A Life with Karol

December 24, 2007
Pope John Paul II's personal secretary, who is now Cardinal Dziwisz, had an insider's view of many of the events that shaped John Paul II's pontificate. Dziwisz was a seminary student in Krakow when he first encountered the man then known as Karol Wojtyla. He later became a close and trusted ally of the pope for four decades. The author does not hide his glowing opinion of the deceased pontiff; as he describes it, John Paul II stood courageously against the oppressive Communist regime in his native Poland, supported the nascent Solidarity movement and was beloved by people of all nations and religions around the globe. These two men enjoyed an intimate friendship and shared a love for Catholicism and their priesthood. Perhaps it is the closeness of that friendship that prevents Dziwisz from criticizing John Paul II for anything he did as pope. For example, his claim that “John Paul II's entire pontificate was a continual implementation of Vatican II” is widely debated. Despite the hagiographical tone, one thing is clear—John Paul II was a formidable world figure in the latter half of the 20th century, and he never allowed his position to affect his ability to be a good friend.

January 15, 2008
As secretary for 40 years to Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II), Cardinal Dziwisz was privy to many of his thoughts and actions. This memorable account colorfully describes thoughts and stories that offer a firsthand glimpse into the pope's life and his papacy. While it is not a substitute for Wojtyla's own writings, its richly artistic canvas offers a context that makes it easier to appreciate biographies such as "Witness to Hope" or comprehensive summaries like "John Paul II For Dummies". Rich in emotional and psychological detail, this book well covers the Polish and the papal years. Not concerned with critics of his life or thought, Wojtyla is portrayed as a man with depth, sincerity, and a sense of mystery. Recommended for public libraries of all sizes; libraries with a limited budget and seeking to add two or three central works that convey a timeless sense of the man would do well to add this title.Leroy Hommerding, Fort Myers Beach P.L. Dist., FL

Copyright 2008 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2008
Those looking for a little dirt on John Paul II will be disappointed in Cardinal Dziwiszs squeaky-clean memoir of their 40-year friendship. Serving as both secretary and sounding board to the man who would be pope, Dziwisz enjoyed a long-term, intimate relationship with one of the most beloved religious figures of the twentieth century. At John Pauls side during some of the most tumultuous historical moments of his papacyincluding the 1981 assassination attempt on the popes lifeDziwisz had a unique vantage pointfrom which to viewboth the personal and the spiritual evolution of the man and the icon. Related with the familiarity of a friend and the respect of a trusted associate, this chronicle resonates with well-earned admiration. Especially compelling and disarming are the frequent glimpses of the dual private sides of John Paul: the fun-loving Karol and the serious, conscientious ecclesiastic John Paul.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)