I read this book the day after participating with Project Homeless as an ambassador--September 11, 2014...911! The event was held in a large building, centrally located in the city. Homeless and needy people are told about the event, or are picked up by buses. The goal is to have all the agencies under one roof, and accessible for the truly needy in our county. Ambassador is just a snappy title for a volunteer who matches the needs with the agencies in the facility. As an ambassador, I conducted a short interview to determine the individual's needs, and then escorted the individual to the areas where the agencies were stationed. Both of my clients were homeless, which means they are in temporary shelter, and need to find their own permanent housing. Perhaps most heart wrenching was the young man who drove my client to the event. As we were walking away from the initial interview, my client mentioned that this young man was lucky to be housed by a church, with a loving pastor, otherwise he would be on the streets. Unbelievably, he had brought her there, but felt too ashamed to seek services for himself. At this point, I alerted a director, and the same process began for him. At the end of the day, he told me he was so grateful to get this help. He said that women with children can find help, but it is a lot harder to get help as a young, single man. He mentioned that all he needs is a little help to get started again... ;-(Danielle Steel's book cuts to the heart of the homeless population. Many of those living on the streets are mentally ill; others are down on their luck. All are grateful for the comfort of a warm coat and blanket on a freezing night. In return, the "angels" in the group receive a warm feeling in their hearts. I have no idea what the point of this book was.It was well written, hence being awarded 2 stars but I have nothing else positive to say for it - possibly because I just don't understand what the point of the book was.For 11 years Danielle Steel helped the homeless going out on night visits with friends and colleagues to hand out goods she had personally paid for. This finished over 2 years prior to the book being written. There is constant mention of the fact that the author wanted no praise of recognition for what she had done. I assumed therefore, that there would be suggestions for how others could help, or requests for donations to a relevant charity. However, the book ends with no closure. I simply do not understand what the point in this book was.I have glanced at other reviews and they are a lot more appreciative than me, and clearly I may just be a moody old git, however, I believe that if someone wants to do something anonymously but then choses to tell others about it, there really should be some purpose and despite reading through twice, I simply failed to find that purpose.Proceeds for the sale of the book do not appear to go towards homeless charities either. I felt that this book did more for the authors ego, than for those suffering on the streets.If I am wrong, please correct me as I appreciate this is an horrifically harsh review.
What do You think about A Gift Of Hope (2012)?
very interesting read - how author came to taking needed items out to the homeless where she lives.
—Thatgirl97
Loved the stories in this quick read, but it was not very organized and somewhat repetitive.
—Pyro333
Just not crazy about her style of writing. Seems like she repeats herself way to much.
—Cheyenne
I'm happy that she could turn something tragic into something good.
—kanni
