Father Joe

The Man Who Saved My Soul

By: Tony Hendra

Narrated by: Tony Hendra

Length: 10 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

This runaway New York Times best seller is a book to savor and treasure. Author Tony Hendra, a National Lampoon and Spy magazine veteran and one of the world's greatest satirists, delivers a beautifully written, humorous, and profoundly moving memoir reminiscent of Tuesdays with Morrie.

At 14 years old, Tony began an affair with a married woman that ended when the jilted husband, a devout Roman Catholic, sent Tony to a Benedictine abbey. There, Tony met the remarkably kind and compassionate Father Joe. For the next four decades, Father Joe's guidance never faltered, even as Tony failed in marriage, fought substance abuse, and struggled to find meaning.

The New York Times says Father Joe "belongs in the first tier of spiritual memoirs ever written." It is a wondrous celebration of a saintly man, and it is impossible to forget.

©2004 Tony Hendra (P)2004 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"The writing is certainly quite smart....[A] heartfelt tribute to a kind and wise teacher." (Kirkus Reviews)

wonderful

the first review I have been compelled to write and done through tears upon finishing this book. If only I had a father Joe. A must to hear, read with love about a man of love

Interesting and uplifting

Where does Father Joe rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Father Joe is in the top 3 of the auidobooks I've listened to so far.

Good diversion from normal reading

What made the experience of listening to Father Joe the most enjoyable?

This is not the type of book I'd normally read but I thoroughly enjoyed "Father Joe." Anyone that has ever had or needed a spiritual advisor and friend like Father Joe will relate to the stories Mr. Hedra tells.

What about Tony Hendra’s performance did you like?

The detail of his story and the way I could relate to the story.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The power of true loving friendship

Left me crying - out-loud

I love books about Priests even as a Buddhist. This book had too little Father - joe.

Baffeled

What did you love best about Father Joe?

I was looking for an inspirational book about Catholics when I stumbled upon this audible.
Two quick warnings:

1. This book is not really about Father Joe. While Father's influence on the author is inspiring and wonderful, Father remains one-dimensional. I finished this book thinking

A Tremendous Tear-Jerker

For 50 years Tony Hendra thought that an eccentric Benedictine monk on the Isle of Wight was his personal confidant, whom he could run to frequently in hours of need, or rather less frequently during successful coke-snorting days in LA and NY. Only when Father Joe dies does Tony discover that the funny little monk had also been providing guidance to hundreds of other people, including Princess Di and the Archbishop of Canterbury.

That's the coda of the book. The early part is thrilling, somewhat sordid autobiography about a 14-year-old's seduction by a woman in her 20s, and his subsequent retreat at a monastery where he becomes fascinated by the omniscient Father Joe.

Great & inspiring story

I listened to this book about 20 years ago & remembered it so fondly that I just listened to it again. I would have loved to meet Father Joe! What a blessing for Tony Hendra to have had a lifelong saintly guide & friend like that! I love the author’s honesty and beauty of writing.
Thank you for sharing your life with us & making us all love Father Joe.

Rivetting Read

I usually prefer to read books myself in braille, but Father Joe is a Must-Read in audio format. Tony Hendra's wit and Father Joe's wisdom and unconditional love are compelling. As the author, Mr. Hendra superbly narrates this account. Mr. Hendra captured my interest with his humorous descriptions of his misadventures and realizations. Whether he is a the height of ecstasy and faith or despairingly attempting to negate his existence, the constant concern and compassion of Father Joe offers hope and keeps this book from lapsing into self-absorbed melodrama. Outstanding! Extraordinary!

Well written, Well read

This is a wonderful story about a spiritual man; a man who lives his religion. I found it very moving; and would like to hear some more Father Joe stories; Perhaps the critcisms about Tony Hendra are true, but that does not detract from this story; it certainly gives the hope of redemption to those who may not think they need it. Well worth a listen.

Didn't want it to end

I loved the book and loaned my copy to my sister, who refused to return it, because she enjoyed it so much. I finished it weeks ago and still think of Father Joe almost daily.