New This Week: If It Takes A Village, Build One by Malaak Compton-Rock

One of the most refreshing things about celebrity humanitarian Malaak Compton-Rock’s If It Takes A Village, Build One (Broadway) is its accessibility. Part memoir, part guide, Compton-Rock takes Hillary Clinton’s village analogy to heart and runs with it, creating a work that is inspiring in its warmth and simplicity. If you ever thought you wanted step-by-step instructions on how to make a difference, If It Takes A Village, Build One is the book for you.

If Compton-Rock’s name and face are familiar, there are good reasons. In 2008, she was one of the judges on Oprah’s Big Give and she is the (often mentioned, always respected) wife of actor/comedian Chris Rock. Most recently, Compton-Rock founded The Angelrock Project, promoting volunteerism, sustainable change and social responsibility.

The Angelrock Project includes valuable information on how to volunteer, advice on making monetary or in-kind donations, links to life-changing service organizations, recommends wonderful products that you can purchase to sustain third-world artisans, and suggests corporations who donate a percentage of proceeds to worthy non-profit organizations.

If It Takes A Village, Build One feels like Compton-Rock very comfortably walking that walk.