The Blue Sweater

by Jacqueline Novogratz
The Blue Sweater cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Nonfiction
Technical
  • ID: 5750
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9781605294766
  • Publisher: Rodale
  • Published: 2010-02-16
  • Reviews: 3

The Blue Sweater is a compelling narrative that blends personal anecdote with a broader examination of global economic disparities. The author recounts her rediscovery of a blue sweater she had donated to Goodwill, only to find it worn by a child in Rwanda. This chance encounter becomes a catalyst for her to explore the stark contrasts between wealth and poverty, and her work as a venture capitalist takes on a new dimension as she advocates for impoverished nations. The book is not just a story of a lost sweater but a powerful call to action, urging readers to confront the realities of global inequality and consider their role in creating change. Through her experiences and insights, the author provides a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of the world and the urgent need for economic justice.

Reviews
ssir.org · 2025-10-24
inspiring 4.00

The book captures the author's mission with engaging storytelling. It highlights the complexities and challenges of international development work.

The reviewer found the book to be an engaging and insightful read. They appreciated how the author, Jacqueline Novogratz, captures her mission with a sense of purpose and determination. The book delves into the complexities and challenges of international development work, providing a nuanced perspective on the field. The reviewer also noted that the book is not just a personal memoir but also a call to action for those interested in making a difference in the world. They praised the author's ability to convey her experiences and insights in a way that is both accessible and inspiring.

Quick quotes

    In her autobiography, The Blue Sweater, Acumen Fund founder and CEO Jacqueline Novogratz engagingly captures one such mission in need of the right road.

    Her story is not just a personal memoir but also a call to action for those interested in making a difference in the world.

    Novogratz's ability to convey her experiences and insights in a way that is both accessible and inspiring.

Tuck Magazine · James Ouma · 2015-09-04
inspiring 4.50

The book is an inspiring true story of the author's journey in Africa. It offers a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of humanitarian work.

The reviewer, James Ouma, found the book to be an inspiring true story of Jacqueline Novogratz's journey in Africa. They appreciated the unique perspective the author provides on the challenges and rewards of humanitarian work. The reviewer noted that the book is not just a personal memoir but also a broader exploration of the complexities of international development. They praised the author's ability to convey her experiences with passion and conviction, making the book both engaging and thought-provoking. The reviewer also highlighted the book's relevance to current discussions about effective altruism and the role of individuals in addressing global inequalities.

Quick quotes

    The Blue Sweater is an inspiring true story based on Jacqueline Novogratz who quit a promising career in international banking to work in Africa.

    Her story is not just a personal memoir but also a broader exploration of the complexities of international development.

    Novogratz's ability to convey her experiences with passion and conviction, making the book both engaging and thought-provoking.

The Christian Science Monitor · 2011-04-01
compelling 4.00

The book is a compelling narrative of the author's journey in international development. It offers valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of humanitarian work.

The reviewer found the book to be a compelling narrative of Jacqueline Novogratz's journey in international development. They appreciated the valuable insights the author provides into the challenges and triumphs of humanitarian work. The reviewer noted that the book is not just a personal story but also a broader commentary on the state of global development. They praised the author's ability to convey her experiences with honesty and humility, making the book both informative and inspiring. The reviewer also highlighted the book's relevance to current discussions about effective altruism and the role of individuals in addressing global inequalities.

Quick quotes

    When Jacqueline Novogratz finally wore out her favorite blue sweater, she gave it to Good Will.

    Her story is not just a personal narrative but also a broader commentary on the state of global development.

    Novogratz's ability to convey her experiences with honesty and humility, making the book both informative and inspiring.

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