The stories in this book are stories of heroes. Far from receiving fame and attention, these are heroes who are rarely mentioned in the news. Some of them are verifiable people living in areas near and far, while others are simply characters representing millions of humans who silently endure the very same experiences. Told with both grace and honesty, their stories emanate waves of compassion, causing readers to feel connected far across national borders. Taking us from hunger in Haiti to war in Uganda, from stigma in the United States to persecution in Egypt, these stories end in both joy and tragedy. Hence, this book is not for the weak of heart, but it is a sound choice for anyone wishing to marvel at the significance of the human condition. More than anything, Astonishing Stories of a Hopeful Humanity is an inspiration for global change.