2010 Holiday Reading List

A Global Life: My Journey among Rich and Poor, From Sydney to Wall Street to the World Bank by James D. Wolfensohn. From investment banker and chairman of Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center to the head of the World Bank and advocate of peace as special envoy to the Middle East, Wolfensohn’s life makes for an intriguing tapestry of cultural experiences and global issues. After nearly flunking out of the University of Sydney, Wolfensohn ultimately earned a law degree, an MBA from Harvard and became a U.S. citizen. That was just the start of his incredible life journey of leadership and learning.

Showing Up for Life: Thoughts on the Gifts of a Lifetime by Bill Gates, Sr. Heartfelt and candid, Showing Up for Life explores the values and principles that have guided Bill Gates Sr. over his lifetime. Driven by the importance of “showing up” and being fully engaged, Gates shares insights from growing up in the Great Depression, raising three children in the Pacific Northwest (including his son, technology great and global philanthropist Bill Gates) and working on the world stage with such respected leaders as Nelson Mandela and Jimmy Carter in his role as co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, A Man Who Would Cure the World by Tracy Kidder. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Kidder chronicles the story of a unique medical mind and giving spirit. Shadowing Paul Farmer in his many roles—doctor, Harvard professor, renowned infectious-disease specialist, anthropologist, recipient of a MacArthur “genius” grant, and world-class Robin Hood—is awe-inspiring. He puts all his intellect and energy into battling night and day for better healthcare for the Haitian people. Always true to his personal mantra, “the only real nation is humanity,” Farmer brings us face to face with human frailty—and goodness.

Promise Me: How a Sister’s Love Launched the Global Movement to End Breast Cancer by Nancy G. Brinker. Inspired by the loss of her sister to breast cancer, as well as her own diagnosis, Nancy Brinker takes us behind the scenes into the early days of what is now one of the world’s largest and most recognized charitable movements. Discover first-hand how a grassroots charity goes global. As founder and CEO of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and recipient of the 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom (the highest U.S. award given to a civilian), Brinker stands apart for her determination, marketing muscle and family bonds.

Green Living: Architecture and Planning published by The Prince’s Foundation. Beautiful and green—the two can (and do) co-exist and provide global communities with options for residential living and commercial spaces. Finally, sustainable design is garnering attention from architects, developers and citizens alike. But as Green Living shows, it’s not all in the future—in fact, designs from the past offer an invaluable blueprint for eco-friendly concepts that are helping reshape the way we design, build and live.

Volunteer: A Traveller’s Guide to Making a Difference Around the World published by Lonely Planet. Millions worldwide are seeking out ways to give back to communities and groups in need through volunteering—whether for a weekend, a few weeks, or months at a time. Packed with inspirational stories and information on over 150 charities worldwide, Volunteer is the go-to resource for young adults to seniors (and anyone in between) committed to giving back and exploring places far from home.

The Three Questions by Jon J. Muth. Young Nikolai has three questions: “When is the best time to do things? Who is the most important one? What is the right thing to do?” His friends (a heron, monkey and dog) offer up their opinions. Not satisfied, Nikolai seeks out the advice of others, including an old turtle. What he discovers will inspire youngsters to think about their own actions, too, while the book’s prose and watercolors will enrapture readers of all ages.