<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: Inspiration...is the end result
Review: After reading the second installment in the Joshua series, I still continue to be moved and inspired by the character of Joshua. Mr.Girzone's wonderful summations of the teachings of Jesus, coupled with its modern-day setting, create an identification with this character that is sure to wrangle any sheep that haven't found their way, or have previously strayed from the flock...Christian, or otherwise. He breaks it down so that the essence of Christ's universal teachings is what one comes away with...Love, Forgiveness, Peace... I will say, though, that from a literary standpoint, I felt the ending to this story was somewhat forced, or adapted a little too "conveniently" to the correlating Gospel teachings, thereby subtly overshadowing the impact of the events which transpired in the novel. Perhaps the parallel was overtly issued for the sake of those not familiar with the scriptures and teachings of the New Testament. But the point is made, and the characters in the book are ultimately better for it. I would also like to see more of the vernacular mindset of the local townsfolk in the two stories I've read thusfar- (the first being "Joshua: A Parable for Today"- HIGHLY RECOMMENDED). There are occasionally stiff and overly polite personalities that could use a good shaking in their constitutions and speech patterns, once in a while. I'd personally enjoy experiencing more of the intonations and colors of the people about whom Mr.Girzone seems to have so much insight on. But above all...I will say that my understanding and reverence of Jesus and his mission have been amplified to a level for which I must thank you, Mr. Girzone. The personal, Spiritual Renaissance I've undergone can be heavily attributed to the impact your novels have had on me. Again, thank you, and God Bless.
Rating:
Summary: Inspiration...is the end result
Review: After reading the second installment in the Joshua series, I still continue to be moved and inspired by the character of Joshua. Mr.Girzone's wonderful summations of the teachings of Jesus, coupled with its modern-day setting, create an identification with this character that is sure to wrangle any sheep that haven't found their way, or have previously strayed from the flock...Christian, or otherwise. He breaks it down so that the essence of Christ's universal teachings is what one comes away with...Love, Forgiveness, Peace... I will say, though, that from a literary standpoint, I felt the ending to this story was somewhat forced, or adapted a little too "conveniently" to the correlating Gospel teachings, thereby subtly overshadowing the impact of the events which transpired in the novel. Perhaps the parallel was overtly issued for the sake of those not familiar with the scriptures and teachings of the New Testament. But the point is made, and the characters in the book are ultimately better for it. I would also like to see more of the vernacular mindset of the local townsfolk in the two stories I've read thusfar- (the first being "Joshua: A Parable for Today"- HIGHLY RECOMMENDED). There are occasionally stiff and overly polite personalities that could use a good shaking in their constitutions and speech patterns, once in a while. I'd personally enjoy experiencing more of the intonations and colors of the people about whom Mr.Girzone seems to have so much insight on. But above all...I will say that my understanding and reverence of Jesus and his mission have been amplified to a level for which I must thank you, Mr. Girzone. The personal, Spiritual Renaissance I've undergone can be heavily attributed to the impact your novels have had on me. Again, thank you, and God Bless.
Rating: 
Summary: Great book
Review: All the books by Fathe Girzone are great. This, "Joshua and the Children," is one of th emany good ones in the series.
I highly recommend this. He's a great writer, writing from the heart great stories about people meeting Jesus.
Rating:
Summary: Protestants vs. Catholics
Review: Here is an educational little book set in violence prone North Ireland. Joshua sets up his current mission in a village currently divided by the hatred between Catholics and Protestants. Considering the adults a "lost cause" concerning their attitudes, Joshua targets the children as an instrument for change. How would Jesus deal with the violence in Northern Ireland? Read this book and find out!
Rating:
Summary: Kinder But Less Impressive than Joshua
Review: I read the first Joshua book and thoroughly enjoyed it. I would recommend reading it prior to reading this book. In contrast to the first book, I agree with one of the other readers in that the author was much kinder toward organized religion this time which made it a little easier to swallow. However, Joshua was much more open and obvious with his working of miracles which made the book much less believeable. In the first book most of the characters were left guessing as to who Joshua truly was and his message was expressed in very subtle ways. This time his actions made his identity obvious and the characters either believed immediately or were fools. Overall this was a good book.
Rating: 
Summary: Glad to be finished
Review: I think that this book was moving in its own way but it just kept repeating the same moral over and over again. Although i have never read a book like this one before it did not impress me too much.
Rating:
Summary: Inspiring parable
Review: Joshua and the Children concerns the plight in Northern Ireland. Much has been made in recent years of the effect of the violence on the children. In this book Joseph Girzone has Joshua return and gather the children to show them how to live with each other. The plot is transparent and the Gospel parallels a little too fetching. The healing of the assasin's daughter at the end of the story goes beyond Jesus' healing of the guard's ear in the Garden of Gethsemane. And yet Girzone's point is wel taken. In Joshua Girzone made direct challenges to the establsihed churches. he is kinder in this book. Most of the clerics here are attempting in their own ways of assisting their parishioners to live in peace. And by and large they support Joshua's efforts with the children. Even the two bishops are portrayed as sincere men of conscious who take great risks on behalf of peace. This story, then, is a critique of the human inability to forgive and "not take offense"as Joshua says. So while the Gospel parallels are obvious, Joshua and the Children presents a way in which peace could be achieved: through children. Their ability to find commonality and create bonds can bring hope to the world.
Rating:
Summary: A Model to Live By
Review: This book was fantastic. It was the first of several books by Girzone. It was inspirational in several captions but the prayer sequence where Joshua was praying with his arms outstretched seemed to demonstrate the nature in which we all need to stretch towards God. His simple acts of kindness were all that Jesus ever did. A kind word, a moment of rest or a genuine smile is what Jesus offered as a basic part of life -- we forget that. This is the best of the Girzone books in my opinion - it's probably the impact of the children -- but a great book.
Rating:
Summary: A Model to Live By
Review: This book was fantastic. It was the first of several books by Girzone. It was inspirational in several captions but the prayer sequence where Joshua was praying with his arms outstretched seemed to demonstrate the nature in which we all need to stretch towards God. His simple acts of kindness were all that Jesus ever did. A kind word, a moment of rest or a genuine smile is what Jesus offered as a basic part of life -- we forget that. This is the best of the Girzone books in my opinion - it's probably the impact of the children -- but a great book.
<< 1 >>
|
