So, You’re Not Mother Teresa: Acts of Kindness and Gifts from the Heart; A Guide for All Women on Giving Gifts from the Heart, Featuring over 500 Specific Ideas - Cannavo, Terri. Brown Books, 2006. 192p. $14.95, paperback. ISBN-10: 1-933285-50-8. ISBN-13: 978-1-933285-50-4. 241.4 Christian life. Personal growth.

Someone you know has been ill. Another person dies, leav- ing a husband to care for two children under the age of five. The family down the street has just adopted a baby. As a Christian woman, you want to say the appropriate words or do something to help, but what?

In times of either sorrow or joy, have you ever opted to do nothing in order to avoid doing something that would be offen- sive or inappropriate? Your response is normal, and so you can use the help Terri Cannavo provides in this book. With wonder- ful stories and practical advice she tells how to help in a wide variety of situations.

Some of the many topics covered are accidents, addictions, chronic illness, funerals, moving, unemployment, new babies, single friends, and weddings. Cannavo understands when to give gifts of food, gifts of service, or sometimes just the gift of listening. One suggestion fits many occasions: bring chocolates and a good movie to watch together.

Although this is her first book, Terri has gained popularity as a host on the Internet radio show www.grapevineradio.com, where she discusses women’s issues.

Mary Lou Henneman
Boardman United Methodist Church
Boardman, Ohio