What an inspiring woman Jenny Bowen is. Her book, wish you happy forever, is a truly amazing account of what one person who has a big heart and a lot of perseverance can accomplish. Supported by her family and many others, she kept chasing her dream for the happiness of other people, and weren’t they lucky that she did. It is heartening to read accounts like this, and well written and entertaining into the bargain.

When filmmaker Jenny Bowen decides to do something, she really does it, and gets on to it straight away. After reading an article on the plight of Chinese orphans (usually all girls, with huge death rates upon entering an orphanage) she immediately sits down and starts researching how to adopt one. The idea is to save one life. After seeing how the physically and emotionally damaged little girl she adopts blooms under her and her husband's care thinks "why stop at one?" She wants to save them all. And so the not for profit organisation Half the Sky is born.

This is the remarkable story of the first days of the Half the Sky Foundation, to the success of being registered by the Chinese Government, and entering into a partnership with them to make a difference in the life of Chinese orphans. It's about the people that helped with that success, both inside and outside China; the orphans; the Chinese people, their customs and ways of doing business; and Chinese red tape and government at different levels. As with the foundation's name, both the book title and chapter headings are taken from Chinese proverbs and sayings.

Bowen writes with warmth, humour, respect, and a great ability to capture a moment whether humorous or heart-rending. This is a remarkable story of perseverance and dedication. I for one hope this is just part one of Half the Sky's wonderful story.

Wish you happy forever!