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Being the Difference: True Stories of Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things to Change the World

Darius Graham
BookSurge (2007)
ISBN 9781419673405
Reviewed by Jeneke Lesak for RebeccasReads (12/08)

“Being the Difference: True Stories of Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things to Change the World” by Darius Graham is an inspiring compilation of stories about thirteen highly motivated individuals who take volunteer work to the next level.  Either driven by a personal experience or by sheer passion to help those in need, these people set out with a mission to take matters in their own hands and “be the difference.”

These stories show how it is really possible for people of all walks of life to be able to make a difference in any chosen population, whether it be running a community health clinic in Uganda or bringing a voice of hope to an unlikely place, like the neighborhood laundromat on the “bad” side of town. 

This book is for anyone who has ever had the desire to be of service to our fellow humankind.  It reminded me of my own experience in rural Guatemala, a country where poverty is a way of life for most people, access to clean water and medical resources not always available, and alcoholism a norm in the indigenous communities.  There is so much work to be done out in our world, as there is in our own backyards.  This book shows a spectrum of projects in action around the world set into motion by these selfless and generous people.  It also proves we do not need huge (if any) financial backing to make a grand difference in improving the situation of someone in need.  The true meaning of altruism is expressed repeatedly throughout the book, with these people putting their entire beings into their cause to ensure that their programs work and will continue to succeed. 

There seem to be some editing issues, such as the word “that” repeated three times in one sentence.  The writing style is straightforward, but sometimes a little too average; however, the messages of hope and new possibility in the stories outshine any concerns one might have about the writing.

Graham offers a moving and encouraging bit of work. Reading this book has certainly stirred a desire within me to make a difference in my own community.  There is a section in the back with a listing of all the organizations mentioned, and another section of resources for those who want to be that difference.  Also, a portion of the proceeds of this book will go to the charities of the individuals that Graham has introduced to his readers.  More reason to grab this book, when you know it is benefiting some extremely noble causes! 

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