Drawing on the period when-as Karol Wojtyla-he became a bishop in 1958 through his appointment as the first Polish Pope in 1978, Pope John Paul II fills Rise, Let Us Be on Our Way with both recollections of his own life and his thoughts on issues facing the world now. Pope John Paul II reminisces about everything from being called to Warsaw during a canoeing trip to be told he was being named a bishop of Krakow to his clashes with authorities to protect the church in Poland and the clandestine meetings he organized to find help. He also discusses topics like his passion for theatre and the controversy of celibacy amongst priests.

More than just a collection of memories, however, Rise, Let Us Be on Our Way is also a call to action. In discussing issues like the strength of mercy, the importance of harmony between faith, reason and the heart, and the necessity of encouraging children to pray, Pope John Paul II shows us that with little steps, we can change the...