The Wisdom of John Paul II describes the Pope's innermost thoughts on subjects such as abortion, education, war, religion, and love. The book is well-written and interesting as well because it's made of quotes from speeches made by the Holy Father. The Pope's views on certain issues have often been controversial, but certainly there's a lot of wisdom in his words.

Nick Bakalar and Richard Balkin have scoured numerous encyclicals, speeches, and letters to assemble this wonderful treasury of Pope John Paul II's thoughts on many questions facing today's society. The result is a wealth of wisdom and insight from the most seen man in the world. This isn't a book of answers to life's vital questions; rather, it offers the Pope's and the Church's view on such issues and asks us to question our attitudes and feelings. The topics are far-ranging, both contemporary and timeless. Matters of love, family, death, women, work, and youth are addressed as well as subjects such as human rights and progress and the modern world. Bakalar and Balkin's greatest strength in composing this book is the wide spectrum they've selected from. These issues are universal, and you will find something that speaks to you. You'll probably discover much more.

"The Wisdom of John Paul II" is not only a great addition to your inspirational or religious library; it's also a great addition to any library. I suggest giving this book as a gift, especially if you're looking for something meaningful that can be read over and over (instead of being used as a dust-collector). Non-Catholics and even non-religious will find the Pope's words inspiring, and his message of universal love can be understood and appreciated by all. He does not viciously attack groups in conflict with Church teachings but graciously approaches controversy as does a leader of the faith. Wherever he acts as an apologetic, he does so with the patience and firmness that has guided the Church through more than two decades.

This book, in part, acts as an intimate autobiography as it his diary of his times and how he has confronted the Church and society he has been entrusted. What makes this papal journal stand out from the rest though is that it is more than a portrait of the Pope or a collection of his quotes. His words represent one man's thoughts, but it also gives us a strong picture of his vision for the Catholic Church of the new millennium. Every issue is one that immediately concerns contemporary society, and that makes this book such an enjoyable and necessary read.

"Let's see, what's the best way to tell this?" This is how John Jerome believes every piece of writing should start. "It should never make its way onto the page, of course, (except perhaps as a joke), but it should inform the writer's angle of attack" (84). This book is what you could call "thrown together," so I don't know what his angle of attack for this book would be. It is separated similar to how a journal or diary would be. It is written in a very informal and conversational manner about a variety of subjects, most of them not having to do with writing. The Writing Trade is a book about writing a book, but not really. Jerome tells what is going on in his life at the time he is writing this book. One entire entry might be, "It snowed today." He talks quite frequently about his dogs and taking them for walks every day. Interesting, but what does it have to do with writing a book? He also talks about types of books he would like to write in the future, again not having to do with this book. As I said before, this book is "thrown together." Jerome does give some helpful advice about what he does as a writer. This might prove to be helpful to writers seeking advice, but not answers. He never states which way is right, just how he does it. So, if you want definite answers to your questions, this is probably not the best book for you.

John Jerome, freelance writer and author of the book, The Writing Trade...A Year in the Life gives us a 12-month account of a writer's life. The book, written in diary form takes us through revisions, writers block, publication, and most importantly, it takes us through someone else's life. The book isn't just about how to write. Actually it really isn't about how to write at all. "The aim here is to show how a writing life works: A book about the workaday process of making sentences for a living." Jerome said. It's a book basically about someone else's life. Jerome doesn't just talk about his life as a freelance writer he talks about his life's experiences. He tells us about camping trips with his alcoholic father, about his wife C., and about his daily walks with his dogs around the loop where he does most of his thinking and gets most of his ideas. At the beginning of every chapter there are helpful and humorous quotes from famous authors. While the book might not be about writing per say it is filled with good advice and tips. Jerome does a wonderful job of showing the reader a life of a writer, something most of us know nothing about, I was flipping pages fast. If you are looking for a book for entertainment and advice about writing, then A Year in the Life is a worthwhile read. While it is a worthwhile read, it is a book to borrow from the library not buy.

I bought this book when it was new, and I'm now reading it for the fourth time. To me, a freelancer like Jerome, it's like a shot of Vitamin B-12. The late John Jerome loved writing, loved it enough to give up a steady income as a magazine editor to write what he wanted to write -- well most of the time anyway. Beginning in on a cold New Year's Day, Jerome takes us through a year of his life: struggling with words, revising drafts, reading galley proof (yes, remember when they had galley proof), while all the while contending with worn-out plumbing and a dying furnace, and a steady stream of bills. Was it worth it? That's what Jerome wanted to find out -- and share the discovery with us.