Joshua

Rating:
Summary: Valuable message, but a bit clunky
Review: Anyone interested in cultural values and how religion influences them could get something out of the the book. The story itself is interesting enough, but I found the overall script of the book to be a touch dull and too convenient. As other reviewers have pointed out, we don't learn about the title character through his actions or his relationships. Instead, we read his monologues, which are cast as windy, repetitive responses to unlikely questions. In essence, Joshua is more of a preacher than a servant, and the book reads like a collection of sermons.

Rating:
Summary: Barry is an immigrant.
Review: Barry you don't know regular grammar? Is it THAT hard to use proper English and use apostrophes. Joshua was a decent book, it was an easy read and kept me fairly interested. If I knew what Barry was saying maybe I would agree with him, but he can't pronounce th's. I must say that Joshua gives everyone a new look on almost all religions. Catholicism needs to be looked at differently, and this gives the new view we all need.
I could go on for much longer but the bottom line is this was a good book, I don't like rambling like immigrants.


Rating:
Summary: This book helped me feel even closer to Jesus
Review: For several years I have picked up this book for some reason, and then replaced it on the bookstore's shelves. I wrongly judged it to be a "Catholic" book, but I've been drawn to it again and again. One day I decided to purchase it. What I read was an interesting, enjoyable and intriguing story about how Jesus, under the name of Joshua, came into our midst in today's time, and how we treated him. The story started out somewhat slow, but a strange power kept me interested in the story--barely letting me put the book down. Joseph Girzone has done an excellent job of telling the story about a man trying to live in our modern society, and yet be true to his beliefs about God and Jesus' teachings. And he does it without cramming religious beliefs down your throat. It is not a "Catholic" book, but a book for anyone that would want to meet Jesus today as a man with incredible wisdom and compassion for his fellow man. Byron Kirkwood, author of the "Survival Guide for the New Millennium" and coauthor of "Mary's Message to the World."

Rating:
Summary: Jesus please save us from this CRAP!
Review: HORRIBLE. It really, really was horrible. One of the worst books I've ever read. This author must be mentally retarded or something because this is one of the worst, unimaginative and just stupid plots ever written. It looks as if a first grader wrote this, the dialouge and writing is so incredibly simplistic you could fall asleep while reading it. You would definatly have a better time asleep then reading this. Boring, stupid, horrible writing, completly false information, predictable characters... its a complete waste.

Rating:
Summary: A Beautiful Story
Review: I have just finished this book for the third time and still love this story as I did from the very first perusal. Father Girzone retells the story of Christ through Joshua, a young man who moves into a small town in New York State. Joshua lives a simple life, making friends easily and winning the hearts of the neighborhood children.

Everyone loves Joshua but people are mystified by him, wanting to learn more but reluctant to pry. Joshua, fortunately, makes himself easily accessible and becomes very popular in town, calling the attention of the neighborhood churches. Joshua tells all who listen that they are free to love God and to worhsip in any way they wish and not to be bound by the strict laws of their churches. His message is taken to heart by many, but repudiated by those who cannot imagine life without religious structure.

Joshua's lessons are either learned or rejected and like the Pharisees of old, he is reported to the "higher authority" for questioning. A chosen few are allowed to be witness to Joshua's real identity and for them, they will never be the same.

"Joshua" is a beautiful story, written simply, but highly enjoyable. One can finish it in a day and then move on to the rest of Father Girzone's books involving Joshua.

Rating:
Summary: Absolute Garbage
Review: I have no idea how this book was even allowed to be published, it's simply terrible.

Rating:
Summary: This Book Changed My Life
Review: I purchased JOSHUA only because I knew Father Girzone many many years ago and I was curious about what he may have written.

JOSHUA is a simple story about Jesus (Joshua) living in modern times. The message Joshua delivers gives comfort to those of us who have been raised with the strict rules of the Catholic church accompanied by the feeling that you can never quite "measure up." THE BOOK CHANGED MY LIFE ! JOSHUA strengthened my faith by giving me a simplistic version of Jesus' message without all of the "excess baggage" that accompanies organized religion.

Many thanks to Father Girzone for the gift he has bestowed on his readers -- a clearer understanding of God's love for us. I read reviews that pointed out "flaws" in the writing. If the message shines through (which it obviously did by reading the reviews) - then the writing was perfect ! ! A must read for EVERYONE ....

Rating:
Summary: quiet way to make sense of it all
Review: I read this book years ago when I was in Catholic high school and at the time I didn't fully understand it. Recently, I came across this book and thought it would be a good read.
The story of Joshua is a wonderful parable about the life of Jesus and how easy it can be for good people to lose track of the meaning of His life, His teachings, and why He died for us. It's easy to be overwhelmed by "religious" people who are closely adhering to rules and regulations. But this book teaches you the true spirit of Jesus... and is an awakening about our current society.
As I read this book, I'm often brought to tears... it's a book that I have recommended to many.

For anyone who has questioned religion and his/her part of it, and for those who think they know it all, this is a "MUST READ".

Rating:
Summary: MY LARGE HEADED TEACHER (bc) MADE ME READ THIS JUNK
Review: If you bother to take the time to read this book, there is some sort of mental block in your cranium. Why not just sit on the john and read an Oprah magazine? This book is so poorly written, you might stop mid-sentence and fall asleep. You might have more fun playing badminton with a 7 year old than reading this.

Rating:
Summary: Support for the faithful without a church.
Review: If you're living a life of luxury, you will despise this book. It supports those who just don't get the message from rich ministers and the wealthy catholic church with it's leader living like a king...an earthly king. God is love and the organized religions of the world don't want us to realize that. They want wealthy parishoners because they have money to give when the basket is passed on Sunday. One reader reviewing this book said it answered no questions but I say it validates the simple, humble life of one of God's flock. It answered my question about not being able to find any one religion that supports my beliefs of God and doesn't send me a yearly bill for the amount of tithing I owe based on the guesstimate of my income.