The book that saved you twofer! Joshua and All Things Great and Small
Two for one! One book on how to endure and one book on how to be
In this occasional series, “The Book That Saved You,” I’m asking friends and family to share a book that saved them, perhaps not literally, but marked a turning point in their lives. May they inspire a new addition to your “to-be-read” pile or a deep memory of your experience with the same book.
This week I’m bringing you two entries: Joshua and All Things Great and Small, from two dear friends. To me, they belonged together because a) these are two of the kindest people I know and b) each of their books helped them navigate a tough time.
First up, Cathy Pearl.
James Herriott, the author.
What’s the name of the book and author?
“All Creatures Great and Small, by James Herriott (though really all four of the books from that series: All Creatures Great and Small, All Things Bright and Beautiful, All Things Wild and Wonderful, The Lord God Made Them All, from a hymn from the 1800s).
How old were you when you read it?
“About 10. My older sister had read them and loved them, so I read them too.”
What do you understand now about the role it played in your life?
“I dreamed about going to Yorkshire, England, after reading these books. Turns out I married an Englishman, and on our first trip to the UK, we went to Yorkshire and toured many of the places he wrote about. It was as beautiful as I’d hoped.”
When I was doing fertility treatments for many years, every month was heartbreaking. …During those times, I’d seek something comforting, and I knew I could count on those stories.
“Another role it has played is as comfort reading. When I was doing fertility treatments for many years, every month was heartbreaking. The last week in a cycle, before you get your period or take a pregnancy test, was the absolute worst. You did not want to hope, yet you could not help but hope. During those times, I’d seek something comforting, and I knew I could count on those stories. I knew them backwards and forwards but never tired of reading them. Sometimes I would ask my husband to read them out loud to me.”
Do you insist others read it?
“I suggested my son read them when he was younger and he loved them. And now I can reference things in them and he will know what I was talking about, which I love.”
Next up, Janet Czerwinksi.
What’s the name of the book and author?
Joshua, by Joseph Girzone
What’s it about?
"It's a modern take on the life of Jesus. Joshua moves to the outskirts of town and it's about how he becomes an integral part of it. Really, it’s all about kindness, and how sometimes people are afraid when you're kind. The feeling of the book sticks with me more than the plot.”
What was happening in your life when you read it?
"I was in college. I was trying to figure out who I wanted to be. Maybe that’s why it stuck with me. The book had that impact: I knew I wanted to be kind.”
What changed after you read it?
"It softened me. I’m a very direct person. I was very black and white and it probably helped me see shades of gray. Whoever decided you’re grown up when you’re 18 is an idiot!”
I was just trying to figure out who I wanted to be. Maybe that’s why it stuck with me. I knew I wanted to be kind.
How did it help you understand the world or yourself in a new way?
"It's still hard to see the opposite side, especially the older we get. But I think it helps me find the balance between over-simplifying and under-complicating, being able to discern what’s really needed. It taught me that being kind isn’t always being nice.”
Thank you Cathy and Janet!