Stories of Karol: The Unknown Life of John Paul II [Hardcover]

Gian Franco Svidercoschi (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2003

Countless biographies have been written about Pope John Paul II. In this volumen a well-know Vatican insider reveals new details about Karol Wojtyla's youth, from his birth to his election to the papacy. This short, readable book chronicles the young life and personal development of this popular and beloved man through stories about his family, his vocation, and his intellectual training. It is enjoyable for both for adults and young people.

Stories of Karol: The Unknown Life of John Paul II originated as a 20-part radio program that aired from January to March 2001 and was narrated by the author himself. It was also the inspiration behind the Hallmark channel movie, A Man Who Became Pope.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Gian Franco Svidercoschi comes from a Polish family and has been a well-known Vatican observer since 1959. He has worked for press agencies, newspapers, radio, and TV networks. The author of numerous books, he is now a Vice Director of L'Osservatore Romano. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Liguori/Triumph; 1 edition (January 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764809245
• ISBN-13: 978-0764809248
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,078,265 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars LOVED IT... LOVED IT... LOVED IT..., January 30, 2004

By 

Karla R Staub (York, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Stories of Karol: The Unknown Life of John Paul II (Hardcover)

I received this book as a Christmas gift. It was amazing. It does read as more of a history book but does a wonderful job illustrating how Pope John Paul II was directly affected by WWII and the holocaust and how be came to receive God's calling.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing story of a remarkable life, September 16, 2005

By 

S. Fedeli (Hershey, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Stories of Karol: The Unknown Life of John Paul II (Hardcover)

The stories and trials of the young man who would be Pope were remarkable. I could not put it down. Read the book in a day and re-read most of it the following day. It was wonderful to understand why John Paul II was so darn passionate about human rights and the unborn. Unfortuately, our modern school curricula do not spend nearly enough time on the hardships endured under Communism and Nazism. This book will give you a first hand insight into how both political systems tormented young Karol for caring about his country and the Jewish people.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Humanity in the Man Who Would Be Pope, March 15, 2006

By 

Parker Thomas - See all my reviews

This review is from: Stories of Karol: The Unknown Life of John Paul II (Hardcover)

Because I had seen the Hallmark Channel's production of the early years of John Paul II and was frustrated by my inability at that time to obtain a copy, I went looking for the book. It is a very fast read, very hard to put down. A wonderful experience if you are intersted in the events that helped to form John Paul II's huumanity. You are able to learn about his personal life as a child and the tragic events that led him to his decision to enter the priesthood. An excellent first book for those wanting to know more or for anyone wanting to start at the beginning of the life of this incredible human being.