Neale Donald Walsch grew up fearing God, especially after his mother, a neighborhood mystic, was caught reading cards for a friend. His mother was "trafficking with the devil," according to Walsch's deeply religious aunt, and as a result, "God will send her straight to hell."

That was the start of a relationship born of "fearship," as Walsch calls it. In Friendship with God, Walsh speaks to the struggles he's had learning to see God as a true friend rather than a punishing judge. Like his immensely popular Conversations with God series, Friendship with God is written mostly in dialogue format, modeling how anyone can converse with God. What makes the book especially accessible is Walsh's humble voice that gently addresses most people's confusion and doubts. For example, Walsh talks about feeling squeamish that God knows the shameful secrets of his life. In response, God points out that Walsh has shared his dark secrets with friends and lovers. So why not share these truths with God, who has never judged or punished him, and never will? These types of tender and reassuring conversations give readers the courage to begin their own private dialogues with the divine. --Gail Hudson

From Library Journal
From the man who had Conversations with God: building the relationship. Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From AudioFile
Walsch's conversations in this audio depict God as a friend and confidant, rather than a judgmental parent. He's trying to help a generation of people who can't comprehend the formality of the Old Testament God, the distant and authoritarian ruler of Walsch's Catholic youth. The God he speaks with here is one people can connect with over coffee, a Buddha-like figure, except even looser, whose only directive is that we soak in our true experiences and stay connected with every creature on earth. Walsch also shares some painful personal history on this audio, history that is intense and more jarring to the ear than in print. But it complements his purpose by making the author's own journey more transparent. The color and sincerity of all three voices and a flawless production make the program a speedy listen and a worthy expression of the book. T.W. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

FROM OUR EDITORS

Neale Donald Walsch has changed the way millions of Americans think about God. His Conversations with God series, Book One, Book Two, and Book Three, have all been New York Times bestsellers -- Book One for more than two years. The essence of Walsch's message lies at the heart of faith -- the sacred place in every person where he or she stands alone with God. Walsch urges each of us to forge our own unique relationship with God, a God who is everywhere and speaks to us in all we do. It is up to us to stop and listen. It is up to us to respond, to begin the conversation. A conversation is the first step, just as in any relationship, in establishing trust, in building friendship, in creating communion. In Friendship with God Neale Donald Walsch shares the next part of his journey and leads us to deepen and strengthen our own bonds with God. He honors our heart's desire: a closer connection, richer and fuller. A friendship with God.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Walsch provides answers to the questions he had put to God in Conversations with God, and addresses the possibility of walking alongside God, rather than simply following Him.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal

From the man who had Conversations with God: building the relationship. Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

AudioFile - AudioFile Review

Walsch's conversations in this audio depict God as a friend and confidant, rather than a judgmental parent. He's trying to help a generation of people who can't comprehend the formality of the Old Testament God, the distant and authoritarian ruler of Walsch's Catholic youth. The God he speaks with here is one people can connect with over coffee, a Buddha-like figure, except even looser, whose only directive is that we soak in our true experiences and stay connected with every creature on earth. Walsch also shares some painful personal history on this audio, history that is intense and more jarring to the ear than in print. But it complements his purpose by making the author's own journey more transparent. The color and sincerity of all three voices and a flawless production make the program a speedy listen and a worthy expression of the book. T.W. ￯﾿ﾽ AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine