If you are feeling down about the world, need courage to keep up the fight, or just plain pessimistic about the human race, give this book a try.  You might just find what you need.