A Billion Bootstraps: Microcredit, Barefoot Banking, and the Business Solution for Ending Poverty

Easily one of the most important books I've ever read. I hope this work is nominated for national book awards--or something greater--it richly deserves our (and our leaders') immediate attention. Smith and Thurman not only offer an alternative strategy for philanthropy, but also a proven blueprint of economic success, for the poorest families in the world, under the direst of circumstances, based on the concept of "sweat equity" and the most human of instincts--the will to survive, and ultimately, to flourish. "A Billion Bootstraps"--a must read.

The "micro-credit, banking, and business" subtitle may sound like a book for a retired economist or a smarter/richer person than you (it did me...): DO NOT BE FOOLED! Consider my subtitle: keys to making a difference beyond you ... A motivating book, that will not only help you recognize the blessings in your life, but is guaranteed to challenge your current life position, purpose, direction, and effort(s). You will be driven to take action. Have you ever asked yourself "How can I really make a difference in a world with so many problems"? This book, in the first three chapters alone, will clearly answer that question and: * Give you a clear and concise understanding of the needs of HURTING PEOPLE around the world, the need! * Educated you with regards to several other methods people often choose in attempt to address the obvious need. * Bring to the surface strong feelings of anger/pity/ignorance not for the hurting people, but for the people who have sold-out to mainstream approaches to ending poverty. * Cause you to question if you are putting forth enough effort, efficient effort, or any meaningful effort at all? * Regardless of the size of a contribution, should we not (being a good steward) make certain our giving/gifts/efforts are impacting as many hurting people as possible? * Motivate you to look beyond the next charitable event/occasion or at least not leave your brain at coat-check. Regardless of your self-worth or net-worth, either step-up and learn something or simply humble yourself to a new approach. The solution to helping hurting people now seems obvious to me. Enjoy...

A Billion Bootstraps is right on the mark about microcredit, poverty, and the economics of this poverty solution. I am working with a grassroots microcredit organization in India, and I have worked in the microcredit field for 13 years. This is the only book I have found that I can hand to a layperson and know that by reading it they will understand what microcredit is all about and become as excited about the results as I am. Yunus got the Nobel Prize for his pioneering work in microcredit. Smith and Thurman should be lauded for explaining how it works and why it works. Plus, it's a great read! Carol Stigger Nagpur, India

I wish I had this book 14 years ago. I could have avoided a lot of mistakes and wasted effort as I tried vainly to "help the poor". At that time, others from my church and I were seeking to assist low-income Ukrainians as they struggled to emerge from the ashes of the former Soviet Union. Over a few years we tried lots of things - from handouts to giving equipment to start a medium-size business. Nothing worked, until we discovered the power of microfinance - described so movingly in A Billion Bootstraps. For anyone seeking to make a significant, lasting difference in the lives of thousands, even millions of people, this resource is a great place to start. I have found that microfinance provides permanent solutions to poverty. The authors of A Billion Bootstraps have shown that clearly. Jeff Rutt President, Keystone Custom Homes

As a microfinance practitioner I have long struggled to find a book to recommend that succinctly summarizes the power of microfinance. It is easy to delve into the technical details and forget the fundamental reasons for how and why microfinance is lifting millions out of crushing poverty. With A Billion Bootstraps I finally have it: a book that accurately, briefly, and compellingly summarizes this approach to poverty alleviation. I highly recommend it to those who would like an overall description of microfinance, an understanding of why it could be the most effective way of addressing poverty in today's world, and, most importantly, ways to get involved. Peter Greer President, HOPE International