Milestones: Memoirs: 1927 - 1977

Awesome! What is truly wonderful about this book is that you "hear it from the horses mouth." Unlike the Q & A format that the later quasi-biographical/introspective books conducted by journalist interviewers, Ratzinger writes this book in his own words. I first picked this book up shortly after he was elected Supreme Pontiff (as I am sure many other have). I wanted to know what this man thought and said as he saw fit to publish. I was not disappointed. Reading this work led me to pick up almost every other one of his published books (including his dissertation in English) to learn more about the theology of Joseph Ratzinger. My only negative comment is that the chronology ends with 1977. My only fear is that, now as Pope, Benedict will not be able to find the time to write Volume II: 1977-20??. I highly recommend this book! A Must-Read!

"I have carried my load to Rome and have now been wandering the streets of the Eternal City for a long time. I do not know when I will be released, but one thing I do know: that the exclamation applies to me too: "I have become your donkey (In terms of bearing loads, not of foolishness), and in just this way I am with you."--Pope Benedict XVI After Pope Benedict was elected I of course wanted to read some of his writings, I figured his memoirs was the best place to start. I have to say it was a very very brief, but engaging read. Having seen him characterized over and over while cardinal as a hard and unfeeling person, it's amusing to see just how sensitive he actually is, and to see his very human faults as well as his strengths. It also clarifies much of the rumors that have built up around him, particularly in the days of World War II. I really loved this book, my only complaint was that the photo montage was a little too long, because many of the pictures are the same picture from various angles. I highly recommend it as a first stepping stone in getting to know Pope Benedict XVI

Cardinal Ratzinger's memoirs are brief and pleasant enough to read easily in one sitting. They are full of interesting biographical background that conjures a picture of family and professional life full of simple joys and of earnest intellectual pursuit of the truth. It is a refreshing and inspiring picture given the prevalence of cynicism and nihilism in our modern Western societies. His vignettes once again demonstrate that simplicity of life is the best route to lasting joy.But in addition to the personal, we also have insight into the theological and cultural currents in the Church from the end of the Second World War into the late seventies. Especially interesting is Ratzinger's view of the Second Vatican Council from within and how destructive forces have exploited the Council in ways unimaginable to the Council Fathers. The other related facet is the frank portrayal of the ongoing conflict within the Church-- a conflict between those who accept the revelation of the living God given in both Scripture and Tradition always necessarily together (and never apart), and those who wish to remake the Church into an essentially agnostic society whose beliefs fluctuate with the latest academic fads. This book makes a perfect introduction to Cardinal Ratzinger's theological works.

In "Milestones" Ratzinger, the Cardinal, allows us a little glimpse at the soul of Joseph, the man. Yes, there truly is a human individual behind the persona which catches the headlines; and not always in the most favorable of lights. This brief, interesting, easily read 150+ pages shows us a man who loves and is loved by a family with encounters, some normal and others not so due to the times in which lived. We are permitted to see a man, priest, scholar making decisions based sometimes upon very ordinary and personal considerations."Milestones" in a quite simple way ties together some great Catholic, theological thought represented by the individuals who walked across the stage of the Cardinal's life; Rahner, Kung, de Lubac, Congar, von Balthasar, Danielou, Bouyer, et alii. Individuals some of whom I have met only in their works were his contemporaries. I find it interesting that this present papacy reflects the theology of not only John Paul II himself but of that of the likes of de Lubac, Congar, von Balthasar, etc.; theological currents with an appreciation for Scripture, the Apostolic Tradition, and the Fathers of the Church. And in its midst is a man comfortably familiar with it all, Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger.The book includes a selection of illustrations which give it a very warm and inviting setting. We see the Cardinal not only in his official capacities but also in some very personal moments with family and friends."Milestones" is a simple but important introduction to a man who, one suspects, is far more than just Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. At its end it leaves one wanting more.Without hesitation, I give "Milestones" a five star recommendation.

This book was wonderful to read and have a sense of the author's personal experience from childhood, living under the Nazi's and Communists, becoming a Priest, Bishop, and Cardinal. The focus is not so much theology but that comes into focus at various times as the author describes his involvement with pre-Vatican II events , the Council itself and the aftermath. It is very insightful for anyone wishing to have a overall picture of the process of the Vatican council and the theological processes that were there at war with each other. Great way to get a picture of the mind of Cardinal Ratzinger.