A lovely book that provides valuable guidance on volunteering. It covers topics ranging from how to discern if one is being called to sorting out what the calling may be to conducting oneself in the midst of service. Although Christian in flavor, the author also briefly covers the concept of service in Judaism and Eastern traditions. I saw the book as more broadly directed toward anyone with a kind and willing heart to serve, which is to say that religion did not get in the way of the author's message.

The message is to go in with eyes open as much as possible. Take care of yourself while helping others. The last chapter, "The Shadow Side of Service" really brought this message home. While it was not a discouraging discourse on the possible pitfalls of volunteering, the chapter does give the reader cause to carefully consider volunteering opportunities in the light of reality.

This book was practical with some sprinkles of deeper spirituality mixed in. Ms. Gould has an excellent sense of humor and has clearly had her own interesting experiences as a volunteer, so it all rings true. Since I am a spiritual director in training, I have been doing much reading on spiritual direction and other spiritual disciplines. Perhaps because of that, I expected something less practical and more theological and abstract. That, however, did not diminish my enjoyment of the book, which is much more suited to the general population than the content I was expecting. ( )