From these distilled gems the reader can glean some of the themes of John Paul’s teachings. One such theme is mystery. Whereas modern man always seeks to know and understand, John Paul finds mystery in man, mystery in God, mystery in man’s relationship to God.

Another theme of John Paul II is that Christ is at the center of all human existence. Whatever the issue, John Paul finds the answer in Christ. Relations between people must be based on man’s inherent, God-given dignity. Man’s ultimate destiny is found in uniting himself to Christ.

Ultimately, the value of this book comes, not from the answers it provides, but the questions it gently leads us to ask. Who am I? Why am I here? Where did I come from? Where am I going? When a person starts asking these questions, he begins to think differently, to act differently, to be different. Pick up and read, think, and pray.

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.