The Thirteenth Gift by Charlene Costanzo

Sweet fable with important message.

What is the attraction of stones?  Simple stones.  The thype we come across on hiking trails, country roads, beaches, and city sidewalks.  What instict urges us to stopp for them?  Hold them in pockets?  Save them in jars?


A little-known fable offers an explanation.  According to this story, even the appeal of gem stones is rooted in something deeper than dazzle...something we are all trying to remember.  (taken from the back of the book)

I loved so much about this book.  First, it's a quick, quick read.  You can read the book in under an hour, even if you're a slow reader.  The fable is medieval, although it's set in today's current times.  Best of all, for me, the book holds an important message about seeing the 'good' in others. 

Charlene is also the author of The Twelve Gifts of Birth, The Twelve Gifts for Healing, The Twelve Gifts in Marriage, and A Perfect Name.  Be prepared if you meet her!  She'll reach in her purse and hand you a stone, a reminder of the twelve gifts for you to keep.  Charlene travels all over the country to schools, shelters, prisons, anywhere she can think of to spread her message.  Charlene, I'd love to meet you and count the stones in your purse!