The Man Behind the Miracle

Rating:
Summary: Wunder?
Review: Das Buch liest sich gut - auch von einem, der nur Schul-Englisch kann. Wer interessiert ist, etwas über deutsche Einwan derer in die USA zu erfahren, bekommt darin eine Menge Informationen, nicht nur Histörchen geboten. Father Alfred, Nachfahre westfälischer Bauern mit langer Tradition, hat auch in der neuen Heimat seiner Familie selbst in Ordenstracht das Zupacken nicht verlernt. Madeline Hartmanns Buch hält ihn in Erinnerung, so wie er tatsächlich war.

Rating:
Summary: Miracles Still Happen
Review: Father Alfred Boeddeker, O.F.M., was almost 50 when he took on the greatest undertaking of his life. Named pastor of St. Boniface Catholic Church in San Francisco's Tenderloin District, he went beyond ministering only to the local residents, downtown business people and shoppers. Fr. Alfred extended his ministry "to care passionately for the poor, the sick. the homeless, the hungry, the unloved, the forgotten." He did this as founder of the St. Anthony Dining Room. Madeline Hartmann writes knowingly of the man, his formative years, his family, his education, and the charisms that nurtured his success. In this era, when role models and heroes are scarce, this biography of a modern day miracle worker was truly an inspiration. I highly recommend it, especially for young people, who may doubt that one individual can make a difference.

Rating:
Summary: The Man Behind the Miracle/my uncle
Review: Father Alfred was my Mother's big brother. When he planned some of his ventures, he would come to our house and talk about it, As I was growing up I was accustomed to lisening to the dreams, and then to see them come to life. I do believe that young people should read this book, because it tells them that they too can do great things in the world. Anyone can if they really want to and have enough Faith. He was a real inspiration to me and to my brothers and sisters, and we are grateful that he was our uncle.

Rating:
Summary: The Man Behind The Miracle
Review: In "The Man Behind The Miracle" we read about an ordinary person who did extraordinary things. Father Alfred Boeddeker, O.F.M. did what most good people only dream of doing. He fed the hungry and took care of the sick by founding the St. Anthony Dining Room and the St. Anthony Clinic. His whole life was dedicated to serving his fellow man and he enriched thousands of lives. All that he did was done with simplicity, respect and, above all, with humor. I recommend this book to those cynics who have lost faith with humanity, to those stout hearted souls who believe in the goodness of man and to young people who need to know that miracles can happen.

Rating:
Summary: The Man Behind The Miracle
Review: In "The Man Behind The Miracle" we read about an ordinary person who did extraordinary things. Father Alfred Boeddeker, O.F.M. did what most good people only dream of doing. He fed the hungry and took care of the sick by founding the St. Anthony Dining Room and the St. Anthony Clinic. His whole life was dedicated to serving his fellow man and he enriched thousands of lives. All that he did was done with simplicity, respect and, above all, with humor. I recommend this book to those cynics who have lost faith with humanity, to those stout hearted souls who believe in the goodness of man and to young people who need to know that miracles can happen.

Rating:
Summary: The Man Who Made a Difference.
Review: This story about Father Alfred gives a new insight to the fact that one man can make a difference. A difference to so many people, in so many places. The story gives a wonderful overview of his life and his dedication to the poor and needy of San Francisco and many other places in the world.

The author developed the story through a number of interviews of people that worked with Father Alfred and from personal recollections and family history. In this way, the story gives very real glimpses of how Father Alfred accomplished the feeding of millions, provided health care for the poor and needy, and how he helped others to begin similar programs.

It would be a good reading assignment for students in civics classes. It is easy reading with many short chapters dealing with specific interviews or events and happenings. Overall, it shows the real Man Behind the Miracle.