Catholic Review of: John Paul the Great: Remembering a Spiritual Father

I love how profoundly the author is moved by her personal encounters with John Paul the Great as well as the many little stories throughout John Paul the Great: Remembering a Spiritual Father when we’re given a glimpse into the wonderful personality and sense of humor this holy man had.

I enjoyed that there were such fascinating details about conversations Pope John Paul II had with people closest to him alongside a rather dramatic conversion that took place in the author as she went from having the attitude of a powerful, self-important journalist to a humble woman of faith awed by the holiness and humility of such an influential man. 

The imagery is quite vivid, which I appreciate, because it gave the book a literary feel.  The quotes and anecdotes blended in a journalistic flavor.  The conversion story of the author brought in the emotional appeal which I believe many readers will be able to identify with on some level.  There are certainly times in each of our lives when we’re going about our jobs, self-absorbed, and thinking we have our priorities straight, when a person or a situation changes our outlook on everything. 

John Paul the Great made an impact on many.  Noonan couldn’t help but come to admire the holiness, love, and gentleness of a man she originally saw more as another high-profile person to interview. 

There’re no heavy theological debates or theories discussed in this work.  In many ways it reads like a good novel because of the tone, personal story, anecdotes, and Noonan’s writing style.  I’ve found this to be one of the best books to get a feel of what it would have been like to hang out with John Paul the Great, take a walk with him in a garden, talk with him about poetry, or hear him joking with friends.   

You can purchase this book here.