Here is an authoritative account of the inspiring life and extraordinary achievements of that frail and ordinary looking little woman named Mother Teresa, written by a friend and admirer from India, who does not even share her faith. Navin Chawla is a senior civil servant working with the government of India, who came into contact with Mother Teresa and was inspired by her to take up the cause of those affected by leprosy, about which he has written another book. This book is the fruit of his hard labor of five years which consisted of various personal conversations with his subject herself and numerous visits to the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta and elsewhere. He traveled to different continents to visit the innumerable friends and helpers of Mother Teresa in order to gather direct information. He had access to the various letters, records and documents of the Missionaries of Charity through one of the senior members of the congregation specially designated for the purpose by the Mother herself.

He narrates the story of this Catholic nun and Nobel Prize winner with great sensitivity and intuitiveness, never idealizing his subject nor belittling her magnificence. He manifests a clear grasp of the details of the government of the Church and the faith of Mother Teresa though as a Hindu these were foreign to him. He focuses very much on the work of the Mother in order to describe her personality and convictions thereby heeding to her repeated calls "write about the work". The distressing recollections of the children in the Shishu Bhawan, like those of Bapi and Dadda, the tales of woe heard from Balu, Jehangir and many others at the Leprosy Centre and the poignant glimpses of the dying men and women at Kalighat are indeed moving. Mr. Chawla writes with ease and elegance, required for the biography of a person of her stature, intending it for an international audience. This is the best biography of hers written by an Indian who knew her well personally.

What makes this hagiography stand out from the many other profiles of Mother Teresa is Navin Chawla's unprecedented access to the Saint of the Gutters. In addition to knowing Mother Teresa for over twenty years, she asked her sisters, associates, and volunteers to cooperate with him in compiling her life story. As a result, readers are privy to Mother Teresa's private one on one meeting with Queen Elizabeth, her phone call from Sadam Hussain, and a hodgepodge of other historical tidbits that provide nearly unfathomable contrasts.

Like any accurate biography of Mother Teresa, the book discusses her tremendous respect for non-Christian religions. One of her lifelong goals was to make people better at their religion-better Buddhists, better Muslims, better Jews, or better Christians. The author subtly portrays that as just one of the many ironies to Mother Teresa. With the possible exception of the Pope, nobody stood as a more widely know avatar of the Catholic Church; yet, millions of the people she aided were not Christians. An unflinching defender of Catholic dogma, she unquestionably reached out to those whose problems were the direct result of what she considered sinful behavior. From the many hospices she established to care for AIDS victims to the Missionaries of Charity's loving worldwide support for unwed mothers, Mother Teresa's devotion knew no bounds.

With its publication about five years before her death, Navin has produced a felicitous tribute to a woman whose eleemosynary life will serve as an inspiring example for the remainder of humanity's existence.

If, like Goldilocks in the children's fable, you're looking for the book about Mother Teresa that is "just right", you found it. If you want to buy only one book, the one that will give you the true to life picture of the physically diminutive and otherwise bigger than life nun, Chawla's biography is for you.

Authors too close to the subject give unnecessary details that distract from the main points. Such is the case in "Mother Teresa, Her Life, Her Work Her Message". But that book, written by a Missionary of Charity Co-Worker, redeems itself with valuable anecdotes and useful explanations.

Authors too distant from the subject see Mother Teresa mainly in her administrative actions and miss the powerful personal charisma, the driving force. Kathryn Spink's complete authorized biography, "Mother Teresa", falls on that end of the scale. It includes a complete appendix listing the place and date of opening of every Missionary of Charity Foundation outside of India, plus Mother's unabridged acceptance speech for the Nobel Prize. The exhaustive research makes Spink's work an essential resource for the serious investigator of Mother Teresa's work, but not necessarily the book to introduce you to Mother Teresa, the person.

The source that is just right is the author who has a native understanding of India, coupled with a professional knowledge of the many factors required to work with lepers. Add the objectivity of someone not Catholic, but with an inquiring mind and a university education and you have Navin Chawla. Chawla spent five years preparing this work, making sure he understood the inner person, and then delivering his insights. For example, from the Prologue "As a Hindu, it took me longer than most to understand that Mother Teresa is with Christ each concious hour, whether at Mass or with each of those to whom she tends. It is not a different Christ on her crucifix and a different one which lies dying at Kalighat....For Mother Teresa, to love one's ! neighbor is to love God....This is what is essential to her..."

Chawla's book is powerful because his understanding is powerful. He takes nothing for granted. He focuses on the heart of the matter before him: how to explain this unique individual. The complexity of roles that Mother Teresa mastered are all in Chawla's book. He presents the Teresa that stands up to angry mobs, cajoles resources out of ministers of state, bandages lepers, rules an order numbering thousands of young women, croons a song to an orphan, and much more. How does she do this and maintain integrity with her mission, fidelity to her doctrine and obedience to her religious advisors? What is different about this particular nun? These are some of the questions anyone hoping to write about Mother Teresa must answer. Chawla, the "just right" biographer, gives answers that are neither analytical and dry, nor sentimental and trivial. He carefully balances interviews, research, and his personal experiences with Mother Teresa. The result is a picture of Mother Teresa that is both informative and compelling.

A biography must make me smile, and feel along with the writer. It must make me involved enough in the subject to be there, or it's only a reference book.

Mother Teresa never took time to read anything written about her. I have a feeling that, if she had, Mother Teresa may have preferred this book, written by one from her adopted country. Written by one who, like herself, had an interest in helping lepers.

But that is just my personal guess. Read it and see if you think so too.

Mother Teresa, Called to love is the best book I have ever read about Mother Teresa. Author Maryanne Raphael worked as a Co-Worker of Mother for many years and Mother gave her permission to write this book. It is easy to read, full of intimate interesting details about the life of one of the most holy people who lived during our lifetime. Those who knew Mother Teresa claim to feel her spirit in the book. It is an inspirational work of art. A very special biography.
I would recommend it to anyone who is depressed or bored, feeling sorry for themself or lost. Reading this book you feel like you have spent quality time with a saint. I highly recommend it.

MOTHER TERESA, CALLED TO LOVE is a beautiful spiritual classic. Maryanne Raphael's powerful writing brings us on Agnes Bojaxhiu's life journey as she becomes Mother Teresa. Mother Teresa touched all of our lives in her efforts to bring peace, beginning with a smile, and inspired millions to care and act in behalf of the suffering and needy. After reading Maryanne Raphael's passionate, heartfelt book, I renewed all of my spiritual commitments. MOTHER TERESA, CALLED TO LOVE, will continue to inspire many generations to come and will keep Mother Teresa's Call to action alive. Taia Chard, Chairman ABI Humanitarian Foundation

"Mother Teresa, Called to Love" is a compelling look at the saintly woman who served as the world's conscience during much of the 20th century. The author, Maryanne Raphael, has captured a rare glimpse at one remarkable woman. When I finished the book I felt at peace."

Several good books on the subject of sexuality, relationship and marriage have come out recently. But this one tops them all. Arnold writes with such clarity, such depth, such relevance. This book gets at the root. Interspersed with stories and personal anecdotes, Arnold reflects on questions we all think about, but rarely ask: Why are we sexual beings? Why do we long for married love? Why do we hurt so badly when relationships are severed? Why is sexual fulfillment and love so vitally connected?

Arnold reflects on why we yearn for love, why it is that the "dating game" is so dissatisfying, why it is we feel empty when sex is outside of commitment, and why it is that God brings a man and a women together. Arnold pulls no punches. He is brutally honest and yet is able to write with tenderness and compassion. If you long to know what it means to have authentic, truly free relationships where you experience the security of lasting love, then read this book!

In a society immersed in 'sex'. It would be good for the next generation to stop and think deeply about what God has in mind. How do man - woman relationships look when they are under the influence of the Good Spirit? Such reflections early in life help lay a foundation upon which a healthy marriage can be built. This book will help! The foreword by Mother Teresa was one of her last published writings.

Reading "A Plea For Purity", simply thrilled me. I did not expect that an Anabaptist author would be so courageous, and so explicit on this difficult topic. I highly recommend it for young, middle aged, and people who have been married for many years. It is also a very good book for single people.

This book tells the inspiring story of one of the greatest women of our time.

The strength, courage and determination of the remarkable woman who gave so freely of herself to make life easier for others, dramatically unfolds through the pages of this book. There is no question she will become a legendary hero written in the pages of tomorrow's history books.

Each of us has a mission and purpose in life, whether it be in this life or the one thereafter. One need not be a Roman Catholic to appreciate the faith, love and wisdom found in this incredible woman who deboted her life to helping those most in need. As a follower of the Buddhist faith, I can relate to many of the philosophies of Mother Teresa. The love for humanity is a common bond which can be shared by followers of many different religions; love for one's fellow man has no religious limitations.

"Teresa of the Poor" is well written and thought provoking. No matter how much time one has devoted to helping others, after reading this book, one is left with the feeling that whatever they have done, it is not nearly enough. To fill the shoes of this kind and compassionate lady would be almost an impossibility. This book is definitely worth reading...and contemplating.

This is an excellent book about the life of Mother Teresa. I knew that she had to wait 12 years to start her missions. I did not know what life was like for her for those 12 years until I read this book. It is an excellent book for those who suffer along the path that they believe God is leading them without sight of the end. This book also shows how important it is to rely on God alone for our needs and how in His time he will provide for those needs. Our ways are good but His are perfect!

It's what we all need. A level. A solid Ground. This book with thoughts by Mother Teresa certainly begins to provide ways to love in a world that is lacking love.
Mother Teresa writes from a life of faith. This would be an excellent gift for friends, and yourself, as we refill the world with what seems to be missing right now!

Mother Teresa, through her life experiences, presents biblical principles that relate to the ever-changing world today. This book causes us to re-examine our great commission as Christians, and to not only Talk the Talk, but Walk the Walk. Through this Humble Lady of God, many lives have been touched by not only her hands, but her words, including mine

About eight months ago, I found this book and I have read it each day since then. I have found in this book, in the brief selections chosen for each day of the year, the heart of the gospel message - love, obedience, surrender. What Mother Teresa has written was for the Sisters of Charity who worked with her, but it is a message for everyone. I have read other books with selections from Mother Teresa, but this book, with its daily meditation format and its focus, has been the one that has most spoken to me. I think that I will be reading it for the rest of my life.

To read this meditation book at one sitting would be a grave injustice to the author, and probably give anyone who wasn't already a saint some kind of spiritual indigestion. Just a few lines, to read in the morning and consider the rest of the day, is the way to proceed here. Unlike the children's Christmas calendars, which run out of days, and surprises hidden behind paper windows, this book will give you a new treasure every day of the year. Don't wait until January first to start to read it. Start on any day, and don't peek at the next day. Then every day can be full of the delight and anticipation of Advent, all year long. Jesus, the Word to Be Spoken, is compiled by a Brother of the Word, which is the contemplative branch of the Missionaries of Charity for men, founded in 1977. The bonus is a copy of their Rule (Constitution), at the back of the book. These meditations follow the liturgical calendar, so the days of Lent, Easter, Advent and Christmas have appropriate thoughts and prayers. One more caution: Mother Teresa had several ambitions, and one of them was to help people become saints. So you've been warned. Don't be too surprised if you read this and start doing things you never expected to be doing.

Your Baby And Your Work: Balancing Your Life is a concise, reassuring handbook for (new) working parents. Containing chapters of suggestions for help with problems with sleeping, nursing, feeding, health, play, and separation, Your Baby And Your Work is a deft resource. Thumbnail portraits of parents who have "been there and done that" recently with their children are presented, giving numerous suggestions and examples of solutions for first time and other working parents. Another topic addressed is the role of the other parent in child care, and how to encourage more co-parenting. In all, Your Baby And Your Work gives a firm glance at effective 'working' parenting practices, especially at that turning point when Mom or Dad or both return to employment and begin the dance of juggling child care and work responsibilities. It is most reassuring to hear directly from other parents who have experienced this transition successfully. This is a fine, useful resource for all working parents of young children. Grandparents and prospective parents are another targeted audience.

Your Baby And Your Work is a concise, reassuring handbook for (new) working parents. Containing chapters of suggestions for help with problems with sleeping, nursing, feeding, health, play, and separation, Your Baby And Your Work is a deft resource. Thumbnail portraits of parents who have "been there and done that" recently with their children are presented, giving numerous suggestions and examples of solutions for first time and other working parents. Another topic addressed is the role of the other parent in child care, and how to encourage more co-parenting. In all, Your Baby And Your Work gives a firm glance at effective 'working' parenting practices, especially at that turning point when Mom or Dad or both return to employment and begin the dance of juggling child care and work responsibilities. It is most reassuring to hear directly from other parents who have experienced this transition successfully. This is a fine, useful resource for all working parents of young children. Grandparents and prospective parents are another targeted audience.

Nancy Lorraine, Reviewer

This book I read in the begining of the school year. It is a great book. Whan I say great I realy mean great. The things that the mother teresa would toatly amaze you. She lives with the poor helped people with sickness and took care of abanden babies. you should read this book and find out more about it infact I would recomend it a lot.(you SHOULD read htiss book)

Through the short stories in this book, we can feel the strong power of true love and remind us the valuable truth of the world. Furthermore, it can influence us the way treat the others. It's a good book with touchable stories and worth to read it.