Gift Of Hope, A: Helping The Homeless (2012) - Plot & Excerpts
A moving book about the author's experiences working with the homeless, the writing leaves something to be desired and the premise is a paternalistic, disempowering one which portrays "the homeless" as overwhelmingly mentally ill people who are unable to help themselves. Some quotes from the book: "They are lost out there on their own." "Like drowning people, they can't save themselves." While it's clear that she writes from her heart, I feel that she has missed the mark by expounding upon things she has not properly researched, such as the causes of homelessness and the ability of those experiencing it to take care of themselves, given access to proper resources. She does, however, do a great job of painting moving portraits of different people she encountered on the streets in chapter five, and throughout the book to some degree. I have to admit I have only read a few of Danielle Steel's books. My sister reads all of them, so quite often I am aware of some of her stories. I usually prefer books considered Spiritual. But this book does fit that genre. This book hits close to my heart because, as Daniel Steel does in her book, I became very involved with working with the homeless. Only she worked in San Francisco and I worked mostly in Marin County, California, one of the most affluent counties in the U.S. It is amazing such an affluent place could have so many homeless. Working with the homeless changed my life. I am glad Danielle wrote this book because I used to think of writing one myself. Like her, I first was very afraid. I see so many people have this fear or deep judgement about the homeless. But as is shared in her book, once you really get to know them, they have fantastic stories. If you have been afraid of these homeless humans, please read this book, then at least through the reading you will get to know some of them. We are really all one human family, and these are our brothers and sisters that need to be taken care of. I got the book at a busy time in my life, but ended up reading it in one sitting until the early hours of the morning. It is one of her shorter books, but perhaps also one of her best. She also is an inspiration to others to go out and help others. If you are feeling depressed about your life, try helping others. She did this after her son committed suicide. So the best recipe for a happier life is to help those that have less than you and realize maybe your life is not as bad as you thought. Thank you Danielle for writing this book.
What do You think about Gift Of Hope, A: Helping The Homeless (2012)?
Very proactive and makes you more aware of the homeless situation.
—Aisha
