Is For Good Men To Do Nothing

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Summary: Why you should read this book
Review: Pack your bags, dust off your passport, and apply for your visas. Or better yet, relax, and pick up a copy of "Is For Good Men to do Nothing" by Chris Verrill. In this book, Verrill escorts the reader on an extraordinary adventure from Pacifica (California) to Afghanistan, and through 29 countries (including Palestine) along the way.

Like a gem, Verrill's chronicles are brilliant and multifaceted. Although the impetus for the book were the events of 9/11, the book is more than the author's pursuit of trying to answer the question of why this tragedy occurred. It's about a Rotarian's quest to "uproot ignorance and provide hope to the oppressed." And, it's about an American pioneer exploring not only the disparities in the world, but the common human element. Most of all, it's about Verrill's journey of self-discovery as he connects with humanity, and realizes that there is no place like "home sweet home" and the importance of family.

Verrill's writing style is witty and refreshing with a brutally honest perspective on the world around him and also of himself. For instance, Chris writes candidly about his little sister's boyfriend, and even the Tower of Pisa and the Pyramids of Egypt do not escape his scrutiny.

For those who enjoy comedy, this book contains madcap adventures sure to illicit a chuckle or two. You are dared to read about Verrill's escapade in Greece with the "Psycho Pink Palace Bus Driver" without thinking about a Charlie Chaplin comedy routine. Another amusing entry results from the use of a Swiss keyboard. And, his conversation with the finance minister of Jalalabad, Afghanistan is priceless.

Overall, this book is a must read. It inspires the reader to follow Verrill's visionary lead to "just make the world a little better than when we got here." Chris calls this his "Running Water Campground Theory." If one man (Verrill) can follow this to heart without letting terrorist threats or SARS interfere with his mission to implement a vocational program for women in Afghan refugee camps, just imagine what we can accomplish together as a society.