To anyone paying even a little attention, it’s clear that poverty is a huge problem in the world, and even in the US. Why? What are the causes? What are the solutions? Why do so many attempted solutions seem so ineffective in practice? What can those of us who have compassion and a desire to give do to really make a difference?

I have been often perplexed by these questions, and dissatisfied with the “more for me” motives I see in many vocal participants on both conservative and liberal sides.

Last weekend I read “When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor, and Yourself” by Brian Fikkert and others authors. This book brings balance and clarity to a wide range of poverty-related issues and questions based on a consistent, sound, integrated theoretical framework.

There are no easy answers in this book, but there is a great deal of collected experience about what really helps, and what hurts even when well-intentioned. It’s equally applicable to poverty issues in North America and around the world. I recommend it.