Acquired via BookCrossing 27 Nov 2009 - Bookring

It was with a little trepidation that I opened this book, given that previous readers had said it was boring, preachy and self-centered. I actually didn't find this. Sure, it was about Wood's life-changing decision to leave Microsoft and set up the Room To Read charity, which builds libraries and schools in places that really need them, and it was maybe more a business biography than a personal one. But I did feel he was honest and open. He talks about working long days but also about the toll that has taken on his personal and emotional life, and he celebrates his teams in a good way. I loved the bits about going running with the redoubtable Steve Ballmer when he was still at Microsoft!

One reader had pasted in some pictures of Nepal etc and this made it very special.

Room to Read is a fantastic charity and I'll be looking at making a donation to them. The Birmingham BookCrossers have sponsored the building of a library in India through Good Gifts and it's certainly a lovely feeling to do such a thing.

Anyway - a good, interesting and celebratory read. ( )

John Woods demonstrates the power of one person. His vision was to create libraries around the world and his mission goes on. He left a secure well paying job to follow his heart. ( )

I read this as I embarked on my first big fund raising venture...taking books to South Africa for needy schools. It was inspiring but also daunting. It's much harder to raise money when you do not have a business background and wealthy friends. ( )

Fascinating account of corporate workaholic who becomes literary activist after hiking in Nepal. Am interested to hear him at PLA in Minneapolis ( )

This book was engaging and I admire the efforts of John Wood for following through with his passion. He is certainly making a difference in providing the tools and resources to educate so many children. It’s an inspirational story and I’m hopeful that this book will further ‘spread the word’ regarding Room to Read and its mission. On that point, I would have preferred that Room to Read was the main title of the book followed by the current offering as a subtitle. It’s a minor point but I would like to see more mass marketing of the Room to Read moniker... In spite of the articles and media attention during the tragic tsunami events, I had been unaware of Room to Read and its efforts. More prominence in the title would be advantageous for this remarkable organization.

As for story content, I appreciated the Microsoft insights and the author’s candor. I must say I did wince somewhat regarding the author’s description of a certain ‘rare female’ and her combination of particular qualities. It seemed out of place with regard to the overall tone of the book. Overall, the story was nicely crafted but maybe a little repetitive and I would imagine this was the result of John Wood being faithful to his journal entry penchant.

Regarding the Room to Read organization, I have become a fan. As I read along, I found myself brainstorming my own ideas on various approaches to certain issues that would be helpful. Room to Read needs to flourish and I believe that this book will provide some impetus. The author’s effort to keep down administrative costs is noble. Room to Read has certainly affected the lives and hopes of thousands of children and their families. And, these numbers will grow exponentially. More than anything, I believe this program will affect the culture of education in remote and underprivileged parts of the world. And this culture will take on a life of it’s own over time. The genie is out of the bottle.

I hope that this book is a tremendous success for making Room to Read a household name. And the timing is perfect with regard to the Microsoft connection and the extraordinary philanthropy of Bill and Melinda Gates. When Warren Buffett joined the ‘team’, it brought charitable endeavors to a new level and the world will be a better place for their efforts. ( )