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I Like Giving: The Transforming Power of a Generous Life
When you choose to live a generous life, you start to change and so does the world around you. Something incredible happens when giving becomes your own idea, not something you do out of duty or obligation.
When you move from awareness to action, miracles happen. As you make giving a lifestyle, you’ll realize you’re not only loving life more, you’re also creating a more generous world— a better world for all of us.
Rich with stories and practical suggestions, I Like Giving helps you create a lifestyle of generosity. Inside you’ll find:
• Giving—something you get to do, not something you’ve got to do.
• How to raise kids with a sensitivity to others’ needs.
• You don’t have to be a millionaire to make a difference.
• Practical ideas for giving to people around you every day.
I Like Giving is about experiencing the joy of giving. We all have something to give. Giving goes way beyond money or things. It can be a listening ear, a touch, or simply the gift of time. Giving is living.
When you move from awareness to action, miracles happen. As you make giving a lifestyle, you’ll realize you’re not only loving life more, you’re also creating a more generous world— a better world for all of us.
Rich with stories and practical suggestions, I Like Giving helps you create a lifestyle of generosity. Inside you’ll find:
• Giving—something you get to do, not something you’ve got to do.
• How to raise kids with a sensitivity to others’ needs.
• You don’t have to be a millionaire to make a difference.
• Practical ideas for giving to people around you every day.
I Like Giving is about experiencing the joy of giving. We all have something to give. Giving goes way beyond money or things. It can be a listening ear, a touch, or simply the gift of time. Giving is living.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
51 people are currently reading
461 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
October 2, 2014
Review:
I received this book from Blogging for books for free for an unbiased review.
I, always, aim for a just review. I try to take into account a lot of different things; from the audience it is intended for, compare it to other books like it, my personal opinion does have some weight but not as much as one would think. (Or at least I am trying harder ever review I write for this to be the case) I tell you this because I was completely thrown off by this book. I accumulate a lot of information about the author and the book before I even start to read it. Nowhere was there any mention of any religious connotation whatsoever. I am not against religious books or anything written with a religious undertone to it. But I would like a fair warning. This book is not at all publicized as being a religious piece. This can be a problem for many people who pick up this book as a way to better their lives, who don’t want to religious sermon.
This book is advertised as a way to change people’s lives for the better. Helping others with your generosity, ideas on how to do this was a great idea. This book ended up being stories of inspiration with religious undertones. I also had a huge battle throughout this book dealing with the extent of giving. The author goes to say “we also know this type of life is available to anyone, no matter who you are, where you live, or how much money you have.” And then goes to say “you have to be willing to go on a journey that will be scary and uncomfortable at times….” Which I think frightens the readers into wondering which direction to go. This book walks a fine line between giving to others in need and “giving the shirt of your back”. I am all for giving what I can when I can but I am not apt to put myself or my family into a position that leaves my family high and dry. I am not like the author willing to sell my business to work for a non-profit organization and wonder if I am going to have to sell my house. I am more apt to make hats and scarfs for homeless or less fortunate people than myself. Or even pay for a dinner for someone who needs one.
I was hoping for a book with “practical ideas and inspirational stories” like the cover said. I didn’t find much of these stories as practical. Though practical is a relative term, what is practical for someone with extra money and what is practical for someone just scraping by is another thing entirely.
I received this book from Blogging for books for free for an unbiased review.
I, always, aim for a just review. I try to take into account a lot of different things; from the audience it is intended for, compare it to other books like it, my personal opinion does have some weight but not as much as one would think. (Or at least I am trying harder ever review I write for this to be the case) I tell you this because I was completely thrown off by this book. I accumulate a lot of information about the author and the book before I even start to read it. Nowhere was there any mention of any religious connotation whatsoever. I am not against religious books or anything written with a religious undertone to it. But I would like a fair warning. This book is not at all publicized as being a religious piece. This can be a problem for many people who pick up this book as a way to better their lives, who don’t want to religious sermon.
This book is advertised as a way to change people’s lives for the better. Helping others with your generosity, ideas on how to do this was a great idea. This book ended up being stories of inspiration with religious undertones. I also had a huge battle throughout this book dealing with the extent of giving. The author goes to say “we also know this type of life is available to anyone, no matter who you are, where you live, or how much money you have.” And then goes to say “you have to be willing to go on a journey that will be scary and uncomfortable at times….” Which I think frightens the readers into wondering which direction to go. This book walks a fine line between giving to others in need and “giving the shirt of your back”. I am all for giving what I can when I can but I am not apt to put myself or my family into a position that leaves my family high and dry. I am not like the author willing to sell my business to work for a non-profit organization and wonder if I am going to have to sell my house. I am more apt to make hats and scarfs for homeless or less fortunate people than myself. Or even pay for a dinner for someone who needs one.
I was hoping for a book with “practical ideas and inspirational stories” like the cover said. I didn’t find much of these stories as practical. Though practical is a relative term, what is practical for someone with extra money and what is practical for someone just scraping by is another thing entirely.
February 28, 2014
I Like Giving is a book that belongs on every bookshelf! This book is inspiring, heart-warming, and above all has changed my view of giving. The book is filled with wonderful stories of giving; not just giving money, but time, experience, a kind word, a gesture. The stories encompass a great range of ages and experiences. The author, Brad Formsma does not "sugar coat" the giving experience. He talks about when giving "gets messy" and when you are rejected as a giver. He also talks about the "Science of Giving" in chapter 5. One of my favorite quotes from the book is "sometimes the line between giving and receiving disappears". Awesome and so true! This book has transformed my family. My young children often ask me to read stories from the "book with dots". We are becoming a generous family. We visited the website affiliated with the book www.ilikegiving.com and watched some fanatic short giving videos. This book and website are highly recommended. It will change you and your family.
December 1, 2019
I have to admit that this was one of my guilty pleasures – reading touching stories about people that give to others and how those donations were received, especially right before the Christmas season and the overwhelm of Hallmark Christmas movies. There were a lot of personal stories here. Most were the touching, positive stories you’d expect, though the author included some stories that showed some of the issues involved in giving and receiving charity. Also of interest was the author’s personal story, building a business, then moving on to lead a non-profit. While I enjoyed many of the stories, I find on reflection, a week after reading, that I don’t recall any particulars beyond the author’s own stories. So for me, this was good for a relaxing and involving read, but more to set a mood than to provide guidance or examples.
December 31, 2022
I Truly Loved This Book
Outstanding and inspiring
I truly loved this book.
The stories were so touching and engaging.
I love Brad's writing.
I would definitely read more of his books.
This book made me want to give even more!
So encouraging.
Very highly recommended.
4.9/5
Outstanding and inspiring
I truly loved this book.
The stories were so touching and engaging.
I love Brad's writing.
I would definitely read more of his books.
This book made me want to give even more!
So encouraging.
Very highly recommended.
4.9/5
December 7, 2024
But there is something quite inspiring about hearing the little stories.
January 14, 2025
This was much better than the last book I read on giving. It gave a lot of ideas on how to look for opportunities to be generous and how small things can have a big impact.
June 9, 2018
I highly recommend you read this and pair it with Cami Walker’s 29 Gifts. Together they have done much to change the way I look at life.
July 21, 2025
This is a nice little book all about having a lifestyle of giving. We live in a world that’s take, take, take — and it’s refreshing to read stories (tons of them!) of radical giving.
March 3, 2014
I Like Giving by Brad Formsma is a book that focuses simply on the joy of giving. There is a lot on financial giving, but also plenty of stories about other forms of giving as well. He admits that his family do have the financial resources available to meet the needs of others, and I love how they look for opportunities. His family does have rules on how much to give without having a family discussion. Generosity is wonderful, but boundaries do need to be set. The stories of financial giving in the book vary from one person giving, a few friends giving, on up to someone creating a Facebook Event to help a fellow student who was struggling. Sometimes the act of allowing others to be a part of the giving effort is its own act of giving.
The stories are not strictly about money, but suggest other ways to make a difference. Through a series of small anecdotes entitled "I Like.......", we learn of opportunities people shared of giving time, a smile, a second chance, etc. Some required more sacrifice than others, but all agreed that it was worth any sacrifice made to make a difference in the life of someone else.
One of the ones that made me smile, and enforced the idea of training our children in the way they should live involved potty training. Not only was this 3 year old little boy in the habit of wasting food, but he was also in no hurry to be potty trained. When his mom explained to him about other people going hungry due to lack of food, he asked how they could help. His mom got creative and resourceful by suggesting that the money they spent on Pull-Ups could be used to help people who are hungry. He went on to have the pride of knowing he was in "big boy underwear", but that he was also helping others. A very large lesson for a small boy, but one that needs to be learned early.
Some of the stories may seem redundant, but I can't name one I would omit. Not only is this a book that makes you feel good as you rejoice with both the recipient and with the giver, but it is one that make spark ideas on ways you can make a difference. A quote by Henry Nouwen on the 'I Like Giving' website is, "Every time I take a step in the direction of generosity, I know I am moving from fear to love". I love the encouragement to give whatever it is you have to offer, and that this is not just about giving to the poor. People from all walks of life can use encouragement and your gift, no matter how great or small, can make a powerful impact on both the recipient's life and your own.
Thanks to Shelton Interactive for giving me the book at no cost for review purposes. I was not required to give a positive review.
The stories are not strictly about money, but suggest other ways to make a difference. Through a series of small anecdotes entitled "I Like.......", we learn of opportunities people shared of giving time, a smile, a second chance, etc. Some required more sacrifice than others, but all agreed that it was worth any sacrifice made to make a difference in the life of someone else.
One of the ones that made me smile, and enforced the idea of training our children in the way they should live involved potty training. Not only was this 3 year old little boy in the habit of wasting food, but he was also in no hurry to be potty trained. When his mom explained to him about other people going hungry due to lack of food, he asked how they could help. His mom got creative and resourceful by suggesting that the money they spent on Pull-Ups could be used to help people who are hungry. He went on to have the pride of knowing he was in "big boy underwear", but that he was also helping others. A very large lesson for a small boy, but one that needs to be learned early.
Some of the stories may seem redundant, but I can't name one I would omit. Not only is this a book that makes you feel good as you rejoice with both the recipient and with the giver, but it is one that make spark ideas on ways you can make a difference. A quote by Henry Nouwen on the 'I Like Giving' website is, "Every time I take a step in the direction of generosity, I know I am moving from fear to love". I love the encouragement to give whatever it is you have to offer, and that this is not just about giving to the poor. People from all walks of life can use encouragement and your gift, no matter how great or small, can make a powerful impact on both the recipient's life and your own.
Thanks to Shelton Interactive for giving me the book at no cost for review purposes. I was not required to give a positive review.
February 6, 2014
The book I Like Giving (releasing on Feb. 18/14) is written by Brad Formsma, the creator of ilikegiving.com.
I Like Giving is a very personal and human look at generosity. The book is made up of numerous stories from people who stepped out to participate in various compassionate and creative acts of generosity. What I appreciate about this look at generosity is that it isn’t solely focused on financial generosity. The sky is the limit on how we can be generous and give in powerful ways to those around us.
Although the book talks at length about the beauty of giving, it doesn’t romanticize it, and instead honestly addresses the challenges that can accompany giving. Sometimes being generous is awkward and sometimes people will reject our generosity, but that shouldn’t stop us from being generous people. Another aspect of giving that the book does a great job at unpacking is being good at receiving. Often times we are great at giving but we are poor at being the recipient of someone else’s generosity. This was a great reminder about allowing others to receive the blessing of giving by being good at receiving.
On top of the great content in the book, it is also a very attractive book and is laid out in a really interesting way.
Here are a few of my favorite quotes:
“When we choose to give, we change, and the people around us change. When we move from awareness to action, miracles happen” (p. 6).
“Sometimes we need to give more than other people need to receive” (p. 50).
“…my compassion can’t be directed by other people’s decisions” (p. 88).
“…the lines between giving and receiving disappear. You might see yourself as a giver in one situation but realize that the blessing you receive from giving is so great that you are really the receiver” (p. 172-173).
I would definitely recommend this book as a practical and inspirational look at generosity.
Check out ilikegiving.com for more information, short films, stories and more. You can also follow this movement on Facebook and on Twitter (@ilikegiving).
Blog: www.jonathanstephens.wordpress.com
Twitter: @jonstephensNY
I Like Giving is a very personal and human look at generosity. The book is made up of numerous stories from people who stepped out to participate in various compassionate and creative acts of generosity. What I appreciate about this look at generosity is that it isn’t solely focused on financial generosity. The sky is the limit on how we can be generous and give in powerful ways to those around us.
Although the book talks at length about the beauty of giving, it doesn’t romanticize it, and instead honestly addresses the challenges that can accompany giving. Sometimes being generous is awkward and sometimes people will reject our generosity, but that shouldn’t stop us from being generous people. Another aspect of giving that the book does a great job at unpacking is being good at receiving. Often times we are great at giving but we are poor at being the recipient of someone else’s generosity. This was a great reminder about allowing others to receive the blessing of giving by being good at receiving.
On top of the great content in the book, it is also a very attractive book and is laid out in a really interesting way.
Here are a few of my favorite quotes:
“When we choose to give, we change, and the people around us change. When we move from awareness to action, miracles happen” (p. 6).
“Sometimes we need to give more than other people need to receive” (p. 50).
“…my compassion can’t be directed by other people’s decisions” (p. 88).
“…the lines between giving and receiving disappear. You might see yourself as a giver in one situation but realize that the blessing you receive from giving is so great that you are really the receiver” (p. 172-173).
I would definitely recommend this book as a practical and inspirational look at generosity.
Check out ilikegiving.com for more information, short films, stories and more. You can also follow this movement on Facebook and on Twitter (@ilikegiving).
Blog: www.jonathanstephens.wordpress.com
Twitter: @jonstephensNY
February 9, 2018
I just checked off "a book about Christian living" from my 2018 reading challenge. I read "I Like Giving: The Transforming Power of a Generous Life" by Brad Formsma. Most of this book is "giving" stories which I did find motivational. Hearing different ways people gave helped kickstart my own brain to think of ways I could apply this in my own life. However, I was disappointed that almost all giving was "humanistic" rather than "God-glorifying". Meaning it wasn't giving "in Jesus name" (Mark 9:41) but rather giving for the sake of giving where ultimately the person who gave or anonymous "good people" get the praise. A better approach is that a person "let[s] [their] light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matt 5:16). I want my giving to bring glory to God, not to me or to "restore faith in humanity" (as mentioned in one story in the book). Having said that, I don't want to be super critical because the author is better in this discipline than I am. I have more to learn from him than he has to learn from me in this area.
January 8, 2015
I have a passion for volunteering and helping others and this book just further fueled that passion. It gave me ideas for more ways, both big and small, that my family and I can make a difference. A couple years ago, my birthday request was that we do a day of random acts of kindness. It's still one of my favorite days we ever spent together as a family and I think my husband and kids would say the same. There are so many ways you can turn someone's day around and maybe even make a big impact on their life. This book has many of those ideas and will inspire the reader to think of their own as well. "Contribution" is one of my focus words for this year and some of the ideas I read here will be a part of that. If you're looking for more ways to give back, to find a purpose beyond your own small world, to show your children the value of a life that is about more than just their own wants and desires, I definitely recommend this book.
March 17, 2014
I Like Giving is a fabulous, enjoyable, inspirational book! I enjoyed every page! Full of inspirational stories and practical giving ideas, this book was hard to put down! The author, Brad Formsma, did a wonderful job walking the reader through the generosity journey. I have never experienced a giving book quite like this. It did not hit you over the head with theology and Bible references, rather it took the reader on a journey of JOY! After reading this book I am finding myself following the "nudge" that Formsma references in the book; I am looking and listening for more giving opportunities, I am living a more generous life. I am thankful that I read this book because it truly has changed my self-focused look on life. A great read for anyone! I highly recommend I Like Giving!
November 17, 2014
A nice introduction to thinking about developing a perspective on giving. I would recommend this book strictly as an introduction, however. The anecdotes are interesting, but the arguments and other information is very repetitive and the theology is slim. Even though Formsma emphasizes the many different ways to manifest giving, it felt very one-dimensional. 90% of the stories are about paying for someone's coffee or giving a homeless person $5 or buying something to fill a specific need. To me, that didn't translate into a lifestyle of generosity. Also, the stories were very formulaic and I was quite bothered that every story ended with the main character "feeling really good." It just rubbed me the wrong way.
November 29, 2016
I dropped my rating on this book somewhat on a second reading (read it for the first time over 2 years ago). While I appreciate the premise and found many of the stories to be quite inspiring after a time it wears thin. The writing drips with the voice of privilege. On a second reading it becomes apparent that the author seems to see giving not as a way of leveling the inequities of life or showing compassion but rather as a means of obtaining a personal high. at one point the author states that it doesn't matter how you give, to whom you give, or whether or not the person wants or appreciates the gift.... it is solely about how YOU get to feel good about yourself by giving.
April 15, 2015
It was very inspirational and the personal stories and ideas were motivating to me. Worth reading!
May 10, 2017
Awful. Terrible writing. Honestly, kind of problematic.
August 28, 2019
Not a lot of spiritual meat here, just stories about how people feel better for giving. I was expecting/hoping for more substance and support for the giving rationale.
October 29, 2021
"The cultural current often pulls in the direction of self-focused living and empty materialism. If we do nothing, we just drift along with it. Giving stories (of examples of giving and the joy it produces) can help us avoid that drift and move us toward doing things for others instead." (P. 152)
At times, the tiny inspirational stories this wee paperback book was very Chicken Soup for the Soul. Short, moving, and quick to read. Then, as I kept going, my icy heart started thawing. Personally inspired by a friend who is starting a journey towards generosity, I challenged to to think about this as well. There are lots of good stories and in between the writer's personal reflections and nudges for readers to join the movement.
Not sure what it will mean for me or my family, who do all the right 'christian' activities of child sponsorship and tithing to church. I hope, as the book once says, "giving will certainly remove boring from your life!" Here's to opening my eyes, taking the time to see and listen and acting on the little and big nudges towards generosity.
At times, the tiny inspirational stories this wee paperback book was very Chicken Soup for the Soul. Short, moving, and quick to read. Then, as I kept going, my icy heart started thawing. Personally inspired by a friend who is starting a journey towards generosity, I challenged to to think about this as well. There are lots of good stories and in between the writer's personal reflections and nudges for readers to join the movement.
Not sure what it will mean for me or my family, who do all the right 'christian' activities of child sponsorship and tithing to church. I hope, as the book once says, "giving will certainly remove boring from your life!" Here's to opening my eyes, taking the time to see and listen and acting on the little and big nudges towards generosity.
March 22, 2017
A warm-and-fuzzy case for generosity.
Formsma's gentle pep talk, with religious undertones, is a good fit for collections where Christian/inspirational literature are popular. The bulk of the book is made up of personal stories about people who changed other people's lives with their generosity. Although it's routinely stressed that a gift doesn't have to be large to have an impact, many of the examples involve large, sweeping gestures (replacing a hot water heater, crowd-funding a semester of someone's tuition, paying for someone to take their nursing board exams, etc.). If your faith encourages tithing and-or you really love reading heartwarming stories about people being nice to other people, this is the kind of book that will brighten your day. And if you just can't get enough of the positivity, there's a companion website with more stories and videos you can check out. Purchase as demand warrants, and definitely include this if you're in charge of a church library.
Formsma's gentle pep talk, with religious undertones, is a good fit for collections where Christian/inspirational literature are popular. The bulk of the book is made up of personal stories about people who changed other people's lives with their generosity. Although it's routinely stressed that a gift doesn't have to be large to have an impact, many of the examples involve large, sweeping gestures (replacing a hot water heater, crowd-funding a semester of someone's tuition, paying for someone to take their nursing board exams, etc.). If your faith encourages tithing and-or you really love reading heartwarming stories about people being nice to other people, this is the kind of book that will brighten your day. And if you just can't get enough of the positivity, there's a companion website with more stories and videos you can check out. Purchase as demand warrants, and definitely include this if you're in charge of a church library.
March 19, 2023
At what point does giving out of love and out of selfish ambition collide? This book is awesome, in that it motivates readers to give. Giving changes lives, as this book repetitively points out. However, there are at time a hint of pride in giving. I mean, after all, the author was quick to point out what he and his family has done in first person. There is also a giant lack in the Christian purpose, which surprises me considering Dave Ramsey’s recommendation graces the cover. What’s worse is that folks are reading this and hearing the Christian “undertones,” but not being giving an adequate representation of how Christians are supposed to live. My opinion to both the reader and the writer? If you want to learn how to be *loving* ie: giving out of love: Read this book. And the Bible. And then compare the two.
September 14, 2018
This is a collection of stories from random people about giving. Most of them involve giving money or material goods to strangers. Of course, it's great to be inspired/encouraged to look for these opportunities and act on them. However, I was hoping for more depth so I found it kind of disappointing.
September 22, 2019
This book was such a fun read! Whether you are fully committed to leading a generous life or are on the fence and trying to decide if it’s worth it, the stories in here will encourage you to give more of your life away in order to truly find it.
Favorite Quote: “You can give without loving but you can’t love without giving.”
Favorite Quote: “You can give without loving but you can’t love without giving.”
September 21, 2022
Enjoyed this book, but had to read is slowly over time as it's a lot of material on the same topic, albeit a great topic. I'll definitely be incorporating some of the key points around giving generously and trying to pay more attention to things around me that may clue me into situations that I can impact.
June 22, 2018
Practical advice on how to live generously. Personal stories explain how giving, either financially or with time, impacted the lives of others as well as their own life. Now I’ll just need to apply it so I can also live to give :)
February 28, 2018
A fairly easy and quick read. Very inspirational about how to live generously without becoming a guilt trip.
May 14, 2018
Generally inspirational and interesting but overly religious for my tastes. A bit more “chicken soup for the soul” than I was hoping for on this topic.
December 22, 2018
A good reminder
Formsma does a nice job presenting a timeless idea. I enjoyed the book and found it inspiring. I am looking forward to an opportunity to discuss with others.
Formsma does a nice job presenting a timeless idea. I enjoyed the book and found it inspiring. I am looking forward to an opportunity to discuss with others.
December 29, 2018
A great book that will leave you feeling energized to give!
July 3, 2019
This book was a simple, easy read. While there was a redundancy to some of the stories and message, I love reading books that challenge me to push towards something new.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews