Customer Reviews

Father Joe

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I absolutely loved this book. The author speaks to each of us who are living in a secular world and are conflicted. I couldn't put it down and can't wait to read it more fully.

I wanted to give this 3 1/2 stars but couldn't figure out how! I read "Father Joe" about six months ago and it is one of those books that has stuck with me (so many do not). Tony Hendra's memoir of his difficult spiritual journey left me a little disappointed, but yet it had a big impact. His story moves along well and is quite interesting to read, but the undercurrent of the ebb and flow of nearness to God that is the experience of most Christians was what really carried me along. My disappointment was because Hendra didn't find the answers to all his spiritual questions - but then, neither have I!

This story is in a way everyone's story of life's events, some good, some mistakes, some devastating, some serious lessons. I so appreciate this talented writer's account of the years of his life in which this gentle monk influenced him to continue on his quest for the god-driven life. I have known a few people in my life who gave me the kind of inspiration Father Joe gave. Two were my grandmothers, who managed to live through difficult times of hardship without giving up, or blaming others, or becoming harsh or bitter. I still have them as ideals, of the best kind of person one can be; calm, patient, strong, and confident in the power of the God who made us. Tony Hendra was indeed fortunate in having Father Joe in his life. I had my grandmothers. We should all be so fortunate.

This is a book that can inspire a reader to look for the kind of spiritual guide that Mr. Hendra had in Father Joe. What a worthwhile effort that is!