By
– September 13, 2011
These two books are about extraordinary families who llustrate how people can elevate their lives beyond everyday existence. Their stories offer us a valuable glimpse into the priorities set by two altruistic families.
In What Else But Home, Michael Rosen describes how he, his wife, Lesley, and their two children made room in their lives and home for five inner city boys. He records how each of the older “adopted” sons joined the family and how Michael and Lesley extended themselves as “parents” to these young men, all of whom came from severely troubled homes. Rosen reflects on how the nuclear Rosen family had to re-balance their lives to create both physical space and an emotional bond with William, Kindu, Juan, Michael Philippe, and Carlos. It was not always easy for the Rosens’ two sons, Ripton and Morgan, nor for Michael and Lesley’s marriage; however, all five boys received the love, care, and parental guidance that they were not getting anywhere else in their lives. Through this sensitive and moving story, we understand Michael and Lesley’s commitment to enabling the boys to achieve better lives.
In the same vein, Kevin and Hannah Salwen, teach us how to open our minds, hearts, and wallets to others in The Power of Half. In this unusual story, the Salwen family decides to sell their home, a beautiful historic mansion. Using half the proceeds from the sale of the house, they buy a more modest home and use the other half to embark on a philanthropic journey.
Kevin, his wife, Joan, and their two children, Hannah and Joseph, engaged in a process of learning about human need and decided to assist the people of Ghana. The story reveals how when people see beyond their own needs and desires, they have the opportunity to truly understand the meaning of giving to others.
Both books are engagingly written and draw the reader into the authors’ lives and struggles. Readers will be challenged to think about their own lives and how they, too, can help make the world a better place.
In What Else But Home, Michael Rosen describes how he, his wife, Lesley, and their two children made room in their lives and home for five inner city boys. He records how each of the older “adopted” sons joined the family and how Michael and Lesley extended themselves as “parents” to these young men, all of whom came from severely troubled homes. Rosen reflects on how the nuclear Rosen family had to re-balance their lives to create both physical space and an emotional bond with William, Kindu, Juan, Michael Philippe, and Carlos. It was not always easy for the Rosens’ two sons, Ripton and Morgan, nor for Michael and Lesley’s marriage; however, all five boys received the love, care, and parental guidance that they were not getting anywhere else in their lives. Through this sensitive and moving story, we understand Michael and Lesley’s commitment to enabling the boys to achieve better lives.
In the same vein, Kevin and Hannah Salwen, teach us how to open our minds, hearts, and wallets to others in The Power of Half. In this unusual story, the Salwen family decides to sell their home, a beautiful historic mansion. Using half the proceeds from the sale of the house, they buy a more modest home and use the other half to embark on a philanthropic journey.
Kevin, his wife, Joan, and their two children, Hannah and Joseph, engaged in a process of learning about human need and decided to assist the people of Ghana. The story reveals how when people see beyond their own needs and desires, they have the opportunity to truly understand the meaning of giving to others.
Both books are engagingly written and draw the reader into the authors’ lives and struggles. Readers will be challenged to think about their own lives and how they, too, can help make the world a better place.
Additional books featured in this review
Stephen G. Donshik, D.S.W., is a lecturer at the Hebrew University’s Community Leadership and Philanthropy Program. He writes on the non-profit sector and has a consulting firm focused on strengthening non-profits and their leadership for tomorrow.
