Notes from My Travels: Visits with Refugees in Africa, Cambodia, Pakistan and Ecuador

I hate to say it but before I read this book I was oblivious to much of the worlds sufferings. Now that I have read it I am now more aware of whats going on in the world, and I would like to take action and help out. Angelina Jolie has written something from her heart, not many books come from the heart. In this book you will read about the struggles refugees go through, and how much faith and will they have within themselves as they endure everyday hardships. 'Notes from My Travels' is very meaningful and it was easy to follow. I'm not very good with my memory when it comes to remembering things like statistics and facts but I find myself remembering almost if not all the facts within this book. We should all be very blessed with what we do have, even if it may not seem like much, to another it could mean everything. This book also shows that YOU CAN make a difference. Even in the simplest things like raising awareness to family, friends even strangers. I would like to thank Angelina Jolie, for deeply inspiring me and opening my eyes. - Cristina

"I helped a lot of people with my review thanks a lot to all of you, I can send you pages of the book too." I bought this book and enjoy it. She explains very clearly and it's really true. She risk her life to go and see and help others, because it was dangerous. I recomend this book.[...] Here is a sample. If you would like more to read please e-mail me. ************* "The children here grab your hands walk with you smiling and singing. They have nothing. They are wearing ripped clothes and they are smiling." I could hardly get water out of the shower. The room would be considered poor and run-down by the people from the world I live in, but certainly not by the people here. They would consider it a palace. Im very gratefull Dinner was at eight. Two members of UNHCR field staff and I sat and talked about war, life and survival. They told me many things. I wish I could write every single thing down. The television has only one channel. If they are lucky they will get CNN. It didnt tonight. The difference here. There is so much focus on srvival. You simply live and enjoy the day and the people around you as much as you can. People share. I mention that this place is lacking on things not because I miss them but because I see the way the people who work here live. Most of them are not making any exeptions fot themselves--some may be. I realized that a few people of the group are not kind.

In this written account of Angelina Jolie's early trips with the UNHCR, readers are given a first-hand glimpse at the strength and beauty of refugees from around the world. Jolie holds nothing back, writing with emotion, intelligence, and incredible insight as she describes the people whose suffering inspired her to become a UN Ambassador and donate more than $6 million -- as well as adopt a child,(...) from Cambodia. It is a must-read for Jolie fans as well as anyone who wishes to be more aware of the living conditions of third-world countries. Jolie eats and lives with these people, forgoing all Hollywood luxuries but at the same time knowing that she is barely making any sacrifices compared to how refugees must live on a daily basis. We literally watch as these courageous and inspiring people win her heart... and it's difficult to finish this book without being won over ourselves. One of the most beautiful women in the world describes the world's ugliest crimes against humanity and does so in a way that moves her readers to action. Her two goals are to better understand and to help bring awareness, and by the end she has more than met them.

Angelina Jolie takes you on a journey to see an another world, or let's say the other part of the world that we all have (at least most of us) haven't seen or even thought about. You won't be reading a journal about any typical oscar winner actress but a true philanthropist.Barbara Walters told her:" You can't save the world Angelina"She replied: " yes I know." Yes, she is not saving the world but she is making a difference.Her book proves it, her travels have changed her and they may change you too. Her new perspective of life is described in such simple words yet so full of meaning, they will take you into the profund depths of the world: its truth. In other words, the book is amazing. By helping others, she has helped herself: she is now a more reasonnable person and knew that life is not about thinking only about yourself but it is thinking about others. That way you know you are at least useful to yourself and others.Anyways, the book is great!