Diane Gibfried

Brother Juniper was a friar who served the church with Father Francis. Brother Juniper was know for being very generous, and often naked because he would give away even the robes on his back. The other brothers he lived with were worried about Brother Juniper's generosity, especially when he was left alone to look after the church. Brother Juniper gave away everything in the church, even the walls that help it up, and he gave everything away to people who were suffering and needed them. When the other brothers returned they didn't know what to do because their church was gone. That Sunday, everyone in the town that Brother Juniper has helped gathered at the church to give him a big thank you. In the author's note, Diane Gibfried said that a Brother Juniper served with St. Francis between 1210 and 1258. Not many things are known about him, but he is used in many biblical stories to teach a good way of living. at the book is fiction, but this is a story the author felt was fitting to tell a possible story of Brother Juniper's life. The only goal Brother Juniper had in the book was to be a man of God, and to help people in whatever way he could. Brother Juniper was very successful in his goal of helping others, and was repaid by thanks in the end.… (meer)

Wow! This book really defines what "the church" is, in a simple story. The meaning of this book was to show that the church isn't the building, it's the body of people! Church can happen anywhere, it is not the temple. God calls us the church, not the building. Another meaning to the book was the generosity Juniper had. More people showed up than ever because of what he did. When we reflect Jesus' character, more people come to know him. Words aren't enough, the building isn't enough, it's our actions. 1 Peter 3:1 "Your godly lives will speak to them without any words." Really great book.… (meer)