Every so often you read a book that truly has meaning, and that makes a difference. I have just finished reading Half the Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity for Women Worldwide, by Pulitzer authors Nicholas D. Kristof and his wife Sheryl WuDunn. It took me longer to read than a book normally would, because it's hard reading; while the authors are upbeat as writers, they are dealing with devastating situations in the world, including the trafficking of girls and genital mutilation. Some of the stories are hard to read, quite frankly, and then you tell yourself that people lived these lives, and you should have the courage to at least read about them.

The book is not doom and gloom, however, and in fact that's why I decided to take the advice that they offer in the final chapter, "Four Steps You Can Take in the Next Ten Minutes." Before I do that, though, I want to add their links to this page so that anyone who comes across these words will share in the bounty of doing something that might change your life.

Here are the links, and links, and links, and links, and links, and links. Find out what's there, and make a difference in the world.