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The Blue Sweater: Bridging the Gap Between Rich and Poor in an Interconnected World Hardcover – March 3, 2009

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 698 ratings

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For the first 5,000 copies of The Blue Sweater purchased, a $15 donation per book will be made to Acumen Fund, a nonprofit that invests in transformative businesses to solve the problems of poverty.

The Blue Sweater is the inspiring story of a woman who left a career in international banking to spend her life on a quest to understand global poverty and find powerful new ways of tackling it. It all started back home in Virginia, with the blue sweater, a gift that quickly became her prized possession—until the day she outgrew it and gave it away to Goodwill. Eleven years later in Africa, she spotted a young boy wearing that very sweater, with her name still on the tag inside. That the sweater had made its trek all the way to Rwanda was ample evidence, she thought, of how we are all connected, how our actions—and inaction—touch people every day across the globe, people we may never know or meet.
From her first stumbling efforts as a young idealist venturing forth in Africa to the creation of the trailblazing organization she runs today, Novogratz tells gripping stories with unforgettable characters—women dancing in a Nairobi slum, unwed mothers starting a bakery, courageous survivors of the Rwandan genocide, entrepreneurs building services for the poor against impossible odds.
She shows, in ways both hilarious and heartbreaking, how traditional charity often fails, but how a new form of philanthropic investing called "patient capital" can help make people self-sufficient and can change millions of lives. More than just an autobiography or a how-to guide to addressing poverty,
The Blue Sweater is a call to action that challenges us to grant dignity to the poor and to rethink our engagement with the world.
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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Novogratz combined her twin passions for banking and philanthropy after she left a lucrative corporate banking position to work with women's groups in microfinance, the pioneering banking strategy that won Muhammad Yunus a Nobel Peace Prize in 2006. Her work merging market systems with development and social empowerment led her to create the Acumen Fund for entrepreneurs in developing nations, which she describes as the opposite of old-fashioned charity. Novogratz also focuses on her own developmental path as she charts her evolving views of capitalism and how she will change the world. Unfortunately, she stumbles when she strays into biographical territory, relying on clichés to bolster her professional decisions through a personal lens. The book is most interesting when it touches on the difficult decisions that Novogratz and her team must make about financial empowerment—should they charge interest on loans to poor women? can working women find acceptance in a patriarchal society?—but these dilemmas are facilely glossed, keeping the book in an uncomfortable limbo between a personal narrative and a primer on globalization. (Feb.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Acumen Fund founder Novogratz blends two narratives in this memoir about her years fighting global poverty. In one thread, she recounts her early experiences in Africa developing microfinance organizations to assist women. Many of her reminiscences focus on relationships with the local women in government who were key to her success as well as the personal trials she encountered matching her Western vision with their ideas about the future. She also writes about later work in India and Pakistan. The other thread focuses on her return to Rwanda after the genocide. Although her inside view of global poverty initiatives and politics at the most basic level makes for interesting reading, her personal story intrudes in a manner that some readers may find self-serving. Her reflections on the genocide also detract from the economic discussion in India and Pakistan, rendering the book more Rwanda-centric (and thus more political) than she may have intended. In the end, Novogratz does provide enough information on microfinance to make readers curious to learn more. --Colleen Mondor

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Rodale Books; First Edition (March 3, 2009)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1594869154
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1594869150
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.25 x 1 x 9.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 698 ratings

About the author

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Jacqueline Novogratz
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Until May 26th, your purchase of Manifesto for a Moral Revolution will give you free access to Jaqueline's class "The Path of Moral Leadership." Visit acumenacademy.org to redeem and learn important practices from leaders who have broken boundaries and improved how the poor, the vulnerable, and the earth are treated.

Jacqueline Novogratz is the founder and CEO of Acumen. She has been named one of the Top 100 Global Thinkers by Foreign Policy, one of the 25 Smartest People of the Decade by the Daily Beast, and one of the world’s 100 Greatest Living Business Minds by Forbes, which also honored her with the Forbes 400 Lifetime Achievement Award for Social Entrepreneurship.

More information at www.acumen.org/moralrevolution. All proceeds from the book sales go to Acumen to fight poverty and support moral leaders.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
698 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book inspiring and empowering. They describe it as an engaging read with compelling prose and realistic content. The story is described as entertaining and full of adventures, with action, murder, intrigue, politics, villains, and heroes. Readers appreciate the author's compassion and empathy for the poor. They praise her honesty about her mistakes, frustrations, and lack of knowledge.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

83 customers mention "Inspirational content"83 positive0 negative

Customers find the book inspiring and empowering. They appreciate the author's interesting experiences in Africa and the great examples of growth mindset. The background story provides a better understanding of her motivation behind her work. Readers learn about Jacqueline's life and what she has done to make an impact in countries. The book's basic idea is great, but it seems to have many different tangents.

"...conquered over those challenges with new perspective, gave us a valuable insight into a life and experiences of a social entrepreneur...." Read more

"...I loved the book though; it pushed me to think deeper and care more...." Read more

"...her hope and belief in human nature to create a new, vibrant and influential fund that changes the landscape of philanthropic giving in Africa and..." Read more

"...Her account is certainly one of the most inspiring stories I've heard, and it was even more touching because I was able to relate to her passion in..." Read more

67 customers mention "Readability"67 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read with compelling prose and realistic insights. They appreciate the extensive reading list and vivid descriptions that transport them to different settings. The author's motivational writing style is described as heartfelt and inspiring.

"...Interesting points and Take-aways from this amazing book - ' How we all are connected?..." Read more

"...status quo and her hope and belief in human nature to create a new, vibrant and influential fund that changes the landscape of philanthropic giving..." Read more

"...It is a good read for those wishing to gain practical knowledge about working in development, in the developing world." Read more

"...With vivid descriptions that put you right in a hut in Kigali or a field in India, she explores the human side of poverty, commerce, creativity,..." Read more

18 customers mention "Story quality"18 positive0 negative

Customers find the story engaging and entertaining. They appreciate the detailed background information and the good premise. The book is described as an amazing tale of one woman's dedication to the greater good. It features action, murder, intrigue, politics, villains, and heroes. Readers mention it's an amazing journey with life-changing lessons.

"...true to the title, and Jacqueline was, in my opinion, the best person to make that journey...." Read more

"...a field in India, she explores the human side of poverty, commerce, creativity, tragedy and joy...." Read more

"Jacqueline Novogratz's as an author is neat or imaginative, and her stories are potent...." Read more

"...Some very interesting and helpful information that goes along with this book is that the Acumen Fund recommends using a teaching guide...." Read more

9 customers mention "Compassion"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book compassionate and heartfelt. It explores the human side of poverty, commerce, creativity, tragedy, and inspires them to help the poor effectively. The author treats the poor as people with dignity and worth. The book is well-written and passionate, combining a memoir with a social analysis of international aid.

"...It is through treating the poor as people, as peers and giving them the respect and tools they need to shape their own destiny to own their own..." Read more

"...I now realize that the poor are my brothers and sisters and truly helping them is not about charity...." Read more

"Well written. Passionate. Smart, experienced, valuable female point-of-view. Blueprint ideology for service." Read more

"...A cross between a memoire and a social analysis of international aid." Read more

6 customers mention "Honesty"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the author's honesty. They find her compassion, bravery, conviction, and good humor. They say she provides an honest account of her mistakes, lacks, joys, and successes.

"...And in fact, I did get that at first. Novogratz herself provides an honest account of an admittedly naive young woman who, having left a lucrative..." Read more

"...Novogratz is honest about her frustrations and other's frustrations with her...." Read more

"...I found the honesty most refreshing and also found it challenging at the same time...." Read more

"She is so honest about her mistakes and lacks as well as the joys and successes...." Read more

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2011
    Brief Description
    Blue Sweater is story of Jacqueline's journey on the road of change. What challenges & hardships she felt and how she conquered over those challenges with new perspective, gave us a valuable insight into a life and experiences of a social entrepreneur. Jacqueline left a high paying wall street to work in developing and poor nations of Africa. Though she was having noble intentions and raging passion to change the world for good but world had a whole lot different colors and spices in store for her. She went from country to country, started a women microfinance organization in Rwanda, worked with African governments, led teams at Rockefeller foundations and went on to build one of the most successful social entrepreneurial company called `Acumen Fund'.

    Interesting points and Take-aways from this amazing book -

    ' How we all are connected?
    Sometimes we can't even imagine how our daily actions and activities are affecting others in the world. We saw one example of blue sweater that traveled across continents. This was a tangible example. But the way we consume light, water and energy and how that in turn affect our less fortunate brothers and sisters, is definitely something to think about. We're not an insolated system but a part of a global one. Her Blue sweater's journey across the world tells the same.

    'Importance of building trust and relationships
    With instances of food poisoning, fear of being under a voodoo spell and getting mugged, Jacqueline faced many great roadblocks in the road of doing well. Though her intentions were noble, but she learned over a period how she has to build trust in order to get her intentions across to people. After few years, some women in the community were impressed by the persistence and gave her a platform to execute her vision. It hits home the point of establishing trust first and then executing noble plans.

    'Listening and Adapting
    Good intellect, noble intention and passion were needed to solve the untouched problems. But to make sure that right problems are solved and solution designed are truly what needed, listening becomes the most important skill. Author explained in couple of instances like bakery paint instance and being told that growth should be at Rwanda's pace and not at her own though her intentions were pure. Those things really suggest that people trying to change the world change need to themselves first and then they can make a real difference. They listen and they adapt the process though ultimate goal is still the same. It was a change of from her vision to Rwanda's vision.

    'Breaking the norms
    Social taboos are high in less educated communities and they can indeed break the momentum of progress in any nation. Those are one of the main speed breakers on the road to change. But understanding that those norms are deep rooted into the very thread of the society and thus can't be easily changed without taking some resistance from the masses, played an important role into her personal and professional life.

    'Institutions Matters
    Where governments, universal organizations such as Red Cross, UNICEF were failing, Duterimbere and such organizations were the answers. Understanding that people in these countries know how to solve their problem and don't need charity but just need an opportunity. Big flows of aid create corruption and mismanagement. And scattered efforts don't make big impact but collective efforts with an established accountability structure in form of organizations and microenterprises are the answers to some of biggest national and community problems.

    'Social Entrepreneurship is not about just numbers
    "Duterimbere" has done well in areas that are beyond numbers. Just not providing financial support to women, it brought a social change and had a much bigger impact on the society that its financial sheets may not show. Women opening their bank accounts without husband's signature, running banks and holding major positions in business, all these are also sign of much greater impact that this institution had in the mindset of its people. Aware youth who talks about international politics and discusses current technology, all are indirect benefits of this bank.
    13 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2015
    This book had so much to explore. It stayed true to the title, and Jacqueline was, in my opinion, the best person to make that journey. Her eyes were open to her surroundings in a way no one else could be. Her wits also got her places no one would go, but she accepted it. I couldn't find one thing wrong with this book, other then my comprehension of it. I would read over a paragraph 5 times, trying to find the deep meaning the author wanted me to see, but my reading level was most definitely insufficient to comprehend it. I loved the book though; it pushed me to think deeper and care more. My emotions throughout changed so much it was like a roller coaster, but that might've just been hormones. Lol! But pick this book up if you have the chance. It's definitely worth it!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2011
    Jacqueline Novogratz and her book The Blue Sweater are both amazing! In the The Blue Sweater, Novogratz reveals the intricacies of traveling to foreign lands loaded with idealism and in search of ways to change the world. A great read into the subtle differences of culture and rifts in perception are challenged during her journeys abroad. Novogratz's ability to adapt in foreign territory and overall make an impact prevailed. She takes us through her initial naïve approaches to mid-course adjustments to her ultimate success in empowering Rwandan women to open bank accounts, take and repay loans and grow their businesses to support themselves and their communities. Though the road to success was not smooth, the shared goals she created with a dynamic group of co-founders were tangibly realized in the microfinance bank turned credit union called "Duterimbere." Twenty years later it serves 50,000 clients and is making a difference in the lives of women and families.

    A persistent and growing sense of frustration with traditional charity in Africa, the US and elsewhere caused the author to investigate the failures of philanthropy. Many resources were misapplied and leading struggling people down the wrong path towards dependency and not self sufficiency. It was honest conversations about what did not work that helped guide Novogratz's new efforts - to create a dynamic in philanthropic giving that did not follow the norm and that included buy in, support and participation from both sides of the coin.

    That "all human beings are created equal" is a significant guiding principle reiterated in the book - a moral concept and economic imperative underscored by the devastating Rwandan genocide. This includes opportunities for basic services for rich and the poor alike. Access to services for the poor in addition to Novogratz's frustration with traditional philanthropy led her to explore a new paradigm. Traditional charity, she argued, created passive "givers" and "takers," but did not build accountability and did not strengthen institutions to keep providing tools for change. Rather, handing out grants essentially became the source of income rather than the catalyst for a healthy, sustained, market-driven organization. It created a cycle of dependence and corruption rather than reinforcing the moral compass of those doing the work or supporting the innovative drive of nonprofits and governments. Ultimately, philanthropy was doing a disservice to the people it was suppose to help. After years of this frustration, she embarked on a social change venture that was a significant risk to herself and her partners. She put together like-minded people with ideas, drive and access to capital - large amounts of it - and created her own fund. Acumen Fund formed a new relationship between "investors" and inventive institutions with the potential to deliver dividends quantified in terms of the "change" they could make in serving poor communities, whether through clean water access, alternative energy creation, healthcare and more.

    Today, Rwanda has more women in parliament than any nation and stands as a model to the world. Many of the opportunities for women that the author sought to create at the beginning of the book have become real. She took her lessons learned, her frustration with the status quo and her hope and belief in human nature to create a new, vibrant and influential fund that changes the landscape of philanthropic giving in Africa and around the world.
    5 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Client Kindle
    5.0 out of 5 stars Favorite
    Reviewed in Canada on July 13, 2024
    My favorite book! Can’t count how many time I read it or talked about it.
  • Shreyans
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best book I’ve read
    Reviewed in India on September 5, 2022
    Must read and so relevant for today’s world. Deeply engaging and insightful for anyone who needs a source of inspiration to take action and start contributing to make a positive social impact
  • Maria Luz
    5.0 out of 5 stars Per cambiare il mondo, fatti ispirare da lei!
    Reviewed in Italy on December 7, 2017
    Che ispirazione! Per cambiare il mondo bisogna esporsi in prima linea e collaborare. Jacqueline é l’eroina del XXI secolo che ha cambiato il mondo
  • Cliente Amazon
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Blue Sweater
    Reviewed in Spain on December 6, 2016
    A must for anyone living in 2016. A pity it is not translated in Spanish and French for more people to enjoy, learn and find true inspiration.
  • Ben Nottingham
    5.0 out of 5 stars One of the most inspiring books I have read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 30, 2014
    This is one of the most inspiring books I have read. Jacqueline Novogratz gives an incredibly honest and humble insight into her experiences of working with people living in some of the most extreme conditions imaginable. From her work in Africa setting up organisations to provide the means to empower local women, to her role in founding Acumen Fund which supports social enterprises and leaders in developing countries across the world, Jacqueline rights as someone who has witnessed the best and worst of human nature. Through the book, Jacqueline gives a detailed and eye-opening account of her work with communities in developing countries including the many mistakes and lessons she's learnt along the way.

    I recommend this book to any one who is interested in social impact and international development. I also believe this should be mandatory reading for any course on Leadership, as Jacqueline Novogratz puts forward a compelling case for why values such as humility, vulnerability, empathy and dignity are the pillars of true leadership.

    A great read!