Stronger than Death: How Annalena Tonelli Defied Terror and Tuberculosis in the Horn of Africa

by Rachel Pieh Jones

Somalia's Mother Teresa chose love over fear.

Amid a volatile mix of disease, war, and religious fundamentalism in the Horn of Africa, what difference could one woman make? Annalena Tonelli left behind career, family, and homeland anyway, moving to a remote Muslim village in northern Kenya to live among its outcasts - desert nomads dying of tuberculosis, history's deadliest disease.

"I am nobody," she always insisted. Yet by the time she was killed for her work three decades later she had not only developed an effective cure for tuberculosis among nomadic peoples but also exposed a massacre, established homes and schools for the deaf, advocated against female genital mutilation, and secured treatment for ostracized AIDS patients.

Months after winning the Nansen Refugee Award from the UN in 2003, Annalena Tonelli was assassinated at one of the tuberculosis hospitals she founded. Rachel Pieh Jones, an American writer, was living a few doors down, having moved to Somaliland with her husband and two children just months before. Annalena's death would alter the course of her life.

No one who encounters Annalena in these pages will leave unchanged. Her confounding, larger-than-life example challenges our assumptions about aid and development, Christian-Muslim relations, and what it means to put one's faith into practice. Brought vividly back to life through Jones's meticulous reporting and her own letters, Annalena presents us with a new measure of success and commitment. But she also leaves us a gift: the secret to overcoming the fear that pervades our society and our hearts - fear of disease and death, fear of terrorism and war, fear of others, and fear of failure.

Genres: Nonfiction, Africa, Biography, History, Historical, Christian

230 pages, Hardcover

Published October 1, 2019

Reviews

[Jill Dobbe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stronger than Death is Annalena Tonelli's story of living and working along with the sick, hungry, and destitute of Kenya and Somalia in the 1980's. She was a courageous, down-to-earth, and humble Italian woman who left her homeland and family to spend her life assisting the poor and eradicating TB from those countries.

Despite living near Annalena in Somalia, the author commits to knowing her better through letters, research, and visits with family members, friends, and former medical personnel who knew and worked alongside Annalena. More than one person relived emotional memories of their time with Annalena, referring to her as a 'saint' and the 'Mother Theresa of Somalia.'

Annalena's story is a powerful look at how the love, faith, and humanity of one person can overcome prejudices, fears, and violence in some of the most difficult areas of the world.

Thank you Netgalley and publisher.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very moved by this book. The author tells the story of Annalena Tonelli and her 34 years of service to the Somali people. I don't recall having heard about Annalena, maybe of an aid worker who was killed in 2003, but nothing specific.

I think everyone should know what it looks like to really love your neighbor as yourself, which is what Annalena did and in the greatest humility. The story of her time in Africa is beautifully written and gives a glimpse into the life of what I would call a saint, but which Annalena would not. Her work in making a difference in the lives of those suffering and dying from TB is amazing.

The book also gives an insight into the suffering of the Somali people , which appears to still be continuing today.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Singular. Annalena Tonelli is unlike anyone I’ve ever met on the pages of a book. She is completely independent in a way I’ve rarely encountered. She’s not tethered to an organization or a profession or a family. Somehow she lands in Africa with the purpose of curing TB, a notorious killer among the poor with a treatment demanding a rigor and discipline that requires the determination of someone like Annalena. She’s not a doctor or a nurse, not a missionary, but somehow all of these things at once. Rachel Pieh Jones does a remarkable job of telling her story without attaching any superlatives. It’s a great read and challenges the definition of missionary, martyr, and saint.

[Mdmaurer · Rating 5 out of 5]

STRONGER THAN DEATH tells the story of Annalena Tonelli, a woman from Italy, who was passionate about serving the poor, especially those affected by tuberculosis in the Horn of Africa. If you should Google Annalena’s name, you’ll find that she pushed the limits in most everything to accomplish all that she was involved in and honestly became well known in the world of humanitarian aid work. She has been described as a humanitarian aid worker, a missionary, a nun, and a social activist, though after reading this book I don’t believe she’d claim any of those descriptions. Through extensive research and countless interviews, Rachel shares a much broader picture of who Annalena was as a sister, a friend, a co-worker, a mother, and yes a Christian working with what many would label as “the least of these”. Annalena struggled, but as her story unfolds we see that her faith and love for the people she served came from God alone. Interwoven throughout this biography is historical and cultural facts about the people that call the Horn of Africa home, but it is also a memoir of sorts as Rachel shares how she and her family were affected by Annalena’s murder. On top of all this, there is some journalist reporting, as Rachel shares her own thoughts and questions regarding some of the decisions that Annalena made. I believe that if you are interested in the Horn of Africa, humanitarian aid work, female genital mutilation, or Muslim/Christian relationships than you should read this book.

[Lauren Fee · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring story about a fascinating lady who found a way to successfully treat Tuberculosis among nomadic pastoralists. Annalena made me wrestle. She truly took the form of a servant to serve the poor, sick, war-torn, and even those in leadership positions. She embodied an action-able and self-emptying love in everything she did. She is admirable, yet she wouldn't want to be admired. She would want you to do likewise in your context. However, as a follower of Christ with a broader definition of what love is, she also made me wrestle with how loving was she really. Christ served as our ultimate example by emptying Himself and taking the form of a servant, but He is also a King who came to establish His Kingdom on earth in which He will one day reign in fullness. The time for brokenness, poverty, war, will finally be over and no more. If as Christ-followers, we withhold these spiritual realities and truths that we hold fast to, how loving are we being really? This was the tension I wrestled with the entire book and there was not much resolution for me in the end. If there is no eternity, then sure, she is the greatest human example of love that I have read about to date. But if Jesus was truly what inspired her love, how is one to reconcile with the authority He claimed and the Kingdom He ushered in which He said narrow is the road and few finds.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annalena Tonelli was a remarkable woman and yet it appears that very few people have heard of her. It is to be hoped that this excellent account of her life will bring her to wider renown, as she certainly deserves to be better known and acknowledged for her selfless devotion to the poor and sick of Somalia, particularly those suffering from TB. She spent over 30 years serving the disadvantaged, and was fearless and determined to do what she considered right. Her faith informed her life and work but she was never pious or evangelical. What seemed to be her overriding motive was simply love for her fellow man, unconditional and selfless love. This is a well-researched and balanced biography. Given the author’s obvious reverence and affection for Tonelli it could so easily have turned into a hagiography, but it fortunately avoids this. It’s also an important book and should be required reading for anyone interested in or involved in aid work, as it has much to say about how such aid work should be approached. It’s not enough to just go into a trouble spot and hand out food and medication, but what’s needed are people willing to embed themselves into the society and culture without judgement or preconceived ideas. It’s a really fascinating account of a woman dedicated to helping others and I found it a deeply compelling read.

[Phoebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading an excerpt of this book in Plough Magazine, I knew I had learn more about this extraordinary woman’s story. She devoted her life to nursing ostracized Somalians who had been diagnosed with tuberculosis or HIV/AIDS, and was assassinated in her own hospital by Islamic extremists after three decades of serving in Somaliland. It wasn’t the first time she had faced down a gun. The author, Rachel Pieh Jones, was living in Somaliland at the time of Tonelli’s death and shares an intimate knowledge of the history, context, and geography of Tonelli’s story. Her storytelling is captivating, going from Tonelli's own writings, conversations with people who worked alongside her, as well as Jones' own reflection on her role as an American abroad trying to do good in light of what we learn from Tonelli's radical love for the poor. Jones does not sugarcoat some of the more problematic decisions Tonelli made in her quest to be accepted by the Somali people, while still shining a light on a remarkable woman and the people she lived with and loved. As someone who has worked in international development, I read keenly Jones' insights about humanitarian work in light of what she learned from Tonelli's story. This is an excellent read.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Challenging and inspirational. Annalena served with love through relationships in Kenya and Somalia for 34 years. She refused to follow security guidelines and refused to live like an expat (big house, armed guards, comfortable budget), believing that to love the poor, you must live among them. Because of her proximity to the people she served, she helped develop a culturally appropriate (and therefore effective) way to treat TB in nomadic Somalis, but her legacy is so much more than that.

[Thelma Fountain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in a Librarything giveaway. I found this book to be very thought provoking. Annalena's story is very moving I admire her ability to love deeply, her commitment to her faith and the people she cared for in Africa. I love to read biographies like this one because I always learn important lessons on how to be a better human being from individuals like Annalena. Highly recommend.

[Kristie Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a powerful book of the love of a woman for those who are suffering. It’s definitely not a typical missionary biography. I would not agree with the theology of this woman. However, she did live a life of love for others.

[Lauren J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a powerful but sad story. Annelina Tonelli was an incredible person with a strong will and a clear purpose for her life. A very good story that every child should learn about!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book follows the extraordinary life of Annalena Tonelli, an Italian woman who spent years in the Horn of Africa, specifically, Northern Kenya and Somalia, trying to help eradicate Tuberculosis. Although she wasn't a medical doctor, she was able to find ways to improve access to treatment for some of the regions poorest inhabitants. While Tonelli was not a nun or a missionary in the traditional sense, she was a woman who followed her heart and the teachings of Jesus. She felt love was what the sick and poor needed most, and she was determined to conquer fear, disease, and terrorism to provide it and compassion to her patients.

Ms. Jones does a tremendous job describing in great detail Tonelli's life, work, and the challenges she faced in an African undergoing immense change. Although Tonelli's assassination marks a sad end to a life dedicated to helping the least fortunate, it is also an inspiration to others. I feel privileged that I was able to read such a well-written account of this extraordinary figure. Tonelli's work and sacrifices will no doubt go on to inspire many more. Her undying love and faith in humanity is a testament to her strength and character.

Thanks to Plough Publishing for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
More reviews at: www.susannesbooklist.blogspot.com

[Audrey Stars in Her Eye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stronger than Death tells the story of what real missionary work should be. There is more than just religion, there was action, their care, and love of the poor. TO read this story shows me this world has people who are truly good.
Annalena treated TB in places like Kenya and Somalia. she faces down violence every day but never stopped caring for those in need. She knew that religion called for care and love for the needy. Unlike many of the biggest "missionary/pastors", Annalena didn't live in opulence. She lived in poverty pouring all her money into the saving of those with TB. If I say more, I'll tell you the whole story.
Even though Annalena would never like the publication of this book, I agree with the author that this book should be written, her story must be told. By reaching just one person through this book, continues Annalena's work.
The book itself is well written and researched. Background of countries and wars are included and the author spoke with as many people as she could. There is just one negative here: the author inserts herself. It's odd moments that should bolster Annalena but it just seems more like she wasn't to be connected to Annalena so badly so she can feel better about herself. There is no need. The author shares this story with dedication, love, and respect and that is a connection that never dies.
I would encourage everyone to read this book. To think about their calling. To challenge their idea of Christianity. I am blessed to have read this story.

I received an ARC through NetGalley; all opinions are my own.

[Amber Thiessen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The life of Annalena Tonelli is remarkable. She was a woman who was brave and compassionate, carrying a servant's heart, willing to suffer and persevere in the midst of chaos.

"Stronger Than Death" is a biography of her life, through her journey serving the poor in northern Kenya, Somalia and Somaliland. Her primary effort was treating tuberculosis among the nomadic people living in the horn of Africa, which is a highly difficult thing to do, given the infectiousness of the disease. She developed the Direct Observed Therapy method of treating tuberculosis among this nomadic population, which proved highly successful and was eventually adopted by the World Health Organization as standard treatment.

Annalena navigated the immense stigma that a TB diagnosis brought for the nomads by creating a compound where people were patients could live and work, while receiving treatment for their TB. This gave them a place of purpose and belonging. She considered their culture, and their needs and melded a way to provide treatment in a way that was culturally appropriate for the people.

She endured a lot of chaos, as civil wars broke out; being a young white woman, in a primarily Muslim nation also brought it's own threats. Yet she persevered in her service to the poor and destitute, caring for all their needs. Tragically, her life was ended by a fatal gunshot wound, targeted by a terrorist organization who sought to gain momentum on a global scale.

The author, Rachel Pieh Jones, lived in Somaliland, near the compound where Annalena worked when she died, so she writes this story from her own perspective as well, as she reflects on the day she died, their evacuation and the impact it would have on her life.

I appreciated meeting Annalena through the pages of this book, learning about her life, and the culture she served in.

Special thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy of this book, and the opportunity to post an honest review!

See full review at https://www.amberthiessen.com/post/3-...

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stronger than Death
How Annalena Tonelli Defied Terror and Tuberculosis in the Horn of Africa

by Rachel Pieh Jones


Plough Publishing

Plough Publishing House

Biographies & Memoirs , Christian

Pub Date 01 Oct 2019


Stronger than death is the remarkable story of Annalena Tonelli, known as Somalia’s Mother Teresa, she unselfishly perhaps even heroically risked her life to help those in Somalia who were suffering from Tuberculosis, knowing that if she ended up with the disease it would ending a painful death.




Annalena fought amid a volatile mix of war, disease and religious fundamentalism in the horn of Africa, not knowing what a difference one woman could make, but determined to make a difference and she truly did, but it was not the disease that ended up killing her, she Was murdered, shot in the head.




Annalena was the only Christian performing routine checks on Tuberculosis patients in a country that did not exist. She wore no outward sign of her Faith. In this part of the world, the disease was looked at as a punishment for being a bad Muslim.


In the 1960’s Annalena Tonelli was a School girl in Forli Italy. Annalena would later decide that she could not fully give herself to helping the poor if she stayed in Italy.


I give Stronger Than Death five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stronger Than Death: How Annalena Tonelli Defied Terror and Tuberculosis in the Horn of Africa by Rachel Pieh Jones is the story of an amazing and inspiring women. I never would have heard of her if this book had not been written. Even her grave leaves no clues of the many lives that she saved from tuberculosis in the Horn of Africa, Somalia and Northern Kenya.

She had many challenges, not a nurse and doctor or a nun, she loved and wanted to serve the poor. She grew to love the desert and the honesty of the nomads. Annalena had to develop a plan to cure the poor nomadic people of tuberculosis of the wasting disease which had a deep and scary stigma. Devoting herself to their care and earning their trust allowed her plan to save people from the dreaded disease. She recognized the nomad'S overwhelming desire for independence. She served the people making sure that they swallowed their pills on time rather than barter them on the black market.

Although, she grew up in Italy and was schooled as Catholic, she opened her mind to the teachings of Ghandi and learned the customs and bow to communicate to the wit nomads. She did not live apart but with them and lived in poverty with them. Reading about her I loved her sense of humor and her strength in caring for the poor and the sick. If the author who met her a months before she was did not decide to tell about her life, we would have never known about her. Annalena did not care for publicity, she shunned it. Besides learning of this purpose driven and a believer in God is Love, this book will also set you to thinking of all the other wonderful people would have served God and we will never know of them.

I highly recommend this book for when you need to be inspired

I received this finished coy of this book from Plough Publishing as a win from Librarything's Early Reviewer's Giveaway.

[Becky Galambos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from Plough Publishing through Librarything's Early Readers program.

I must admit, before reading this book, I had a very vague idea who Annalena Tonelli was. It seemed like a good book to request because I am trying to expand my knowledge of recent history. Most of what I know of what went on in Kenya, Somalia, and other places in the world in the late 80's and early 90's was what had been sanitized enough for those current events filmstrips that we saw at school.

Annalena Tonelli devoted her life to loving people and serving the poorest of the poor who needed her. Starting in Kenya, she pioneered treatments for Tuberculosis among nomadic peoples and had an excellent success rate. She stayed serving people through war, famine, death threats, helping to treat Tuberculosis, Aids and other diseases, started the first school for the deaf in Somalia, and later in life became a campaigner against FGM. She found resources were there were none to help people that nobody else was willing to help. She would probably still be there doing this work had she not fallen to an assassin's bullet in 2003.

This is not an easy read in some places, as it contains descriptions of violence, war, rape, kidnappings, murders and hostage situations that occurred to both the aid workers and native Somalis.

All in all an excellent and informative read. The world could use more people like Annalena who gave everything they had to go out and love the poor, and find out what they need instead of the ineffective ways NGOs do - but there are very few people like her that are willing to give everything they have.

[Pamela Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a difficult book for me to review, not because of the writing, but because of the content. It’s about Annalena Tonelli, a woman who ministered to nomadic tribes in Kenya, Somalia, and Somaliland from 1969-2003. The people had Tuberculosis and because of their nomadic culture they didn’t want to stay in one place. No one could get them to rest long enough to take the full course of medications until Annalena was able to convince them.

Then there were civil wars raging, a massacre covered up, help being blocked from coming through, corrupt Government officials, and even the other Medical Boards blocked her because she wasn’t a doctor.

Then there was the issue of faith, she had been raised Catholic and the people were Muslim. She wasn’t there as a Christian Missionary, she was living out her faith as Jesus did, more like Mother Theresa did in India: living with the people and like the people in poverty, with no comforts. She had nothing more than a strong love for them in spite of the death threats she received. Even Annalena said “I am an uncomfortable witness, beloved by the people, an immense nuisance to the authorities.” In another quote that she spoke to the Christian authorities “There are many things that can corrupt a person, not just money. Silence is one of those things. It’s a moral question. A question of degree to which silence makes you an accomplice to a crime.”

In spite of everything she went through, she was a light in the darkness. She developed an effective cure for TB, established homes and schools for the deaf, founded hospitals, and most of all showed God’s love in action to the people she cared for.

[Kelly Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating story of a woman who was not only committed to helping those most in need, but voluntarily living at the same level as poverty. She was religious, but did not push her religion on those she helped, most of them were Muslim and initially did not want her in their community. I had two opposite sorts of feelings reading this - the first of immense gratitude that I was born where I was - in a place with basic health care, in a place where if a woman is sleeping outside it's not assumed she will be raped, in a place where it is not accepted to mutilate the genitals of little girls.

And in the opposite, darker side of my mind - why did she bother? A part of the world that is so unstable, so violent, many of the people unwilling to follow even basic instructions to heal themselves - why live such a hard life at such risk to yourself? Annalena seemed to think it was worth it even if she could only be of comfort to one person as they were dying, so they know someone cared about them. It is a lovely altrustic thought. This book made me think a lot about my own selfishness.

[Cathy R Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd never heard of Annalenna before I picked up this book, but she sounded interesting. Inspiring may have been a better word, though - what she achieved was amazing, her work ethic was incredible, and the conditions in which she lived horrific. Having said that, she couldn't have been easy to live with, for those very reasons. Well, this book brought all that out in a way that felt informative and interesting, but as much as possible unbiased. The author is careful to give the sources of her information and has clearly done lots and lots of research, but without feeling like it's all being shoved down one's throat. All in all, it's not the sort of book that I would want to read all the time, and can lead to feelings of personal inadequacy, but is well written, informative and inspiring.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid reader and former ex-pat myself, I was completely surprised to have never heard the moving account of Annalena Tonelli's life and work in Somalia. Journey with writer Rachel Pieh Jones as she weaves her own story of living in Djibouti with Annalena's story. At times I was encouraged. At times I was shocked. And at times I was amazed. This is the incredible account of one woman's desire to live out her convictions and love for mankind. It was so inspiring to read of her life and dedication. As a reader of Rachel Pieh Jones' blog, I really enjoyed her story intertwined with Annalena's. I recommend this book for any one of the following (or all of them!) groups of people: enjoy memoirs, have lived overseas, Christians, public health advocates, or read cross-cultural stories. This is not a light and easy read, but there is such depth in the story of Annalena Tonelli. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book.

[Bayta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply moving and challenging

Raw and honest. What makes this book so remarkable is that while Anna Tonelli achieves incredible things, she is always portrayed a real human being. She does not fit any convenient mould and thankfully Rachel Pieh Jones does not try and make her either. Anna’s life, her dedication to the poor are utterly inspiring and deeply challenging. She displays unbelievable courage and determination in fighting disease in a very hostile environment, while genuinely loving and honouring people. Jones does not feel the need to sugar coat some of Anna’s more difficult decisions but rather allows questions to remain open. As they often tend to do in real life.
Anna Tonelli’s story will stay with me for a long time, and I very much appreciate the way Rachel Pieh Jones tells it.

[Isabelle]

Stronger Than Death by Rachel Pieh Jones is a compelling read about a figure that could be called so many things, yet would prefer none of them. I learned so much while reading this book and cannot believe that I had not heard of Annalena Tonelli before this book. Annalena was what many wanted to be but most will never achieve. She defied the many dangers of Somalia to do what she felt called to do without being held back by governments and NGOs. This account tells of the many things she achieved throughout her life but also shows that she was still human with her own flaws. I recommend this read because I think a lot more people need to know about Annalena Tonelli but I do feel that the telling itself had some flaws. It felt choppy and disorganized many times throughout the book, which always pulled me out of my reading mood.

[Libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

The subtitle says it all: How Annalena Tonelli Defied Terror and Tuberculosis in the Horn of Africa. The death of Tonelli in 2003 was one of the triggers that led to Jones and her family having to leave Somaliland, so the author wanted to learn more about this fascinating, enigmatic woman. Jones has done detailed research on Tonelli herself, tuberculosis, and the various religious and socio-political forces that eventually led to Tonelli's death, but she doesn't attempt to write academically or dispassionately. Jones is wrestling with the truths mixed with the myths of Tonelli's life and what they mean for her personally as she and her family live and work in the horn of Africa. Tonelli has been compared to Mother Theresa, a comparison she denied, yet her story is fascinating and her work impacted so many. A nuanced, thought-provoking biography.

[Jodie Pine · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent account of Annalena Tolleni, who invested her life in the people of the Horn of Africa--through TB hospitals, schools for the deaf, and FGM reforms--and was martyred in 2003. Rachel Jones' intensive research, interviews, and her own family's personal accounts while living in the same area at that time make this a fascinating read.

"Journalists called Annalena the Mother Teresa of Somalia, but Somalis never called her that. They called her hooyo, mother. She wasn’t a saint to them; she wasn’t otherworldly or religious. She wasn’t there to help them die. She was flesh and blood, not a religious symbol or icon but a woman with whom they had a relationship. She was there to help them live."

[Courtney Birkbeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of amazing courage, strong women, people who were willing to sacrifice their lives to help others. I can't stress enough that this book is a must read for anyone who wants to serve as a missionary, or helper with UNICEF or something like that overseas in 3rd world countries. It's one of those books that you won't put down, that you won't want to stop reading and might stay up all night reading! (That's what I did!). I actually purchased this book before finding in on NetGalley, so I'm super excited to get to leave this review for the author and I hope you, the reader, will want to read this too!

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a powerful memoir, sure to move your heart with the story of a wonderful woman who did her best to change the world for the better. I think one of the things that really stuck out to me is Annalena went to Africa with one purpose in mind - to eradicate TB, without the backing of an organization or the intent to convert people to her own religion. She was truly a kind and caring soul, as evidenced by what those around her had to say about her and her own actions. If you're looking for a heart-warming biography, you've found your next read!

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled with a number of things in the book. That doesn't mean it is a bad thing.

Is loving Jesus enough? The theme seemed to be that loving Jesus was what Annalena did and implied that is enough. Yes, we need to love Jesus and from that love flows are actions and our words.

She encouraged the teaching of the Qua'rn in the schools she established. She had a Hindu burial.

I felt the book dragged on and on.

Thanks to netgalley for this book. The review and opinions are my own.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful story about an unbelievably selfless woman! I read this book in two sittings and I am still in a state of self reflection.
We strive to be Christlike however will we ever measure up? Annalena lead the Christlike life that we strive for.
Thank you Rachel Pieh Jones for entrusting us with her story....

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to skim some of this biography or I'd have gotten bogged down and wouldn't finish. While some of her work was definitely interesting, the book was a bit repetitive, especially about her faith. Her credo was apparently just to love people, especially the poor and the sick. Altho a Catholic, she didn't attempt to convert people as Mother Teresa had, but to just be there to help and heal.