Nelson Mandela famously said, “The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow.” This incontrovertible truth takes on a new light in Br. Dan O’Riordan’s inspiring collection of true stories. Never too Young to Change the World is packed full of real-life examples of young people taking advantage of their youth and serving a higher purpose. In a world where selfishness abounds and the ‘me-first’ attitude is ingrained from childhood, this book is a true breath of fresh air.
O’Riordan shows great respect and admiration for the young ones that he cares for so dearly. There are numerous examples of kids and teens helping with church-sanctioned projects designed to benefit local communities and young people overcoming obstacles and beating the odds. In addition to the encouraging accounts, there are photographs to help bring the stories to life, and a few notable quotes from famous folks along the way. My favorite quote, however, comes from the author. He says, “Some of our young people today dance to a different drum than we older folks, may have at their age. But maybe it’s time we stop listening to our old music and allow new verses to be created by these artists of the future.” Wise and forward thinking, indeed!
Focused primarily on his experiences with Marist organizations, particularly the Marist Brothers, much attention is given to neglected and at-risk youth. The book devotes a lot of space to a lot of different people, reading like a who’s who in Marist circles. The experiences are uplifting and thought provoking, and at times even humorous. Never too Young to Change the World by Br. Dan O’Riordan is a true feel-good book that might help restore your faith in humanity.
