I Like Giving

February 15, 2014
The core message of this simple yet quite moving book is twofold: first, giving can be a joyous thing, and, second, giving generously can change the world, one gift at a time. Appropriately, the story here begins with a mysterious Thanksgiving turkey given anonymously to someone in need. Several chapters discuss the scientific benefits of givingwhat happens when we givewhich strongly suggest that it is more satisfying to give than receive. Giving to others, these studies indicate, makes us both happier and healthier. On the other hand, Formsma also acknowledges that sometimes giving can be messy, such as when people don't respond the way we think they should: some might appear ungrateful; others may reject the offer outright. The solution, suggests Formsma, is to give with no strings attached. There is, he maintains, no right response. I Like Giving is full of storiesfrom the author as well as from people simply describing various small, random acts of generosity. Generosity, notes Formsma, usually has positive ripple effects, spreading out from individuals to families to the greater community. The word inspiring can often be overused, but here, it is most appropriate. A bighearted feel-good book for our times.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)