Book Description
Irish-born Anne Bonny is only a teenager when she is left destitute by her mother’s death. Abandoned by her father, she seems destined to be forgotten by the world. But Anne chooses to seek her fortune in the lush tropics of the colonial West Indies, where she passes herself off as a young man named Bonn. She finds work as a ship’s hand, sailing under the command of Calico Jack Rackam, a notorious and charismatic pirate with a bounty on his head. Calico Jack has his heart set on raiding the Madrid Galleon, the richest ship in the Caribbean, which sails from Kingston laden with Cuban gold and Jamaican rum.
Bonn is entranced by the sea and by the ship’s violent crew, which includes a mysterious swordfighter named Read, who, it turns out, has a secret life of his own. Calico Jack soon discovers Bonn’s and Read’s true identities, but it is only when the three pirates are captured that their darkest secrets begin to surface. In the shadow of the gallows, a strange twist of fate reveals a shocking betrayal that may save Bonn from death, while permanently changing everything she has known about her past and the world around her.
Gorgeously written and full of mystery, intrigue, and startling revelations about gender, race, history, and the human heart, Kingston by Starlight is a once-in-a-lifetime read.
Download Description
Christopher John Farley was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and now lives in New York. He is a senior editor at Time magazine.
From the Trade Paperback edition.
Customer Reviews:
Christopher Farley can and will teach your grandmother to suck historical eggs........2006-11-25
By my troth, this book sucked eggs! As previous reviewers have suggested, it is half dry historical tidbits meant to show of Farley's ability to research, and half trashy bodice-ripping erotica. His attempt at a female voice is laughable--literally, I rolled right off the couch when he suggested that young ladies get their period at the blossoming age of 17. Anne's voice in the novel was so muddled that at one point, I stopped to seriously consider if there were two narrators the entire time and I had simply missed it. Farley took an opportunity to have a passionate, sexy female lead and turned her into some weird boi-obsessed spinster. By the time Mary Read made her appearance halfway through the novel, I was only in it for the steamy girl-on-girl action, which was poor even by literotica standards.
I love Anne Bonny and Mary Read, and I really would've gobbled this book up even if it was bad like Michael Jackson--but it was bad like Anne Rice! You wouldn't believe the stuff he wrote! "A large bead of warm sweat dripped from Read's face into the hollow between my breasts. The perspiration mixed with my own and trickled down my belly, disappearing between my legs." When my friend asked me what was so funny, I couldn't even read it aloud I was laughing so hard.
This man goes way far out of his way to edit out the coolest parts of the Bonny/Read story, instead going for an overall less complicated narrative. The result was pretty much poop. The characters lacked complexity, and he went for the silliest, most salaciously trite plot twists possible. Mary Read is pregnant with Anne Bonny's hallucinogenic baby, while Anne Bonny is pregnant with Jack Rackham's baby, but Jack Rackham is dead and gay? Anne Bonny's fake father wants to kill her so she can be more dead than she would be if she were executed? Poop is a traitor? Nooooo, not Poop! Little Poop seemed like such a nice boy! Whoops, belated spoiler alert!
This book is hilariously bad. If you keep that in mind, it's like reading Plan 9...only with more lesbian pirates. I gave it a rating of two instead of one mostly because it only took me a day to read. If it had robbed me of any more time on this earth, however, I would've banged down the author's door and personally demanded my life back.
Fun & interesting read.......2006-07-08
As a lover of historical fiction, this one fills the bill although in a totally different way than most fictional looks at history. I had never heard of the pirate Anne Bonny or Mary Read, but they did become credible characters in this page-turner. At times I felt like I was reading a history book, at other times it became almost a farce, and at some points a touching almost erotic love story. It truly is a yarn filled with an interesting look at piracy in the Caribbean and at some very unusual lives with some unexpected twists.
Women Pirates!!!.......2005-10-29
Anne Bonny, an actual person involved in a 1720 trial of Pirates in Jamaica, was a fascinating character born in Ireland. She is desperate when her father abandons her and her mother, and her mother dies on board a ship sailing for America.
She passes herself off as a young man named Bonn,and finds work on the William, sailing under the command of Calico Jack Rackam, a chaismatic pirate with a price on his head. Bonn is entranced by the sea, the ship's violent crew, and a mysterious swordfighter named Read, who has a secret of his/her own.
When Bonn, Read, and Calico Jack are captured, dark secrets are revealed and the book has a surprise ending.
It seems that no matter who you were before you joined the pirate crew, it no longer was important. You were one of the gang, the team, one for all, and all for one, even when the governor of Jamaica had a price on your head.
This was a hard book to put down, even for a 70 year old grandmother!
Good, but not the best.......2005-10-26
Kingston By Starlight was a teriffic book about Anne Bonny and her life as a pirate. It deffinatly got me hooked on pirate books about Mary Read and Calico Jack, but this book in particular didnt have enough fiction for me. It must be hard to write a book on historical facts and still make it interesting, but just look around at the other pirate books about Anne and you will get an idea on how dissapointing this book was after I had read the others like it.
Perfect Summer Reading.......2005-08-24
While a pirate tale is not the genre I would usually go for, I picked this book up in haste in order to have something to read at a recent beach vacation, and it could not have been more appropriate for this purpose! Farley's historically-based, maritime novel is fun and adventurous reading with some compelling themes of the often ambiguous nature of gender roles and intimate companionship. For anyone who enjoyed the swashbuckling pirate antics of Depp and his comrades in "Pirates of the Carribean," this seafaring adventure will be a delightful, page-turning read.
Average customer rating:
- I wanted to like it, but...
- I want the hours back I spent reading this
- The author was under INCREDIBLE stress during her trip to china!
- Very disappointed in her poor portrayal of China and the Chinese people
- A real gem!
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Forever Lily: An Unexpected Mother's Journey to Adoption in China
Beth Nonte Russell
Manufacturer: Touchstone
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Women | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Memoirs | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Adoption | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
General | China | Asia | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0743292979 |
Book Description
"Will you take her?" she asks.
When Beth Nonte Russell travels to China to help her friend Alex adopt a baby girl from an orphanage there, she thinks it will be an adventure, a chance to see the world. But her friend, who had prepared for the adoption for many months, panics soon after being presented with the frail baby, and the situation develops into one of the greatest challenges of Russell's life.
Russell, watching in disbelief as Alex distances herself from the child, cares for the baby -- clothing, bathing, and feeding her -- and makes her feel secure in the unfamiliar surroundings. Russell is overwhelmed and disoriented by the unfolding drama and all that she sees in China, and yet amid the emotional turmoil finds herself deeply bonding with the child. She begins to have dreams of an ancient past -- dreams of a young woman who is plucked from the countryside and chosen to be empress, and of the child who is ultimately taken from her. As it becomes clear that her friend -- whose indecisiveness about the adoption has become a torment -- won't be bringing the baby home, Russell is amazed to realize that she cannot leave the baby behind and that her dreams have been telling her something significant, giving her the courage to open her heart and bring the child home against all odds.
Steeped in Chinese culture, Forever Lily is an extraordinary account of a life-changing, wholly unexpected love.
Customer Reviews:
I wanted to like it, but..........2007-09-15
As the mother of a daughter adopted from China, I try to read as much in this area as I can, and encourage others to do the same, but... I'd recommend skipping this one.
Occasionally, I have read others' adoption stories and have been disappointed in them, but in this case I was disturbed.
I was hoping for a Karin Evans-like story (Lost Daughters of China) that pulled together the dreams and the realities of the author's bonds with the child. That didn't happen. More disturbing than that was the story of how Lily became the author's child and not that of the mother who was intended for her. This is an atypical adoption story (I hope)- one of disruption, of difficulty bonding, and sadness and depression.
Please, if you're considering adoption from China, read something less contraversial than this option.
I want the hours back I spent reading this.......2007-08-27
I thought the author's writing style was pretentious and self-absorbed. I found myself skimming over passages (not just the dreams) to wade through the "calligraphic" sentence structure she uses that is often overdone. While imaginative in the very least, it a tool she used with a heavy hand.
This story is on it's own is valuable, but the telling of it has stripped away much of it's meaning for me.
The author was under INCREDIBLE stress during her trip to china!.......2007-08-22
I agree with most other reviews that the dream sequences were a bit long and made me wonder many times where the author was going with them. However, I think the adoption story overall was great. This women simply went to China to be a travel companion for a "not-so-close" friend. Her views of China and Chinese people and culture were not that of an adoptive parent, but that of a tourist. A tourist who was under a great deal of stress the entire time she was in the country. She hadn't spent two or more years researching China and learning about the culture like all of us who have read this book trying to do just that. There are several references to past lives, and even a reference or two to tarot cards and psychics (I am an open minded person who has also spent time learning about that subject as well, so these references didn't make me look at the author as "weird"). To those of you trying to figure out if you want to buy this book: It's worth your time to read it.
Very disappointed in her poor portrayal of China and the Chinese people.......2007-08-16
I just completed this book last night and was very bothered by what I read. While the interplay between Alex and Beth is interesting, I was horrified by her descriptions of China and her pereceptions of the Chinese. Although she asserts that the reason she was invited on the trip was because of her travel experience, I would venture that Beth has NOT traveled extensively abroad and especially not in Asia. I think she viewed the country and people through very American eyes and that can not and should not be done. They are not American and we are two very different cultures. As such we are going to have different beliefs about democracy and freedom. She complains of being jostled about and stared at but these are normal occurences in China. The pushing in the market places was not a reflection of what they thought of her, because I doubt little thought went towards her. I'm glad she ate most of her meals in the hotel or she would have been quite surprised at the pushing that goes on while at a buffet!
She viewed the treatment of the orphans at the orphanage as neglectful. I believe they are probably doing the best they can with the resources they have available. The reason the babies are seated on the benches is to allow them to be up and interact with other children, but also to prevent them from falling and hurting themselves. Which is worse? The poorer more rural orphanages do not receive adequate support from their government which is why they rely on the $[...] orphanage fee from the adoptive parents.
I understand as an adoptive parent she wants to define the incredible connection she feels to her daughter, but the dream sequence goes beyond straining credulity. It was a distraction to the story and just another thread to force us to believe this was meant to be.
For someone who feels so strongly connected to China, asserting on some level that she is Chinese, I was appalled by her lack of knowledge of the country, people, culture and beliefs. In the epilogue she tells of visiting Hong Kong with her now 6 year-old daughter. She writes "your very presence frees them of their guilt, Lily; perhaps you understand this." Perhaps in China this would be true, but Hong Kong operates as a separate entity. The citizens of Hong Kong do not know the plight of the orphans in China, why would they? That is another country's problem. The preference for males does not exist in Hong Kong. They have no population control (no 1 child laws).
As a person who has traveled extensively,spent time in these countries, and has friends from both Hong Kong and China I was disturbed that the author did not spend more time learning about the place her daughter came from. Maybe she felt that these omissions made for a better story, but I am bothered that people with no first hand experience with China or the Chinese will read this book and make unfair judgements based on one woman's story.
A real gem!.......2007-08-08
I found this gem of a book in an airport bookstore and it made a long layover and plane trip seem to "fly" by. I couldn't put it down. My favorite part of this beautifully written story were the vivid and detailed dream passages. Integral to the unfolding of the story, the dreams offer a glimpse into the author's psyche, subconscious - her very soul. The author's willingness to invite the reader along on her inner journey is what sets this book apart from other memoirs. Without the dream passages, this book would be little more than a travelogue through China that leads to adoption. I applaud the author's courage in sharing her amazing story and am richer for having read it. If you are open to reading about beliefs, experiences and a perspective that may be different from your own, you will enjoy this book.
Average customer rating:
- One Man's Road to LIFE
- I was immediately intrigued....
- Mac McConnell is The next Chuck Swindoll
- Suprises and Delights in Jericho
- ENLIGHTENING
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Forever Changed: A Journey in Jericho
Mac McConnell
Manufacturer: WinePress Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Action & Adventure | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Biblical | Fiction | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Fiction | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1579218571 |
Book Description
2000 years ago living was quite different, but life was the same. The question that needs an honest response is, why would a good Jewish boy grow up to be a despised tax collector? Here is an ancient tale, some call a parable, perhaps a fable, or just maybe too important to ignore. A famous name - Zacchaeus - must see the latest in a long line of would-be messiahs, but why?
Customer Reviews:
One Man's Road to LIFE.......2007-03-25
Mr. McConnell has expanded an already vivid character and introduced the reader to intimate details of culture and history. His story brings Zacchaeus to life!
I was immediately intrigued...........2007-03-08
As a student of the Bible myself, I was immediately intrigued by this wonderful book. It is a very easy read with a unique writing style and a HUGE message. I can hardly wait for the rest of the series!
Mac McConnell is The next Chuck Swindoll.......2006-11-25
This is a must read! If you love Swindoll and the word pictures that he uses in his writing you will LOVE this book. It is pratical, applicable and a very easy read. Great for devotional gifts to friends.
Suprises and Delights in Jericho.......2006-11-03
This book transposes the reader to another time. Easy reading yet rich and moving. Taste the honey, sense the harlot and hear the message of hope. A stangely delightful combination. You will think about it long after you turn the last page. I will give it as a gift to the men in my family, but the ladies will want to read it too!
ENLIGHTENING.......2006-11-02
I thoroughly enjoyed your book... definitely food for thought in many ways, As you know I am very involved with abused children, I am also trying to "mentor" if that is the word a 23 year old young man in prison, Your book sheds another light on life.
Customer Reviews:
Journey to Forever by Carol Steward (Larger Print Paperback).......2006-06-22
Description from the book back cover:
Eight days and 300 miles ... That was how long privileged fledgling journalist Nikki Post had to deal with notorious radio personality Colin Wright and the staff on his eight-day fund-raising trek from New Mexico to Wyoming. Yet instead of the immature prankster she'd been warned to expect, Colin was generous and handsome - with a smile that reached the depths of Nikki's soul. As the days counted down, he helped her write the article for her grandfather's newspaper - and a kiss shortened the distance between them. But when trouble threatened to bring the trip to a premature end, would Nikki's role in Colin's life end as well ... or continue forever?
Average customer rating:
- Thoughtful & compassionate view of a life passage
- Open and honest accounting of a deeply personal experience!
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Brothers Forever: An Unexpected Journey Beyond Death
Joseph Gallenberger
Manufacturer: Hampton Roads Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Grief & Bereavement | Death & Grief | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Channeling | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Reincarnation | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Parapsychology | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Spiritualism | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Near-Death Experiences | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1571740457 |
Customer Reviews:
Thoughtful & compassionate view of a life passage.......1997-04-17
Joe Gallenberger gives us a thoughtful and compassionate view of what it is like to live with and go through the suicide of a family member. He shows the emotions of himself and his family very vividly as they go through the stages of living with a person who has suicidal tendencies, and dealing with the aftermath of death, putting it all into perspective. This is a most insightful view of everyone involved and I highly recommend it for anyone who has lived through the death of a loved one. It is the perfect present to give to people who have experienced a sudden death of a friend or family member. I have given many copies as gifts to friends in need and shall continue to do so. Joe Gallenberger has created a gift for all of us and I am grateful!Gari Carter(GariCarter@aol.com)
Open and honest accounting of a deeply personal experience!.......1997-03-19
The author is so nakedly truthful about this intimate experience of life and death, one can't help feeling connected with him and his family. A great book for anyone seeking solace in a similar situation. Courageously written and elegantly presented
Book Description
A marriage that lasts forever… It's the dream of every bride and groom as they stand at the altar on their wedding day, promising to love and cherish each other always. It grows through the years as a husband and wife create their home and family. It's a commitment that brings hope and understanding to the most difficult challenges in life, even as it turns the wonderful times into lasting memories.
No matter how long two people have been married, they'll discover in these pages new insights and fresh reminders of why marriage is the centerpiece of every couple's love, hopes, and dreams.
"Marriage is the most fulfilling relationship one can have and the love that you share as husband and wife is beautifully forever." - Susan Polis Schutz
Customer Reviews:
Hey... That's me.......2005-12-09
I'm Regina Hill and this was GREAT... to see my own work on Amazon.... I can't review it, though. I DO LOVE BLUE MOUNTAIN ARTS and all of their poetry!!!!
Great book!.......2003-10-22
I wish I would have bought this book before planning our wedding. I would have liked to included some of these poems and thoughts in our ceremony- they would have made great readings!
Average customer rating:
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"High Yellow"...But A Black Woman Forever More!: A Poetic Anthology of A Spiritual Journey
Deborah M. Cofer
Manufacturer: iUniverse, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
20th Century | Poetry | United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | Poetry | United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Anthologies | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Inspirational & Religious | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
United States | Single Authors | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0595384099 |
Book Description
"Boy, has this been one heck of a spiritual journey! Little did I know that the path leading to the Kingdom of God would take me into and through the bowels of hell, but I made it.there and back. All I can say is thank God for God, His goodness, grace and mercy." -From the Introduction to "High Yellow".But A Black Woman Forever More! A Poetic Anthology of a Spiritual Journey It is said that to know one's self is the key to reaching new horizons and maximizing human potential-and it's true. But, truly knowing one's self without knowing one's spiritual identity is akin to a person who is physically blind driving a car. It's absolutely impossible. In "High Yellow".But A Black Woman Forever More! A Poetic Anthology of a Spiritual Journey, author Deborah M. Cofer highlights her efforts and sacrifices as she explores her inner self, others, and the world around her. Every poem is its own unique story of "bringing to the surface, hashing out, understanding, and making peace with" struggle in order to arrive at new heights in her evolution, both as a woman and as a member of the human race. Cofer's poetic accounts are both powerful and deeply profound.
Average customer rating:
- An inspiring story!
- Fun and donates to animal rescue
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BOYD-FRIEND his "Yippie-Skippie" journey to a forever home
Patricia Watkins
Manufacturer: Frayed Pages Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Fiction | Dogs | Animals | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Issues | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0975339702 |
Customer Reviews:
An inspiring story!.......2005-08-30
I found this book not only entertaining, but well written and informative.
The story surrounds the life of a dog adopted from a shelter. It is uniquely written from the dog's perspective which is captured quite insightfully by the author. Although Boyd Friend's life is whimsical, at times, it is also truthful regarding what an animal may endure when being transitioned from a shelter situation to a loving family. It's a must read for children (and adults!) who are considering making an animal a part of the family. The book also includes important information on animal rescue.
Fun and donates to animal rescue.......2005-08-24
We have really enjoyed reading this book with a six year old. She keeps asking for it by name.
It is nicely written and follows the life of a stray dog to a new home. It is a great way to teach a child about taking care of pets and rescue. The illustrations add to the wording to create the story.
In addition, proceeds from the book help with animal rescue.
Book Description
Too many marriage partners merely tolerate one another--but, as long as you have chosen to spend your life with someone, why not enjoy your experience together?
Product Description
This lovely hardcover, spiral bound books is brought to you by Barbara Briggs Morron, author of "A Woman's Journey" and "Our Family Tree". This inspirational book allows you to create a lovely keepsake for that special friend in your life. The soothing teal greens provide a unisex opportunity to truly tell your special someone why you value their friendship and love in your life.
Average customer rating:
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Inu-Yasha Anime Manga Book Vol 11 (in Japanese)
Rumiko Takahashi
Manufacturer: SS Comics Visual Selection
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Comic
General
| Graphic Novels
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Manga
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
Shonen (Boys)
| Manga
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
Takahashi, Rumiko
| By Creator
| Manga
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
Inu Yasha
| By Series
| Manga
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
All Japanese Books
| Japanese
| Foreign Language Books
| Specialty Stores
| Books
ASIN: B000MAXQX6 |
Average customer rating:
|
Inu Yasha, Vol. 11
Manufacturer: Tandem Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding
Comics & Graphic Novels
| Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror
| Literature
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Comic Strips
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Manga
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
Takahashi, Rumiko
| By Creator
| Manga
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
Inu Yasha
| By Series
| Manga
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
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InuYasha, Volume 12
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InuYasha, Volume 10
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InuYasha, Volume 13
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InuYasha, Volume 9
-
InuYasha, Volume 14
ASIN: 1417751797 |
Book Description
Inu-Yasha's fight against the false water god continues in a watery battle of demon vs. transformed snake! Then, the monk Miroku has carried a curse since birth, passed down from his father - a hellhole in his hand, cut by a demon. That curse is now threatening to kill him, and he's forced to seek help from his mentor, a wise old priest with a rare knowledge of healing...but that priest may not be what he seems. Finally, Sango faces her greatest test - her resurrected younger brother, who has been brought back to life by her greatest enemy!
Customer Reviews:
MIROKU'S FATED FUTURE.......2006-08-14
As Volume 11 of Inuyasha opens, our heroes are still battling for their lives against a fake water god who has been eating the children of the local village. While the real water goddess has been freed, she is still too weak to put the impostor in his place. It's up to Inuyasha and friends to defeat him and restore peace to the area. After yet another battle with demons, Miroku suffers a cut to his hand, which further widens the mystic tunnel that is destined to eventually suck in even its wielder, just like it did Miroku's father and grandfather! Perhaps his mentor, the priest Mushin, whose love for drink equals Miroku's love for women, knows a way to lift Naraku's curse?
Volume 11 is a little unique in that it offers a glimpse into the past of Miroku and the motivations for why he does the things he does. Rumiko Takahashi generally dwells very little on detailed background histories, preferring to give such information in broad brushstrokes instead of prolonged flashbacks. The result is that a lot of the characters have a huge chunk of their life stories still in the shadows. While I would like it if they were a bit more fleshed out, their lives are complicated enough with just the present! As always, the storytelling, artwork, and layout variety are masterful, as expected. Inuyasha continues to be one of the best manga series out there. Pick it up.
Customer Reviews:
Spirituality in understandable terms.......2006-10-19
My advice about this book is: Read something from this book often and you will grow.
"When the breath is shallow, thinking is superficial. If you want to live a spiritual life, bring your awareness to your breath. Become aware of the times when you are breathing in a shallow way and bring your awareness to your thoughts. You will see that your mind is chattering." (-from the introduction to the book.)
I find the content of this book to be easy to understand and absorb. My copy is heavily underlined and marked up. For me, this is a good book to read through the first time. Then, thereafter, it will become a useful tool for guidance on specific subjects. -Or you may not even know what you need, and just open it and begin reading and find that something from the book speaks to you. There are 10 chapters full of spiritual advice/teachings throughout this book.
Paul Ferrini is one of my favorite authors in the spirituality realm. His words have an easy flow to them. You don't feel like you're being preached at, you feel as though you are sitting comfortably and conversing with. I think the tone is gentle but teaching.
Here are a few excerpts from the book, that I hope you will find helpful:
"There are no failures on this planet. Even the homeless, the prostitutes, the drug dealers, are molding the clay that was given to them.
Because you do not like a particular piece of artwork does not mean that it ceases to be a work of art."
"It is the moment in which you realize that everything outside you is merely a reflection of an attitude you have toward yourself."
"As long as you "need" something, you cannot have it. As soon as you no longer "need" it, it appears in front of you."
Recipe for spiritual healing.......2005-02-20
The Silence of the heart is the place we find ourselves after we get out of the cycle of victimhood and commit to honoring ourselves. It is the place where we can embrace our feelings and experiences in the moment without judgment. It is a place of pure, non-judgmental awareness.
To reach this place, we must stop complaining and take responsibility for our own healing. We have the tools to extricate ourselves from our suffering, we just need to acknowledge them. We need to face the scared, unhappy, wounded, angry child inside who feels unfairly treated, and help him let go of his wounds.
The Silence of the Heart walks us through a recipe for spiritual healing: 1) accept and feel the pain, 2) admit your mistakes, 3) accept your feelings, 4) bring love to the self, 5) become aware of self-violation, 6) forgive yourself, 7) bring love to the wound, 8) prevent further abuse by always honoring your self (ask for what you want, do not accept what you do not want).
You must always hold onto compassion for yourself.
When we succeed at fully loving and honoring ourselves, then we can apply this to others in our relationships without judging or fixing. We cannot give to others until we first learn to give to ourselves. And by extension, when we learn to give to ourselves, our compassionate natures will cause us to give to others absent judgment.
This is a book that is so full of profound wisdom on such a plethora of relevant topics, you will wear your pencil out from underlining. You will refer back to it again and again, and you will find yourself sharing it and quoting it with friends. Like another reviewer said, it is not always a comfortable read in that it confronts you to take full responsibility for every aspect of your experience and shakes you free from your denial. But it is simultaneously comforting in its unending compassion for the work we all must do. If you are ready to take responsibility for your healing, growth, and ultimate happiness, you will embrace this book.
If I had to choose one book, it would be this!.......2004-05-22
This is truly the best, most inspiritual book I have read in my life. I have read many similar books, but this one opened my eyes, and opened my heart. I felt that it spoke to me directly. The writing is so very clear. Read it and be awakened.
If I only had one book to read, it would be this one........2004-04-06
When they student is ready, the teacher will appear. I'm very grateful that this book came into my life at just the perfect time. This is the most important book I've ever read, and I've read a lot of books. It was like having an emotional surgery. I plan on reading it over and over until I can live and breath every words and until it doesn't hurt to read it anymore. If you're not ready to take responsibility for every single one of your actions, this is not the book for you. If you're not ready to understand that judging others is simply refusing to forgive a part of yourself, this is not the book for you. If you are ready to face your fears and walk through the darkness, I recommend Paul Ferrini's the Silence of the Heart. It will change your life.
Exceptional Self Journey.......2003-09-18
I just completed this book and did not find this to be a comfortable read, but one that truly stretched my personal limits of self-examination. I found this book to open up areas within me, where I generally gloss over. In some parts of the book I felt that I came face to face with the deepest places of my psyche and for that reason found this to be one of the most important books I have read in my spiritual journey. This is not a book where I found myself polarized or locked into a particular point of view, but one that allowed me to open up and search fearlessly for the sources of my beliefs. Where I could move beyond my judgements, see my own mind at work and feel the center of my being. This book was a journey to and through my heart and soul. I don't know how Paul Ferrini does this, he just has a way of taking me to the places where I can heal myself. He is an amazing author and teacher.
Books:
- La autopista del sur y otros cuentos
- LIPSTICK JUNGLE
- Moral Predicament: Morley Callaghan's More Joy in Heaven (Canadian Fiction Studies, No 14)
- Ninety-two in the Shade
- Nop's Trials
- Not a Sparrow Falls
- Pavilion of Women
- Perfume Legends: French Feminine Fragrances
- Pocketful of Names
- Queenmaker: A Novel of King David's Queen
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- On Call In Hell: A Doctor's Iraq War Story
- History: Fiction or Science
- A Tryst in Time
- Black Women in America
- Chinese Cinderella: The True Story of an Unwanted Daughter
- Fundamentals of Heat and Mass Transfer
- Everglades
- Chrysler: The Life and Times of an Automotive Genius
- Communities in Economic Crisis: Appalachia and the South
- Public Records Online: The National Guide to Private & Government Online Sources of Public Recor
Shade: A Novel
Before the Legend: The Rise of Bob Marley
The Life Before Her Eyes
Zorro: A Novel
A Long Way Down
