Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Review of 'Your Mark on the World'


Welcome to another stop on the tour for 'Your Mark on the World' from Promotional Book Tours! I had the chance to read this book, via a review copy sent to me from the author via this tour.

Your Mark On The World

Your Mark On The World combines inspiring stories of ordinary people doing remarkable things to make the world a better place with practical advice to empower anyone to give more to a cause (charity, non-profit or social venture) without giving up a career or family.

The inspiring stories include:

Botevy's life and death struggle through Pol Pot's killing fields that led her ultimately to create an orphanage in Phnom Penh.

Rick's personal crusade to cure cystic fibrosis to ensure that his two afflicted grandchildren will attend his funeral and not the other way around.

The eight-member Smith family's world service tour.

David's decision to walk away from a successful career as an international executive to volunteer to care for victims of leprosy in rural India.

These stories are combined with practical financial advice to empower you to give more to a cause without giving up your family or your career.

The book answers these questions:

How do I get out of debt and stay out of debt?

Which charity or cause do I choose to make my donation?

How do I decide where to volunteer?

How can our family plan a volunteer vacation?

How can I save money for retirement?

How much should I contribute to my 401k?

Can I use Mint to manage my budget?

How to retire early enough to devote healthy years to volunteering?

This must-read book provides an overview of philanthropy in America and around the world, providing you with a clear picture of charity and its fruits. You'll learn the ability to leave your mark on the world.

**My thoughts**

This is a book that was written with the LDS family in mind. However, anyone can learn from the stories and advice contained within its pages. Each chapter focuses on a way that you can work to improve your own life and circumstances, to help you to be better able to serve as a volunteer. Volunteer work and missions are a fundamental part of the Mormon faith, yet anyone can easily set aside time to do this. 

As I was reading the advice, I had moments of "Duh," because I felt like I knew a lot of it. For example, sitting down to look at your finances to make a budget. That doesn't mean that I am applying these words of wisdom on a regular basis. Sometimes you need a smack in the face of "Duh" to remind you of what you already know. Those words get under your skin, because you know you're supposed to be doing these things. You can then be inspired to finally take the plunge and do what you know you should be doing.

All of the anecdotes are going to touch you in one way or another. Some are going to speak to you more than others. I was particularly moved by the story of the special needs children in China who have been left in orphanages. I work with young children and have a special place in my heart for those who are not "typically developing" for whatever reason. I cried through that chapter. Perhaps you will find a particular story that speaks to you above all others. That may be indicative of your calling for your role in leaving your mark on the world. 

Purchase on Kindle / Paperback / Nook / Smashwords

Follow Devin D. Thorpe

Twitter: @devindthorpe or #yourmarkontheworld

Newsletter Sign Up: http://bit.ly/NLQBn6

Follow the Tour Tour Prize - 50 Amazon Giftcard and 5 Autographed Books Open US/ Can ends 11/18/2012 a Rafflecopter giveaway

No comments:

Post a Comment