What impression did you have of Bill, Melinda and the Gates Foundation before reading the book? Did your opinion of them change as you read it?

What impression did you have of Bill, Melinda and the Gates Foundation before reading the book? Did your opinion of them change as you read it?

I didn't have an opinion before I read this. Now I can see all the good they do.

I do not think my opinion of them has changed. I have seen them interviewed and followed some of their giving. I have a great respect for both of them I did, of course, learn much more about them.

I have always been in awe of them. Wonderful amazing people who do so much for so many. I enjoyed reading Melinda Gates book. It was well written and nice to know first hand of their history, personal life and some of the women they have helped. I have always been a fan.

I had a positive impression before, but did not really know much except that they put money behind good causes and helping people. After reading this book, I understand a little better what they actually do and respect them a great deal.

No, it didn't change my impression of either one. I think they have been very fortunate, hard-working people and I respect everything they do...for me this book was about the women Melinda met with and her sharing the stories. It verged on "look at all the good things I am doing" but never crossed that line and that was an impression (good) that I had not expected.

I'd seen the couple on the news and was aware of their foundation. I thought well of them before reading the book due to their charitable giving, but there were some surprises. I was definitely unaware of the fact that Melinda is the driving force behind a lot of their work, and that she's so hands-on! I guess I thought they just wrote checks. I'm impressed with how much time they give to their causes, and their ability to marshall other wealthy and/or influential people to help out.

I agree with kimk’s comments. I thought most of their foundation work had to do with computers and education. I am impressed with their travels to foreign countries, not as tourists in posh places, but as caring adults who have the resources to help effect positive changes. These changes are brought about through conversations with those who will benefit through the knowledge of what is needed most and, through sharing and listening. I am so impressed at their willingness to be as generous with their time and attention to people of so many countries. They aren’t just pushing money into these countries—they go far beyond that with their willingness to work within those countries for lifting women, which improves the lives of families.

I've always had a lot of respect for them and am in awe of their philanthropy. I think they have it "right". I think being successful carries with it an obligation to do good in the world and to help other people become successful also. Everyone should feel if someone mentored them, they need to mentor someone else.

Previously, I mostly knew the Gates Foundation through all the work they did to get computers for everyone to use into public libraries. This was a huge project and they did so much to get libraries started as a place for anyone to go for free computer access. I didn’t know much about what else the Foundation does.

After reading the book, I know a lot more about how much they’re doing worldwide to help people improve their lives.

Like kimk, I had a favorable impression of the foundation and its extensive charitable work, but I was quite impressed by how thoroughly vetted the programs they select to support appear to be, and by the depth of Melinda Gates's imvolvment.

I was aware of the Foundation and some of the work they have done. I was unaware of the variety of work in many less developed countries. I was impressed by Melinda's efforts to really understand the culture of a place before just suggesting changes. I didn't realize the extent of Melinda's involvement. She isn't just a name and figurehead, but believes in how and where they are involved to make a change for the better.

I was aware of the good they're doing; I know they've nearly eradicated malaria (I think) in Africa. I wasn't aware of how much they focus on womens' empowerment. She makes a very good case for why they do that and how helping women helps everybody.

I knew about the Gates and their philanthropy, but had no idea to what extent it goes. And I knew virtually nothing about Melinda Gates. This book has been excellent about teaching me more about them as a couple and all of the wonderful things they have done for the less fortunate and especially womens rights!

Before reading the book, I felt like many others. Melinda and Bill Gates are incredibly privileged and that they could give BILLIONS of dollars and still be billionaires. So what was the big deal? I now understand how hard they work (particularly Melinda) in targeting their causes and doing the best not to perpetuation the problem that American billionaires giving their money away, will ruin everything! I now have deep admiration for Melinda Gates, as a person, as a women, and as a philanthropist.

I had always know they were philanthropic but never realized the de depth of their commitment and engagement.

I knew Bill and Melinda were enormously wealthy and were generous philanthropists. I appreciated the fact that they "gave back" in such a big way. This book goes to the heart of those beliefs they have that guide them in their work.