Book Review

Saint Francis
Christian Encounters Series
By Robert West
Supported by a long bibliography of background books which were written over the past eight hundred years, this new biography of St. Francis is both inspirational and informational. Mr. West has woven a well-written, engaging history lesson together with honest, spiritual explanations of the motivation of St. Francis of Assisi to make the choices and take the stand he did. Mr. West aptly describes the lifestyle, the background, the character and the deep beliefs of St. Francis of Assisi.
I especially appreciated the parts where Mr. West described the soul agony St. Francis of Assisi went through to get to his preferred state of living in poverty; a simple acceptance of just being alive to worship God. What St. Francis of Assisi yearned for is what I yearn for, though I doubt I possess the determination to follow entirely in his path.
I would have liked to see a time line or at least a chronological list of the historical details of that time and the biographical details of St. Francis of Assisi, as they were mentioned in the book, because I found it a little difficult to keep all those time details straight in my head. Another thing I would have liked to see is a list of the rules St. Francis of Assisi had composed for those seeking to be admitted into his brotherhood, and who desired to stay in his group.
I consider this book about the life and heart of St. Francis of Assisi to be a very valuable read. I enjoyed reading it and I highly recommend it to my friends and family.