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A Sceptic's Search for Meaning
'Willesee has always been a news-hound in pursuit of a story.' Sydney Morning Herald
Perfect for fans of Proof of Heaven, this part memoir, part investigation is a spellbinding spiritual quest around the world and deep into the heart of life's ultimate riddle.
Is there life after death?
Does God exist?
How do you explain miracles?
In a career spanning fifty years and thousands of stories, legendary Australian journalist Mike Willesee dared to pose the big questions as part of his ongoing quest for meaning.
Born into the Catholic faith, with early ambitions to be a priest, he tried to escape his spiritual destiny by pursuing a path as an investigative journalist. But fate kept catching up, as A Sceptic's Search for Meaning reveals.
He had a premonition his plane was going to crash, moments before it did.
He found himself the neighbour of one of Australia's most passionate investigators of mystical phenomena, who convinced Mike to join him on his quest.
Among many such adventures, Mike flew to Bolivia to interview Katya Rivas, dubbed 'God's secretary'. He watched as the barely literate woman who claimed never to have read the Bible wrote page after page of perfect theology in multiple languages. He also sat by her bed as blood started to ooze from her brow, her hands and her feet - the telltale signs of stigmata.
Written in his final year as Mike fought a losing battle with cancer, A Sceptic's Search for Meaning is a moving and intriguing tale of one man's attempt to make sense of the profound mysteries of faith.
PRAISE FOR MEMOIRS
'A cracking tale of good fortune, ambition, risk-taking, self-belief and driving curiosity.' Daily Telegraph
Perfect for fans of Proof of Heaven, this part memoir, part investigation is a spellbinding spiritual quest around the world and deep into the heart of life's ultimate riddle.
Is there life after death?
Does God exist?
How do you explain miracles?
In a career spanning fifty years and thousands of stories, legendary Australian journalist Mike Willesee dared to pose the big questions as part of his ongoing quest for meaning.
Born into the Catholic faith, with early ambitions to be a priest, he tried to escape his spiritual destiny by pursuing a path as an investigative journalist. But fate kept catching up, as A Sceptic's Search for Meaning reveals.
He had a premonition his plane was going to crash, moments before it did.
He found himself the neighbour of one of Australia's most passionate investigators of mystical phenomena, who convinced Mike to join him on his quest.
Among many such adventures, Mike flew to Bolivia to interview Katya Rivas, dubbed 'God's secretary'. He watched as the barely literate woman who claimed never to have read the Bible wrote page after page of perfect theology in multiple languages. He also sat by her bed as blood started to ooze from her brow, her hands and her feet - the telltale signs of stigmata.
Written in his final year as Mike fought a losing battle with cancer, A Sceptic's Search for Meaning is a moving and intriguing tale of one man's attempt to make sense of the profound mysteries of faith.
PRAISE FOR MEMOIRS
'A cracking tale of good fortune, ambition, risk-taking, self-belief and driving curiosity.' Daily Telegraph
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Published October 29, 2019
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About the author
Mike Willesee
4 books3 followersMichael Robert Willesee was an Australian television journalist, interviewer and presenter. Willesee came to prominence in 1967 as a reporter for the ABC's new nightly current affairs program This Day Tonight, where his aggressive style quickly earned him a reputation as a fearless political interviewer. ~Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 15, 2020
I'm not converting to Christianity any time soon but WOW did this give me some endless thought chains to pursue.
Also just so fantastic to read about this cynical dude who found something to believe in, that gave him peace at the end of his life. Whether you believe him or not is irrelevant.
Okay. Let me break it down.
Firstly, MISLEADING TITLE ALERT. This is not about a dying man's search for meaning. It's about a sceptical journalist who chased down 'miracles' with the intention of exposing them as fraudulent.
I'm not old enough to have ever encountered Mike Willesee before this book, but it seems he was quite well known here in Australia and did some pretty decent investigative journalism in his heydays. This book skims over those early years of success and hones in on when Mike was convinced to investigate an incident in Bolivia that involved a bleeding statue of Christ.
What follows is a bizarre account of Mike's witnessing various 'miracles' that were deemed 'proof of God'. This book also includes premonitions, weeping and bleeding statues, stigmata, and hearing the voice of Jesus, among other things.
It's really fascinating to read about these things, and I think even if you don't believe the author recounted things truthfully it raises some really interesting theological questions. I'm sceptical about religious 'miracles' myself as I don't believe in God, and I have my own theories about Jesus and religion. But they do use scientific testing and Mike really does question everything. It's evident that his scepticism in those early days was legitimate.
At the same time, when his conversion comes, it's quite sudden. I have mixed feelings about that. Because his scepticism is what made this such a fascinating story, so when he stopped questioning everything it was almost a disappointment for me the reader, and it suddenly made me doubt things more. But this is a biography, and knowing that he finally just relinquished his scepticism and allowed himself the comfort of absolute faith is really uplifting for me. Faith is such a powerful thing in that it doesn't matter what the truth is - the faith you have in your own beliefs is enough. So whether you believe his story or not, whether you believe in the holiness of the things he experienced or believe it all to be fake, it absolutely does not matter because this man believed, and that belief gave him a comfort at the end of his days that no tangible truth could.
This book is not trying to convert you. This is the story of a cynical man who was transformed by his experiences of too many things he couldn't explain. No matter what your own beliefs are, this is a truly fascinating story written by an intelligent man.
Aaaaaand this is the part where I end my review instead of rambling on about my own beliefs.
I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a thought-provoking biography, and I'm keen to hear the opinions of people who hold different religious beliefs. Personally I think it's worth a read for everyone, and it's definitely one that will stay with me.
Many thanks to Macmillan for my ARC
Also just so fantastic to read about this cynical dude who found something to believe in, that gave him peace at the end of his life. Whether you believe him or not is irrelevant.
Okay. Let me break it down.
Firstly, MISLEADING TITLE ALERT. This is not about a dying man's search for meaning. It's about a sceptical journalist who chased down 'miracles' with the intention of exposing them as fraudulent.
I'm not old enough to have ever encountered Mike Willesee before this book, but it seems he was quite well known here in Australia and did some pretty decent investigative journalism in his heydays. This book skims over those early years of success and hones in on when Mike was convinced to investigate an incident in Bolivia that involved a bleeding statue of Christ.
What follows is a bizarre account of Mike's witnessing various 'miracles' that were deemed 'proof of God'. This book also includes premonitions, weeping and bleeding statues, stigmata, and hearing the voice of Jesus, among other things.
It's really fascinating to read about these things, and I think even if you don't believe the author recounted things truthfully it raises some really interesting theological questions. I'm sceptical about religious 'miracles' myself as I don't believe in God, and I have my own theories about Jesus and religion. But they do use scientific testing and Mike really does question everything. It's evident that his scepticism in those early days was legitimate.
At the same time, when his conversion comes, it's quite sudden. I have mixed feelings about that. Because his scepticism is what made this such a fascinating story, so when he stopped questioning everything it was almost a disappointment for me the reader, and it suddenly made me doubt things more. But this is a biography, and knowing that he finally just relinquished his scepticism and allowed himself the comfort of absolute faith is really uplifting for me. Faith is such a powerful thing in that it doesn't matter what the truth is - the faith you have in your own beliefs is enough. So whether you believe his story or not, whether you believe in the holiness of the things he experienced or believe it all to be fake, it absolutely does not matter because this man believed, and that belief gave him a comfort at the end of his days that no tangible truth could.
This book is not trying to convert you. This is the story of a cynical man who was transformed by his experiences of too many things he couldn't explain. No matter what your own beliefs are, this is a truly fascinating story written by an intelligent man.
Aaaaaand this is the part where I end my review instead of rambling on about my own beliefs.
I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a thought-provoking biography, and I'm keen to hear the opinions of people who hold different religious beliefs. Personally I think it's worth a read for everyone, and it's definitely one that will stay with me.
Many thanks to Macmillan for my ARC
February 8, 2021
Mike Willesee grew up Catholic, but his faith lapsed as he became an adult. I'm a Protestant, so although I was interested to hear what drew a hard-hitting Australian journalist who I remember back to his faith, there was a heavy emphasis on miracles such as weeping or bloody statues, stigmata and bloody Communion hosts (the wafer that some churches use for Christ's body in the Eucharist).
I was listening to it as an audiobook, and the story of Katya in Bolivia went into great, and I would say unnecessary, detail. I can see why it was done, but I still think it could have been told more concisely.
I appreciate the rigour that he went to in investigating these miracles, and it was interesting to hear some of the laboratory findings of blood collected from the bleeding statues being determined to be human blood but with no genomic profile! I don't believe in transubstantiation, so the bloody Communion hosts struck me as more "woo woo" than believing that Jesus would speak to Katya (an uneducated woman in Bolivia), that His blood would come out of statues, and that some people experience stigmata (unprovoked wounds appearing in the places where Jesus' crucifixion wounds were.
I was disappointed that all of the miracles were of a similar kind - I'd have liked some different miracles along the lines of things with more purpose - like healing, protection, guidance, although I suppose these sort of miracles would be even harder to prove or disprove any fraud.
I'm glad for Mike Willesee that he made his peace with Christ and is therefore now spending eternity with Him!
I was listening to it as an audiobook, and the story of Katya in Bolivia went into great, and I would say unnecessary, detail. I can see why it was done, but I still think it could have been told more concisely.
I appreciate the rigour that he went to in investigating these miracles, and it was interesting to hear some of the laboratory findings of blood collected from the bleeding statues being determined to be human blood but with no genomic profile! I don't believe in transubstantiation, so the bloody Communion hosts struck me as more "woo woo" than believing that Jesus would speak to Katya (an uneducated woman in Bolivia), that His blood would come out of statues, and that some people experience stigmata (unprovoked wounds appearing in the places where Jesus' crucifixion wounds were.
I was disappointed that all of the miracles were of a similar kind - I'd have liked some different miracles along the lines of things with more purpose - like healing, protection, guidance, although I suppose these sort of miracles would be even harder to prove or disprove any fraud.
I'm glad for Mike Willesee that he made his peace with Christ and is therefore now spending eternity with Him!
January 13, 2026
Reader beware and buckle up for an incredible read that beautifully leads you to your own skeptic, cognitive biases, and the deeper questions life has to offer
It’s clear that Mike Willesee, Australia’s most reputable and renowned Investigative Journalist put his legacy on the line writing this.
It’s a raw journey through his life, and investigative process - unseen in his autobiography
To be honest, it’s be easy to pass this book off. However, by doing so, one turns a blind eye to Mike’s experience and strong reputation in Australian journalism.
Any Australian born between 1960-2000 knows Mike’s face and voice. His pursuit for the truth, in situations that put his neck on the line (literally) made him the best investigative journalist Australia may ever have.
If you chose to read it, look into Mike and his history before, during and after your read it
Cross-checking his reputation will meaningfully change the eyes in which you read the book, and potentially live out your days
It’s clear that Mike Willesee, Australia’s most reputable and renowned Investigative Journalist put his legacy on the line writing this.
It’s a raw journey through his life, and investigative process - unseen in his autobiography
To be honest, it’s be easy to pass this book off. However, by doing so, one turns a blind eye to Mike’s experience and strong reputation in Australian journalism.
Any Australian born between 1960-2000 knows Mike’s face and voice. His pursuit for the truth, in situations that put his neck on the line (literally) made him the best investigative journalist Australia may ever have.
If you chose to read it, look into Mike and his history before, during and after your read it
Cross-checking his reputation will meaningfully change the eyes in which you read the book, and potentially live out your days
September 6, 2020
This is an engaging read by a master story teller. It raises many questions about modern understandings of the Eucharist and especially about the phenomenon of stigmata. It is not easy to distinguish fact from the longing for miraculous truth but it is clear that the writer found comfort and purpose through his exploration.
January 26, 2024
I found this to be an interesting book. Mike Willesee uses his skills as a journalist to investigate several amazing and mystical occurrences but it is no easy task.
A Sceptic's Search for Meaning is the right title for this book. What happens when a sceptic starts to believe though.
A Sceptic's Search for Meaning is the right title for this book. What happens when a sceptic starts to believe though.
February 1, 2020
A well-researched and sincere study on the reality, truth and meaning of miracles and supernatural events occurring in the life of Christians (primarily of the Roman Catholic tradition). The study focussed not only on the actual occurrence of the miracles, evidence supporting them, and the possibility or likelihood of hoaxes of error. Where possible it also utilised recognised research methodology and practices such as honesty, fairness, vigilance, peer reviews, with free and open access and sharing with experts, scholars, independent experts and interested persons of religious and non-religious persuasions on the subject matter.
Overall, the author and his team found that the claims of miracles and supernatural events did actually occur without any human interference. The results were amazing to both the believer and non-believer. It was also established that there was no possibility of any interference, hoax or mistake.
The author is convinced without any shadow of doubt that the events were from God and were genuine.
The established integrity of the author suggests that the events really did happen exactly as described.
It is for the reader to decide whether the events did happen, and were divinely inspired and carried out by God.
Were they really anthropomorphic visitations of God? In other words, did God appear in human form primarily to a humble uneducated lady and discuss with her simple everyday things?
Many readers will be challenged by God's apparent indifference to the many hundreds of thousands of children around them dying of malnutrition and disease, whilst having a friendly chat with the lady .
I guess we must ask how powerful the mind can be with respect to the occurrence of miraculous para-normal events.
It is of course up to the reader to form their own conclusions. Whatever they are, the reader is likely to be challenged and provoked by this amazing book. Well worth a read.
Overall, the author and his team found that the claims of miracles and supernatural events did actually occur without any human interference. The results were amazing to both the believer and non-believer. It was also established that there was no possibility of any interference, hoax or mistake.
The author is convinced without any shadow of doubt that the events were from God and were genuine.
The established integrity of the author suggests that the events really did happen exactly as described.
It is for the reader to decide whether the events did happen, and were divinely inspired and carried out by God.
Were they really anthropomorphic visitations of God? In other words, did God appear in human form primarily to a humble uneducated lady and discuss with her simple everyday things?
Many readers will be challenged by God's apparent indifference to the many hundreds of thousands of children around them dying of malnutrition and disease, whilst having a friendly chat with the lady .
I guess we must ask how powerful the mind can be with respect to the occurrence of miraculous para-normal events.
It is of course up to the reader to form their own conclusions. Whatever they are, the reader is likely to be challenged and provoked by this amazing book. Well worth a read.
February 2, 2020
Immediately before reading this book, I read Mike Willesee's Memoirs, and while some of the information has been repeated, it is a useful recap and backgrounder. Willesee was a stalwart of Australian television for decades, as a reporter, producer and presenter and loved to chase down challenging stories. In his later years, after a lifetime of wine, women and song, he was drawn back to his Catholic faith by a story he covered in Bolivia. A woman named Katya Rivas reported experiencing the stigmata (the wounds of Christ) and he witnessed and filmed one of these incidents. He was convinced that there was no trickery involved and that Katya had indeed suffered the wounds to the hands, feet and forehead that Jesus had gone through. He felt compelled, particularly after a terminal diagnosis of throat cancer, to track down other supposed miraculous events and bring a journalist's objectivity to any findings. The man who was destined to become a priest, then moved away from his faith, searched for meaning in his last years on earth and found it. It is a very moving account of his spiritual journey.
November 2, 2022
The spiritual memoir of a hardened and cynical journalist who returns to his Catholic roots after 30 years in the wilderness. Mike Willesee was one of Australia's foremost investigative journalists who thrived on exposing fraudulent behaviour. Spearheading many high profile current affair programs, he soon became an expert in sniffing out a rat.
A neighbour of his was interested in miracles and asked Mike to join him visiting a lady called Katya who showed signs of stigmata in Bolivia. Mike reluctantly tagged along and soon discovered that he couldn't explain away everything. He then tracked down stories of Communion hosts becoming flesh and blood which scientific results showed to be the heart muscle of someone under extreme trauma.
Both Mike Willesee and his neighbour Ron Tesoriero have both written books of their experiences. In Mike's case, this was his last book before he succumbed to cancer. A fascinating encounter of a man's journey back to God.
A neighbour of his was interested in miracles and asked Mike to join him visiting a lady called Katya who showed signs of stigmata in Bolivia. Mike reluctantly tagged along and soon discovered that he couldn't explain away everything. He then tracked down stories of Communion hosts becoming flesh and blood which scientific results showed to be the heart muscle of someone under extreme trauma.
Both Mike Willesee and his neighbour Ron Tesoriero have both written books of their experiences. In Mike's case, this was his last book before he succumbed to cancer. A fascinating encounter of a man's journey back to God.
January 4, 2021
This was an interesting combination of two searches - the author’s search for his lost faith and the investigation regarding mysterious religious phenomena such as tears of blood miraculously appearing on statues.
I found it far more enthralling than Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code from years ago; I certainly believe that what the author and his team witnessed and described in this book was/is real. This is also a convincing and honest testimony of Mike Wilesee’s return to believing in God.
I found it far more enthralling than Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code from years ago; I certainly believe that what the author and his team witnessed and described in this book was/is real. This is also a convincing and honest testimony of Mike Wilesee’s return to believing in God.
October 1, 2020
Interesting read and gave perspective to Willasee’s life. Having grown up with him as arguably Australia’s no1 investigative reporter I appreciated his search for meaning in his life, and while I don’t agree with his outcomes, it was great to see the change from cynic to a person with hope
January 29, 2020
Much food for thought ......
August 23, 2020
Watch relevant TV - interesting journalism story
August 30, 2020
The first 100 pages were worthy of 3 stars as was Jackie Chan’s memoirs, but when it gets to Katya Rivas and her story of romance and marriages it became irrelevant to that opening third, and annoyed me. If I want to know more about somebody who Willisee let on was super interesting - in the span of two paragraphs - then I’d go for it myself. I certainly want to see a crying, bleeding statue for myself, and the footage of Rivas’ stigmata. It was a lame book. I hope no-one has been converted from it. I shouldn’t read memoirs that I don’t know anything about beforehand. Here’s to reading worthwhile books from here on in!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews