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HomeShop at BookSurgeSelf-HelpMotivational & InspirationalBeing the Difference: True Stories of Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things to Change the World |
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 A singularly motivational read Mar 17, 2009
Changing the world isn't a task exclusively for the extraordinary. "Being the Difference: True Stories of Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things to Change the World" is a collection of true-life stories of common, everyday people who have made a massive impact on the world as we know it. Hoping to inspire thousands of readers to make their own difference, "Being the Difference" is a singularly motivational read.
Inspiring Book about People Making a Difference by Being Mar 09, 2009
We often hear about people with lots of money making a difference in donating to worthy causes. But, in this book you will read a collection of inspiring stories of people actually making a difference; making a difference in ways you maybe would not have considered. The individuals featured in these true stories all faced challenges in their life, and for many of them, their challenge actually created the opportunity to make a difference in other peoples lives.
The title of this book describes it well, "Being The Difference". The word, "being" describes these people as they moved beyond their own challenges to be the difference to many people.
To quote the author, "the truth is anyone can be the difference; all it takes is using whatever you have, to do whatever you can". They didn't make the difference by spending lots of money; they made a difference doing what they could in many different ways.
A wonderful book to read especially if you think you cannot make a difference. And, it is a wonderful book to read to reinforce the difference you are making to others. Let the true stories inspire you to "being" that difference in someone's life.
We recommend this book; it is one that is truly inspiring
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
A great book! Feb 13, 2009
This is a fantastic and inspiring book that really makes you believe that you CAN make the difference if you really set your mind to it. The individual stories of how ordinary people accomplished extraordinary things to make our world a better place to live in truly inspired me to want to be a better person and to make positive changes each and every day to make the world a better place.
I think that this should be required reading for teenages to encourage them to stand up and make a difference.
 Turning adversity into fulfilled dreams Jan 12, 2009
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (1/09)
"Being the Difference" is a compilation of inspiring stories of everyday people who have combined experience with passion to impact the world. Award-winning author Darius Graham has chosen vignettes that cultivate volunteerism, compassion, and personal empowerment.
Tribute is given to a unique group of thirteen people who saw a problem, believed they could bring change, and who faced the insurmountable odds to accomplish their dream.
Reading the stories of these extraordinary heroes evokes a wide range of emotions in light of the roadblocks, obstacles and rejections faced in the pursuit of their dream to provide aid, deliverance, and change to those they saw in need.
I enjoyed the story of Matt D'Arrigo, founder and director of A Reason To Survive, Inc. (ARTS). Matt discovered how art brought him joy in the midst of caring for his mother during her terminal illness. He went on to fulfill his dream by giving others the opportunity to discover the same joy.
Bob Lobue is the writer, producer, and director of "Visions" - a play about addiction and recovery. His story of persistence in light of the seeming impossible is one more example of generating radical change in desperate lives.
Graham relates the story of Shirlene Cooper's service to the AIDS community. Other stories tell how concerned individuals have reached out to the homeless, become active in juvenile services, provided parental guidance, become promoters for safe schools, and offered inspiration to the handicapped.
Graham's writing is straightforward and articulate. He conveys a strong inner faith in humanity. He is an advocate for these gallant "Samaritans" ready to offer solutions to needs as they impact the world.
Although he does not detail his own dream in the book, Graham recognized a need for help in literacy and created Books All Around, Inc. - a non-profit organization that promotes youth literacy.
The courage and dedication of these examples of hope linger on in my thoughts long after I closed the covers on the final chapter of "Being the Difference" by Darius Graham. Inspirational.
0 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Altruism at its best! Jan 02, 2009
Reviewed by Jeneke Lesak for RebeccasReads (12/08)
"Being the Difference: True Stories of Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things to Change the World" by Darius Graham is an inspiring compilation of stories about thirteen highly motivated individuals who take volunteer work to the next level. Either driven by a personal experience or by sheer passion to help those in need, these people set out with a mission to take matters in their own hands and "be the difference."
These stories show how it is really possible for people of all walks of life to be able to make a difference in any chosen population, whether it be running a community health clinic in Uganda or bringing a voice of hope to an unlikely place, like the neighborhood laundromat on the "bad" side of town.
This book is for anyone who has ever had the desire to be of service to our fellow humankind. It reminded me of my own experience in rural Guatemala, a country where poverty is a way of life for most people, access to clean water and medical resources not always available, and alcoholism a norm in the indigenous communities. There is so much work to be done out in our world, as there is in our own backyards. This book shows a spectrum of projects in action around the world set into motion by these selfless and generous people. It also proves we do not need huge (if any) financial backing to make a grand difference in improving the situation of someone in need. The true meaning of altruism is expressed repeatedly throughout the book, with these people putting their entire beings into their cause to ensure that their programs work and will continue to succeed.
There seem to be some editing issues, such as the word "that" repeated three times in one sentence. The writing style is straightforward, but sometimes a little too average; however, the messages of hope and new possibility in the stories outshine any concerns one might have about the writing.
Graham offers a moving and encouraging bit of work. Reading this book has certainly stirred a desire within me to make a difference in my own community. There is a section in the back with a listing of all the organizations mentioned, and another section of resources for those who want to be that difference. Also, a portion of the proceeds of this book will go to the charities of the individuals that Graham has introduced to his readers. More reason to grab this book, when you know it is benefiting some extremely noble causes!
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