An amazing reading experience. It takes no time at all to finish. So many ideas. My head is still spinning.

This book was recommended to me by my college professor and I have to say it was one of the most fantastic stories I have ever read. I hope more books follow. The only letdown was when it ended.

Such an unusual premise . . .the ideas are so fresh and inspiring. I bought one copy for myself then went back to the store a day later and bought six more copies for friends and family! I'm not the type of person to read spiritual books -------but after a few pages from the first chapter, I couldn't put the book down.

As a non-Catholic, I find Francis of Assisi fascinating as a man who gave up the life he knew, with all its privileges, to live with as little as possible so as to serve the people as Christ did. So I was happy to find this easy-to-read book.

The book is divided into different sections consisting of ÒreflectionsÓ, which are what normal people call ÒchaptersÓ.

The first section is called the ÒFoundationÓ which is, as the authors put it, ÒJesus Christ and no other.Ó That says it all, doesnÕt it? Each reflection, such as ÒThe Grace of ChristÓ, ÒThe Real ChristÓ, ÒJesus Visible TodayÓ, ÒMary, Our Mother and ModelÓ, explains the different roles Christ plays in the Franciscan life.

The second section covers ÒConversionÓ, the painful process we must endure if we are to throw away our old ways and adopt a new attitude. This is explored in reflections such as ÒPenance: Turning to God and Away from SinÓ, ÒThe Poverty of ChristÓ, ÒThe Poverty for the KingdomÓ (easily the hardest part of the conversion process), ÒHumility Toward OthersÓ, ÒA Life of ChastityÓ (possibly the second hardest), and ÒYouth, Hope for the FutureÓ.

The third section is a group of reflections on prayer. I found information here that hasnÕt been explained by anybody else as plainly before. You get into what is prayer, whatÕs it for, what are the ingredients? Then it goes into what I call the ÒCatholic elementsÓ of liturgy and Eucharist.

The fourth set of reflections teaches the role of those who call themselves apostles, which we can do if we follow Jesus and help others do so as well. You learn how to see Christ in others, how to represent Christ to others (a personal Jesus, if you will), how to love ALL people, what is the role of family (however defined), whatÕs really involved in forgiveness, what exactly do we mean by ÒjusticeÓ (important this day and age), how to be a peacemaker, what is consumerism doing to the environment we are charged with caring for, what is the role of work, how are we to regard those with illnesses, and what perfect joy is all about.

At the end of each reflection, there are instruments for further study. You find questions for reflectionÓ to see if you understood the chapter, important Òapplications to daily lifeÓ, a prayer thatÕs relevant to the discussion, and you are also given scriptural and other references for each ÒreflectionÓ.

By the end of the book you will have enough basic knowledge of what itÕs like to truly live as Francis lived to be able to decide whether to study further or abandon it. ItÕs a small book that can be covered in two afternoons. ItÕs a very plain-spoken book that opened my eyes about what devout religious life is all about.

As for me, I would have liked to have seen more mentioned about the other woman in FrancisÕ life, Clare of Assisi, and the roles of women in general in Franciscan life. Also, the book calls itself a guide to secular Franciscans, and that membership in the Catholic Church is required for Secular Franciscan Order. I take exception to that.

After all, what is being a Franciscan is all about? On the outset it means patterning your beliefs after those of the legendary Francis of Assisi, but in reality you are simply patterning your life after Christ. And you shouldnÕt have to join the Catholic Church or any other form of organized religion to do that.

So, to live as Francis lived is to live as Christ lived. CHRIST, not the hateful, misogynist, homophobic, and full-of-himself self-appointed apostle Paul. If I may paraphrase from the first chapter, as a friend of Francis your purpose is to respond to GodÕs love with TOTAL love of your own. This book puts you well on the path of doing just that, if you open your mind to what it has to say. Highly recommended.

Fr.Foley has written a book that does not tackle moral issues from a Catholic perspective. He does not fully support Humanae Vitae, giving the choice to his readers to commit a mortal sin if they really believe contraception is okay. Used in our RCIA program but should be replaced by the CCC.

This book is a great resource for explaining the faith to new RCIA canidates or to Catholics want to develop a further understanding of their faith. This book is very readable and easy to understand which is why it's been around so long. I would give this book to a questioning Catholic WITH the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Both are valuable resources but each used differently. Thankfully, this new edition includes some great new discussion questions.

Fr. Leonard Foley's books is an outstanding resource for those who want to understanding the Catholic faith. Fr. Leonard approaches the faith with well founded knowledge and deep spirituality. He speaks to those who search for the meaning of their faith with gentleness and wisdom. This book will lead readers/seekers to a deeper relationship with the Lord.