My Drowning

Amazon.com

Jim Grimsley's 1995 novel, Dream Boy, was a revelation--a pungent, beautifully written, poetic look at what it means to grow up gay in the rural South--that was both mythical and frightening, sublime and enlightening. Now, in My Drowning Grimsley tells the story of Ellen Tote, a young girl born to a poor family who finally, after years of abuse and poverty, grows up and "comes out"--not as a lesbian, but as her own person--when she discovers that it is possible to have a life and a mind of her own. Using the same spare prose and terse style that worked so well in Dream Boy, Grimsley has fashioned a tale that is startling in its honesty.

Book Description

Jim Grimsley returns to the Southern landscape evoked so powerfully in his previous award-winning novels, Winter Birds and Dream Boy, to tell an unforgettable story of a woman's search for the meaning of a dream that has haunted her throughout her life.

Ever since Ellen Tote can remember, she has dreamed of her mother slowly drowning. Now, with her own children all grown and her siblings long gone, Ellen journeys back to her childhood for answers. Piecing together her memories, she finally articulates a story so shattering, it had long been silenced by fear and shame. Both heartrending and life-affirming, this compelling portrait of a brave yet tragic woman celebrates the courage and endurance of the human spirit.

Customer Reviews:

Very Potent Stuff!!! .......2004-11-20

MY DROWNING is a haunting portrait of southern poverty and abuse by one of today's most gifted writers. This atmospheric novel is the painful (yet never pandering) tale of young Ellen and a potent commentary on the impact of the home environment on self-image as well as the heritage of physical and emotional abuse. Grimsley not only paints with a dazzling richness and depth of character, he also explores the nature of memory and the need for acceptance even as it comes in direct conflict with the survival instinct. It's all very complex and utter real. As always Grimsley's language soars with a poetry all its own. For additional richness and an overview of this horrific theme read Grimsley's WINTER BIRDS where young Ellen grows up and becomes a mother.

One of the darkest yet most brilliant books I have ever read.......2004-11-13

This is definitely not a feel good book. The author narrates the life of Ellen, a southern woman growing up in horrific circumstances. It is a testimony that the human spirit is determined to succeed, that even when we are deprived of basic needs, we carry on and move forward. This book will make an impression that stays with the reader for a long time after putting the novel back on the shelf.

No "Mystery," No Publication.......2001-02-20

This is indeed a well-written book. It combines a Proustian dredging through the mystery of time and memory with a Faulknerian sense of the harsh poverty of the South and its effects on the human soul as well as Faulkner's own sense of the mysteries of human memory, all written down with touches of fine lyricism.-The problem is, and I realize that I'm in the minority in this opinion, that it's impossible for an author to combine these fine traits and have any hope of getting his work published without mangling, yes mangling, it into a "mystery" where it can rest comfortably in that section in Barnes and Noble and be sure to sell. Proust and Faulkner, with their sense of the artist's obligation to be true to his calling, to not retrench their work to fit the marketplace, wouldn't stand a chance in this day and age. I wish Mr. Grimsley had the luxury to explore more into the psyches of the characters (which he does so well), I wish he would give full-rein to his lyricism and, above all, I wish he didn't have to fit this into the genre of "mystery."-All life is a mystery.-But then the book would be at least as long and complex as a Faulkner novel. And how many of you reviewers would have bought it?-No, the work will not be regarded as a masterpiece. What "mystery" is? The simple truth is that they don't cover the grand swath of light and dark in the human soul (though Mr. Grimsley does his best) because they have to fit into a formula, which by definition limits their scope, however gracefully, as is the case here.-This book is a good page-turner, as most mysteries are, and (as other reviwers have noted) Mr. Grimsley has an acute insight into the feminine perspective, as embodied by the character of Ellen Tote. All this being said, I'm afraid the book will be forgotten in ten years time, replaced by other "mysteries."

I can't resist........2000-04-24

Even though I make it a point never to review books online, I cannot resist with My Drowning. If you find most contemporary fiction unexciting, as I do, and if you are looking for work that takes risks, is devoid of sentimentality, avoids the all-too-trendy irony, and tells a story in spare but careful prose written by an author who pays attention to the subtlety of language and syntax, then read this book. I mean what I am about to say: This book should have won (or at least been a finalist for) the National Book Award. It's that good.

Great writing, rich in detail, captivating.......2000-02-22

Wonderful story of a dirt-poor Southern white family. So captivating I didn't want to put it down. Easy to read. While of a depressing nature of lifes struggles, verbal and physical abuse, it was not so depressing as it had me in tears, as often is the case with me and sad stories. This may be in part because the character realizes the abusive behavior is not acceptable and doesn't repeat it in her own life. Main character has a wonderful narritive voice and it is hard to believe a male author has captured the essence of an innocent girl so well.

My Son the Lawyer Is Drowning (Current Theatre)

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My Son the Lawyer Is Drowning (Current Theatre)
Doug MacLeod
Manufacturer: Currency Press Pty Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Drama | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0868191906

Stop My Childhood from Drowning! 39 Lessons from a Child Experiencing Divorce

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Handbook for Single Parents

Stop My Childhood from Drowning! 39 Lessons from a Child Experiencing Divorce
E.R. Reid
Manufacturer: Fruition Online Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0971207933

Book Description

The thoughts and feelings of children are often not understood during the process and after-effects of divorce. This is due in large part to their inability to clearly articulate their experience. Our challenge as parents is to help our children heal and move forward while trying to do the same for ourselves.

Stop My Childhood From Drowning! 39 Lessons From A Child Experiencing Divorce, gives parents a unique insight into what their children may be truly experiencing. It also helps parents consider ways both they and their children can move forward. Finally, it provides a rallying point for discussion in each family that can rebuild the vital family connection, even after divorce.

Customer Reviews:

Handbook for Single Parents.......2004-10-30

E.R. Reid takes a child's heart into account in this wonderful observation of how divorce affects children. Told through the voice of a child, this book presents the situation, as well as the solution on how parents can help their kids cope with the challenges faced in single-parent homes. Because many single parents often go through the motions of separation without including the children as fellow passengers, it's the children who continue to carry a lot of baggage that could have been discarded along the way. This book examines the "emotional baggage" carried by kids who are trying to understand and survive divorce. A "must" for every home library.

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My Drowning
Jim Grimsley
Manufacturer: FOURTH ESTATE
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000Q0VPIK

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My Drowning Reading Group Guide
Jim Grimsley
Manufacturer: Touchstone Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Amazon.com

Roger Zelazny's books have three things in common: a flawed hero who sometimes fails, endlessly surprising plot twists, and a blend of lyricism, literary allusions, and sly puns that makes the pages fly. The Great Book of Amber, collecting all 10 Amber novels, is vintage Zelazny. Despite some irritating typographical errors, it's invaluable for anyone who wants to read or reread the tales of Corwin and his son, Merlin.

Corwin is a prince of Amber, the "immortal city from which every other city has taken its shape." All other worlds, including Earth, are shadows of that reality. Corwin has spent centuries on Earth as an amnesiac. But when someone in the family tries to kill him there, Corwin begins a search for his past. He quickly learns that his family has some very unusual powers. They can travel between Amber, its shadows, and Chaos by manipulating reality; use magical playing cards to communicate and travel instantaneously; and are able to walk the Pattern that created Amber. Corwin regains his memory, solves the mystery of his father Oberon's disappearance, and fulfills his destiny--only to disappear into Chaos.

Merlin searches for Corwin and his destiny as a son of both Amber and the Courts of Chaos. His story parallels Corwin's, answering many questions about Amber, Chaos, and the next generation in the family.

Many readers have complained that the series goes on too long and the ending is disappointing. None, however, would deny that it's filled with fascinating ideas, complex characters, and action-adventure. Don't miss a chance to make up your own mind. --Nona Vero

Book Description

All ten of Roger Zelzany's classic Amber fantasy novels in one book! Join Corwin, Merlin and the others in wild adventures in the lands of Amber, Earth, and the Courts of Chaos, where the powers of Amber and Chaos constantly battle for supremacy through intrigue and adventure. Revisit Amber, the land of mystery, adventure and romance. Amber, the one true world. All other worlds, including our Earth, are merely Shadows.

Customer Reviews:

Unsure.......2007-09-26

I wasn't sure what to rate this book. I absolutely loved the first half of the series but I could have done without the second part. I found the first 5 books to be a light read that moved fairly quickly, and I would recommend it to anyone! The last 5 books felt unfinished and just not as well thought out with too many things left unanswered. It almost seemed like he was tired of writing and just decided to wrap it up.

The first half gets 5 out of 5. The second only gets a 2. So since I can't give 3.5 stars, I'm going with 3. I would still recommend buying the book, because it's a great deal! You'll love the first half and rush right into the second but by the end, will probably be left wishing for something better.

I'll continue to reread the first 5 books as often as I can!

Back to read it again.......2007-09-19

To make this short and sweet..... I read the first five books in 1982, and have never forgotten how much I enjoyed them... and now, 25 yrs later... I just ordered the Complete Chronicles to do it all over again., And I'm sure I'll enjoy it as much now, as I did then....

The Chronicles Of Amber are probably the best story I have ever read...

Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03

A book that is a fabulous deal. The adventures and schemes and wars of a family of megapowerful platonic ideal seeking, reality manipulating bastards and bitches. You are getting 10! books in this collection even though obviously they are not the lengthy doorstops that seem to be published a lot these days. The first five are clearly superior, but the second quintent isn't too bad either. A very new take on the fantasy novel.

Oberon's Legacy: The Royality of Amber.......2007-08-31

I began this series when I was twenty. Even after thirty years, this richly entwined tapestry called Amber has never lost it's timeless facination and ability to pique my interest. Zelazny's world remains a colourfully textured and swirled Pattern within a Pattern within a Pattern....

Amber is a wonderful world.............2007-08-26

I started this series when I was about 14 years old, and was immediately hooked by Corwin, the lead characters plight.

A wonderful blend of fantasy, sci-fi and alternate universe genres.

This series, can be read time and time again, if you give yourself a few years inbetween. Although it was written quite a few years ago, it does not seem dated.

Average customer rating:

small hole

Peace doesnt come easy

Could have been much better...

Jacob's Review

Good book, wrong forum

Imminent Crisis (Mechwarrior) (Mechwarrior, 6)
Randall N. Bills
Manufacturer: Roc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Mechwarrior | Strategy Guides | Games & Strategy Guides | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
Adventure | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
High Tech | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Mechwarrior #4:: Initiation to War (Mechwarrior, #4)

Battletech #55:: Operation Audacity (Battletech, 55)

Mechwarrior 3: By Blood Betrayed (Mechwarrior, 3)

Battletech #54:: Storms of Fate (Battletech, 54)

Mechwarrior 2: Roar of Honor (Mechwarrior)

ASIN: 0451458729

Book Description

As Princess Katrina and her brother vie for power, Leftenant Colonel Grayson Addison and his Fusiliers support neither, walking a dangerous line between life and death.

But when an invading army lands upon them, the time to choose sides is at hand.

Customer Reviews:

small hole.......2002-08-22

i'll agree with most people who know anything about battletech that the turn to the fedcom civil war has been slightly disappointing. writing about the tactics and nit-picking in each battle was all well and good in the beginning of the series; but now that there is a decided end to the storyline with plans to jump ahead, i think a fallacy in the fedcom series is that they aren't spending enough time on ideas, concepts, and the ending of storylines. there are far too many unanswered questions, and with battletech books getting shorter and shorter, battle sequences (while well written) seem to be excess filler.
the small hole that i'd like to point in this book is that, while minor in the grand scheme it still annoyed the hell out of me and i think that anyone who read "grave covenant" will agree, is george hasek married w/children or single? cuz i seem to remember george hasek jr. having a snowball fight with david lear in "grave covenant". anyone else? and didn't the locket that andrew redburn recovered from morgan's daishi in "the hunters" have a picture of his grandson? just a little something.
the book is pretty good when seen in context with the last several books but is no "blood legacy" or "malicious intent"

Peace doesnt come easy.......2002-07-06

WHEN a leader of a large fraction of people in the Fed comm openly defies Katrina to keep peace Katrina sends troops to despose of him. Now he has to enter the war to keep peace in his relm. This is a very good book it kept me reading. I rely like the part when katrina tries to buy some mercs.But anyone whos anyone will like this book

Could have been much better..........2002-05-02

The current series of Battletech novels centering on the Fedcom civil war has been uninspired at best. This book doesn't depart from that trend. The story is about a faction, the capellan march lead by Duke George Hasek, which has been for the most part neutral in the civil war. The story is fairly good, but many points, primarily the military sequences make no sense.
First, the planet in the story is garrisoned by four full regiments. The units assigned to assault the planet consist of three regiments, one of which has suffered severe attrition in another campaign. In contrast to this setup, the defending units are consistently outnumbered and destroyed in all phases of the campaign. The story seems to suggest the attempted assassination of their leader has thrown the defenders into confusion and demoralization. The problem with that theory is that the invasion was expected throughout the beginning of the book, appears to have been planned for, and nowhere does the author suggest his characters are military idiots.
Second, he has made his characters far too emotionally unstable. One of the leaders of the defending faction, a female general, bcomes emotionally disabled because of the assasination attempt on the Duke. How does an allegedly experienced military leader fall to pieces in the middle of an invasion, plus the author expects us to sympathize with the general while she loses a war. Another experienced military leader, a lieutenant colonel, becomes emotionally disabled to the point of blacking out in the middle of a battle, because of a battle that destroys a memorial to a beloved leader and, the fact, he is involved in fighting fellow countrymen. How does the author suppose such emotionally fragile people rise to lead military units in a war torn universe?
Well, I might have been a bit rough, but otherwise the book was pretty good.

Jacob's Review.......2002-04-12

When it comes to the issue of taking sides in a civil war that has engulfed the entire Federated Commonwealth, Grayson Addison is an undecided man. For a while he and his Eighth Syrtis Fusiliers remain neutral in the bloody conflict. All of this changes however, when troops under the command of Archon-Princess Katherine Steiner-Davion invade his home planet of New Syrtis. Grayson is forced to take action. He can no longer sit on the sidelines and watch the war unfold because now it has come to him.

This book is fairly well written but the constant jumping from place to place and character to character sometimes confused me. However, the author provides good details and the plot was exciting making "Imminent Crisis" a worthwhile book to read. The news casts at the beginning of each chapter were also a nice touch. Those interested in the Mech Warrior series should definitely read this book.

Good book, wrong forum.......2002-03-19

First let me say, I thought this was a very good book. I think it would have been better placed under the Battletech line of novels, as it encompassed a long time frame and had many different characters. The Mechwarrior series previous to this, focused around one primary character in each book. The "primary" character, Grayson Addison, appears at the beginning and at the end. The rest of the book deals with Duke Hasek, his long time friend/sudden wife, Victor ally Ardan Sortek, Steiner marshalls, etc., etc.

Book Description

In the next 20 years, citizens over the age of 65 will outnumber children for the first time. America's labor force is not only growing older, it's also ushering in a whole new set of work force issues to tackle - including an impending labor shortage. By 2010 there will be 169 million jobs in the United States, but only 159 million workers to undertake them - a 10 million worker shortfall! Exhaustively researched, masterfully written, and extremely informative - this book candidly and comprehensively lays out the statistics of the graying labor pool, the implications for business organizations, and suggested solutions and strategies. It helps organizations plan and position for the changing labor market, offering strategies to help companies effectively compete for the best and the brightest of the shrinking labor pool. It also explores how to leverage the strengths of older workers, slowdown strategies, phased retirement, rehiring, and much more. It's a must read for business owners, executives, HR professionals, consultants - any anyone responsible for staffing and business strategy.

Customer Reviews:

Insightful and Solution Orientated.......2005-06-05

As an already-successful author (Rewired, Rehired, or Retired? Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer 2002) and sought-after international speaker, Bob Critchley is eminently qualified to speak with authority on the labour market of the future.

Whilst not alone in ringing the warning bells, Critchley has much more to offer than an alarmist message ... and he couldn't make it easier for us. He goes beyond illuminating the impending labour crisis, he has the strategies and solutions too.

Company Directors, CEO's, Management and especially HR advisers need to have this book on the top of their "must read" list!

So how does an organization maintain and maximise a multi-generational workforce, remain flexible yet successful and also be seen as an employer of choice? Critchley's answer is clear ... "Doing nothing is Not an option!".

Exactly what to do is made abundantly clear in this eminently sensible and readable book from someone who has impeccable credentials and vast experience. Carolyne Burns, MD, Influence InterPersonal Profiling, Sydney Australia

a real wake up call!.......2005-06-05

We all know the importance of trusted and experienced people in successful businesses......why then are they often overlooked in favour of the "new model" or the "grass is greener" scenario? Critchley really brings home the message that these people are key and will be absolutely key for organisations to main tain their position and advantage.The book is a must not only for HR professionals but also for all managers and company directors....from an author with extensive practiocal knowledge and successful experience of practising what he preaches.

Excellent Practical Guide to People Mnagement .......2005-06-01

Bob Critchley has produced an outstanding people management guide. The author's deep practical experience is evident as he shares his insights into effective management of people in all age groups. At a time when there is a growing shortage of talent in most developed economies, knowledge from this book can help put results on the bottom line in most business organisations. This book is easy to read and hard to put down! Colin Durand, The Insight Executive Search Group, Sydney Australia.

A wake-up call for business leaders!!.......2005-05-26

Bob Critchley's book provides a powerful and compelling argument for "thinking outside the box".

The population demographics are inevitable and organisations ignore them at their own peril.

Unless organisations adopt flexible ways of engaging employees and think laterally about how to maximise the contribution of every single employee, they are doomed to become victims of the demographic reality.

Critchley's book not only provides the evidence and demonstrates the inevitibility - but he also provides a compendium of ideas about how to respond.

An invaluable guide to any forward thinking HR professional.

A must read for people focussed organisations.......2005-05-18

Time marches slowly on and we all tend get caught up in our day to day and short term activities. Just like when global warming incidents started to occur. In isolation they meant little and then a pattern and explanation emerged. Critchley pulls together the signs in our demographic and employment changes. Dramatic shortages in skilled labour arise; a lack of investment in infrastructure becomes apparent; retirement and aged care issues start to be reported in the media; the funding of retirees becomes a federal budget issue; government start to create incentives to get people back to work. For those who run businesses other symptoms become apparent. So often the employer has to convince the prospective employee why to join them; the employer becomes aware of impending skill losses as older employees approach retirement age; people talk about not wanting to fully retire and having flexible arrangements; the employer can't find the right people.
Critchley's book suddenly pulls all these incidents and changes in attitude together into one easy flowing cohesive read. He paints a picture of why things are happening and what is likely to continue to happen. More importantly he canvasses what needs to be done for organisations to be successful in this environment. Many organisations pay lip service to people being their most important asset and often they have a short term focus. Critchley really sets down some ideas and a framework that organisations, who really do value people, will need to adopt to be successful in the long term. A must read.

The Energy Crisis: The Imminent Crisis of Our Oil, Gas, Coal, and Atomic Energy Resources and Solutions to Resolve It

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The Energy Crisis: The Imminent Crisis of Our Oil, Gas, Coal, and Atomic Energy Resources and Solutions to Resolve It
Lawrence Rocks , and Richard P. Runyon
Manufacturer: Crown Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Real Estate | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0517501643

Oil Power (The Rise and Imminent Fall of an American Empire)

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Oil Power (The Rise and Imminent Fall of an American Empire)

Manufacturer: Mason Charter
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0884051269

Product Description

The Rise and imminent fall of an American empire.

Population Control the Imminent World Crisis

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Population Control the Imminent World Crisis

Manufacturer: Oceana Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000B8ZOJS

"Is a money crisis imminent?": Being the lecture delivered under the auspices of the Banking and Currency Reform League at the New Reform Club, November 1st

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"Is a money crisis imminent?": Being the lecture delivered under the auspices of the Banking and Currency Reform League at the New Reform Club, November 1st
Arthur Kitson
Manufacturer: Commercial Intelligence Pub. Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Money & Monetary Policy | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Banks & Banking | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0008B5P1A

Amazon.com

Starhawk and Hilary Valentine, renowned leaders in the Wicca movement, use the transformative fairy tale of The Twelve Wild Swans to teach an advanced class on magic. More significantly, this is an introduction to a mature level of Wicca called "reclaiming," a model of witchcraft that blends magic, personal growth, and activism. The book begins with the first chapter of the fairy tale, in which a foolish queen wishes to exchange her 12 sons for a daughter. An old woman "dressed all in black" overhears the queen and makes the wish come true, granting the queen a daughter but turning her sons into wild swans.

From here the coauthors launch into a back-and-forth structure of telling the story and then stopping to show how it applies to a witch's initiation and transformation. For example, we all must leave the castle in order to heal our past. We all must spend some time wandering in the wilderness before finding our true home, and we all must conquer some form of "wicked vows" before we can reach full maturity. These are wise leaders and strong guides, well worth following on this life-altering fairy tale. --Tara West

Book Description

The long-awaited continuation of the bestselling classic The Spiral Dance

Customer Reviews:

A fantastic journey through the recesses of your mind..........2007-04-01

This book is sometimes painful, often challenging, and occasionally glorious.

My Reclaiming community based an elements course around this book, and we based each class on the exploration of an element, as outlined in 12 Wild Swans. Starhawk artfully guides the reader through Self, gently unearthing those secret desires and wicked vows we make to ourselves. The book explains each step of the somewhat well known fairy tale as a step we, like Rose, can take. Her activities provided are thoughtful and introspective, and the stories, while occasionally quite activist, appropriate to the material and empathy inducing.

Perhaps it was the timing, but this book stimulated a great deal of introspection and change in me. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to dive headfirst into the recesses of their mind, and figure out what exactly mucks about back there.

Enjoy!

Sorry.......2005-12-14

If you're looking for a metaphysical interpretation of a fairy tale, go straight to Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Estes or Iron John by Robert Bly. Both will leave you with the feeling that you have been respected as a reader, that you have come closer to understanding yourself, and that a folk tale can contain great truths. On the other hand this book by Starhawk was, for me, almost impossible to read at all. Her witchier-than-thou attitude put together with her total self-righteousness, boring hateful feminism, and relentless telling and retelling and retelling of one thin little story is just awful. Sorry I can't agree with the other reviewers.

A serious book review.......2005-10-26

I like to start this review with a quote from Scott Cunningham's book Living Wicca, " Books can lift spirits, heal our wounds, steel our courage and strengthen our religious resolve.... Books are a great source of wisdom... Books aren't foolproof. Some books contain virtually no accurate information. Many readers are apt to believe anything in print. 'After all they say 'its in this book right here. That proves it's true.' Unfortunately, nearly anyone can write a book and even have it publish. Does this ensure that its contents are true?... Listen to your intuition. In other words feel free to pick and choose among the published... textbooks to decide what feels right... Books are tools to be used mark them with pencil or bookmarks". I like this quote because I have read several Books from which even though most I have found very helpful or that had some helpful information from time to time I have read a book and found that I disagree with the writer. However there are times that despite this I have found some tiny bits of good info. This book is one of those books. I came across this book when looking for A spiral dance which had been recommended to me for my daughter. 12 wild swans popped up on amazon's suggested reading. Though I haven't read a Spiral Dance I went a head and grabbed 12 wild swans since it had such good reviews, for me to read.
This book has a lot of info that I disagree with, info that I found great and helpful. There were times I was very disappointed as I felt her motivations as an activist sometimes were to strong and disrupted the flow of the book.
The Book's has good info like that on "a wicked vow", how to deal with anger, both within and directed at you. Also finding your shadow self.
However her opinions on dreams I strongly disagree with as a Dream interpreter and reader. Furthermore she makes a statement about no "real witch" uses certain terms, such as unconscience, which she claims Freud used yet there is NO definition for this in the dictionary and what she defines is the sub-conscience which is the term I think she meant. Since I do use Sub-conscience is she saying I am not a real witch or Wiccan? Perhaps she should have said no one in her tradition uses it and why. I have no problem using sub-conscience and conscience and in my opinion to say they do not exist is like saying that frontal vision and peripheral vision doesn't exist, as it is my opinion that the sub-conscience is for our mind like the peripheral vision.
She goes from giving advice that is logical and sensible in the section on nettles to writing about things in a way that is not factual.
She writes Why as witches we must sometimes endure the sting and it begins very well. Her info on plant allies and our ancestors and their knowledge of plants is excellent and very factual.

Getting to know your plant allies is thoroughly enjoyable. Her view on respecting all living things was beautifully written and then she makes a false statement. In her attempt to use an example how we must endure pain she lists Yoga. Continuing her false statement by saying we have to endure bumps, bruises and discomfort. WHAT?!?! This is NOT yoga. We do not teach bruising the body or "Bruising egos" but loving the body and letting go of the ego. One problem with those new to yoga is they have been programmed with the no pain no gain and this is not yoga. Pain and discomfort is not yoga. On the contrary we are taught to listen to the body and avoid pain and discomfort. For her to use yoga and list it in the way she did showed her ignorance about yoga. It also lost the point she was trying to make. If you are interested in yoga or wish to verify this fact I suggest finding books or classes with a certified Yogi.
Her section on Silence takes another view than is in Scot Cullingham's book Living Wicca and is a good read for comparing views on silence. Some of the suggested meditations and rituals are very good and can be used for uses other than magic and rituals. For those who are a nervous type or talk-a-tive this could be a meditation that would interest you. The section on empowerment is very interesting as is the section on "The privilege". A quote from the book, "the behavior or pattern that may have served us well when we were powerless can become destructive and abusive when we gain power". It was a very good way of describing how a victim can become the abuser. The sections and exercises on working on core worth to levitate deflation/inflation of the self were also very good. As a reiki healer if I become inflated and forget I am only the vessel and the healing power doesn't come from me then I block the flow of healing energy with my ego. So finding ones center or "core worth" are great meditations and rituals. This section is very interesting, as well as the sections on shielding, glamour, character work, aspecting and gathering allies. When she writes about the Sabbaths she wrote them in a way that is poetic, colorful and easy to vision. It was a great read. When she begins to speak of fear esp. the fear of death it hit a personal chord. As I fear death and found her trance the orchard of immortally EXCELLENT! The book is worth buying for this alone in my opinion despite its other flaws. In the last chapter of the outer path she breaks the flow of the book again with returning to her activist motives.
Most of the book's exercises are written for a group or at least a pair and not for a solitary witch. To work with these rituals, meditations and exercises one may have to adjust them for the solitaire. For those who are activists and involved in political protests and so forth the book is good, however for those who lead a more humble life her activist views, and constant use of hers and others experiences as activist could possibly spoil the book for you. If you can get around it and pass over the few flaws then you may also find some helpful information.
However I think the quote from Mr Cunningham is well said and applies here. Underline what is good and pass the rest.

Deepening Self-Wisdom-for Men too...........2004-06-13

This book tells a story- as in many of starhawks books, and it relates to how our lives are magickal an not. It helps us see what life is all about, who we are deep inside-by teaching through excersizes and story telling. Every book starhawk has written i have never even considered it feminist at all, she never writes in way where the sexes are seperated-they are one they way i see her view the sexes. I am a man, and have read many works by starhawk, and people wave the feminist word around to much, her books have definatley nothing to do with gender at all!. She writes books to open the soul and mind-always through story and mental/ritual excersizes. She has a definate writing style which many enjoy, as do i. Great read-any of her books!!!

Beyond 101.......2004-03-02

This book is for a mature Wiccan. It is a fantastic spiritual guide for deepening your spiritual life and growing as a human being.

The Twelve Wild Swans : A Journey to the Realm of Magic, Healing, and Action

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The Twelve Wild Swans : A Journey to the Realm of Magic, Healing, and Action
Starhawk
Manufacturer: HarperSanFrancisco
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

The Twelve Wild Swans: A Journey to the Realm of Magic, Healing, and Action: Rituals, Exercises, and Magical Training in the Reclaiming Tradition

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The Twelve Wild Swans: A Journey to the Realm of Magic, Healing, and Action: Rituals, Exercises, and Magical Training in the Reclaiming Tradition
and Valentine, Hilary Starhawk
Manufacturer: Harpersanfran
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OF93EU

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