Witness to Hope (Abridged): The Biography of Pope John Paul II Audiobook, by George Weigel Play Audiobook Sample

Witness to Hope (Abridged): The Biography of Pope John Paul II Audiobook

Witness to Hope (Abridged): The Biography of Pope John Paul II Audiobook, by George Weigel Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Sam Tsoutsouvas Publisher: HarperAudio Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 6.17 hours at 1.5x Speed 4.63 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: July 2005 Format: Abridged Audiobook ISBN: 9780060881054

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

12

Longest Chapter Length:

48:33 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

44:23 minutes

Average Chapter Length:

46:10 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

10

Other Audiobooks Written by George Weigel: > View All...

Publisher Description

INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER

The definitive biography of Pope John Paul II that explores how influential he was on the world stage and in some of the most historic events of the twentieth century that can still be felt today.

"Fascinating. . . sheds light on the history of the twentieth century for everyone." —New York Times Book Review

Witness to Hope is the authoritative biography of one of the singular figures—some might argue the singular figure—of our time. With unprecedented cooperation from John Paul II and the people who knew and worked with him throughout his life, George Weigel offers a groundbreaking portrait of the Pope as a man, a thinker, and a leader whose religious convictions defined a new approach to world politics—and changed the course of history. As even his critics concede, John Paul II occupied a unique place on the world stage and put down intellectual markers that no one could ignore or avoid as humanity entered a new millennium fraught with possibility and danger.

The Pope was a man of prodigious energy who played a crucial, yet insufficiently explored, role in some of the most momentous events of our time, including the collapse of European communism, the quest for peace in the Middle East, and the democratic transformation of Latin America. With an updated preface, this edition of Witness to Hope explains how this "man from a far country" did all of that, and much more—and what both his accomplishments and the unfinished business of his pontificate mean for the future of the Church and the world.

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"What a great book about an incredible man! The things that JP II lived through and influenced are astounding. He lived through WWII as a young man, was a priest/bishop/cardinal/pope during the Cold War, and then continued to influence the world throughout the end of the 20th century. Not only was this a biography, but a thorough history of Catholicism and the world. It's amazing to read of predictions that John Paul made in the early ninety's that have come true, and issues that he fought against that are still pressing and relevant. One of the best books I have read in a long time."

— Andrew (5 out of 5 stars)

Quotes

  • “A book that will become a standard for students of church history and that sheds light on the history of the twentieth century for everyone.”

    — New York Times Book Review
  • “Well-wrought and comprehensive.”

    — Wall Street Journal
  • “Weigel’s book is not only a major piece of scholarship, but a cracking good story.”

    — National Review
  • “A monumental biography…an indispensable document for understanding the history of the last quarter of the century.”

    — Le Monde (Paris)
  • “Witness To Hope is a valuable book because it reports many facts that others have not reported.”

    — Amazon.com, editorial review
  • “The book is rich in new detail…Well written…and Weigel’s command of the material is impressive.”

    — Publishers Weekly
  • “A study that pays homage without degenerating into hagiography…Massive in scope and length, and written with the pope’s cooperation, Weigel’s biography is sure to be the definitive work on Pope John Paul II for years to come.”

    — Kirkus Reviews
  • “A spectacular biography about one of the twentieth century’s monumental figures…Learned, fast-paced, deeply insightful, and genuinely inspirational. An extraordinary accomplishment.”

    — William J. Bennett, author of The Book Of Virtues
  • “A fascinating biography of an extraordinary figure.”

    — Gertrude Himmelfarb, professor emeritus, CUNY

Awards

  • A New York Times Notable Book
  • A USA Today bestseller

Witness to Hope Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 4.29166666666667 out of 54.29166666666667 out of 54.29166666666667 out of 54.29166666666667 out of 54.29166666666667 out of 5 (4.29)
5 Stars: 12
4 Stars: 8
3 Stars: 3
2 Stars: 1
1 Stars: 0
Narration: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Pope John Pual II was one of the longest reigning pontiffs of the Catholic Church and loved by hundreds of millions. The story of his life. "

    — Fredrick, 2/18/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Marvelous biogragphy, exhaustive and well written. George Weigel is an astute, if conservative, observer of things papal and matters Vatican. This is a wonderful guide to an astounding Papacy. "

    — Peter, 2/9/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " It took me quite a while to get through this book, but it was well worth the effort. What an amazing man Pope JPII was. Even if you're not a Catholic or even a Christian, you have to admire the effort that this man put into living and spreading his faith. The miles traveled, the numerous writings, surviving the Nazi occupation of Poland during WWII and then the Communist Government thereafter. Pope JPII raised the bar for future Popes. He was truly a giant of the 20th century, and his impact will be felt for years to come. "

    — Pete, 1/25/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Historical, philosophical, and theological tour that is worthy of the "man of the century." More detail information than is really needed. "

    — Danmcgohan, 1/25/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A thorough account of Karol Wojtyla - the man he was before becoming one of the most influential and accomplished Popes since the 1700's. It's great to read about the events that formed the man and his example and witness to the faith, no matter what your religious affiliation (or lack thereof). "

    — Lynn, 1/23/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " No better history lesson on the 20th century than to study the remarkable life of JPII. The best thing about this book is Weigel gives an introductory summary of all of JP's writings... brilliant writings we will be unpacking for centuries! "

    — Ryan, 12/26/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Very difficult to read and lengthy but Pope John Paul is fascinating and prevailed during some of the most difficult times in history (WWII). This book inspired me greatly to remain hopeful during adversity. "

    — Kathy, 12/26/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Witness to Hope is a very good biography of JPII, but be prepared for a long read. "

    — John, 12/25/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Biography of John Paul II. Excellent history of such an important figure. "

    — Matthew, 11/17/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " A very comprehensive, well-researched book. You learn not just about JP2, but about Poland, world history, and current events. "

    — Cristina, 11/7/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Beautiful book about John Paul II, the century pope, one of the people i learned to admire, love, respect and follow most in this world. Mr. Weigel's work is absolutely wonderful. "

    — Michael, 10/27/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " What an amazing man!!!! So glad he was our Pope.........he brought a lot of good to the world. Inspires this reader to go to Poland. "

    — Renee, 10/1/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " JPII was an amazing human being. He lived a full, diverse life and was very, very intelligent. "

    — Chris, 8/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Much more detailed than I signed up for. JP2 is a fascinating man and I learned a lot about his life and how the pontificate operates, but it was just too much like an encyclopedia. Last time I buy a nonfiction book off the internet without checking the number of pages.... "

    — Haley, 8/7/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Fantastic look at the life of John Paul II. A great book for the veteran JPII scholar and the novice a like. A caveat, it is a 900+ page book. Totally worth the read. "

    — Ryan, 6/28/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " "His first book, on the ethics of married life, raises more than one clerical eyebrow by its celebration of human sexuality as a gift of God for the sanctification of husband and wife." You won't hear such view from secular media! "

    — dynn, 9/21/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " The best biography of John Paul II... "

    — Hevel, 1/17/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I was fascinated to learn about Poland's history and JPII's early life, but the later parts of the book became hard to read. Here and there I found some interesting matters, but it was tough going. I'd never read it a second time! "

    — Kevin, 11/11/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A very good book about a great man, but I found it a struggle. "

    — Mike, 11/29/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is the best biography I have ever read. It is an interesting and in depth look at one of the most amazing people to live in the last century. It is very long, but it does not drag or become monotonous. "

    — Joe, 5/24/2009
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " It would be difficult to find anyone as hardworking, tireless in his work, and accomplished as the late JPII. "

    — Claire, 4/29/2009
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Obviously long, but totally worth it. I am a little biased because he is one of my heroes! Will someday be St. John Paul the great, doctor of the Church! "

    — Joey, 7/24/2007
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I love this book so far. Weigel is an awesome biographer and JPII is an amazing subject. No wonder this book is longer than most dictionaries! "

    — Teresa, 4/18/2006
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " one of the most revealing books i have ever read. confirmed my love and admiration for possibly the greatest man of the 20th century together with Gandhi "

    — Constanza, 2/7/2006

About George Weigel

George Weigel is one of the world’s foremost authorities on the Catholic Church and the author of over a dozen books, including the international bestseller Witness to Hope: The Biography of Pope John Paul II. He is a senior fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, DC, and a consultant on Vatican affairs for NBC News. His work has been translated into more than a dozen languages.

About Sam Tsoutsouvas

Sam Tsoutsouvas is a veteran actor and lyricist with experience on the stage and in television, films, and audiobook narration. He has acted in regional theater and on Broadway in everything from Shakespeare plays to musical comedy. His television appearances include Law & Order and Soldier of Fortune, Inc. His film roles include the minister in Ghost, and he provided voice for two film documentaries, Ezra Pound: American Odyssey and Lodz Ghetto, which was nominated for several awards. He has narrated more than a dozen audiobooks, and his reading of Journeys of Socrates was a finalist for the 2006 Audie Award for Best Narration in the inspirational/spiritual category, a narration that AudioFile magazine praised as “masterful.”