Okay for some purposes

This is the first of a two part "official" biography of Benedict XVI / Joseph Ratzinger. Both parts are quite large and, as such, the biography is quite detailed on the whole. This part ends with Vatican II. It gives helpful paraphrases of some of the key arguments in Benedict's major writings during the period covered.

While the book is the best available on the topic of Benedict's life and is his official biography, it has serious flaws. The audience of the book seems to be Benedict's most vociferous liberal critics in the NYT and America Magazine, not the general Catholic or sympathetic readers who will make up most of the readership. So, the book reads at times not like a biography, but like it has a thesis—Benedict isn't a Nazi and, in fact, he's really cool just like you guys at the NYT! This is not only annoying and unnecessary—no one but the most cynical of critics would accuse him of being a Nazi or antisemite or bigot—but it sometimes makes me doubt the accuracy of the narrative and comes at the cost of much needed nuance about Benedict's actual positions. The cost of countering unfair liberal propaganda with the shallow Benedict-is-a-liberal-too shtick is an accurate appreciation of what is genuinely controversial to both the so-called "left" and "right" in Benedict's thought. As a side note, whereas this book bends over backwards to meet the criticisms of Benedict's detractors on the "left," it gives a thoroughly superficial, straw-man depiction of his detractors on the "right."

While Benedict may have approved this book, I can't help but think it is something of a dishonor to him as a remarkably nuanced, non-partisan thinker and charitable interlocutor. The book feels more like propaganda that tarnishes Benedict's legacy in its ham handed attempt to defend it.

4 persone l'hanno trovata utile

Excellent book, poor pronunciation

the book itself was excellent, but there were many points during the narration where I had to roll my eyes. The narrator did not know how to pronounce several of the foreign languages used in the text, mispronounced many ecclesiastical terms, and did not use proper form for saying the names of popes. All of this made clear that the narrator had little knowledge of the Catholic Church and it's hard to believe that the production team left these things slip, unless they were just as ignorant. His general narration was decent, but those foibles made it a bit difficult to listen to at times.

1 persona l'ha trovata utile

excellent, balanced, informative

...marred only by some weird mispronunciations. But still a fascinating guide to the man, the times, and the Church in this period.

Understand Ratzinger

This was an amazing book that not only shows the first part of the history of one of the greatest men in the last century, but reveals the depth of his brilliance, influence. and holiness! He brilliantly balances reform and orthodoxy at the same time! I can't wait to read part 2. Highly recommended for anyone trying to understand this amazing man, the difficulties of his early life, and his influence on the church.

Be Sure to read Vol II and AmazonReview384

Benedict’s early life is very interesting, but the most informative part of this book, even if it gives short shrift to the harm that was done by modernist theologians during and after Vatican II, is the end of the book. Ratzinger played with fire and eventually realized it, and even fought it, though he seemed very timid with the hose. Be sure to read the second volume of the series. World War II caused many terrible consequences. One of the worst was the “reverse Darwinism” that left fewer brave/good and more cowardly/bent men in positions of influence to rebuild the world subsequently. God save us.

interesting life

Ratzinger was a surprising force in Vatican 2. well written and told.. stories of WWII were great.

Compelling Narrative for a Brilliant Life

Thorough and insightful look into the life ofJoseph Ratzinger. It tells the story with great historical depth and context. I would recommend for anyone win like to get to know the Catholic Church in a proper understanding of the second Vatican council.