God's Messengers: What Animals Teach Us About the Divine (Paperback)

~ Linda Anderson (Author), (Author), Allen Schoen (Foreword)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Anyone feeling nostalgic about the sentimental angel books of the 1990s will appreciate this collection of animal stories, a follow-up to the Andersons' book Angel Animals. Through nearly 70 vignettes, the authors attempt to answer the classic theological questions: Is there a God? Why do bad things happen? And does God reunite us with loved ones? Some stories are moving and well told; two of the best are "Ferrets Are Made of God," in which an autistic boy gains confidence through the love of his pet, and "A Hamster's Legacy," where chaotic sixth-graders learn to care for others. Many of the sketches are tributes to animals-dogs, cats, horses, dolphins, snakes, squirrels, you name it-that rescued or comforted or inspired their humans. Others veer into silliness, though who wants to argue with someone who believes her late beloved dog is sending messages from beyond? As the authors point out, "Animals have a talent for bypassing the mind and going straight to the heart." All the stories are purpose-driven, either including a lesson or followed by personal questions for reflection: "What if the messages in dreams aren't merely workings of our subconscious minds or the result of what we ate before bedtime? Has an animal communicated with you in a dream about a matter of great importance?" Though much of this book's spirituality would appeal to anyone with romantic views of God and nature, some of its more imaginative accounts overstep the beliefs of any traditional religions.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"... Pick up several copies as gifts for all... animal lovers on your list. Yes, it really is that good!" -- Best Friends Magazine Nov./Dec. 2003

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: New World Library; illustrated edition edition (September 26, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1577312465
• ISBN-13: 978-1577312468
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #417,406 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best "Animal Book" Ever, October 9, 2003

By	Carol Frysinger (Nashville, Tennessee) - See all my reviews

This was the most wonderful animal book I have ever read! I couldn't put it down. The stories are real about real Souls who live in animal bodies. I was amazed at the variety of experiences the writers shared. I especially loved the Llama story. I'm going to look into adding a Llama to the quadrapeds I plan to have on my new farm next year.

I am buying this book for everyone on my holiday gift list. I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't love it. Just to flip through & look at the animal's names & pictures is really uplifting.

This book is easy reading in our stressful world. It is a "feel good" book, but not overly sentimental. If just a small percentage of folks on this planet would read it, I am sure the world would be a better place to live.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Oasis, December 20, 2003

By A Customer

In the midst of these troubled times, this book is an oasis of love and serenity. It just makes us love and respect animals even more.

If you don't know what present to give for the animal lover in your life, try this book.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A BREATH OF HEAVENLY FRESH AIR, October 9, 2003

By	Dorothy Weiss (ORLANDO, FLORIDA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a beautiful collection of true stories. From Richard Simmons' dalmatians to Lynn Harper's cats, to Diana Stewart-Koster's parrot, the stories encompass uplifting moments between humans and animals. Dolphins, Cats, dogs, horses, birds bring their human friends comfort and laughter too. All of the stories are simple yet profound, and each touched my heart. My rottweiler Larry, and I really enjoyed this book together, just as Betty White of "Golden Girls," said we would. In a world of stress and challenge, this book is welcome and refreshing. Open the pages, and breathe in the heavenly fresh air of unconditional love. Reflect on the photographs of these "messengers," and the inspirational phrases which follow each story. If I could, I would give this book ten stars. Highly recommended.