The Courage to Give
by Jackie Waldman

Reviewed by DeanOP
MSWorld Book Reviewer


The subtitle of this, Jackie Waldman's first collection, is "Inspiring Stories of People Who Triumphed Over Tragedy to Make a Difference in the World." The book is well-supported with a Foreword by Joan Lunden, an Afterword by Patch Adams and a seal (on my copy) which proclaims "As seen on Oprah." Ordinarily I prefer to find my inspiration on my own rather than having it trumpeted in advance, so I approached this book with some apprehension. But what Ms. Waldman has done here is to invite thirty people to tell their own stories in, essentially, their own words. For me, that made all the difference.


The book begins with Jackie Waldman's story. The fast track life she'd built for herself was devastated by a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. As part of her own emotional healing she began to research stories of other people who'd made something wonderful and useful of themselves despite life's adversities. The beauty of this book shines forth in the plain-spoken honesty and diversity of those she interviewed each of whom, I repeat, is allowed his or her own unique voice. Nowhere is the reader told how he or she ought to react nor is there any of the subtle tone of holier-than-thou competitiveness that often emerges in stories meant to inspire. Not all of the participants faced personal tragedy, but each, as a result of an awareness of tragedy, social or medical for the most part, was inspired to do something helpful. Most of them started on a small scale and eventually wound up running a foundation, service, or organization to meet the future needs of others in similar adverse circumstances. Part of the charm of this group is that none of the people was a financial wizard or important (in any worldly sense) to begin with. And each is still living a quiet life of service today.


The book is very nicely presented, with a picture of each person interviewed. A short, summarizing statement from the contributor begins each chapter. There is information on how to reach each of the organizations presented should one wish to do so.


Jackie Waldman has created a lovely book and those in search of inspiration for a life of service may find it just the ticket.

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