I'm lending this book to another Christian -- not a fellow Catholic -- so I may not get it back. I sincerely hope that I do but if I don't ... I hope she enjoys it as much as I have!

This was a sincerely excellent read. I greatly enjoyed it!

Each chapter starts with Sister Janice telling us about an African animal or plant and the special trait that this item has -- for example, perseverance -- and then relates some anecdotal experience she's had or someone else has had that relates to this ... and finishes off the chapter by relating this trait to the Scriptures. It is *fantastic*!

At the end of every chapter she offers Scriptural readings that highlight the point of each chapter, some reflection questions to ask yourself or a group, and then some things you can do in your life that relate to each trait -- simple things like, complimenting someone who you find to be a sincere annoyance. (For that one I came up with "I like when you leave" ...)

After the first 3 chapters I decided that I wanted to share this book with my Protestant friend so read each chapter carefully to make sure it was not heavily Catholic and end up offending her. I did not find it to be heavily Catholic ... Catholic doctrine is mentioned -- saints / people that we look up to as examples of good Catholics/People -- and Catholic Social Teachings are the main things I picked up on ... (some people may be offended by the "Catholic social teachings" because global warming is mentioned and the death penalty and I know some conservative Protestants have really strong opinions on those that differ from Catholic social teaching).

I loved the book!
Adrianne ( )