Something Like Beautiful: One Single Mother's Story
by Asha Bandele
An Urban Tale (11/29/2008)
I finished Something Like Beautiful by Asha Bandele today. At first I was not fond of her sing-song style of writing, but then she is a poet by profession first. I knew that this was to be a single mother's story, but I wasn't prepared for the raw, gut wrenching tale that Ms. Bandele wrote. She pulls no punches and it reads like a personal diary. I didn't always like or agree with the things that she did and said, but there is an honesty that shines through and makes it a very worthwhile read. I do admire the courage she exhibited both in her life and in writing this book.
Banker to the Poor: Micro-Lending and the Battle Against World Poverty
by Muhammad Yunus
War Against Poverty (9/7/2008)
It sounded so simple I wondered that no one had ever tried it before. Then I remembered big business and the lending companies that I had personal experience with. No, they would never do this even if it occurred to them. There isn't enough profit. However, I am so glad that someone saw beyond the bottom line and tried micro-lending. This book is a fascinating look at one man's war against poverty. He saw a need and came up with a way to fight. Although I don't understand all the ins and outs of money lending this is a heart warming story of many people's escape from mind numbing poverty and the man who helped them do it. It should be required reading.
The Art of Happiness: A Handbook For Living
by His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Howard C. Cutler, M.D.
Inspiring (4/16/2007)
Absolutely wonderful! I felt happier before I was even halfway through the book. The Dalai Lama has such a compassionate, inspiring outlook on life that he makes you believe that you can do anything. He presents complex concepts in such a simple manner that even I understood them. Did I say that it was wonderful? It should be on everyone's bedside table for nightly reading.
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