Book Review: "Leaving Microsoft To Change the World"

“Leaving Microsoft to Change the World” is the story of John Wood, the founder of Room to Read, a non-profit organization that builds schools, libraries and computer labs on a global scale, in addition to giving scholarships to girls of the poor communities where the schools are built. Wood relates to the readers the different events that changed his life 180 degrees, taking him from an important executive position in Microsoft, with all its perks, to the fonder/creator of a charity whose goal is to increase the literacy rate in countries that have no resources but put a high value on education. Wood not only describes the culture of this global monster (Microsoft) put also explains how different values of the company aided his success with his non-profit endeavor. Unlike other charities, people who donate to Room to Read know exactly where their money is going and have an opportunity to visit the schools to experience, first hand, the contribution they are making to other people’s life. The fluidity of John Wood’s writing style makes it possible for readers to forget they are learning about someone else’s life, and get caught in the midst’s of the author’s torn feelings about sacrificing a life of fame and luxury for one of public service. I highly recommend the book.