Joshua and the Shepherd

I have read a few of these books and they never cease to surprise me! This book goes a little deeper into the social aspects of Catholicism, but still delivers it's message quite clearly! Joseph Girzone tells a wonderful story of a priest whose life is forever changed upon meeting Joshua. Perhaps the conclusion is a bit far-fetched and somewhat guessable, it is still a good read!

In short, I have read "Joshua" and now "Joshua & the Shepherd", and I was more inspired by "The Shepherd" than even "Joshua". It reinforced my own vision of what the Catholic Church can REALLY be like, and SHOULD be like, if only some things would change in the Church today. It has a wonderful ecumenical tone through it too. It was very hard to put down!

Joseph Girzone has written a fantistic story on how Jesus can, and does, touch each of our lives. We can all relate to the shepherd as he takes his journey through live. He goes from highs and lows, in and out of the desert. I thought it nearly impossible to write at story as good as the orginal Joshua. Girzone did it!

This book, along with the original Joshua, is among my favorites. I find myself reading it over and over again, and giving them as much appreciated gifts. While I personally found the other Joshua books a bit "formulaic" and preachy, the original and this were soul comforting while holding a mirror on my own faith and its practice. Everyone who has ever questioned their own relationship with their faith would do well to read these books. They validate and vindicate with a shot straight for the soul, but it doesn't hurt a bit.

After reading all of the "Joshua" books, I am thrilled to say that these stories re-ignited my faith. If only the religious leader of the world were as inspired as this author then maybe our world would be at peace! "The Shepherd" is a beautiful story of one man's quest for brotherhood in the family of God. And a lovely vision it is!!!