Never Alone: A Personal Way to God by the author of JOSHUA [Paperback]

Joseph F. Girzone (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1995

The #1 Publishers Weekly  religious best-seller now becomes a best-selling  paperback! Joseph Girzone, author  of Joshua, takes us on a personal spiritual quest in  his first book of nonfiction. Joseph Girzone is  that singular publishing phenomenon, an author who  answers the unasked questions that lie hidden in so  many hearts. The wisdom of his spirituality, at  once both simple and profound, transcends the many  factions of religion and speaks to millions,  regardless of background, in a language all can  understand. Never Alone is his most  intimate book to date, and has already brought him  many new readers because of its accepting message.  In it, he unveils his personal way to God -- a way  of such wisdom, sympathy, and generosity that  anyone can follow it and find satisfaction, happiness,  and serenity. As Father Girzone guides the reader,  he brings us before a god who is neither silent  nor condemning, but a patient God who heals gently  and thoroughly, a realistic God who knows quite  well how we function. We may be shocked or ashamed bv  what we see in ourselves, but God understands. In  Never Alone, Joseph Girzone unfolds  the spirituality of love and forgiveness, and  directs his readers toward peace.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Now, with his Joshua books well established as bestselling classics of religious fiction, Fr. Joseph Girzone turns his hand back to nonfiction. He makes a clear distinction between a genuine intimacy with God and a mimicking spirituality of pious acts--like that of the Pharisees. In this easy-to-comprehend, but by no means simplistic book, Girzone uses Jesus' relationships with both God and others to define just what intimacy with God actually looks like. Pointing out that every spiritual journey is unique and that no one can manipulate the Holy Spirit, Girzone cautions his reader against trying to force anyone's journey to conform to preconceptions. He instead encourages the reader to embrace God and trust Him to lead according to His plan. Girzone speaks of many other subjects too--of forgiveness and of suffering, of the dangers of self-centered spirituality and, of course, of transformation to Christ's spirituality. Joshua readers who have long been attracted to Girzone will be well pleased.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

A retired Roman Catholic priest and novelist, Girzone shares some of his experiences (from age two on) with human friendship and with Jesus as friend. He writes of when he was penniless and depressed and how that strengthened his faith; of the need for a spirituality that is both ordinary and disciplined, and of unavoidable pain in human relationships and life. Throughout this inspiring book, written in simple and direct language, the reader is led toward a God who is healing, patient, and realistic. The book gently nudges the reader to see beyond difficulties to God. Recommended for public libraries. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 11/15/93.
Copyright 1994 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: 128 pages
• Publisher: Image (April 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385476833
• ISBN-13: 978-0385476836
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.4 x 8.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #229,436 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A helpful primer on spiritual living, March 25, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Never Alone: A Personal Way to God by the author of JOSHUA (Paperback)

I would recommend this book to anyone looking to increase their spiritual life. Girzone gives sound advice: study and imitate the life of Jesus; increase prayer; let go of cravings for material things; reach out and really love others; practice forgiveness and humility; put trust in God by opening ourselves to His grace, love, and guidance. His suggestion to study the lives of the Christian saints is a good one. Overall, a very good book to set new goals and an action plan for yourself to become happier, calmer, and at peace.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Girzone is an exceptional Christian, September 26, 2005

By 

Michael McKinney (Jacksonville, Florida USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Never Alone: A Personal Way to God by the author of JOSHUA (Paperback)

Joseph Girzone is a retired Catholic priest. He retired when his physician informed him his health would fail if he remained serving in that profession. That was over 20 years ago. Early in his retirement he decided to adopt a life-style of total dependence on God, and learned much from this self-imposed poverty. Then, he began to communicate his ideas about the nature of religion using the format of small novels based on the question: how would Jesus deal with question (A, B, etc.) if he were to visit us today? These little books started a kind of underground "cult" of enthusiasm among those of us that found most of organized religion somewhat unsatisfying. Over the years I have often wondered how the Catholic hierarchy has reacted to this straight-speaking priest. Anyway, Never Alone is a kind of autobiography in which Girzone explains how he views his relationship with God. His simple style and unassuming personality is underlain with truly profound philosophical power. For those of us with an open mind, what Girzone has to say will strike some deep spiritual chords.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars spiritual and uplifting educational, May 31, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Never Alone: A Personal Way to God by the author of JOSHUA (Paperback)

My spiritual director gave me this book to read. I found it very comforting and gave me just what I have been yearning for.I felt it was sort of autobiographical and also teaching at the same time. I have read Joshua and now reading Johsua In The Holy Land.It was very inspirational and changed my life. I was very touched and moved in a way I can't explain while reading all of these books. They are just wonderful and Fr. Joe write more.