Bardowell is a respected figure in philanthropy, who has worked both in direct front-line charity services and for funding providers, and in this book he shares his own journey and learning, including the mistakes he can see he made in not calling out or in bad behaviour by funders and taking a patriarchal view of funding and charities, and a history of how philanthropy has worked in mainly the UK but also the US. He calls for a radical new way to distribute philanthropic resources, whether that's the money from big foundations or the time and money ordinary people can "give" (or give back, reparatively, as he and many others would have it, and rightly so).

The detail on how funding bodies and charities work is fascinating, the feedback on how people from Global Majority groups have felt and been interacted with by big organisations (not good, not well) and there's great information on a range of game-changing people and organisations around the word. This is really positive and life-affirming and Bardowell makes a conscious effort to include as many initiatives as possible that are breaking moulds and working on real, systemic change. He does also list ways in which individuals could best divert their funds and energies, encouraging us to think less about giving to large organisations (he includes some excellent questions on social justice policies to ask larger organisations) and worrying about hierarchies and more about giving (back) to smaller, on-the-ground initiatives, run by the people they're for.

There is a lot of extra material, a history of the Black Panthers and lots of history of reggae and hip hop music which, while interesting, and definitely in the case of dancehall music with a real tie-in to the social justice movements he talks about, but I feel this does dilute the central message a bit and might be a bit off-putting to those looking for direct suggestions they can put into action. Maybe there could have been a companion piece or website with this information, as it is interesting and relevant to an extent. I just wonder if it will mean some of the audience doesn't read through right to the end.

So a useful, bold and provocative book which could have been a smaller or two books and perhaps had a stronger effect. I do encourage people to look out for it, though, especially if you're having a think about where your hard-won cash and time might best go.

This was an insightful read into the world of charity and about how to give back to the community. I adore the writing style and the flow of the words on the page. I also loved the title and the cover as it didn't give away too much of what was happening but told me enough to want to read.

3 stars

This isi an excellent book written by someone who has been in the middle of the issues he raises. It is clear that Derek is encouraging everyone to do their part but I felt he did it without alienating anyone. I was encouraged and challenged by this book so much, I've pre-ordered a copy.

This book really made me stop and think about so many things in relation to how we can truly make a difference in the world. Drawing on the work of many different activists and charities the author explores the different ways in which we can give and the merits and downfalls of lots of different approaches to charitable work and giving.
I have really been able to challenge my own thinking about effective giving as a result of reading the author's innovative thoughts and I highly recommend it to those wishing to be challenged to give more effectively. Certainly a book to be read again as it is so rich and innovative. I'm sure I will have many a healthy discussion with friends and colleagues about some of the issues presented in this book and feel grateful to Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A well researched, deep and provocative book that makes you think and introspect how you add value to this world and what you give back to the world that has nourished you.
This is not a book to read at one go but read in pauses so as to understand and feel it changing you from within.
Absolutely amazing book.

Not sure what I was expecting from the blurb of the book but this book was unexpected and interesting. The book accurately talks about the difficulties of working in the third sector (I did this for two organisations previously) and how biased and unhelpful the heirachies in such organisations are. I shared the authors experiences of a heavy focus on quick fire outcomes to the detriment of those I was supporting.
I liked how the book made me consider again the impact of race in inequality issues which are so important to me and my profession as I am aware I do fall into focusing on social class and poverty. The book also talked about black history and included the voices of those working in grass roots organisations which I liked.
I found the discussions about black history in America important but did dilute the book a little and I thought these bits could have been a bit shorter. The book is very much one you need time to digest and think so a bit shorter would have helped maintain the focus. Overall very good though.
Well written and very well researched.