Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.

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.

I personally have met and have become a friend of the author. our spirits touched and we instantly became friends. His love for the Lord is very evident in his books. I have read them all "Joshua" his first, my all time favorite. Never Alone coming in a close 2nd. It really helped me in a time of my life when I did feel alone, but his book brought me the awareness that I am never alone because Jesus always walks with me as a friend and brother. a must read for anyone...

A book for those really wanting to grow spirtually, Father Josheph those an execellent job at helping those currently in many churches starving for GOD. He provides the roadmap, in a simple to understand format. "May God Bless, Father Josheph"

This is a wonderful devotional book that is simply and concisely written. It was written by a Joseph Girzone, a retired Catholic Priest who was the author of the famous book Joshua.

Girzone writes with sincerity and passion as he encourages the reader to trust God. His overall theme is that God is always there. If you have an open heart, I believe this book can be life-changing. My favorite part was the poem "The Touch of the Master's Hand" that tells the story of an old battered violin being auctioned for only a dollar or two until the master musician got up and played it. After the master finished playing a beautiful melody on it, the crowd realized that it was worth much more. The bidding went up to one or two thousand. The touch of Master's hand made all the difference.

This is a wonderful book. It brings God, up close and personal. It is not stuffy like others I have read. It is a refreshing new perspective. It really broadend my perceptions and made them seem real. Something I can incorporate into my life. It is a must read.

Joseph Girzone may be best known for the books in the Joshua series, but this book may be his finest work. Though it would seem to be a "Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People" type book, Girzone's "Never Alone" focuses on building a relationship with Jesus that grows even in the most turbulent times. The message is moving.

Modern Christianity fails to account for the ways people come to faith. People come to God in different times and in different ways. Rather than acknowledging the outcasts of society as Jesus would, modern churches cast out members that do not fit their narrow approach to beliefs. Often those that need support most are shown the door. The image of a God that marks our failings in record book to punish us later is a flawed image. Humans are flawed individuals that are destined to fail in coming to His desired perfection.

As a retired priest, some may dismiss Girzone's writings as "sour grapes" or the ramblings of a defector of the Catholic priesthood. Yet just as he said in the book, he believes the trials of his health issues that cause him to retire were brought by a God with a plan. God had already planned for him to write several marvelous books, this being one of them. The message is not bitter, but a wonderful truth.

I have read all of Joseph Girzone's books, he is an amazing writer. The particular book is a must have book for those who want to find their purpose in life and the path that leads them to God. I appreciate the way that Joseph Girzone reaches through the barriers that often are present in books that address religion and he does not focus on being of a certain faith, but he embraces all faith and brings it back to the reader. In this way he is able to touch all of us and guide us on a path that is often fraught with questions. I found a lot of answers in this book and I have reread it a number of times and each time receive more wisdom and defined direction. Thank you Joseph Girzone for helping to heal my heart!

Tells us how with Jesus we are never alone. It goes ito depth of his closness and assurance to call on and trust in him. It was one of the best and better then most self help books.