Last winter Cranbrook resident Jiri (George) Horak released his biography – ‘Witness – Voices and Choices’ – and readers continue to catch on.

George shares adventures and experiences from every stage of his life. Growing up in an austere Catholic family in the former Czechoslovakia, witnessing the destruction of the Second World War, rebelling against the Communists and escaping to South America. That’s just his first 20 years.

Experience his struggle to fulfill his promise to become a priest and his intense emotional and spiritual dilemma as he makes the decision that will change his life forever. Through every twisting turn on his journey, as bookbindery foreman, businessman, priest, psychiatric chaplain, husband, taxi driver, parole officer and staff training officer, he has been a witness to his faith.

There is so much more to this compelling memoir: a mystic’s view of God and human experience, meeting Padre Pio, women and the Church and living an authentic life.

The stories in Witness will evoke questions and reflection on the complexity and joy of our human transitory journey.

Books cost $20. To order, call 250-489-3623 or email [email protected]

Or keep an eye out for George and his editor, Douglas Mitchell, at farmers’ markets and Christmas bazaars in the city and around the region.

Lead image: Douglas Mitchell and George Horak during a Thanksgiving feast at Joseph Creek Village Oct. 9

 Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

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