Giving by Bill Clinton Arrow Books HK$136
It helps to have a name, as former US president Bill Clinton no doubt discovered when he was looking for a publisher for Giving. Although worthy, his book, about 'how each of us can change the world' (the subtitle), is no more than a long list of organisations to which we can give money, time and skills to help the needy. Some effort has been expended to link themes, anecdotes and advice, but creativity is largely absent, as are inspiration and passion. Clinton makes the most of opportunities to toot his own trumpet, apprising readers of the Clinton Global Initiative and the Clinton Foundation and reminding them of his achievements at the White House. Readers feeling benevolent will have no trouble finding worthwhile recipients. Among the more unusual, in the chapter on giving things, is Locks of Love, which provides hairpieces to disadvantaged children who have lost hair because of medical conditions. Giving also highlights big prizes for worthwhile projects, including the X PRIZE Foundation's award of US$10 million for the developer of a car that can cover 100 miles per gallon of fuel and be mass produced. The winner will be chosen based on races this year.
