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The Erudite Editor Offers a Review of...Father Joe: The Man Who Saved My Soul!
Nov 21 2004 by Allen Voivod
Note: This is the second literary work selected by the International Satirists Guild (ISG), after last month's Acts of the Compassionates. For more information on the literary selections of the ISG, emails us at comments@deadbrain.com.
Perhaps you've already gotten around to this one, considering that it's already completed its run at the New York Times bestseller list. Lords knows I've been meaning to. Having finally settled a lawsuit filed against the interns by a commercial printer inking firm, I finally had time to devote to it.
Just you try saying a negative word about a man's memoir of his spiritual guide. Can't do it, can you? Well, here's how I'll do it, inspired by a lesson I learned from this book - I'll take the blame on myself, and call it selfishness.
When I saw that the book was authored by one of the pre-eminent satirical minds of our time, albeit one not as widely known as Jon Stewart and his coterie, I was so excited that there was, indeed, a bounce in my step as I came home with it. A hop, you could even call it, or a skip. Perhaps a jump. Just perhaps.
So when I came to the book expecting insight into the effect of satire on spirituality and vice versa, it was my own fault when it wasn't realized. Oh, it was a little. In passing. But it left me craving so much more. I might have to begin stalking Mr. Hendra to get some more information on this subject.
In fairness, the non-satirically-related content of the book is quite touching. People regard us satirists as cynics, but we're far from it. We have hearts, too, and they can be touched. Damnit, yes they can! They can, I tell you! Just the heart, though. Stay away from my feet.
Ultimately, this book isn't just a memoir. It's a tribute, a deep self-examination, and the act of a man filling a void in his life the best way he can, through his artistic talents.
I've come to feel the absence of Father Joe, not just in Hendra's life - lucky as he was to have had him and lost him, to borrow from Shakespeare - but in my own. Mentors as wise, as humble, and loving are treasures beyond compare.
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