2008 Holiday Reading List

An Imperfect Offering: Humanitarian Action for the Twenty-first Century by James Orbinski. Dr. James Orbinksi, recipient of the 1999 Nobel Peace Prize and former international president of Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders), writes urgently on the issue of global poverty. Illustrated with vivid stories from the front lines of his work in such places as Peru, Somalia, Afghanistan, Rwanda and Zaire over the past 20 years, this book is a prescription of hope and a call to incorporate humanitarian action into our lives. Dr. Orbinski now leads Dignitas International, which is committed to community based care for people living with HIV/AIDS in the developing world.

CauseWired: Plugging In, Getting Involved, Changing the World by Tom Watson. Non-profits and social causes are undergoing radical change, driven by the Internet and the growing influence of social media on everything from public opinion to organizational fund-raising. Mr. Watson lays out a comprehensive roadmap for organizations and individuals on how to capitalize on the power of online media and reach millions in new ways.

Journey of a Thousand Miles: My Story by Lang Lang and David Ritz. This biography chronicles the life of Lang Lang from impoverished childhood to his spectacular stature today as one of the world’s preeminent pianists. It’s a story filled with parental sacrifice in the raising—and eventual artistic flowering—of a child born during the Cultural Revolution in China. But, it is also a family journey marked by love, passion and joy.

One Can Make a Difference - How Simple Actions Can Change the World by Ingrid Newkirk. The stories of 50 individuals who changed the world, offering proof that one person can still have a positive, lasting impact. Ms. Newkirk, the founder of the animal rights organization PETA, gives us narratives that are filled with advice, wisdom, compassion and inspiration.

Journey of a Thousand Miles: My Story by Lang Lang and David Ritz. This biography chronicles the life of Lang Lang from impoverished childhood to his spectacular stature today as one of the world’s preeminent pianists. It’s a story filled with parental sacrifice in the raising—and eventual artistic flowering—of a child born during the Cultural Revolution in China. But, it is also a family journey marked by love, passion and joy.

The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. A computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon, Randy Pausch gave a famed “last lecture” that has inspired millions around the world. This best-selling book takes his message even further. Dr. Pausch candidly describes how his personal philosophies and his determination to share lessons from his life with his young children guided him through his final year battling a terminal illness. From overcoming obstacles to helping others achieve their dreams, his message is all about living and giving.

The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life by Alice Schroeder. An unprecedented look at the life of Warren Buffett, this book provides the most complete account yet of an iconic business figure who has now become one of the world’s most generous philanthropists. Ms. Schroeder, a former financial analyst who had covered Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, recounts tales of the quirky childhood that shaped Buffett’s financial acumen and provides a rich account of his business dealings and his decision to donate billions to charity.

Wildlands Philanthropy: The Great American Tradition by Tom Butler, Antonio Vizcaino (Photographer) and forward by Tom Brokaw. Veteran conservation writer Tom Butler and world-class landscape photographer Antonio Vizcaíno join hands in this book, showcasing individuals who are making a difference as they work to conserve extraordinary, at-risk public places. The book explores wildlife habitats and national parks that have been saved, and offers inspiring accounts of conservation philanthropists who come from all walks of life, but show a common dedication to preserving public lands.