Kindness in Action
A Sandwich That Changed Everything
Some books entertain, some books educate, and then there are books like Meant for More—stories that reshape how you see the world. Karen Olson’s memoir is not just a personal account; it’s a testament to the power of one moment, one decision, one act of compassion.
It all started in 1982 when Olson, a successful marketing executive, stopped to buy a sandwich for Millie, an elderly homeless woman outside Grand Central Station. A small act. But it was the catalyst for something bigger—a shift that led Olson to found Family Promise, a nationwide organisation that has since helped over 180,000 people annually break the cycle of homelessness.
The Numbers Tell a Story
Homelessness is often reduced to statistics—numbers on a page, problems too vast to solve. But Olson turns those numbers into names, faces, and real human experiences. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, over 30% of U.S. homeless families are led by single mothers. Olson doesn’t just cite these facts—she brings them to life with firsthand accounts of those affected.
The strength of Meant for More lies in its intimate storytelling. Olson weaves together her own childhood grief, her journey in corporate America, and the lives of those she has helped, creating a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally relevant.
History Repeats, But So Does Hope
The Great Depression saw Hoovervilles spring up across the U.S.—tent cities where families clung to survival. Nearly a century later, homelessness remains a persistent crisis, but Meant for More argues that compassion is the most powerful intervention.
Olson’s story echoes the sentiment of Helen Keller, who once said, “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.” The book is filled with real-life accounts of volunteers, donors, and families who prove that when communities unite, the impossible becomes possible.
A Wake-Up Call Without Preaching
Many books on social issues carry a tone of guilt or moral obligation, but Olson avoids that. Instead, Meant for More is a gentle but firm call to action. She doesn’t demand that readers overhaul their lives—she simply asks:
“What small kindness can you offer today?”
It’s an invitation, not an indictment. A subtle shift in perspective that lingers long after the last page.
Final Verdict: More Than Just a Memoir
Is this book just about homelessness? No. It’s about human connection. It’s about recognising the invisible and understanding that sometimes, the smallest acts of kindness aren’t small at all.
Karen Olson didn’t plan to change the world—she just listened to one woman’s story. And that listening turned into action, which turned into a movement. Meant for More is a reminder that we, too, are meant for more.
Content Warning:
The book includes discussions on homelessness, grief, depression, and suicide. While handled with care and sensitivity, some themes may be emotionally intense for readers with personal connections to these topics.
Open Your Heart
We’d love to know how this book resonated with you! Your reflections might inspire others to read the book — or even take action. 💬
Here are a few questions to get you thinking:
- What part of the book’s message impacted you the most?
- Did the author’s journey or a character’s experience shift your perspective?
- How did the book inspire you to approach kindness, purpose, or community differently?
Let’s explore how books can change hearts and lives! 📚✨
A Difference Maker
This book is a winner of the Difference Maker award.
The Difference Maker award recognizes books that exhibit the courage, foresight, and initiative to bring about significant change—whether on a worldwide or local level. By increasing awareness, igniting hope, and providing a vision for a more compassionate and just world, these works inspire change.
Our honorees remind us of the power of storytelling to drive change. Through their compelling narratives, they prove that a single voice or story can inspire profound shifts in perspective and action. By spotlighting their achievements, we aim to amplify their messages and encourage others to make a difference in their own lives, workplaces, and communities.
Join us in celebrating these inspiring works—books that light the path toward a brighter, more hopeful future. Their words challenge us to dream bigger, give more, and leave a lasting mark on the world.
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Welcome to Books with a Heart, where you’ll find thoughtful feature articles and reviews of books that highlight the power of making a difference through corporate social responsibility, socio-entrepreneurship, nonprofits, charitable work, sustainable practices, or in other heartfelt personal or professional ways. This is your go-to space for discovering inspiring reads that emphasize kindness, social impact, and community-building. Each review offers insights into how these books contribute to creating positive change, providing practical takeaways and motivational stories. Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding or find inspiration, explore our reviews and discover books that touch lives, ignite change, and embody the heart of difference making.
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