It's certainly not coincidence that Angelina left Cecconi's last night with the cover of the book Half the Sky displayed prominently in her arms -- she was almost cradling it, like a baby.

After all, Jolie is an ambassador for the United Nations' High Commission for Refugees. She's devoted to promoting human rights causes -- specifically those of women. So the fact that she's reading this book about educating and fighting poverty in the female populations of poor nations around the world isn't surprising, but still, something of note.

halftheskycover.jpgHalf the Sky, according to a website promoting the book and its causes, " ... lays out an agenda for the world's women and three major abuses: sex trafficking and forced prostitution; gender-based violence including honor killings and mass rape; maternal mortality, which needlessly claims one woman a minute." The authors, Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, have the support of people like Bill and Melinda Gates and Brangelina pal George Clooney, and others, helping to champion their cause.

Angelina has said of the book:

    "Women facing poverty, oppression, and violence are usually viewed as victims. Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn’s Half the Sky shows that unimaginable challenges are often met with breathtaking bravery ..."


At least Brad and Angelina are using their star power for a good cause! Here's a trailer for the book ...