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Book club
Be the hero Matt Friedman urges his readers to step up and take action to address the issues of our times. By Apple Lee book club
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
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I am an international human trafficking advisor with more than 30 years of experience. Currently, I am the CEO of The Mekong Club, an organisation that brings together different Hong Kong businesses to help end modern slavery.
So, what’s the book about?
Be the Hero: Be the Change encourages readers to step up and take action to make a positive difference to the world. This can be through fighting climate change, addressing injustice, reducing poverty or stopping bullying – whatever cause that speaks to you. The book offers a step-by-step guide to help you overcome personal doubts that keep you back from getting involved in our world and its problems.
Why did you choose to release your book during this time?
I began writing the book one year ago when I felt a strong desire to put my feelings down on paper. Two weeks before the coronavirus crisis broke, the book was completed. This was an interesting coincidence. At this time, more than any other time in recent history, we are starting to feel a sense of urgency – the epidemic is affecting us all in one shape or form.
I hope that the book can help to harness people’s power during this difficult period. It is the individual decisions that have the greatest impact on helping to heal our world. If more people are willing to step up and offer their small, compassionate gestures, just imagine the impact. In this way, success in creating a better tomorrow is simply a numbers game.
How can readers find a cause that they are passionate about contributing to?
Everyone has a cause that inspires them. I believe that we don’t get to select our cause, but our cause selects us. There is something about each of us that draws us to a particular topic – possibly because of who we are, our value system, our personal experiences or a combination of these factors. If you already know what your cause is, then you are ahead of the game. If you don’t, the first step is to discover that cause. The process begins with a simple set of questions: “What is really important to me? What makes my heart beat faster? What would be my perfect opportunity?” Then go online and watch videos, read blogs and articles and see what makes your heart sing.
What does being a hero mean to you?
Most of us feel that heroes are people who demonstrate impossible feats of bravery to help those in need. While this is one example, not all heroes exist in comic books or in movies. They are not just people who risk their own lives to save the helpless. I consider everyone who steps up to help, no matter how big or small the gesture, to be a hero. There is heroism within each and every one of us. It is a voice of good, of righteousness, of action and of love. In today’s world, this voice too often lies dormant and receives very little nurturing, but this heroic part of us can rise up and tackle the problems of the world head-on.
Most importantly, where can we buy your book?
You can purchase the book online on Amazon. We are currently working on releasing an audio version. The proceeds from this book will go towards supporting Covid-19 efforts.
Books & podcasts
BOOKS Satisfy your wanderlust at home with some travel inspiration. By Nikita Agrawal and Apple Lee
My Life on the Road
Author, journalist and activist Gloria Steinem recounts decades of travelling the world in her inspiring autobiography. Her penchant for being on the road stems from the childhood memories of her father who always had a knack for adventure. Through her advocacy work in the feminist movement, she set out to meet people from all over America and inspire change. Steinem learns to live in the present when the only constant in her life is the road. Available for $65 at bookdepository.com
For change makers
Women Who Travel PODCASTS
Co-hosted by Condé Nast Traveller editors Meredith Carey and Lale Arikoglu, this fun and upbeat podcast dives deep into the travel experience from the female perspective. Each episode, the hosts bring on a different guest to share their take on globe-trotting as a woman. They also run dedicated episodes to answer frequently asked travel questions submitted by listeners on their Facebook group. Listen now on iTunes and Spotify
Eat Pray Love
Eat Pray Love is a modern woman’s quest to marvel at and travel the world while reconnecting with her inner self. This book is a memoir of Elizabeth Gilbert’s life and how she risks everything to go see the world when faced at a crossroads. In her travels, she experiences the pleasures of comfort food in Italy, prayer in India and finds peace and love in Bali. Read about her transformative journey while reimagining your own. Available for $68 at
bookdepository.com
For self discovery
Marriott Bonvoy Traveler: Behind The Design
Marriott Bonvoy Traveler’s Behind The Design appeals to both jet-setters and design fanatics alike. The podcast sheds light on the creative decisions that went behind building some of Marriott’s most iconic hotels. This includes a five-part series on Lido House in Newport Beach, California and an insider’s look at how contemporary art is used to complement the rock-and-roll past of New York’s Gramercy Park Hotel. Listen now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
The Alchemist
The Alchemist is a classic novel that can be read again and again – to inspire you to travel and follow your dreams. The book captures the life of a young shepherd boy that journeys from Spain to the pyramids in Egypt in pursuit of a dream. He faces many hurdles in this epic adventure, learns to love and reaches a point of awakening that changes his life. This short read packs a big punch with an uplifting message about taking a chance. Available for $68 at bookdepository.com
For dreamers
Travel With Meaning
Former talent agent Mike Schibel believes that travel should help one break out of their comfort zone and open themselves up to new experiences. The LA-based travel enthusiast invites guests from all walks of life – including travel photographers, TV hosts, marine biologists and chefs – onto his podcast to share how travel has changed their perspectives on life and led them to new opportunities. Listen on
travelwithmeaning.com
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