An indispensable guide for travel to the areas in Poland associated with Pope Saint John-Paul II. ( )

If you’re planning a trip to Poland, this book might be a must-read guide-book, filled with interesting details, informative photographs, and even directions and maps. If you wish you could travel, the author provides the next best thing, combining travel details with a wealth of background, history, sociology, culture, and faith. And if you’d just like to know more about a famous Pope, where he came from, what he believed and why, and how he made such a difference in the world, City of Saints is surely a must-read.

From family background to social revolution, from right patriotism to sincerely Christian humanism, from Creation to restoration, John Paul’s background and teaching are clearly presented, with wise reference to a wounded culture, Christian reference to the Bible, and fascinating insights into the nature of evil and love. Different histories are presented, of rich and poor, of oppressors ancient and modern, and of a church, teaching and living in faith toward God.
The shaping of cities is juxtaposed with the shaping of saints, together with the invaluable reminder that “Prayer, the work of God within us, is what makes shrines holy.”

George Weigel’s City of Saints invites readers on a pilgrimage to sites both evil and holy around Krakow, and invites our prayers to heal what the world has broken. Much more than a tour guide, and more than a virtual tour, it’s a book to savor and ponder, a trek through history and space, an image of Eucharist and hope, and a powerful gift—most highly recommended.

Disclosure: Blogging for Books provided this book to me for free in exchange for an honest review. ( )