Joseph F.Girzone Books In Order

Publication Order of Joshua Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Joseph F. Girzone was a renowned American writer and a Catholic priest. He was sometimes commonly called ‘Joshua Priest’ and was most popular for writing the Joshua book series. Girzone actively worked as a priest until 1981 and gave it up due to health, thereby embarking on a second promising career in the field of writing. He was also involved in speaking at various events, motivating the young and old alike. In 1995, he had founded the Joshua Foundation. This organization aimed at making people more aware of Jesus across the globe and is still continuing to do so. The bestselling books of author Girzone include A Portrait of Jesus, Never Alone, and Joshua.

Girzone was born as Joseph Francis Girzone on May 15, 1930, in Albany, New York. His father, Peter Girzone, was a butcher, while his mother, Margaret Girzone, was a housewife. Author Girzone was the oldest child of his parents in a total of 12 kids. During his early days, he had seen his family struggle financially and even experience the shame of eviction from his childhood home. At a young age, Girzone joined the Carmelite Order and received his priesthood in the year 1955. Several years later, Girzone left the order to work as a more secular priest and favor life. The Roman Catholic Diocese, Albany accepted him to serve in several of its parishes. During this period, Girzone had started actively advocating the elderly. Girzone was a spearhead in forming the Montgomery County’s Office for the Aging.

Due to an auto-immune disease, the RBCs in Girzone’s body had reduced considerably. In 1981, he was diagnosed with hypertension and a heart condition. As it looked fatal, Girzone was advised by his doctors to take retirement from active ministry. As per his agreement for the early retirement, Girzone agreed to the forfeiture of any medical benefits or pension from the diocese. After retiring, Girzone had started trying his hand at writing novels. He seemed to enjoy the change of career and hoped to do it full-time. Eventually, he came up with his first book in 1983, called Joshua. It was the first among several books that featured the theme of Jesus’ return to earth and live in the form of an itinerant carpenter. However, the book was not accepted by any publishing company which forced Girzone to launch his own publication called Richelieu Court Publications and publish the novel.

Girzone even carried his books in large boxes in his car and visit various locales for selling it directly to the public. The story was written in an easy language and revolved around a Christ-like man, who came to a small town to work as a carpenter and started transforming the lives of people with random kindness acts and peace messages. It drew the attention of a large number of readers and came to the notice of a Macmillan Publishers’ editor. After this publisher bought the book’s rights, a paperback edition was released in 1987. Later, the publishing company bought the marketing and distribution rights of 5 more books in the series and published them worldwide. Following the early success of the series, author Girzone received a contract offer from Image Books for the release of his further books. Eventually, the Joshua books numbered 10. They were translated into numerous foreign languages and sold over three million printed copies across the globe.

In 2002, the series’ book was adapted into a movie of the same name and released worldwide. It was produced by a wealthy entrepreneur and a fan of the Joshua novels, Philip Anschutz. The cast of the movie includes Tony Goldwyn and F. Murray Abraham. After tasting success for a long period, there was a loss in the readership of Joshua novels and also the final book, Joshua’s Family, performed poorly. This forced the publishing company to drop author Girzone without any intimation. And when Girzone was not able to manage the huge sums of heating bills and annual taxes of his huge mansion, he decided to donate it to his foundation and relocated to an apartment located above the garage of his estate. Following his long battle against heart disease, Girzone breathed his last on November 29, 2015, at St Peter’s Hospital, Albany. His fans remember him for his excellent work and his message of peace and humanity through his books.

The Joshua series written by author Joseph F. Girzone is comprised of 10 books released between 1983 and 2007. It features stories revolving around Jesus, who returns as a carpenter to preach people about peace, kindness, and humanity. The debut book of the series is entitled ‘Joshua’. It was released by the Scriber publication in 1995 after its original release in 1983. Initially, it is mentioned that Joshua arrives in a town and moves into a small cabin on the outskirt. His presence mystifies the locals. Joshua appears to be a simple and quiet man. He does not seek anything for himself and performs the duties of a carpenter to earn his living.

Although Joshua possesses exquisite skills, he does not charge much for his services. When he carves a Moses’ statue for the synagogue, people get amazed by his craftsmanship. They begin to wonder who he really is. Some see him carrying a huge log effortlessly and others talk about the way he cured an ill child just by his touch. However, there are also certain people in the town who suspect Joshua despite his selfless work and benevolence. In the end, the church leaders decide to confront Joshua to address the doubts of the community.

Another excellent novel penned in this series is known as ‘Joshua and the Children’. It was published in 1995 after its first release in 1989. This book opens by showing that a stronger Joshua comes to live in an ordinary village. He sees that the village is filled with violent people and unscrupulous leaders. The village’s kids are the first ones to notice that something is quite stranger about the newly arrived Joshua. They wonder where he has come from and what does he seek. Through the children of the village, Joshua manages to restore honesty and peacefulness. This draws the attention of the elders of the village and also those from nearby villages. They begin to feel as if a new day has dawned and a new spirit has spread throughout.

One Response to “Joseph F.Girzone”

1. Lori Rask: 1 year ago

   I’m so thankful that I bought the book Joshua The Journey Home. Living alone I have The Blessed Trinity as my companion. Reading the book about Jouhua brings me to a loving closeness with Jesus. I find the Pease and Love God intends to live. Thank you for making these beautiful books possible for God’s children to read.
   Sincerely,
   Lori Rask

   Reply