Review of The Power of Half

The Power of Half is an inspirational story about the Salwen family. Hannah, the oldest child, decided that it was time to stop taking and start giving back.  They do this by using “The Power of Half”.  The Salwens believed that by just sacrificing half of what they owned, they could make a difference in the lives of people more in need.  The boldest way they do this is by selling their mansion in Atlanta to buy a house half as big for half the price.  The money would be donated to a worthy charity.  Written by Kevin Salwen, the father of the family, and Hannah, his daughter, the story is truly heart-warming.  The majority of the book was told by Mr. Salwen, who narrates the feelings, twists, and turns of their adventure as a family.  He discusses everything, from why they decided to agree with Hannah’s far-fetched plan, to what he makes of the situation as a whole.  What I most appreciated from his writing was the variety of emotions portrayed by not only him, but the rest of his family.  Hannah chimes in at certain sections, with suggestions about how the reader can personally do something to make the world a better place.  After finishing the book I felt inspired to make a difference in someone else’s life.