In Good Company: The Fast Track from the Corporate World to Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience

I bought this because of the reviews. I was reading it on the plane and telling the stranger next to me about it. I ended up giving him mine and ordered another one asap so I could finish it. A conversationally written autobiography that draws you in and can sustain you.

I'm a huge fan of Father James Martin, S.J. He's wonderfully pragmatic and thoughtful, while still having a sense of humor. His writing style, especially of his recent books is polished and practiced. This is most assuredly one of his earlier books- he's a little awkward at times, and every once in a while there's a little too much information. But its all good. He describes in detail his dissatisfaction with the corporate world, his desire for something "more" and his ultimate struggle which resulted in his joining the Jesuits.He's blatantly honest in a way that i feel a lot of priests aren't- it was the 1980's in corporate America so yes, there was coke around. (He doesn't say explicitly whether or not he partook- he did drink and smoke weed by his own admission, though). Far from making me respect him less, these admissions, along with his painful lack of sexual experience prior to the priesthood, make me respect him more- both for their honesty and humanity. He literally was and is one of us, and I appreciate his thoughts on spirituality more because of it.If you're a fan of Fr. Jim, this is a must read, or a great introduction to his wonderful body of work.

I found this totally engaging and I couldn't put it down. After working in the corporate world for over two decades, many of us feel lost. How do we find meaning in reducing the cost of this widget or describing how that app actually works? Instead of trying to do these types of manipulations and mind games with himself, James Martin simply opted out of that world so that he could make a better one. He was true to himself. The path he took may not be the right path for all of us--or even possible-- (Catholics are limited because gender and celibacy are inexplicably linked to the opportunity to become a priest-but that's another story)--but it is moving and interesting to follow his path and read the book he wrote not long after joining. Martin himself explains that he sees certain aspects differently years after writing the book. But there is much value in seeing his thinking so soon after his decision to become a priest, and so early in his Jesuit life. What a wonderful gift to the world he has given by dedicating his life in this way, instead of endlessly number crunching and going up a corporate ladder.

I was ordering another book by James Martin, SJ, when this book caught my attention. I ordered it and enjoyed reading this book very much. Unfortunately, it has made a couple of his other books repetitious as some of the stories appear again. Actually, I can't just say I enjoyed this book, in truth, I loved this book! It gave me a lot to think about in my own life, and validated "down" time for me; the thought that every minute of the day does not have to be "productive." I needed that. I read Thomas Merton's, "7-story mountain" about the same time. That was a very good pairing of books. This was a modern day "God-calling."

This is a great, inspirational story. I love the fact that Fr. Jim is so HUMAN in his life and struggle and discernment. Some parts of his story made me nearly laugh out loud because the details of the Catholic faith were so new to him. This book gives me the courage to live my own life's vocation to the very best of my ability. Thank you for your honesty and clarity, Fr. Jim.

I really enjoy all of James Martin's books. This particular novel takes the reader through Father Martin's years before entering the Jesuit Priesthood. His time in the corporate world is as expected - stressful and pushes him to the ethical border. I think many readers will relate to his predicament. Not everyone's place is in the priesthood, or in any part of a religious order for that matter, but hopefully this book will inspire people to examine what their life has become and what they really want it to be.

This autobiographic account of James Martin S.J.’s decision to join the Society of Jesus is the perfect book to reflect on the trappings of modern life in contrast to the inner peace that comes from seeing God in all things.

Interesting story that we can relate to-walk off the job in corporate America for something more meaningful. I do have some questions whether this works for all of us. But definitely opens you eyes.

This book gives a very clear insight into the awfulness of the Corporate World. Is it surprising that the banking systems have failed with all the creative accounting due to the pressures put on staff. James Martin is able to get out of the ratrace after he sees a TV programme on Thomas Merton and recognises that there is life after corpoate banking. When he jions the Jesuits, he talks about his ignorance as his belief in God has not developed since he left study at the age of about ten. This is a condition which many of us share and so it is a great comfort to know that there is still hope.A book that is very easy to read.

A great insight into the discernment process.Written with honesty and humour.Loved this book yet another winner from Father James Martin ..most informative highly recommend to everyone!! What a great Jesuit !!

The story of how James Martin left GE to become a Jesuit priest. This was not an easy journey. Jim tells it beautifully.I really enjoyed this book, and recommend it highly.

Encontré este libro casi por pura casualidad y al final resultó ser todo un descubrimiento, ya que me he visto reflejado tanto en la crisis existencial por la que pasa el autor, como en su peculiar sentido del humor. El padre James Martin describe de forma sincera y amena su experiencia trabajando como contable en General Electric, después de haber recibido una selecta formación en la universidad de Wharton, y cómo llegó a replantearse toda su vida al descubrirse "vacío" pese al éxito profesional que había alcanzado, gracias a un documental acerca de la vida de Thomas Merton que pudo ver por televisión. Después, narra con detalle el proceso que siguió para ingresar en la Compañía de Jesús, y cómo fueron sus primeros años como jesuita. Si te pica la curiosidad, te recomiendo leer las dos primeras páginas del capítulo 1, "Restless Hearts", gracias a la posibilidad de descargarte un fragmento del libro electrónico, o por medio de la funcionalidad "Echa un vistazo". A partir de ahí me quedé totalmente enganchado y acabé el libro en un tiempo récord.

Very readable, sustaining interest till the last page. Some facts, even Catholics are not aware of - I loved this book. Father Martin gives you much to think on - and some laughs too.