John D Regan

The Monk & The Skunk John D Regan

For thousands of years, humanity has struggled with the question, 'Do animals go to Heaven'? Pet lovers especially; long to know if their beloved pets will join them in paradise. In this treasure of a book, Aroma the Skunk asks Father Charlie the guitar playing Monk that very same question. His answer, and the ensuing drama, propels us into the daily lives of the animal kingdom for a firsthand look at what life as an animal is really like. The striking similarity between their life experiences and ours is breathtaking. They hope and dream, love and forgive, fear and tremble. In the opening scene we discover that Aroma has a problem and eventually convinces Father Charlie to counsel him, and a friend, who live near Charlie's monastery in the Italian countryside. As word spreads throughout the valley, Father Charlie is joined by several of his fellow monks as hundreds of animals converge on the monastery for counseling. The monks are amazed to find that the animals present with the same problems and interpersonal relationships that humans experience. And their curiosity about their eternal welfare, and their distrust of humans, takes center stage throughout the story. Charlie and his confreres counsel the animals individually, teaching them to love and forgive one another, so as to live in peace. Many powerful and moving scenes cause the reader to laugh, cry, cheer, and applaud, as this fast moving drama compels the reader to turn page after page. No one who finishes this story will walk away unchanged. Their love for our animal brothers and sisters will increase dramatically and cause them to encourage others to behave likewise. The truth that animals are the creation of our loving God and deserve the same love and respect that we offer to one another is reinforced again and again. Much of what fills the pages of this exciting story has not been revealed in this brief description; but rest assured, as the story races to the finish, the ending will shock and surprise even the most seasoned of readers. The Monk & The Skunk is a delightful journey which you will read again and again.