Customer Reviews

Joshua and the Shepherd

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4 star:		(3)
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Like all of Joseph Girzone's books, Joshua and the Shepherd is extremely well written. It is easy to read (excellent prose), and Girzone weaves such a detailed story that it is hard not to get swept up in the flow of the story. This book is definitely a story about the universal love of Jesus (Joshua) for all of His creation. The book is definitely idealistic in its ecumenical storyline (different denominations establishing a strong single community), but Girzone does leave one with the impression that there is definitely hope for such a possibility if people truly listen to the Word. Overall, I liked the book. Being an advocate of ecumenism myself (though I must state that I would not want unity by sacrificing Truth) I could relate to this book and thougth the message was truly inspiring. My one problem with the book however was that at times, Girzone writes so simply, you feel as if the book was actually written for grade schoolers. Then again, perhaps it wouldn't be such a bad idea to expose children to this message (the one of ecumenism) anyways.

In short, I have read "Joshua" and now "Joshua & the Shepherd", and I was more inspired by "The Shepherd" than even "Joshua". It reinforced my own vision of what the Catholic Church can REALLY be like, and SHOULD be like, if only some things would change in the Church today. It has a wonderful ecumenical tone through it too. It was very hard to put down!

Joseph Girzone has written a fantistic story on how Jesus can, and does, touch each of our lives. We can all relate to the shepherd as he takes his journey through live. He goes from highs and lows, in and out of the desert. I thought it nearly impossible to write at story as good as the orginal Joshua. Girzone did it!

This book, along with the original Joshua, is among my favorites. I find myself reading it over and over again, and giving them as much appreciated gifts. While I personally found the other Joshua books a bit "formulaic" and preachy, the original and this were soul comforting while holding a mirror on my own faith and its practice. Everyone who has ever questioned their own relationship with their faith would do well to read these books. They validate and vindicate with a shot straight for the soul, but it doesn't hurt a bit.

I have read a few of these books and they never cease to surprise me! This book goes a little deeper into the social aspects of Catholicism, but still delivers it's message quite clearly! Joseph Girzone tells a wonderful story of a priest whose life is forever changed upon meeting Joshua. Perhaps the conclusion is a bit far-fetched and somewhat guessable, it is still a good read!

Having read several of the other Joshua books, I can say this is the one I liked the least in the series. I disliked it not so much because of a poor story, because I did like the story. I was disappointed to see that Joshua does not make many appearances in this book. The book also seems more focused on changes Girzone sees as acceptable in the Catholic church. While I have little disagreement with anything the author promotes, the book just was not what I expected.

A hard-line dogmatic priest, David Campbell is elected to the status of bishop. Yet on the night of his installation into office, a dream in which Joshua appears encourages him to change his ways. The people are more important than the dogmatic views of the church. Rules can not always be applied because times changes the needs of the people and circumstances often require changes. Campbells sets out on an unlikely path that initiates radical change in the church with relative ease. Even more unlikely, Campbell attains the support of the pope. But even I could not believe the level of ascent the author puts David Campbell in as he ends this book.

Fans of this series will still enjoy this book. Truthfully, I enjoyed the book though I believe the author is far too idealistic in this book. I suppose this comes with the simple yet wonderful prose with which Joseph Girzone writes.

After reading all of the "Joshua" books, I am thrilled to say that these stories re-ignited my faith. If only the religious leader of the world were as inspired as this author then maybe our world would be at peace! "The Shepherd" is a beautiful story of one man's quest for brotherhood in the family of God. And a lovely vision it is!!!

Father Girzone's view of Christianity is a vision of how I believe the Christ wants His people to behave. While the story in this book is not as compelling as the Joshua books (it's still pretty good), the message is the same. Christ is here, today and we should behave accordingly.

Those that insist that their sect are the only ones "saved" will not enjoy this book, but those of us that believe that we are Christians first and that our denominations are less important than Christianity will find inspiration here.

There aren't too many ways to describe this (or any of the others in this series) other than "heartwarming." As a person who has spent the better part of 30 years "searching" for the meaning of faith and goodness, I wish that I had this book years ago. The book shows how truly simple it is to be "of faith," to follow the right path, in a truly page-turning fashion. This is a read-agin and again book. I recommend it to anyone of any faith. This book crossed all faith and idealogy boundaries. When you're done with this one...finish the series! "Joshua and the Children" is a must!!

Joseph E. Girzone is one of my favorite writters. He makes you feel part of the story and you come out learing a leasson. Love his books.