A Year of Living Generously follows award-winning journalist Lawrence Scanlan as he volunteers with 12 different charities, among them well-known institutions Habitat for Humanity, the St. Vincent de Paul Society and Canadian Crossroads.

Drawing from first-hand experiences -- serving in a soup kitchen at "Vinnie's," the St. Vincent de Paul drop-in centre in Kingston, ON, to building houses for Habitat for Humanity in post-Katrina New Orleans, to teaching at a women's radio station in Senegal for Canadian Crossroads -- Scanlan tests the ideas and theories on global aid and charity and makes a compelling case for greater commitment and real connection, in the form of on-the-ground volunteer work, from us all.

The result is an engaging yet informative primer for today's volunteers, young and old, who are looking to make a meaningful contribution.

Lawrence Scanlan has won three National Magazine Awards and is the author or co-author of thirteen books, on subjects ranging from horses to hockey to country life. A book he co-authored with Monty Roberts -- The Man Who Listens to Horses -- has sold more than a million copies in North America. Involved in community service for some three decades, Scanlan lives in Kingston, ON.

Lawrence Scanlan's profile page

"There is a lot to be learned from [A Year of Living Generously] and from Scanlan's experiences. This is a political book, and one that calls its readers to act."

Daily Herald Tribune

"At this critical time in our national economy with so many left behind, this book reminds us of the value of outreach not just for those helped, but for the benefit of our own souls."

Sacramento Book Review

"A thoughtful and thought-provoking book about some of the most crucial issues of the day, from poverty and homelessness to pollution and international development. [Scanlan] has given voice to the disenfranchised."

Montreal Gazette

"An ingenious, richly executed book...a mix of the 'important' and the 'great read.'"

National Post