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Life is God's Best Gift by Sam Chege 
Published by Amistad
Following the success of the megabestselling Black Pearls, a collection of 365 African proverbs that illuminate the secret to peace and joy; and inspire the words of Cudjo Lewis in Zora Neale Hurston’s Barracoon.
In Africa, grandparents traditionally share their wisdom about life and culture with their grandchildren, using proverbs and stories that have been passed down from generation to generation. This beautiful keepsake volume includes 365 proverbs—one for each day of the year—partnered with brief, yet profound lessons and knowledge covering all facets of life.
Collected from countries across the African continent, these wise proverbs encourage children to treasure community over material items; show kindness to others; love from the heart and not the mind; exercise empathy; and strive for a global education. These thoughtful proverbs include insights such as:
Proverb: “Love, like rain, does not choose the grass on which it falls.” (South Africa)
Insight: True love is blind. True love is not based on wealth, family, position, education, tribe, religion or class. Love can bind together a most unlikely couple, as the heart has reasons that reason does not understand.Proverb: “When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground.” (Gambia)
Insight: The elders of the community hold the wisdom of the world.Devoting a little time, day by day for a full year, this holistic, enriching gift book can lead to inner peace and happiness.
Life is God’s Best Gift by Sam Chege is a ball of sunshine that you can carry around with you at all times.
This book contains 365 proverbs collected from countries across the African continent. I read this book in one sitting. The second time I read it, I had my highlighter and post-it notes ready.
I grew up in an African household, so a few of the proverbs were familiar to me. As a kid, I would give my relatives the side-eye because I had no idea what some of the sayings meant. There were times my relatives gave the meaning of the proverbs. Then the other times, you were left to figure it out yourself. I was always told, “That’s what common sense is for!” Which had me trying to figure out what having common sense meant. Suffice to say; this book brought back some childhood memories.
As an adult, I can appreciate the proverbs more because of life experiences. They are short, straight to the point, and packs a punch. After reading this book for the first time, I would recommend reading one proverb to reflect on every day. Sometimes the smallest thing can make a significant impact on your life.
Life is Truly God’s Best Gift to us. What a perfect title!
I highly recommend this title.
