This deceptively small and simple book holds a great secret—the secret to achieving peace of mind in Christ. Beloved writer and teacher Dr. Al Rossi uses stories from his own life to illustrate the basic principles of watchfulness and prayer. The final chapter is a moving tribute to Dr. Rossi's close friend of many years, Fr. Tom Hopko, whose Fifty-Five Maxims are also helpful in learning to say at all times, "All is well."
Who doesn't need to tame their inner control freak from time to time? Who hasn't fallen prey to struggles like perfectionism, impurity, fear, and loneliness? Dr. Al Rossi's All is Well is like a consoling travel companion through these and other stormy twists in the spiritual journey, guiding us on toward the promise of calmer seas. Taking threads from the desert fathers, Orthodox theology, personal experiences, and his training in psychotherapy, Dr. Rossi weaves a multifaceted tapestry that reminds our weary, storm-tossed world that not only will all be well in the end, but all is well in the here and now. This book is invaluable for any Christian hoping to move beyond the many thought traps that ensnare our faith and live more fully in the present reality of Christ.
DISCLAIMER: I was asked to endorse this book by the publisher.
I’ve picked this book up at various times when I have felt anxious or stressed. It always helps me to turn to God and remember that everything will be alright! Highly recommend :)
Super easy book to Christian book to read. Feels almost like he’s talking to you. I think anyone can read this book to further their walk in Christ and feel more solidified. A great reminder than All is Well because it’s in Gods Hands.
This book was exactly what I needed, for probably one of the worst years thus far. I took the advice of Dr. Rossi in the beginning of the book ( although I had the audible version) I took this book in slowly. I savored each and every chapter between the daily grind of being a homeschooling mother, a mother grieving the loss of another pregnancy, and all of the stress that 202 has brought me thus far. When starting I was definitely not feeling that “All is Well” on the contrary I was feeling that All was Unwell.
As I slowly devoured each chapter I begin to feel a sense of comfort and calming. I felt the darkness and stress that seemed to surround me dissipate. I was thankful for Dr. Rossi’s openness about his real life struggles, though our struggles are different it made it very easy to relate to him on a “Real Life” level. I enjoyed the very in your face, REAL, that hard time will be had. There is no sugar-coating to what he says only reality. This book draws heavily from the 55 Maxim’s and I really enjoyed that.
This book was short, sweet and very direct. I appreciate that very much. I will be returning to this book time and time again when I need a wake up to reality.
The audible version being read by Dr. Rossi was a treat in itself, he has a very calming voice in my opinion. I would suggest this book to anyone, Orthodox or not.
This is a sweet, short book that contains many gems about the spiritual life, gleaned from Dr. Rossi’s own experiences and relationships. Its brevity is one of its strengths. For those of us who are interminably too busy with work, school, and child rearing, having an option that is rich in wisdom but not overly long is a gift. Dr. Rossi’s reflections are perfect for those times when you only have a few minutes to focus on spiritual sustenance but want something sustaining nonetheless.
As someone who has worked with the elderly, I deeply appreciate their experience and point of view. Having conversations with our elders is a true gift. This book’s tone reminded me of the gentle souls I’ve known and loved and learned from. Dr. Rossi has a great deal to offer to those of us who will listen. I appreciated his insight into varying personalities and the common problem of loneliness. His ability to drop powerful theological questions and insights into everyday stories is inspiring and helpful.
I know I will be returning to All is Well in the months and years ahead. It is the type of book that can be enjoyed more than once.
Taking up this book, was intrigued by the claim made both on the back cover and in the foreword by Bishop John of Worcester and New England about the deceptively small size and simplicity of it. But, just as everyone else rounding the corner of 2020, I am in need of a breath and wisdom. I found both in “All is Well” by Dr. Albert Rossi.
Dr. Rossi’s book is filled with chapters about finding peace through prayer, watchfulness, and dedication. He draws heavily from his many life experiences and relationships, especially those of his family, patients, and dear friend, Fr. Thomas Hopko of blessed memory. Dr. Rossi’s writing reads as grandfatherly wisdom gleaned from many years of adversities, struggles, and blessings being handed down to the reader. His encouragements and advice to find a way to see that “all is well” are indeed simple, but not at all simplistic. The tools he gives are powerful and practical and I found them simple to begin right away. I even taught one of them to my seven-year-old daughter to help her deal with anxious thoughts and experiences she was having, and I watched her work through them more quickly and peacefully than I ever have.
I found this book to be exceptionally easy to read and relate to, and I was grateful to read it in this current time of uncertainty, when we wonder when and if all will be well again. Dr. Rossi directs us towards the understanding and reassurance that through Christ, it is always well.
This book felt very intimate to me because I have heard my father say many of these things throughout my life and have watched him live it. But the relevance of this book’s message today in 2020 blew me away, especially since when my father was writing it he had no idea how much it would be needed at the time of its publication! As he said it came from the Lord.
The idea of ‘All is Well’ is so countercultural but so relieving especially with all of the turmoil we are all living these days. How do we find peace amidst chaos, peace within ourselves, and peace with our thoughts? It s a very real and honest book that does not sugar coat things and allows space for our humanity and the idea that we will be tempted ‘to our last breath’. It is very practical and specific in its recommendations and ultimately It brings everything to Christ and prayer. It is illustrated in such a gentle and pragmatic way, filled with anecdotes and stories, that make the message palpable and understandable. I took the time to read this book slowly the first time, and I know I will be going back to read it again on a regular basis. It is nourishment for the soul! It is written within the context of the Orthodox faith but is a universal message of love, patience, humility, gratitude and joyfulness! Thank you for this treasure, dad!! ♥️☦️
This book entered my life at just the right time. In the foreword, His Eminence, Bishop John, Antiochian Bishop of Worcester and New England, summed the experience of reading this book perfectly. “This little book needs to be read the way the finest of delicacies are tasted.” This was a difficult task, as I am normally rushing around each day in my mind, body, and soul. Nonetheless, I took him up on his suggestion literally reading it “slowly, deliberately, honestly and reflectively”.
Dr. Rossi’s simple yet descriptive accounts of relating his personal history to the wisdom of Orthodox Church Fathers and the 55 Maxims of Fr. Thomas Hopko, of blessed memory, are so applicable to everyone’s daily life without being preachy at all. This also made it difficult to read it slowly and deliberately, because I found myself wanting to dive into it more while exclaiming in solidarity “Yes! I totally get what you’re saying!” This advice was invaluable! Almost immediately, I found myself connecting my experiences to what I had just read. It eased my anxiety to be able to recognize these correlations and apply the tools that which Dr. Rossi recommended. What a wonderful addition to my collection to further my inspiration and encouragement to live more fully in Christ.
"All Is Well" is a short but beautiful book by Dr. Albert Rossi whose message is always important, and is desperately needed by all who are experiencing challenges in their lives. Throughout the course of the book, Dr. Rossi shares profound Orthodox insights, as seen through his professional lens as a psychologist. Additionally, he layers in personal reflections in a conversational tone that make this book relatable and even more impactful. As I read the book, I felt the truth of the title: all is well. Throughout the book, Dr. Rossi reminds us Christians what is important in our earthly ministry, of core Orthodox principles, and how we can develop our inner peace as we deepen our walk with Christ. Dr. Rossi narrated the audiobook, and as such, allows the audience to hear the tone, pace, and humor as he intended. Overall, this book was so beautiful, I began recommending it to friends and family before I even finished it. I am sure that I will return to it throughout my life and hope it is a blessing for you as well.
In clear language, Dr Rossi offers advice for our present times and how to say “all is well” even in the darkness. He gives advice on how to conquer our negative thoughts and passions and reassures us that God is with us. He ends the book with Fr. Tom Hopko’s 55 maxims for living, which are truly awesome. This book really encouraged me. Recommended to all who struggle with themselves and with life.
Highly – and I mean highly – recommended. Dr. Al Rossi's candidness and sincerity makes this Orthodox self-help book the freshest breath of air I have breathed in a long time. Every person must read this book once in their lifetime. And then again every few years. It's that good and that necessary, especially in the times in which we live. Absolute required reading, hands down. I couldn't stop taking mental notes and writing down thoughts.
Wow! It is usually monastics who are the authorities on the inner life. But here we have a lay master, addressing the issues laypeople face. Very personal and very deep! An Orthodox Christian treasure!
A beautiful book by Dr Rossi full of wisdom A spiritual journey he shares with the reader with stories from his own and many sayings of the fathers. I enjoyed reading this book and I hope it will make a difference in the way I looked on many life and spiritual issues
Written by a Psychologist who also teaches at St Vladimir‘s Orthodox Seminary, I think this is the most spiritually encouraging book I have read during COVID.
A clinical psychologist and professor at St Vladimir’s seminary, Dr. Rossi blends a gentle, pastoral tone with simple, unwavering faith. Each chapter is short but left me with so much to mull over. Example of his ethos: “a) I know that I don’t know; b)I know that Christ knows; c)I try to trust Him. Oh, so simple and so hard to comprehend and live.”
In his introduction to ALL IS WELL, Dr. Rossi noted his intention to write conversationally and asked his audience to read it slowly and patiently. Obligingly, I encountered it in multiple short snippets of free time I was able to devote between homeschooling and parenting struggles, calls to loved ones battling health concerns, and various other stressors of 2020. In short, I read it in the midst of many moments that have often left me feeling all is anything but well.
This slow read-through proved beneficial, though, and my daily reads were a comfort to me. Thanks to his own openness and candor about his struggles, reading the book felt like encountering a kindred spirit in Dr. Rossi: someone who understood the tension between reconciling the very real problems we face with our faith in the very real presence of Christ through it all. I particularly appreciated his writings about intrusive thoughts and anxiety. As Dr. Rossi says, “Without denying the ugliness, we are to keep our mind on the beauty, as best we can.” I am thankful for this book for not only reminding me to keep my eyes on the beauty of the truth in Christ, but for also giving me specific ways of doing so.
Easy-to-read and encouraging, this book is a balm for those who prefer paradox to platitudes but still want to look for the light in the darkness.