A former Microsoft executive describes his change of perspective after visiting Nepal and the creation of the non-profit program Room to Read, a network of schools and libraries throughout rural communities in Asia and Africa John Wood discovered his passion, his greatest success, and his life's work not at business school or helping lead Microsoft's charge into Asia in the 1990s but on a soul-searching trip to the Himalayas. He made the difficult decision to walk away from his lucrative career to create Room to Read, a nonprofit organization that promotes education across the developing world. By the end of 2007, the organization will have established over 5,000 libraries and 400 schools, and awarded long-term scholarships to more than 3,000 girls, giving more than one million children the lifelong gift of education. If you have ever pondered abandoning your desk job for an adventure and an opportunity to give back, Wood's story will inspire you. He offers a vivid, emotional, and absorbing tale of how to take the lessons learned at a hard-charging company like Microsoft and apply them to the world's most pressing social problems. PART 1 DISCOVERING NEPAL; LEAVING MICROSOFT ``Perhaps, Sir, You Will Someday Come Back with Books'' 3(9) An Idea Burns by Candlelight 12(9) You Need to Get Home Soon! 21(8) Woody and John's Excellent Adventure 29(6) Debating a Radical Change 35(4) Lonely in a City of 12 Million Strangers 39(6) Gates in China 45(16) Walking Away 61(14) PART 2 STARTING OVER The Start-up Years: An Object in Motion Remains in Motion 75(12) Making the Ask 87(10) Expansion beyond Nepal 97(12) A Postcard from Nepal 109(9) What Every Entrepreneur Needs: A Strong Second-in-Command 118(10) September 11 128(9) Building ``the Microsoft of Nonprofits'' 137(14) Building the Network 151(20) Your Life Is a Mess 171(10) PART 3 HITTING OUR STRIDE Putting Girls in Their Place--School! 181(12) ``Count Me In, Don'' 193(6) The Students of Cambodia 199(8) The Network Goes into Overdrive 207(7) Democracy in Action in India 214(5) The Tsunami 219(20) The Millionth Book 239(12) Epilogue The Next Chapter of My Adult Life 251(4) Update: 2007 255(6) Meet John Wood 261(2) About Room to Read 263(2) How You Can Get Involved 265(2) Acknowledgments 267(4) Index 271