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

Darius Graham
BookSurge (2008)
ISBN 9781419673405
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (1/09)


“Being the Difference” is a compilation of inspiring stories of everyday people who have combined experience with passion to impact the world. Award-winning author Darius Graham has chosen vignettes that cultivate volunteerism, compassion, and personal empowerment.

Tribute is given to a unique group of thirteen people who saw a problem, believed they could bring change, and who faced the insurmountable odds to accomplish their dream.

Reading the stories of  these extraordinary heroes evokes a wide range of emotions in light of the roadblocks, obstacles and rejections faced in the pursuit of their dream to provide aid, deliverance, and change to those they saw in need.

I enjoyed the story of Matt D’Arrigo, founder and director of A Reason To Survive, Inc. (ARTS). Matt discovered how art brought him joy in the midst of caring for his mother during her terminal illness. He went on to fulfill his dream by giving others the opportunity to discover the same joy.

Bob Lobue is the writer, producer, and director of “Visions” - a play about addiction and recovery. His story of persistence in light of the seeming impossible is one more example of generating radical change in desperate lives.

Graham relates the story of Shirlene Cooper’s service to the AIDS community. Other stories tell how concerned individuals have reached out to the homeless, become active in juvenile services, provided parental guidance, become promoters for safe schools, and offered inspiration to the handicapped.

Graham’s writing is straightforward and articulate. He conveys a strong inner faith in humanity. He is an advocate for these gallant “Samaritans” ready to offer solutions to needs as they impact the world.

Although he does not detail his own dream in the book, Graham recognized a need for help in literacy and created Books All Around, Inc. - a non-profit organization that promotes youth literacy.

The courage and dedication of these examples of hope linger on in my thoughts long after I closed the covers on the final chapter of “Being the Difference” by Darius Graham. Inspirational.

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