Joshua and the Children [Paperback]

Joseph Girzone (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1995

The Story Continues...

Joseph F. Girzone has woven another magical story, a modern-day parable, in Joshua and the Children, which gracefully continues the teachings and inspirations from his previous bestseller, Joshua. A stronger Joshua arrives in a deceptively ordinary village only to witness the doings of unscrupulous leaders and violent people. The children are the first to recognize that something is quite different about this stranger who has come seemingly from nowhere. It is through the villagers' children that Joshua is able to restore a sense of peacefulness and honesty. "A new day had dawned, a new spirit spread throughout the land, and it all seemed to have happened because of the simple, unassuming goodness of one gentle stranger who knew only how to love."

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Father Girzone continues to recast Jesus's mission in contemporary settings with this tale of Joshua, a gentle young man who captivates the children of a politically divided, strife-ridden village. "The applications of the message are broad," said PW . "The simple, childlike tone and the inspirational subtext will appeal to the audience that enjoyed Joshua ."
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

In this sequel to Father Joseph Girzone's best-selling first novel, Joshua , a gentle wanderer comes to a village in (presumably) Northern Ireland and attempts to bring peace to the anxious and unhappy children of the town by spending time with them and by teaching them to be friends with one another. Joshua does not so much preach as live the Christian life, and he feels the children are the key to future peace "because adults resist change, and once adults learn to hate, it is hard for them to forgive and lay aside their hatred." A simple, moving, and inspirational parable presented in an uncomplicated fashion. Recommended.
- Linda L. Rome, Mentor, Ohio
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Touchstone (April 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684813459
• ISBN-13: 978-0684813455
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #165,374 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Inspiration...is the end result, July 3, 2000

By 

jonnyfilm (NY - USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Joshua and the Children (Paperback)

After reading the second installment in the Joshua series, I still continue to be moved and inspired by the character of Joshua. Mr.Girzone's wonderful summations of the teachings of Jesus, coupled with its modern-day setting, create an identification with this character that is sure to wrangle any sheep that haven't found their way, or have previously strayed from the flock...Christian, or otherwise. He breaks it down so that the essence of Christ's universal teachings is what one comes away with...Love, Forgiveness, Peace... I will say, though, that from a literary standpoint, I felt the ending to this story was somewhat forced, or adapted a little too "conveniently" to the correlating Gospel teachings, thereby subtly overshadowing the impact of the events which transpired in the novel. Perhaps the parallel was overtly issued for the sake of those not familiar with the scriptures and teachings of the New Testament. But the point is made, and the characters in the book are ultimately better for it. I would also like to see more of the vernacular mindset of the local townsfolk in the two stories I've read thusfar- (the first being "Joshua: A Parable for Today"- HIGHLY RECOMMENDED). There are occasionally stiff and overly polite personalities that could use a good shaking in their constitutions and speech patterns, once in a while. I'd personally enjoy experiencing more of the intonations and colors of the people about whom Mr.Girzone seems to have so much insight on. But above all...I will say that my understanding and reverence of Jesus and his mission have been amplified to a level for which I must thank you, Mr. Girzone. The personal, Spiritual Renaissance I've undergone can be heavily attributed to the impact your novels have had on me. Again, thank you, and God Bless.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring parable, June 16, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Joshua and the Children (Paperback)

Joshua and the Children concerns the plight in Northern Ireland. Much has been made in recent years of the effect of the violence on the children. In this book Joseph Girzone has Joshua return and gather the children to show them how to live with each other.

The plot is transparent and the Gospel parallels a little too fetching. The healing of the assasin's daughter at the end of the story goes beyond Jesus' healing of the guard's ear in the Garden of Gethsemane.

And yet Girzone's point is wel taken. In Joshua Girzone made direct challenges to the establsihed churches. he is kinder in this book. Most of the clerics here are attempting in their own ways of assisting their parishioners to live in peace. And by and large they support Joshua's efforts with the children. Even the two bishops are portrayed as sincere men of conscious who take great risks on behalf of peace.

This story, then, is a critique of the human inability to forgive and "not take offense"as Joshua says. So while the Gospel parallels are obvious, Joshua and the Children presents a way in which peace could be achieved: through children. Their ability to find commonality and create bonds can bring hope to the world.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is by far the most relaxing book i ever read, July 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Joshua and the Children (Paperback)

This book was fabulous, everyone should have the chance to read it and experience its goodness, its really enchanting.