Fifty-Two Simple Ways to Make a Difference [Paperback]

Paul Simon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2004

Fifty-two Simple Ways to Make a Difference is a practical and inspiring book for general readers that reminds us that the little things we do count, and offers concrete suggestions for small ways of making a difference. Says the author, "I always run into people who have the 'well-what-could-I-do?' attitude. But small things really do make a difference. The longer I live the more I realize that the small things really are the big things in the long run." This book brings Simon's considerable experience in public service to general readers in a practical and inspiring way.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Completed shortly before his death in December 2003, this small book by Simon is a primer on becoming a better and more socially conscious person. The longtime senator from Illinois offers 52 ways to "make a difference," beginning with multicultural hospitality (Simon encourages readers to invite someone of a different race, religion or ethnic group over for dinner) and ending with an exhortation not to slow down public activism in old age. Most of Simon’s suggestions are specific and concrete—help a former prisoner find a job; learn phrases from another language; become an organ donor; turn off the TV for a while. He strongly encourages civic responsibility, stresses the importance of keeping informed and urges readers to get involved in a church, synagogue or mosque to keep them active in the community. All of us, says Simon, should become giraffes—"people who are willing to stick out their necks to help others." Most of his short chapters introduce contemporary "giraffes" and describe the extraordinary and heroic actions of these ordinary individuals. This book is a fitting legacy for one of America’s finest public servants.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From the Publisher

A former U.S. Senator shows how small things make a big difference.

--Inspires readers to get involved.
--Offers ideas for groups/churches to help improve their communities.
--Brings Simon's considerable experience in public issues to general readers in a practical and inspiring way.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 142 pages
• Publisher: Augsburg Books; Copyright 2004 edition (April 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806646780
• ISBN-13: 978-0806646787
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,073,904 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Good Read..., January 15, 2008

By 

T. H. Waage (Portland, Or USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fifty-Two Simple Ways to Make a Difference (Paperback)

The author really touches on ways we can make a difference in everyday life. By even following a few of his suggestions, you'll release yourself from this world of "looking out for #1".