As a Catholic, I am always looking for books that I can share with my book club or promote to wider audiences as great reads. This book started out strong, but I found that I was not totally engaged after reading about 10%. I realize that it might get better, but I also don't want to give a negative review simply because it wasn't the right fit for me. Thank you for allowing me to review this book.

I read the book and interviewed Fr. Rob Galea. Rob is a person of our times and his struggle and unbelievable triumph gives hope to every person who has fallen into dark, hopeless space. Rob was lifted up and worked hard to grow beyond those things that brought him down. He became a sought-after musical artist and a priest. He is drawn to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with today's teens. Teens are resonating with Fr. Rob's personal witness and sincere, passionate, musical message of hope. This is a book you won't want to put down! It tugs at the human heart and fills the reader with wonder at God's involvement in human life.

As a convert, I love stories of journies to faith, and God's grace, and this book was both heartfelt and genuine. I had seen Fr. Galea online before, but had no idea of his background, so it was wonderful to 'get to know' him a bit better- and to realise that I actually remembered him from Tv several years ago. A fantastic reminder that God really can do anything!

When he was a teenager, Fr Galea suffered an existential crisis. Bullied at school, he sat alone in his room night after night, and he eventually turned to bad company and even shoplifting. He felt abandoned although he had a good and loving Maltese family. Eventually, he decided to join a Catholic youth group which changed his life and led him on the path to bring a priest in Australia.

In this book, Fr Galea tells his life story and the pitfalls on the way to his becoming a priest. He had to overcome several obstacles, including depression, while he was studying. He also fell in love before hearing the call, and had to choose between his girlfriend and the priesthood.

I found Fr Galea's description of his parish and the people in Australia the most interesting part of the book. He was surprised that we are such a secular and agnostic society compared with Malta which is very religious. His struggles to bring young people back to the
Church sounds very tough but his decision to 'take the church to the people' is an excellent one. He also inspires people with his music.

I also liked Fr Galea's helpful suggestions about prayer and the Sacraments.

This is well-worth reading, especially for young Catholics.

I received this free ebook from Net Galley in return for an honest review.