Here are highlights from Philanthropy News Digest's Off the Shelf book reviews:
The Life You Can Save: Acting Now to End World Poverty. Peter Singer (Random House, 2009)
“…Singer, a philosopher and professor of practical ethics at Princeton University, thinks the plight of so many poor people amid such abundance is immoral, and he has written The Life You Can Save to explain why and, at the same time, shake the "haves" out of their moral lassitude. In it, Singer asks — and answers — such questions as, How far does our obligation to the poor go? How much does it cost to save a life? Which charities do it best? And how much is my fair share?” More…
A Philanthropic Covenant With Black America. Rodney M. Jackson (Wiley, 2009)
“…Edited and with a thoughtful introduction and final chapter by Rodney M. Jackson, founder and president of NCBP, A Philanthropic Covenant delves into many topics related to philanthropy within the black community, including the roles of religion, civic engagement and volunteerism in shaping black philanthropy; the important role of family and friends in black communities; and the African American response to hurricanes Katrina and Rita.” More…
You've Gotta Have Heart: Achieving Purpose Beyond Profit in the Social Sector. Cass Wheeler (AMACOM, 2009)
“…Wheeler has written a very helpful guide, complete with bullet points and chapter summaries, for nonprofit leaders who aspire to lead their organizations to the next level of effectiveness. Along the way, he offers advice on both the more regimented aspects of nonprofit work — business model development, branding, collaboration and partnerships — as well as the traditional nuts-and-bolts aspects of charity work — advocacy, volunteer management, developing a mission statement. His greatest achievement, however, might be the way he seamlessly weaves his discussion of business-minded practicality and charitable-minded idealism into a compelling, coherent presentation that does justice to both without slighting either." More…
For a full list of archived Off the Shelf reviews, click here.