The International Bank of Bob: Summary and book reviews of The International Bank of Bob by Bob Harris, plus links to an excerpt from The International Bank of Bob and a biography of Bob Harris.

Hired by ForbesTraveler.com to review some of the most luxurious accommodations on Earth, and then inspired by a chance encounter in Dubai with the impoverished workers whose backbreaking jobs create such opulence, Bob Harris had an epiphany: He would turn his own good fortune into an effort to make lives like theirs better. Bob found his way to Kiva.org, the leading portal through which individuals make microloans all over the world: for as little as $25-50, businesses are financed and people are uplifted. Astonishingly, the repayment rate was nearly 99%, so he re-loaned the money to others over and over again. After making hundreds of microloans online, Bob wanted to see the results first-hand, and in The International Bank of Bob he travels from Peru and Bosnia to Rwanda and Cambodia, introducing us to some of the most inspiring and enterprising people we've ever met, while illuminating day-to-day life-political and emotional-in much of the world that Americans never see. Told with humor and compassion, The International Bank of Bob brings the world to our doorstep, and makes clear that each of us can, actually, make it better.

BookBrowse

Bob Harris educates, amuses, and introduces readers to people we're honored to know, all while explaining the sometimes complex workings of micro-finance in a lively and lucid way.  (Reviewed by Jo Perry).

Full Review (1018 words).

Media Reviews

Publishers Weekly There's ample humor and empathy, yet the book's tone, sentimentality, and extensive footnotes undermine the well-meaning intentions of his literary, if not his actual, enterprise.   Kirkus Reviews In an engaging, fully transparent, upbeat narrative, with chockablock footnotes and resources, Harris presents the MFI case very persuasively. Joss Whedon No book this important should be this delightful. Bob Harris's funny, tender, and incisive opus works as both an engaging personal memoir and a clear introduction to the world of micro finance. Arianna Huffington, President and Editor-in-Chief, The Huffington Post Media Group Surprising in so many ways: a travelogue that makes the people in exotic locales as accessible as your next-door neighbors; a book about poverty alleviation that often makes you laugh out loud (or cry, sometimes on the same page.); and a portrayal of loving families in challenging environments that leaves you feeling stronger, more connected to the world, and full of hope. In short: joyous, human, and inspiring. Steven Pinker, Harvard College Professor of Psychology, Harvard University, and author of The Better Angels of Our Nature Bob Harris shows us how to save the world without being an insufferable prig - The International Bank of Bob is enlightening, inspiring, and entertaining. Arthur Phillips, author of The Tragedy of Arthur Read this book. Be amazed at a man as decent as Bob Harris. Learn how the world works. Actually help improve the world. And be entertained, amused, and enlightened along the way. Seriously. Just by reading a book. Ken Jennings, author of Because I Said So! Truly inspirational. Ten minutes after I finished this book, The International Bank of Ken opened in Cambodia.

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