5 comments about Pope John Paul II: In My Own Words.

1. It is hard to imagine not having this in my personal library now that I own it. I struggle at times to find a springboard for my prayers, and after opening up the pages of this book, it was easy to find sources of inspiration. It is a well organized collection of some of Pope John Paul II's most interesting and moving quotes taken throughout his papacy. I recommend it for people who seek an introduction to this Pope's life and legacy.



2. Anthony Chiffolo has compiled the words of His Holiness, Pope John Paul II from many of the Pope's letters, speeches, presentations and encyclicals. The quotes and prayers of Pope John Paul II are arranged into fourteen short and concise chapters, with the subjects being the Trinity, Faith, Christian Life, Progress and the Modern World, the Church, Sacraments and the Priesthood as well as others. His words are personal and intimate, yet at the same time they reach out to everyone. They have the power to touch the reader and to inform, enlighten and inspire.



3. This book is a collection of quotations by the late Pope John Paul II and covers a variety of topics, including Salvation, Truth and Freedom, The Christian Life, Marriage and the Family, The Priesthood, Mary among many others.
   
   This is not the type of book where you should take large bites of in one sitting. This work is better off nibbled piece by piece. I found the passages in this book wonderful inspiration for reflection and prayer. I would rarely read more than a couple of pages at a time. I would read a limited number of passages (as few as one, rarely more than five) and pause to reflect on them and sometimes oven pray over them. I found them not only spiritually edifying, but also intellectual in content.
   
   These quotes were selected and compiled by Anthony F. Chiffolo. The come from homilies, encyclicals, pastoral letters, his own autobiography, among other sources. They are highly inspirational. The holiness and love for God, Christ, and Mary that the Pope has is clearly evident. Even though he is on his eternal journey in Heaven now, for many people like myself, though we have a new Pope, he will always have a special place in the hearts of millions.



4. 
   `Pope John Paul II: In My Own Words.' Whose words? The title was ambiguous and misleading. Though I found the book on the stands I didn't buy it. Eventually a friend gave me a copy and I sat down with it. The inside flap cover of the book calls it "Pope John Paul II: In His Own Words." That title makes better sense. Whatever the title be, the book contains valuable quotes from the spiritual giant of our time, Pope John Paul II. These quotes and prayers from the Pope's pastoral letters, homilies, encyclicals, speeches and audiences are classified into different heads. There is also an introduction containing a short biography of the late pope. It is a nice little book on Pope John Paul II, useful for easy reference.



5. This is some words to the wise by the beloved Pope John Paul II. There's not really too much to get out of it besides some prayers. He is on a level of sainthood such as Mother Teresa and is probably the most famous pope in history. It was an international emergency when he deceased recently, I always hated people making fun of the pope in a cartoonish fashion, which they will surely rot in hell. We miss you, Jean Paul, and I hope to God Pope Benedict is doing a goodly job of filling your shoes. God bless. R.I.P. Pope John Paul II, god bless your soul.

3 comments about Intimacy with Christ.

1. Madame Guyon used simple short words to speak out deep truth in different people's spiritual life. More than that, she gave appropriate medicine to the person in that situation. The book is awesome. Every piece of advice is precious pure gold. Thank God for this wonderful supply.



2. I liked this book so much, I bought several for members of my prayer group. We now have discussions on its contents. This is just what I have been looking for. After reading Jeanne Guyon first book on "Experiencing the Depths of Jesus Christ", I knew I had to read her other writings.



3. Writing a review for a Madame Guyon book is a bit like submitting a critique of Shakespeare. Her writings are classic. Who hasn't read her? What can I add?
   
   Personally, my moments with Guyon are treasured and vital. Like an aspirin for pain, a dose of Jeanne Guyon brings relief to the hurried, exterior western mindset. Radical in her day, her thoughts continue to challenge the religious. Her mystic writings cut through the fog of our present culture. Her words often pierce by surprise. Her truths are exacting and accurate in this collection of letters. The focus is clear: turn from self to Christ; abandon yourself to God. Trust His love and grace for all spiritual progress.
   
   My only objection to this edition is its subtitle, "Sit at the feet of the greatest woman in church history." Although I might personally agree with that statement, if Madame Guyon isn't rolling over in her grave at that accolade, she has most certainly protested to her Beloved about it. Her key objective in this text, and in all her writings, is to lead others to sit at HIS feet. As she writes in chapter 30: "See God alone. Fix your eyes on Him and never put them on yourself." It is ironic that the publisher would so violate her vision in circulating her material. Having said that, I am grateful to the Seed Sowers for providing the text - and highly recommend it.

5 comments about He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not: A Memoir of Finding Faith, Hope, and Happily Ever After.

1. When Trish Ryan was in the midst of her idyllic childhood, she knew two things: God loved her, and one day he would send her a Handsome Prince. But, her thoughts on God and men were pretty much self-generated and quickly intermingled to a single passion. Her quest for spiritual fulfillment centered around finding a man and her happily ever after. Born Catholic, she went through years trying astrology, feng shui and any other spiritual road that offered fulfillment if only she could bend the universe to her thinking. Increasingly despondent, she heard God speak. Could she "take Jesus seriously?"
   
   This is an extraordinarily powerful book in the right hands. For all of the women's lib many of us were raised under, still most women at least secretly harbor the hope that a handsome prince will seek us out and love us for who we are, cinders and all. We ache to be loved. And we clamor for peace. Trish writes this in a thoroughly enchanting way.
   
   She is brutally honest about her spiritual quest and her quest for a husbandâ"and the distinct parallels between the two. Not only that, but the heartbreak she suffers at each crossroads. And when she begins to describe "Christians," she doesn't throw the lingo around assuming readers understand. She beaks it down into what it really means in everyday language. And she is believable because she lived it.
   
   I think this book is great for two audiences: The Christians and the "Decidedly Not" Christians. Christians should read this to see what the world's understanding of spirituality really is and how ridiculous the "lingo" sounds when you don't understand it. And for those spiritual seekers out there, always looking to achieve spirituality but not quite finding it, oh, I hope they will also pick it up.
   
   This book is just a phenomenal resource on so many levels. Don't assume it isn't for you, because there is a fair chance that it is.
   
   Armchair Interview says: A book worth checking out.



2. This is a great book. Smart, funny, honest, and well written. You want to give it to every friend you know who is looking for freedom, joy, peace and love by rearranging their furniture, and also to everyone who is having trouble believing in miracles. I can't recommend it enough.



3. great book! I could relate to some of my younger years and all the crying and laughing that she allowed for me to feel of my crazy adventures before I found the love of my life. Yes, and finding Jesus as the one true savior and Lord saved me too, from my own follies.



4. This memoir is about Trish's journey through many different spiritual practices and relationships, while searching for happiness, and ultimately a husband. Her candid sense of humor comes through in her casual, yet gripping style of writing. I appreciated her ability to communicate that not all (in fact probably most) Christians do not fall into the stereotypes that are thrown at them, whether it be that they are Republicans, Bible-thumpers, etc. Her style/experience with faith is one that draws people in wanting to experience it for themselves. I'm not a fast reader, but finished this book in two days because I couldn't put it down.



5. When I first read the book jacket on He Loves Me, He Loves Me NOT (HLMHLMN), I thought I was in for some light-hearted chick lit or a God on a Harley type ride. Trish Ryan's desperate hubby hunt turned faith quest ended up far more meaningful than finding Prince Charming.
   
   Spirituality/Religion can be a heavy topic and can put many a reader on the defense, but Trish reveals her journey with such candor and humor, I, for one, walked away appreciating her process.
   
   In her twenties, Trish threw around the common disclaimer that she was "spiritual, but not religious." She embraced everything from A Course in Miracles, astrology, tarot cards, feng shui, crystals, chakras, Native American spirituality--you name it, she tried it. If she hadn't already made her choice, you better bet, Trish would be first in line to buy Oprah's Book Club pick, Eckhart Tolle's A New Earth Awakening To Your Life's Purpose. With painful self-dissection and heartache, all that changed...
   
   Even if you're not exploring enlightenment, you can glean clarity from Trish's memoir. I appreciate her willingness to allow us a glimpse into her spiritual and psychological trenches--she admits her insecurities and speaks openly about the dreaded "D-word," depression. Don't be detered--HLMHLMN is by no means a downer. Think Sex in The City meets Women of Faith ~ Trish's relentless self-effacing humor inspires quick page turning.
   
   I doubt we'll find many people, especially women, who won't find themselves relating to Trish, at least on some level. She reminds me of our tendency to project our ideals onto our latest man crush--the biggest trap we can set for ourselves. Instead of seeing others--specifically, prospective mates--for what they truly are, we throw our notions of perfection at them in hopes they'll stick, so we'll finally find our elusive soul mate glazed in shiny flawlessness. Then, "Life Happens," and inevitably things heat up and that glaze begins to melt, slowly dripping off to reveal the faulty individual underneath...and we're left with our disappointment wondering "What happened? Why did THEY change? I appreciate Trish's comitment to digging deep in HLMHLMN to determine that the hole she thought she could fill with a man truly could not be satiated by someone of this world.
   
   I must admit, I was left wanting her to explore just a bit more:
   
   **WHY she had such a deep sense of insecurity in the first place ~ From her account, she comes from a strong Catholic in-tact loving family--anything BUT dysfunctional compared to today's standards--so where does this deep internal abyss originate? Without God, does that unfillable hole reside in us all?
   
   **Like Trish, in my twenties, I fell into the trap of thinking my boyfriend could complete me . On page 26 of HLMHLMN she admits: "Dating Josh marked an evolution for me: it was my first experience with lying about who I was and what I wanted, of guessing what a guy wanted and then pretending to be eactly that." That was me. I didn't know myself or what I wanted and I thought finding a guy would fill that void--in was unconscious, unintentional. After reading HLMHLMN, I found myself wanting Trish to explore her own individual passions and purpose apart from her quest for landing a man. Hmmm, maybe visiting her website will provide those answers. You can also visit Trish's Forty Days of Faith website.
   Just a sidenote: As a young twenty-something "yankee," living very much like Trish--very defensive to condescending "Christianese." I had a number of Born Agains hit me with well-intended phrases like "Don't you want to be washed in the blood of the lamb?" and "My heart is burdened for your salvation" ~ Huh? That, quite frankly, felt far from loving--only sanctimonious--and turned me OFF from Christianity. It's no wonder Christianity gets a bad rap these days. Conversely, I think Trish does a superb job of articulating the Christian tenets in a nonthreatening conversational tone--very much like a discussion you may have with a nonjudgmental loving girlfriend. Admittedly, I've lived in the southern Bible Belt for nearly fifteen years now and embrace the Christian perspective, so maybe I'm immune at this point, but I'd be interested to hear how you recieve Trish's message.
   
   What are your impressions? Let's start a conversation..Feel free to visit my website at www.WordsToMouth.com and leave a comment or call and leave a voice mail.
   
   Bottom line: HLMHLMN obviously evokes much introspection. I recommend it and would love to hear your thoughts on the book and the points I've raised in this post.

5 comments about G. K. Chesterton: The Apostle of Common Sense.

1. This introduction of GK Chesterton should be a required reading for every High School Senior before graduation into a College Curriculum or as part of a required beginning College Liberal Arts Curriculum. My vote is par excellence for this soft cover issue*****!
   It is truly "An Amazing Prophesy of Pertinent Issues of Our Modern World Today". It is a very easy to read beginning collected synopses ofG. K. Chesterton: The Apostle of Common Sense of GK Chesterton by Mr. Dale Ahlquist.



2. This is a terrific introduction to a giant of the 20th century literary world. If you have any doubt as to the pertinence of Chesterton in the modern world, take a few moments to browse through this book. G.K. Chesterton's writings are still vital and alive today, and this book introduces you to the author's works. Well worth the investment of time to read this intro to Chesterton, and then delve into the books of Chesterton with great gusto. Enjoy!



3. No one will accuse Dale Ahlquist of being detached and objective about Chesterton's work. I don't think there is a serious word of critique in this whole volume, so if you are looking for a broad view of Chesterton, with perhaps even some suggestions that he might be lacking in some regard, then this book is not where you will find it. What Ahlquist does very well is bring the essential arguments that Chesterton makes across the spectrum of his writings together in a concise, accessible and enjoyable book.
   
   This is a book you can pick up and peruse, read a chapter, put it down, pick it up a month later and begin again. The title says it all. Chesterton is presented as the Apostle of Common Sense so the things that you read sound like common sense whenever you read them. You don't have to remember a sustained argument that has gone before.
   
   As a convinced Calvinist I flinch when Chesterton (and Ahlquist) oversimplify significant positions on free will, God's sovereignty and ultimately the quality of life associated with those who hold to different views on it. I don't get upset though because the principles that Chesterton is ultimately arguing for are actually inherent within Calvinism also. What he really says are basic principles of Christianity, not Catholicism, though Chesterton and Ahlquist equate them.
   
   Chesterton's work is worth reading for his arguments on the family and distributive social economy alone. These are words our society needs to hear and we really ought to pay attention.
   
   So, read the book - enjoy the wit and the superb command of the language that truly great intellect can muster - and learn.



4. Ahlquist's introductory text to Chesterton was a delightful, witty, and quick read which set me afire once again to read an author whom the contemporary world has lamentably forgotten - and not accidentally. I have before fallen in love with Chesterton and hope to continue to fall in love with this humble intellectual giant, the apostle of the people, of "common sense" as Ahlquist says. This text functions very well to whet anyone's appetite for Chesterton.
   
   One of the marks of a great mind is a unity in thought, particularly over time - even when time realizes various conversions, like the life of Chesterton. In Ahlquist's bird's-eye view of Chesterton's major works, the general theme of Chesterton's levity and love for the obvious, simple paradoxes of life shines forth as a glorious beacon to the majestic thoughts of this man. The text on the whole is a delightful, yet not too serious, admixture of the author's musing with quotes of varied length from Chesterton. It is a joy to leap from subject to subject in this short overview, for that was the way that the physically massive writer would write, like the most free of angels, floating humbly above the fray of grave intellectuals. I highly recommend this text to all, from the complete Chesterton novice, to the junior who perhaps needs a re-expansion of his Chestertonian horizons, to the scholar of Chesterton who too can only benefit from stepping back to look at the great masterpiece that is collected works and mind of Chesterton.



5. This book makes for a good introduction to the world of Chesterton. However any person who is even partially familiar with his works will garner little information from this book.
   
   While Dale Alquist is a great scholar, I find his commentary to be one sided at best. I believe (a phrase never used by Mister Alquist) that Chesterton can stand on his own, without commentary.

5 comments about Running to the Mountain: A Midlife Adventure.

1. With a fine sense of humor, Jon Katz reveals his most innermost feelings when he explores the purchase of a crumbling, dilapidated mountain top cabin in upstate New York. Jon, an author, is not a talented handy man around the home. It appears he can barely screw in a light bulb, not to mention his weak skills balancing a check book. Obviously catered and emotionally indulged by his wife, it is a strong reflection of his love for her that he takes on the job of becoming not only responsible financially, but challenging and accomplishing simple things like scrubbing a toilet and cooking dinner. Later, he takes on tougher skills of gardening and basic home maintainance.
   
   His emotional torture is the realization that the couple can barely afford the luxury (?) of a second home, especially one with significant needs. His prolonged assault of ponderous concerns weigh heavily on him as he goes through the decision of actual purchase and facing the extensive renovations ahead of him. He perceives the purchase as an escape for which he can write his novels, articles and self-exploratory memoirs yet the sacrifice he is inflicting on his wife and daughter disturbs his decision making processes. But his love for the home and the mountain lure him and with excessive reflection of his motives and writings of Thomas Merton, he bites the bullet and signs on the doted line.
   
   Central to his development are his extraordinary blond labradors and their day to day activities. A black lab owner myself, I found this the most charming aspect of his life style. There is something so deeply penetrating in one's love for their dog, and it was quite palpable in the experiences they shared together. Special kudos to his patient and loving wife, Paula who understood when to let go and trust in her man. Their daughter, Emma, friends Jeff and Michele, and the incredible townsfolk round out a very lovely story of growth and achievement. Jon's writing skills truly made me feel as if I too, was sitting in his front yard, sipping scotch and watching the mountains looming in the distance. He just may tug of few of you out of your hum drums, and provoke you as well to purchase your little cabin in the mountains.



2. During a change of life as he reaches the empty nest era, Katz shares his thoughts and reasons for acquiring his mountain get-away. After he and his wife raise their daughter, Katz decides to find a relaxing haven, to spend some time alone, to read the philosophy of Merton and play with his dogs. This account of his rehabilitating a run-down mountain cottage was fun to read. It is a story that many of us wish to echo as we approach our post-midlife (despite the title) years...finding and enjoying a summer get-away. To reward one's self of the work conducted through life is an admirable goal, even though Katz's goal, in part, was to find material to write about (he is an author by the way). I thank Jon Katz for sharing his adventure with us. It was fun to read and I, no doubt, will re-read this as my time comes to find my reward some day. There simply is something tranquil about having a place to go to where one doesn't need a clock, where the beauty of nature and seclusion are paramount. I feel there is a deep feeling within all of us to have such a paradise to go to. I can picture myself now sitting on the porch, overlooking a beautiful valley between mountains, with a good book in hand while man's best friend lies at my feet.
   
   Take this book for what it is, a fun account of one man's experiences of finding that one summer place to spend some alone time (and time with the family)--to contemplate his life while enjoying it with his four-legged friends. It sounds like a beer commercial, it just doesn't get any better than this. A very good read. Similar books: David Brill, A Separate Place; Mark Phillips, My Father's Cabin; Elizabeth Gilbert, The Last American Man; and, of course, the classic, Thoreau's Walden.
   
   If you know of any similar books, please drop me a line John@delbridge.net.



3. I liked the book, got weary of the more "spiritual" portions, comparing his adventure into solitude with Merton's. Some of it I had to read twice just to get what he was talking about. I guess you would say it is "deep stuff." I would've enjoyed the book more if it was written simply about his trip to the mountain. I enjoyed reading about his buying the cabin and all the work it took to fix it, and the people he met. He wrote a lot about his family and portions of his life. I would rather read about life on the mountain with his new cabin, his dogs, the people...more adventure like in his other books. But this book is not necessarily about an adventure to a mountain, it's about his life and facing the future, and trying to figure it all out; it's about Jon Katz doing some soul searching, trying to escape the monotony of his life and find peace and happiness. Although I feel indifferent to his "spiritual" journey, most people feel like they need to escape from the monotony of busy everyday life and find peace, so it was easy for me to empathize with him this way. I too look for ways to make life newer and better, to face change and embrace it. His musings weren't all too deep for me. I could relate to some of them. Overall I liked the book.



4. I really enjoyed this book! I read it in less than 24 hours---so obviously it held my attention. I think some of the Amazon reviewers are a bit too hard on Katz. His experience is his experience after all---and who are we to judge if he is too "urban" or if he still doesn't understand what the rural experience is all about. While I do understand that as a writer Katz is always looking for another book topic---I think he found one here that was worthy of his great writing style. He's a self-deprecating guy who is easy to like. He allowed us, his readers, to enter his world and enjoy ourselves. That's a feat in itself. I say---keep writing memoirs Jon---you have a lot to offer.



5. This author is becoming well known for his dishonest and insincere tugging at the heart strings of dog owners and dog book buyers. Don't buy it and don't read it. The way I see it, he owes me a refund.

5 comments about American Priestess: The Extraordinary Story of Anna Spafford and the American Colony in Jerusalem.

1. Through a masterful weaving of history with personal narrative, Geniesse has created an indelible, living portrait of the seemingly continuous and always tragic struggle for power, even when it comes to matters of faith. Beginning in Chicago, during a period of intense religious revivalism, the story concludes in that most sacred yet conflict-ridden city, Jerusalem, and casts an unsparing light both on American idealism and religious fundamentalism."



2. A real page-turner, beautifully written. Deep scholarship, fascinating characters. A story, largely set in Jerusalem in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, of the American fundamentalist movement and the birth of modern Palestine and Israel. A story that provides a nuanced understanding of today's problems in that tortured part of the world.



3. And to think that after 40+ years in the Middle East, I thought that the American Colony was "just" a hotel!! Thanks to Jane Geniesse, and after reading her fascinating book, "American Priestess," I now know the convoluted and incredible history of that site! For anyone who has stayed at the hotel or has the remotest interest in the historical events that occurred in Jerusalem at the end of the 19th century until the founding of the State of Israel, this is a "must read" book.
   
   And now to realize that the American Colony all began with a fanatic American and his fanatic American/Norwegian wife, all brought back to life by Geniesse...incredible!!
   Karen Asfour



4. A Book for those who love the Exotic and the Unusual
   
   Jane Geniesse's book "American Priestess: The Extraordinary Story of Anna Spafford and the American Colony in Jerusalem" brings alive another time. Geniesse follows the passion of a Chicago heiress, Anna Spafford, to search for the exotic beauty in ancient Jerusalem. Following the footsteps of Gertrude Bell and Freya Stark, Geniesse creates yet yet another devoted heroine of the Near East in her book. Starting as a wealthy pasha's fort like villa, The American Colony Hotel has survived for more than a century as a place where international diplomats, correspondents, American and English expatriates met and discussed the issues of the day. The lure of the hotels' oriental decor with its Moorish arches and tiles, wooden coffered ceilings, and a cool enclosed courtyard with fountains and lemon trees which can still be found on the outside of the old walls and the Old city's Damascus Gate.



5. This is one of the more informative books written regarding the history of Americans who had influence in Jerusalem and the holy land in the last century. The author has researched her subject thoroughly and made a complex story interesting and understandable. Well worth your time and effort.

5 comments about All of the Women of the Bible.

1. I think I have the the only signed copy of "Family Living in the Bible" because she was my aunt on my Grandmothers side. I saw Edith most weekends in Ft. Worth until I moved away to Houston. Edith was the sweetist/dearest and most (innocent,intellegent,complex) 70-80 year old woman you could ever meet and talk to. Unfortunatly, I think the family took her for granted. But the Church did not! And she left a large library of her lifes works with Texas Christian University. As with every family, life is complex in nature. (personalities, divorces blah!!! she never had to deal with this stuff that i knew of!!) Reading her works for me now are amazing because of it's simplicity but at the same time it's reality. I will never forget Edith, her amazing library when I was too young to appreciate it, and the wonderment of just wandering around her estate.



2. This exhaustive work is invaluable to anyone who wants to know the stories of Biblical women better. I'm doing research on Biblical widows, and this book is the most accessibly organized sourced I've found. It was written in 1955, so don't be surprised if it's a bit dated stylistically & theologically. Still, it's valuable as a reference tool that may lead to you to deepened encounter with women of faith.



3. Women in the bible are often not a topic discussed in church or elsewhere. This book is a wonderful look at the ignored parts of the bible, (and I don't mean every book after Exodus). Women did participate in the bible and this book celebrates their accomplishments and gives them long overdue praise.



4. The books came in good condition and arrived sooner than promised. We are using it as a group study, and though it was published years ago the contents do not get outdated, any more than the Bible. It makes these women come alive for us as real people.



5. This book is an excellent reference book for all Christian women who really want to know about women who blazed the trail for us. Not only do you study the women in the Old Testament, but the New Testament as well. This book is used as a textbook in our Church Leadership School. Wonderful gift for a Christian sister. Of all the books cooncerning the women in the bible that I have read, this one is by far the best.

5 comments about A Man of the Beatitudes: Pier Giorgio Frassati.

1. Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901-1925) may not have seemed like your typical saint. He smoked cigars, liked hanging out with friends, loved the outdoors--especially mountain climbing, he came from a wealthy family, and engaged in political activism. In other words, he was not unlike many university students today.

   What made him different? He totally gave himself to Christ. Before he went climbing or skiing, he would go to Mass. Even though he could afford to ride trains first class, he rode third class in order to give the difference to the poor. Although he was an average student, he studied hard to become an engineer so that he would work with and witness to the working class miners. He actively opposed fascism because of its anti-Christian prejudice.

   There is so much more to this amazing young man who died at 24 and the best person from whom to hear about it is his sister Luciana. In this book, translated from Italian, Luciana tells her brother's story-- of how he struggled against the world, his own weaknesses, and even the worldly expectations of his parents in order to follow Christ as best he could.

   While the translation could have been better, it's not bad enough to disrupt comprehension. And since it's the only biography of the man in print in English, it's well worth reading it. Trust me, you will not regret getting to know Pier Giorgio.




2. I don't remember the first time I heard of Bl. Pier Giorgio. I saw the book at the Novalis booth at 2002 World Youth Day in Toronto and I am glad I bought and am reading the book. His life is a reminder that holiness is for everyone, even for young people and (college) students -- like me! Thank you Bl. Pier Giorgio for following God's will like you did!



3. Follow Bl. Pier Giorgio's example! Great book, great man! The reason I gave it only four stars was because this doesn't talk about his process to sainthood.



4. Every now and then there is an exceptional and unique soul, a Gospel artist whose sancity officially gets acknowledged by the Church because of his or her intimate and intense love for the Holy Trinity and our Blessed Mother, and one soul in particular is Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, a young lay Catholic man who took to heart the message of picking up the cross and following Jesus Christ. Pier Giorgio was born into a life that had all the trappings that could make one's head spin and outsiders green with envy: a moneyed and priviledged background combined with athletic prowess, good looks and popularity. These are the ingredients that a majority of guys strive for, and why not, for in their own right, they are all good things. However, they become bad when they are not shelved in their proper places of priority in the short life that we have. All through his life, Pier Giorgio's parents tried to cram an unhealthy life philosophy into their son's head, that his various religious involvements were a waste of time and that he was with people who tried to indoctrinate and mold him into a larger religious collective whereby he was not the fully independent man that they thought he should be. But independence has different interpretations for different people, and his family could not see nor comprehend that. Or maybe they did; they saw it as scary and unsettling, and it was understandable. Yet, there was also a kind of awe that they had for their son, because Pier's love for the Gospel emanated forth so palpably that there was almost an aura that sprang forward and cut through the numerous criticisms and cruel remarks that he received, and there were many.
   
   To be a co-carrier of the cross is quite unpleasant, not fun or pleasurable at all. And by all rights, it should be that way. But fortunately, Grace through the Holy Eucharist is the sustenance that helps to combat and deal with the daily toils and ills of life, and Jesus Christ in the Eucharist was Pier Giorgio's religious and emotional muscle; he suffered in quite privacy, especially in respects to Laura Hidalgo, a young woman whom he developed a private love for. But atop that, he could not follow through with his own will of being a missionary for miners, as his father had him already pre-situated as a paper pusher for La Stamper, the liberal newspaper that he founded. Pier Giorgio humbly submitted to almost all that befell him. The memoir written by his sister Luciana is quite different from the other book-An Ordinary Christian-on Pier Giorgio, as it is written in chapters that offers fragments of memories of who Pier Giorgio was and what he wanted to be and how he viewed things. Yet, it is a lot more penetrating in respects to insight, all the more so because the jottings and remembrances come from a direct family member who bore witness to the Beatitudes actually being lived out. And it makes the Gospel message truly come to life for all of us laity and non-Catholics. As we are all children of God, whatever our religious affiliations and denominations may be, Pier Giorgio Frassati's actions illustrate that in a time of strife, upheaval, turmoil and all the things that make us question the how and why but especially the why of human existance, one just has to try to live out the Beatitudes to the best of their ability, as Pier Giorgio did, in order to fully comprehend that not so complex question, for if God lives out the Beatitudes for our benefit, should we not do it for each other?



5. This book was written by Pier Giorgio's sister and illustrates beautifully this life which though ordinary in many ways, was really truly extraordinary. She shares accounts of their growing up together, and the many activities and acts of charity in which her brother was engaged.
   
   Pope John Paul II in one of his speeches, which are included in the appendix, points out how Pier Giorgio is a saint for our times. His life was touched by suffering, family troubles, and many other things which we struggle with today.
   
   Pier Giorgio is a great example for us of the love we should have for Christ and how that should affect the love we share with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

5 comments about Seductive Poison: A Jonestown Survivor's Story of Life and Death in the People's Temple.

1. I recently saw Deborah Layton discussing her experiences with Jim Jones and the People's Temple on PBS. I was really struck by this attractive, intelligent, and articulate woman who seemed nothing like what I'd imagined someone involved with the People's Temple would be. I guess I had somehow imagined they were all, well, kooks and wierdos. I've long been intrigued by Jonestown, and could never wrap my brain around how 913 people could be duped into mass suicide, so I quickly bought Deborah's book, Seductive Poison. I found it to be one of those rare books that whenever I got a few minutes to spare, I just had to pull it out and devour a few more pages. The book is richly written and gives deep insight into the People's Temple movement and the sad tragedy that unfolded in Jonestown, written by someone with firsthand knowledge. One aspect that I found so moving about "Seductive Poison" is that Layton really humanized the people of Jonestown. These were good, decent folks who were terribly deceived and manipulated by an evil madman. They weren't the kooks I'd imagined, but rather people I think I genuinely would have liked, had a lot in common with, and would have been friends with. Fortunately Deborah Layton was eventually able to see through Jim Jones' lies and find her way to freedom. The story of her final escape from Guyana is as tense and heart-stopping as any action movie, yet profoundly sad, and ultimately hopeful as she emerges from the lies and manipulation that once held her. Sadly, so many others at Jonestown were unable to find that freedom. Seductive Poison is a haunting journey, and will cause you to understand the human loss of the Jonestown tragedy in ways that will linger with you for a long time.



2. I have never read a memoir that was this honest or this terrifying. Deborah Layton was a member of the People's Temple for 7 years. She was one of Jim Jones trusted few. This is a true "insider account" of what happened.
   
   Ms Layton has the rare ability of pulling the reader into the story. It allows you to feel and understand the working of a cult from the inside out.. You see the path that led her to Jones and the bravery it took for her to leave. As a confused and rebellious adolescent Layton was attracted to Jim Jones' religious movement for its radical teachings on inter racialism and social justice. As a member of his inner circle, she saw things that made her secretly question him, though she remained faithful to his socialist vision. Layton paints a graphic picture of how Jones exercised confusing emotional, sexual and physical manipulation and abuse. This mixture of love, fear and a sense of purpose, the sense of working for a greater good, kept her there for seven years and kept others there until the end.
   
   In December 1977 Layton (along with her Mother who had also joined) traveled to the new headquarters in Jonestown, Guyana. Upon arrival they discover that the residents were enduring a living hell. The conditions were appalling. Constant middle of the night suicide drills followed by 16 hour work days in unbearable heat. People are near starvation. There is a constant fear of being labeled a "traitor" and the punishment that would follow.
   
   With no money, passport or way of contacting anyone on the outside Layton finds a way to escape. It's heart pounding and terrifying. My hands were shaking as each new obstacle unfolded itself. She returns to the United States with dire warnings, trying to get help for her sick Mother who is still there. (Layton's Mother died of cancer a few days before the "mass suicide". She died with no pain killers. They were confiscated upon arrival in Jonestown and given to Jones) No one believes the people inside are being held hostage by the infamous Jones and his growing madness.
   
   Only months after her escape, the Jonestown Mass Suicide/Murder occurred. Deborah Layton was one of the few who escaped. Her story is told in an honest and insightful way. It's a riveting, nail biting, heart pounding, stay up all night book that reads like a novel.



3. Something I always have a hard time grasping is: how does a person get sucked into something so clearly unhealthy, and what keeps them in? It's so hard to understand because it's such a gradual process, and many of us feel we are perhaps too "smart" to get hooked into any kind of cult. In reality, it takes months or years for cult brainwashing to reach levels where it really does feel impossible to escape, and even highly intelligent people are caught up - this is not easily conveyed in ANY medium, be it a 2 hour documentary or a 300 page book.
   
   But Layton takes a really good shot at it, and does an excellent job. The first two chapters of the book are somewhat slow and give background information on Deborah before she even finds out about the Temple. They describe her troubled childhood, and help understand how she could view the Church as a positive force in her life. Then, in great detail, she recounts how Jones continually manipulated, re-divided and controlled all the people within his organization. You really feel the stress and fear of the people trapped within. She makes it easy to understand everyone's plight.
   
   Some things really struck me about the book. One thing I liked was Layton's strong desire to tell the truth. I felt it shine through in her measured descriptions of events, honest retelling of her less-than-perfect childhood, and disinclination to "play the victim" or sensationalize her experiences. I also liked that she didn't attempt to provide historical information on events she didn't experience herself - like the Church years before she joined, or the actual events of Nov. 18 in Jonestown where she wasn't present.
   
   I also really appreciated the fact that this factual memoir was still interwoven with a good message. The parallels Deborah drew between her experiences and those of her Grandparents in WW2 concentration camps were interesting. I really liked the way she pointed out the choice she makes in what to share with her daughter, compared with what (and how) her mother shared with her: it helps to reassure that Deborah's experiences were not in vain.
   
   For anyone interested in the history and facts behind life in the People's Temple, this is an important read. It's the most detailed account I've yet heard, and the story itself is quite riveting. I do not know how well it would serve someone who knew nothing about Jonestown whatsoever, but as a supplement to e.g. a documentary (or some other very historical look at the People's Temple), this makes an excellent read.



4. This book is an insider's view of the rise and fall of the Peoples Temple. Ms. Layton was one of Jim's most trusted aides and as such knows more about what went on in the temple than the average member. She describes how she got sucked into the cult, her activities after being sucked in, what life was like in Jonestown, and how she came to see the truth and escape. At the end of the book she gives updates on many of the people who were significant to her, whether they survived or died, and, if they survived, how.
   
   I give it 4 out of 5 stars only because I read the book Escape right before this book and it was a more riveting read.
   
   The book is autobiographical in nature. Ms. Layton talks about all the things she was involved with in the Peoples Temple - the illegal bank accounts, her first time being raped by Jim Jones, how and when Jonestown went from a paradise to hell on earth (when Jones came, it completely changed), and the continuous brainwashing from when she first came to the temple to when she finally escaped. The escape itself completely absorbed me and it was hard to put the book down. Ms. Layton also gives insights into Jim Jones, his charisma, and his character.
   
   I was only 7 1/2 years old when Jonestown occurred and the book helped fill in so many details that I had never known. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to know more about Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple.



5. Originally bought as a source for a research paper, i had come into this searching for a simple first hand account of the Jonestown incident. However, once i began reading, Seductive Poison evolved into much more than just a primary source. What sets this book apart from any other literature on the accounts of Jonestown is Layton's honesty. She provides the reader with a background of information leading up to joining Jim Jones and finally wraps up with the eventual mass-suicide. Instead of focusing primarily on the final events of Jonestown and the actions of Jim jones himself, Layton tells her story, from beginning to end which will help others understand why anyone would have gotten up and followed a man such as Jim Jones.
   Before beginning this book, i was skeptical. I had many questions about the followers of Jones, their motives, their mental state, what they believed in and I was worried that Layton might try to sway the reader in one direction or another. However, that is not the case. Seductive Poison provides the reader with facts, journal entries, letters, and most importantly, Photos of the loved ones she describes throughout the entire book.
   Often the writing of memoirs such as this involving such an emotional attachment don't live up to the story itself. However, Deborah Layton is a talented writer which allows the reader immerse themselves in the content rather than focus on the pros and cons of the writing. From her steady attention to detail to the heartfelt commentary, Layton has truly pulled off a winner. Because of her first hand situation in the Peoples Temple, Seductive Poison is informative. Anyone interested in seeking the ways and workings of a cult, how cults come-to-be cults, why anyone would join one or just looking to read of a women's personal journey of coming into her own, should give this book a chance. I did, and I'm thrilled with my choice.

5 comments about Saving Levi: Left to Die . . . Destined to Live (Focus on the Family).

1. This book shows true love and compassion in the world today! It was such a joy to read how God works through each of us. Levi is truly a blessing!



2. This book is a must read for anyone considering adoption. This true story will broaden your perspective. I could not put it down and read it in 3 days!



3. I loved reading this book, in fact my husband and i read it together and we both were struck by the simple powerful honesty of lisa's writing. How amazing to watch with her as a hundred different people give love not just to one special little man; but then also pass that love on to those of us who are inspired to do the same just by reading their wonderful story. I would sit beside her and listen to her tell the tale again and again and hope it never leaves me the same!



4. This an awesome book that clearly illustrates the power of God. I read it in one sitting, with a box of tissues. It's definitely a favorite! I would love to read more books by this author.



5. This is a wonderful heartwarming story about a strong little boy and a determined group of people who would not give up on him. Once you start reading the book I found it hard to put down. It was a very easy book to read. I really enjoyed looking at the pictures as it added so much to the story. I also enjoyed reading about the cultural differences that they encountered in their every day lives while living in China. Having adopted a child from China myself I know what a difficult and lenghtly process it can be at times but in the end it is so rewarding.