Creating Room to Read: A Story of Hope in the Battle for Global Literacy
To John Wood, founder of Room to Read, books are not simply inanimate objects; they are vehicles of change, stepping-stones for children out of poverty and into a brighter future. Continuing the story from his earlier work (Leaving Microsoft to Change the World, 2006), Wood explains how, in 10 short years, Room to Read became an enormously successful nonprofit, opening more than 10,000 libraries. Bringing his experience from the corporate world, Wood melded his business savvy with an insatiable desire to help educate children from poverty-stricken areas around the world through the creation of libraries and schools. Throughout the book, Wood celebrates the many successes of Room to Read and includes inspiring stories of the children whose lives were changed by gaining access to books. Yet Wood doesn’t shy away from the difficult aspects of establishing an international charity. He includes stories of donors reneging on promised funds and dealing with embezzlement by local team leaders. Wood’s passion for literacy and education infuses every page of the book. An inspiring read on the power of books. --Eve Gaus