Soul Of A Lion

  I thought it was time I paid tribute to what inspired me to travel to Harnas. The book I found, frankly by pure dumb luck at the library. The book is called Soul Of A Lion written Barbara Bennett, a professor at North Carolina State University. I read this book back in August of 2011 and it has stayed with me ever since. Being a professor of english she has a slight advantage in the writing department but this book is exquisitely written. I could not put it down and even now am anxious to read it again. She writes so vividly that you can see all the stories she describes, even though they are like nothing you have ever heard of before. I read in awe of her close personal stories with the animals at Harnas, very jealous and dreaming of a day that I could get similar experiences. This book also tells the story of how Harnas was founded and about the life of the woman who started it, Marieta van der Merwe. 
   Throughout this book it is clear to see how hard Marieta worked to help the animals that could not help themselves. She is truly inspiring. I am so excited to have the opportunity to meet her and watch how she interacts with animals. I encourage anyone who has a love of animals, adventure, Africa or simply great stories to read this book. 
    My mom ordered Soul of A Lion and it arrived in the mail this week. It has been so much fun remembering the stories as my mom reads it. I don't think anyone can read it and not be in awe of what is taking place there. I am forcing myself to wait until right before I go to reread it. I think it will be the perfect way to psych myself up even more and prepare my mind for what I am about to experience. Though I highly doubt anything will really make me mentally prepared. I just wanted to pay tribute and HIGHLY recommend this book because it alone has done so much to encourage me and give me passion to pursue the life and career I am. I guess you can say just reading the book changed me a little, I can only imagine what going there will do.