2007 Holiday Reading List

Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message by Jake Swamp. A beautifully illustrated version for young children of the “good morning” message of gratitude that originated with the Native people of upstate New York and Canada. The message of thanks, which is still spoken at ceremonial gatherings held by the Iroquois, or Six Nations, underscores the relationship of all living things and the importance of respecting the natural world.

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. A memorable and whimsically illustrated parable with lessons about giving and taking that will resonate with young and old alike. Originally published in 1963, The Giving Tree reminds us of the delicate balance of giving too much, of asking too much, of unconditional love, and the value of friendships that deepen over time.

The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall. Compassion for others and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of those around you is life’s ultimate gift. This is the journey readers embark on with the grand nephew of a wealthy businessman whose last will seeks to inspire generosity and goodwill. Available in 15 languages and the inspiration for a motion picture, the book offers important, life-long lessons for teens, adults and seniors alike.

Worldchanging: A User’s Guide for the 21st Century by Alex Steffen. A resource rich with ideas, insights and information about current environmental issues and trends, all with the goal of making individuals more aware of how they can make a difference in the world today. Areas covered in the 600-plus page book range from humanitarian relief to environmental movements. The book’s companion website makes this “read” interactive, extending the appeal to all generations.

The Billionaire Who Wasn’t: How Chuck Feeney Made and Gave Away a Fortune by Conor O’Clery. Quietly determined to give all his billions of dollars in wealth away, Chuck Feeney, co-founder of Duty Free Shopping, has shunned publicity for decades. In this account authored by O’Clery, a reporter for the Irish Times, we learn how a community-minded man’s quest to use his billions to make a difference in the world led to the launch of Atlantic Philanthropies.

Andrew Carnegie by David Nasaw. A vivid and detailed look at the life of one of the world’s greatest philanthropists, a man who early on was determined to use his wealth to support the arts and education. Nasaw captures the complexity of Carnegie, from the corporate titan’s keen mind and determined business style to his genuine warmth and larger-than-life persona.

Collected Visions: Modern and Contemporary Art from the JPMorgan Chase Art Collection. The JPMorgan Chase Art Collection reflects the firm's historic roots and a legacy of philanthropy going back to two of its founders, David Rockefeller and J. Pierpont Morgan. Collected Visions features modern and contemporary works from the distinguished Collection by leading artists of the 20th century.

Forces for Good: The Six Practices of High-Impact Nonprofits by Leslie Crutchfield and Heather McLeod Grant. An informative read for any individual involved with non-profit organizations, whether as board member, volunteer or foundation founder. Crutchfield and McLeod Grant provide valuable insights about key practices that set successful non-profits apart in today’s global marketplace and enable those operations to make a significant and lasting impact.

Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World by Bill Clinton. From ideas and time to financial contributions, President Bill Clinton offers an inspiring call to action for all individuals to get engaged and make a difference. You’ll encounter familiar stories of global givers as well as stories of local heroes who, based on personal experience and passion, are finding ways to help their communities and the world they share.

Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Fight Terrorism and Build Nations...One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. A motivational story of how one man’s failure to achieve his dream and conquer K2 (the world’s second tallest mountain) led to an unimaginable gift to communities throughout Central Asia. After the small Pakistani village of Korphe provided shelter and tenderly nursed Mortenson back to health over seven weeks, he promised to return the kindness by building the impoverished village its first school. He went well beyond his promise. Today, Mortenson’s Central Asia Institute has constructed more than 50 schools across rural Pakistan and Afghanistan.