The Nicholas Effect: A Boy's Gift to the World

by Reg Green

The Nicholas Effect is the touching and transcendent book by Reg Green, father of Nicholas Green. Nicholas was the little boy from Bodega Bay, CA, who was shot in Italy and whose organs Reg and his wife, Maggie, donated to seven Italians. This act led to an outpouring of love by the people of Italy, a sharp increase in organ donor rates, and a deluge of media attention, both overseas and in the U.S."The Nicholas effect" is how his parents refer to the wonderful things that people do in response to hearing Nicholas' story. People look inside themselves to see what they can give back to the world. Depending on their circumstances and talents, they start scholarships, dedicate parks or schools, write poems or stories, or simply hug their children more often.Reg and Maggie Green have appeared on countless stages, TV studios, and newspaper front pages. Their actions have been honored by presidents, army generals, and religious leaders. The story of Nicholas has been a made-for-television movie, starring Jamie Lee Curtis. Four years after the death of Nicholas, the movement of remembrance and action has, if anything, gathered in momentum. The Nicholas Effect gives people a chance to learn more, both about this amazing family and about the people of the world who have shown their love for Nicholas. Reg Green, a journalist, speaks from his heart in accessible and eloquent prose. His willingness and openness in sharing with the rest of us is a gift. The event that spawned the movement was a sad one, but the story of the world's response is life-affirming.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Medical

246 pages, Hardcover

First published May 8, 1999

Reviews

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't remember hearing about this when it happened in 1994. Sad but effective report of 7 year old American Nicholas who is shot and killed in a mistaken identity situation on a highway in Italy while on vacation with his family. He slips into a coma but does shortly. His parents make the wonderful decision to donate his organs to whomever can use them. He gives life, vision and health to 7 individuals. The Italians rally round the family, disbelieving that his family would make this wonderful gesture after the horrible shooting. The Nicholas Effect is the tale of how many lives beyond the 7 that Nicholas and his family affected--organ donation increased significantly in Italy as well as the U.S. and other locations, all linking back to this one amazing gesture by the parents.

[Jo Fetsco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nicholas Green was a seven-year-old boy on a trip to Italy with his parents and younger sister when the car in which they were traveling was shot at by highway robbers, killing Nicholas.  His parents agreed to donate his organs, which went to seven Italians who were waiting for transplants. The donations and his parents’ reactions and actions saved the lives of many and produced a “butterfly effect” all around the world.  Interesting.  It’s hard to believe that his parents were as “good”, as graceful, and as non-accusatory as they were/are.  Some of the book’s passages seemed a little redundant. I did learn a lot.

[Abby Frye · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really did enjoy this book, Reg’s writing style, and even more loved how their act of donation inspired so many further life saving gifts. However I did feel like at times things that were included did not seem, from my stand point, integral to the story as a whole. That for me made it move slow at times. I remain blown away at how Italy as a whole responded to the Green family’s gifts of life to their people.

[Jim Gleason · Rating 5 out of 5]

story of Nicholas Green and his death and donation impact on Italy's views and support of organ donation, and then the world.

see this and more than a hundred other organ donation/transplant related books - many with my personal reviews - at http://www.trioweb.org/resources/book...

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book embodies the meaning of "inspirational". In 1994, while the Green family from California was vacationing in Italy, their seven-year-old son was killed in a drive-by shooting and died shortly thereafter. The Greens donated his organs, which went to seven Italian citizens. What they didn't realize was that the organ donation rate in Italy at the time was especially low. "The Nicholas Effect" is what happened afterward as millions around the world had, and continue to have, their lives changed and uplifted by the life of this little boy and his family. A feel-good story of the best kind.

[Bornfree1313 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very touching. I had not heard of Nicholas's story before but it is a true account of Love and Endurance through a tragedy. To make the best out of a tragedy as of a loss of a child is the best example of humanity at its best.

This book is the best demonstration how one decision, action or thought can change the course of one's journey and many others that you may never know of thus The Nicholas Effect!

The book is a slow read but an awesome account of their personal journey.

[Hazel McHaffie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm working on a book about organ donation myself so wanted to read about the reality for a parent of a child who died. It's a true account of a famous case: Nicholas Green was 7 when he was shot and killed while on holiday in Italy in 1994. His father was a journalist and writes fluently. But it's not holiday reading and I don't recommend it for pregnant ladies, Anne!

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw Reg Greene speak at a CAG conference. A very good speaker with a lovely accent. He really showed how something horrific can have a good side. Terry and I have since visited the Children's Bell Tower in Bodega Bay.

[Rita Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though the story was very touching, the book went on in too much detail about all their trips to/from Italy, all the things they have done since the death of their son. Though it was all wonderful stuff, I just think it was too detailed.

[Elizabeth LeForge Yoder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who knows me well knows I don't like to read sad stories. I made an exception for this book and am glad I did.

[Mlucyk123 · Rating 1 out of 5]

In the beginning was the part I liked best. The rest was kinda dull and unappealing.