This book starts out strong with an engaging and authentic recounting of John Wood's struggle to leave behind a lucrative, sexy career and a sophisticated fiancee to collect and mail children's books to a village in Tibet. The second half of the book drags as he engages in (perhaps well-deserved) back-patting while describing the growth of his new nonprofit and all the swanky connections (and their $$) he makes along the way. It's still an honest and captivating memoir; I just wish that he had spent more time on the beginnings of Room to Read and less on its transition from kitchen industry to bigwig donation darling. ( )

Mr. Woods accomplishments are certainly stunning. It made me appreaciate Greg Mortenson;s humble beginnings even more. Both of these men have made incredible contributions to the education of the worlds neediest populations. These books should be required reading for all college students. ( )