Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati: Journey to the Summit

Encounter the Saints #18

by Ana Maria Vasquez, Jennings Dean

Pier Giorgio Frassati lived only twenty-four short years, but he lived them to the fullest. His student escapades, prankster antics, athletic achievements, social justice activism, and dedication to helping the poor combine to make this amazing young man an "avalanche of life." Kids will be able to relate to this adventurous young adult, and learn one of his life principles: "Life must be lived well, following true and sound principles. It's never enough to simply get along."

144 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2004

Reviews

[Steven R. McEvoy]

This was the second book about Pier Giorgio Frassati that I have read this year. The other was Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati: An Ordinary Christian by Maria Amata Di Lorenzo. Both are excellent reads but there were a few stories in this book written for children that really inspired me and my son. My family and I love this series. And the example of Pier Giorgio is an incredible story of faith and service. And his live serves as an example to us all.

As a family we loved this series and this specific book. The Encounter the Saints Series, from Pauline Books and Media, and consider them excellent reads. The series is written for younger readers, but they are so well written it can be appreciated by anyone who wants to grow in knowledge of a specific saint or learn from the examples of the 37 saints in the series to date. I really enjoy reading these books with my children, but need to be upfront and say I am well ahead of them in working my way through the series because I just cannot put them down. But now onto specifics about this book and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati.

The chapters in this book about Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati are:
1. An Easter Gift
2. Lessons in Love
3. Facing the Music
4. A Happy Surprise
5. Growing Pains
6. A Difference of Opinion
7. Challenges
8. The Making of a Saint
9. Years of Turmoil
10. A New Road
11. Friend for All
12. A Strange Land
13. Home Again
14. Journey of Prayer
15. A Step Closer
16. High Spirits
17. Home Invasion
18. Laura
19. In the Mountains
20. The Sacrifice
21. The Happiest Day
22. Holiness Revealed
Prayer
Glossary

My children loved how much this man gave and served. While reading the book they talked about other ways they could help and give. We loved his involvement with Catholic youth organizations. We also like the smaller group within a group 'The Shady Characters' not only were them members of the Federation of Italian Catholic Students, they were also mountain climbers and loved spending time outdoors together. The Prayer to Blessed Pier Giorgio in this book is:

Blessed Pier Giorgio, you taught me how to lead
an unselfish life and to keep those who suffer
close to my heart. You had good times with your
friends and you really enjoyed sports. But you
always kept God and love and kindness to others
as your highest priorities.

Help me when I try to imitate you and I
Stumble. Help me when I lose my grip in trying
to climb always closer to God.

I want to be an apostle of Jesus just like you.
Amen.

This is the only book in the series illustrated by Don Stewart. But the simple sketches really add to the story. It is also the only offering by Ana Maria Vasquez and Jennings Dean in the series.

This book was very inspiring. I am hoping to read more about this saint and loved this volume. There are currently 37 books in this series, including The Saints Pray for Us. I have read a number of these books on my own and also about half of them with my children. My oldest who is 11 can read them to us. She has read them to me and also helped me read them to the younger children. My son who is 9 can read them with some help on the more difficult words, but he really enjoys just listening to these powerful stories. My youngest who is 6 loved the story, and while reading this one held her pink play sword. This book is part of the Encounter the Saints Series; from Pauline Books and Media, and this book is an incredible read as is the entire series! Our family gives them five stars.

Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Pauline Books and Media, especially the Encounter the Saints Series.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!

[Kara]

A beautiful description of the life of a modern day blessed. Pier Giorgio lived a humble life of service to his family and the poor, he is an example to all of us.

[GrassHopper]

A terrific and slightly different story of a saint's life. Blessed Pier Giorgio was a holy young man but he also loved to ski and mountain climb. And he had a taste for practical jokes. In many ways he was extraordinary but he also had the common touch. He cared passionately for those less well off than himself.

A short read designed for young adults but I like reading this series of Saints ' stories as they are a quick, easy and entertaining read. And can be enjoyed by adults too, without having to wade your way through a long book.

[Antonia]

Just right for middle schoolers - nice read aloud as well.

[Jessi Fearon]

What an inspiring story! My kids enjoyed learning about this very inspiring man.

[Anna Marie]

I enjoyed learning about this saint.