Despite having read this book in one sitting to write this review for NetGalley, I would recommend reading this book over periods of time.

Similar to another book attributed to the Pope, Happiness in this Life, this is a collection of short passages about everything in our world. Whether it’s on taking risks, celebrating joy or embracing the toughest moments in our lives, there is something for everyone in every stage of their lives in here.

I would recommend flipping through this and reading it no matter how deeply religious you are, even if you’re not someone who believes in the spiritual realm. This is a book I’ll purchase and return to multiple times throughout the rest of my life when I need to revisit different emotions.

A Gift of Joy and Hope is an inspirational book from Pope Francis. He enlightens readers to have hope even in the dark times. He provides wisdom and a hopeful outlook on our everyday lives. It's a read that I can always look back to when I need a reminder to find the best in every situation.

A beautiful, inspirational, and encouraging message from the mind and heart of Pope Francis to the world. His biggest message is of finding hope and joy everyday. This is a book that can be read over and over again.

I am not a Roman Catholic yet I like this collection of encouraging and wise thoughts from the head of that church. Pope Francis shares wisdom from his life experiences, from the Bible, and from other spiritual disciplines. I appreciate the many biblical stories he uses as illustrations in this book.

Some of his comments were quite thought provoking. He writes of the burden of not being welcomed with a smile, something I'll remember the next time I encounter a stranger. In another passage, he asks whether we look down upon a person to show them contempt or to give them a hand to help them up. If we want to be free of sadness, he writes, serve another.

I have read scores of books on biblical interpretation yet Pope Francis surprised me with an insight on 1 Timothy 6:17. I had always thought the end of this verse meant that God has given us everything for our own enjoyment. You know, food, books, wine. We are to enjoy it all. But Pope Francis revealed a new idea to me. “God 'gives us richly all that we need for our happiness'...” (1035/2118) I have no excuse for not being happy with what God has given me. And I like his comments on Christian hope. It is not hoping something will happen but rather “expecting something that has already taken place.” (479/2118)

This is a good collection of encouraging thoughts and teachings on Christian living.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

I received a free copy of, A gift of Joy and Hope, by Pope Francis, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I thought this book would be more personal, stories, instead we get snippets of wisdom, prayers, vignettes, about get closer and staying closer to God. It was a good book, I thought it could be better, if it was more personal.

I’m not Catholic but happily read A Gift of Joy and Hope by Pope Francis. This is compilation of thoughts drawn from talks and writings of the Pope. It isn’t meant to be read straight through as a novel. Each message is only one to three paragraphs in length. They are all positive, wanting the reader to find inner peace, joy and hope. I would suggest reading a message as a daily devotional or meditation. Something to ponder during the day. A section contains written prayers from the Pope too. I enjoyed the ending interview with the Pope where he talks of his collaborating with Pope Benedict XVI and shared other personal thoughts. I laughed at his story where a woman told him if he ever becomes Pope to get a small dog as his food tester. Pope Francis is probably the most famous man I have seen in person. I was thrilled to stand in the square at the Vatican and hear him speak. As the spiritual leader to millions I can appreciate his desire for people to be happy and live good lives. Thank you to NetGalley and Worthy Publishing, Worthy Books for an ARC in exchange for a review.

I'm not Catholic, but I think like many others I see the Pope as a gentle person who cares deeply about people. This is the first book I have read of his, and I honestly feel like a missed a treasure trove by not reading any others.

I started to read this straight through, but quickly came to the realization it's better for me to use it as a devotional, giving myself time to reflect and absorb each new insight I gain from the writings. The short passages cover things like dreams, appreciating the world around us, and how Jesus can work in our lives.

I highly recommend this. Every once in a while I encounter a book so incredible that I think it is worth more than it costs. This is one of those books. A very solid five stars.