Joshua in a Troubled World: A Story for Our Time

One of the best books I've read . All Joseph F Girzones have something for everyone. Reading this novel gives me a sense of peace that we need in our world today.

I have always thought it would take God himself to bring peace to the Middle East. In this book, that is basically the case. While the methodology by which the Joshua character seeks to end the turmoil may be idealistic, it is a simple story that any reader can appreciate. Having read all of the books in the Joshua series, I found myself disappointed with this book. While the plot is quite idealistic for my liking, the main problem is that there is not enough time devoted to the beloved main character. Joshua only seems to be an active participant on 1/4 of the pages. Since this is the Joshua series, one would think he would be a more active participant in the book. After experiencing frustration in the paranoid post-9/11 America, Joshua begins bringing people of different faiths together. This is done in America before a chosen representative Elie is sent to the Middle East. Elie visits numerous important figures including fictionalized versions of real leaders. Yet even Joshua seems to know that not everybody will accept peace. But having the masses accept peace is a major step. While I have really enjoyed the other books of this series, the lack of Joshua in this book left me feeling somewhat cheated. Though all things are possible with God, the plan for peace seemed far too simplistic. More than anything, this book caused me to think how distant peace is from the region. How sad it is that religion is such a source of conflict in the world.

I found this latest book in the Joshua series by Joseph Girzone to be a fascinating interpretation of how Jesus would react to the post 9/11 climate of fear and distrust were he alive today. I tried to anticipate how the book would unfold, and found that Girzone addressed all the potential problems and possibilities in a very realistic way. I'd highly recommend this book, even if readers have not read the prior Joshua books.

Great book but not as good as his first. Very timely, but I was a little let down by its brevity and its "overt preachiness" Recommended reading nonetheless.

This book was a book listed in the reading program for the United Methodist Women. I have read it and thoroughly enjoyed the way it was presented. I am going to lend it to others in my UMW circle. Thanks so much for the good price also.