Port Mungo

Average customer rating:

a disappointment from an author who has done much better..

Thoroughly enjoyable

Flawless and Gripping

A spellbinding narrative

Another Monstrously Twisted Tale

Port Mungo
Patrick Mcgrath
Manufacturer: Vintage
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Literary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1400075483
Release Date: 2005-06-14

Book Description

In a seedy river town on the Gulf of Honduras, Jack Rathbone believed he had found a place that would give him and his lover, the accomplished artist Vera Savage, the solitude they would need to create a body of work that would shake the art world to its core. But in a place where time lies thicker than the mangrove swamps that surround it, Jack and Vera discover an emotional frontier more fearsome, untamed, and dangerous than any wilderness.

Told through the voice of Jack’s adoring sister, Gin, Port Mungo is the riveting story of this ill-fated couple, one that begins as a bohemian flight-of-fancy before unraveling into a dark, debauched and sinister tale. With Port Mungo, the incomparable Patrick McGrath, author of the acclaimed novels Spider and Asylum, delivers a spellbinding narrative to explore the obsessive pursuit of art and love.

Download Description

During their privileged, eccentric English childhood, Jack Rathbone enjoyed the unstinting adoration of his sister, Gin. So when both are art students in London, it is wrenching for her to watch him fall under the spell of Vera Savage, a flamboyant and reckless painter from Glasgow.

Jack and Vera run off to New York City within weeks of meeting, and from a bruised, bereft distance Gin follows their progress south through Miami and pre-revolutionary Havana to Port Mungo, a seedy town in the mangrove swamps of Honduras. There, in an old banana warehouse, Jack obsessively devotes himself to his canvases while Vera succumbs to a chronic restlessness that not even the birth of two daughters can subdue.

Gin is the far-from-objective chronicler of these lives, across decades and continents. Over the years her Greenwich Village house becomes a haven for Jack, for his buccaneering mate, and for Peg and Anna, the two girls left to bob in their chaotic wake.

Passion, narcissism, and the relentless demands of creativity hold these riveting characters in thrall, and McGrath skilfully evokes a feverish world of tropical impulses and artistic ambition that leads ultimately to dark secrets and to death.

Customer Reviews:

a disappointment from an author who has done much better.........2006-12-11

Patrick McGrath is known for his excellent prose, albeit the subject matter is often quite bizarre if not downright surreal. Unfortunately 'Port Mungo' demonstrates that even the best authors can produce mediocre novels. Oh, the author does produce some interesting characters, mostly artists, unusual locales (Port Mungo sounds like a tropical hell-hole), and ultimately there is some drama. But the narrative is so ... *average*. McGrath normally writes heavenly prose, the sort that demands to be read aloud. 'Port Mungo' is of much lesser quality, ... I don't understand this at all. And the author chose to be too cautious in unraveling the story. There is too much artistic mumbo-jumbo and not enough action to sustain the reader. Finally when there is drama it seems misplaced and forced.

Bottom line: a somewhat dull, borderline pretentious work by the normally reliable McGrath. Not recommended.

Thoroughly enjoyable.......2005-12-02

If you've ever lived in an out-of-the-way "exotic" place you've probaly witnessed the insanity that can seed a creative mind. This is one just story that I enjoyed thoroughly. Dark and compelling.

Flawless and Gripping.......2005-10-17

Patrick McGrath's magnificent novel is based on the unfolding awareness of its narrator, Gin Rathbone, the protective sister of Jack Rathbone, an agonized painter. Jack has been married to Vera Savage, another painter, for years -- their relationship is as stormy as it is long. Port Mungo works on several levels at once by sustaining many tensions simultaneously: the artist's vision versus the lived life, the antagonism between obsessed lovers, the failures of parents and children, the mutually dependent love between sister and brother, England versus the US, the US versus the tropics, and the discrepancies between the characters' various versions of past acts and their significance. The truth is slowly teased out of the recalled encounters -- and it is all filtered through the character of the narrator, a failed artist herself, proud of her devotion to her brother, yet able to let new information and devastating impressions challenge her own version of truth. Gin is both stiff-backed and accepting, dedicated and curious, protective and inquisitive. Ultimately, this novel's main subject is the shock to Gin's psyche delivered by the revelation of truth about her brother -- a truth impeded by her lifelong passion for Jack. The control of voice here is accomplished in masterly fashion by McGrath. Was Jack a truly first-rate artist or merely a derivative of his wife's genius? Is Vera an utterly wayward and dissipated character -- or is Jack the one who tilts their life towards destruction? This novel is about these questions, which inform the shape of their lives -- and McGrath's artistry and faithfulness to the material preclude easy answers. This is why the novel agitated me so: multiple, conflicting facets illuminate at once. The romantic image of the artist -- demanding freedom, seeking individuality -- is sorely tested and examined here, in a most artistic way. What a fine achievement by Patrick McGrath.

A spellbinding narrative.......2004-12-23

In his novel, Mr McGrath tells the story of painter Jack Rathbone, a figure similar to the latter-day Paul Gauguin. The narrative is performed in an emotional manner by his sister Gin. Jack's life as an artist starts in London where he attends St Martin's School of Art with his sister. But one day, at the age of seventeen, Jack falls under the spell of Vera Savage, a thirty year old artist from Glasgow. He is immediately attracted by her petulant manner, her flamboyant character although it quickly appears that this woman is neither very clean nor often sober. Gin deeply resents this "painted creature" but she can do nothing to prevent his brother from following Vera to New York. There, Jack is profoundly unhappy, sensing that Vera belongs to a world which offers no place for him, which even rejects him and Jack finds himself tramping the streets with a feeling of anger and misery.
Finally Jack and Vera decide to take a passage to Cuba but due to some political unrest, they are forced to leave the island and end up in Port Mungo in Honduras. There, in spite of being engaged in a torrid and complicated love affair with his wife, Jack can finally devote himself entirely to his painting. Their two daughters Peg and Ann are brought up in their parents' chaos. It is mainly Jack who raises them because Vera succumbs to infidelity and alcoholism and her chronic restlessness makes her an impossible mother. After their return to New York 20 years later, the sequels of the time they spent in Port Mungo are still there, notably Peg's death which is surrounded by a halo of mysterious circumstances.
In Mr McGrath's novel, human beings are held in a thrall by love, hatred, secrecy, art and complicity and despite their efforts they are unable to escape their fate.

Another Monstrously Twisted Tale.......2004-12-04

Another Monstrously Twisted Tale of Sexual Longing, Artistry and British Ways, Gone Awry. A Review of Port Mongo by Patrick McGrath, CD audio read by Jennifer Van Dyck.

Patrick McGrath, son of a psychiatrist, master of the twisted, gnarliness of the human psyche, purveyor the consequences of the subtrafusion of desire brings us on further journeys into compulsion, he brings us to new latitudes.

The painter, Jack Rathbone, very young, very wild, artistic, wealthy meets the coarse, but brilliant older woman painter, Vera. The love tryst blossoms in England. Before they run off to New York to lead artists' lives. The heavy drinking, café/bar philosophizing and sexual habits of the untamed, wear their love thin. Jealousy rears its magnificent head.

They depart for cheaper, sunnier digs south. First they whisk off to Havana, circa 1957-1958. In the pre-Castro environment, they continue to crash and burn. An escape further south lands them in Port Mongo. More isolated from New York, Port Mongo becomes the birthplace of Jack's art, his two daughters and the full-fledged alcoholism of Vera. We make the acquaintance of the oldest daughter, Peg, post-mortem, through the tale's narrator, Gin Rathbone. Gin is the want-to-be artist, the loving sister and the observer. She remains very modern and British even after her transplant to New York. She possesses a very matronly kind of sexuality. She's wise in the ways of the world, and desiring but lacking artistic talent. This contributes to her complete devotion to her ar talented brother, Jack. She's always there for Jack.

She visited Jack in Port Mongo. She described the sun-washed Caribbean lifestyle. The sunny life provided a fantastic light in which Jack could paint. The dark, unfathomable turmoil in Vera, Vera's drinking and carousing with various men, and Jack's brooding jealousy juxtapose this. Following Peg's death, Jack abandons Vera, the other daughter is whisked off to another brother's family in England and Jack loses his talent. Time passes, parties are attended, sexual partners are met and left, and the daughter grows up, returns, and seeks out her family. She's a tall, thin, chain smoking 20 year old. She's a gorgeous version of Peg, her deceased sister, but with "very bad English teeth". She stirs upheaval into the pot of Jack and Gin's artistic, rich life, through her muted passions. Once she arrives the story gets even more interesting. This is where I don't want to give away more of the knotted, scummy plugged kitchen sink filth story.

I can say, the main thing I like about Patrick McGrath's writing is how captures the gnarled twisted debris as his characters toss it up from their unconscious, through their moods, their action. The psychological setting and the aftermath serve as a reminder that too much suppression will only rear up and bit you (and your love ones) in the ass.
I was disappointment with the ending, Mr. McGrath took a turn from his ability to write.... save him. The venture into territory better left unvisited resulted in a hackneyed story twist.

Unfortunately, this book didn't live up to his past novels of sexual journeys through the twisted knots that English people can get themselves into. Fortunately Jennifer Van Dyck is a great reader, and Gin's final reaction was enough of a break in timing that she almost salvaged the story.

If you are going to dive into Patrick McGrath's world of Port Mongo best not to go it alone, I highly recommend the CD version. Jennifer Van Dyck keeps this monster from sinking.

Average customer rating:

Port Mungo
Patrick McGrath
Manufacturer: KNOPF
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OKBT24

Average customer rating:

Port Mungo - Large Print

ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 140259559X

Average customer rating:

Port Mungo
Patrick Mcgrath
Manufacturer: Knopf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MC153C

Average customer rating:

Port Mungo
Patrick McGrath
Manufacturer: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MBZ9EE

Book Description

The Sword of Truth, Boxed Set I, Books 1-3 Wizard's First Rule, Stone of Tears, and Blood of the FoldThe Sword of Truth, Boxed Set I, Books 1-3 Wizard's First Rule, Stone of Tears, and Blood of the FoldBook 1: Wizards First Rule The masterpiece that started The New York Times bestselling epic Sword of TruthIn the aftermath of the brutal murder of his father, a mysterious woman, Kahlan Amnell, appears in Richard Cypher's forest sanctuary seeking help . . . and more. His world, his very beliefs, are shattered when ancient debts come due with thundering violence.In a dark age it takes courage to live, and more than mere courage to challenge those who hold dominion, Richard and Kahlan must take up that challenge or become the next victims. Beyond awaits a bewitching land where even the best of their hearts could betray them. Yet, Richard fears nothing so much as what secrets his sword might reveal about his own soul. Falling in love would destroy them--for reasons Richard can't imagine and Kahlan dare not say. In their darkest hour, hunted relentlessly, tormented by treachery and loss, Kahlan calls upon Richard to reach beyond his sword--to invoke within himself something more noble. Neither knows that the rules of battle have just changed . . . or that their time has run out. This is the beginning. One book. One Rule. Witness the birth of a legend.Book 2: Stone of Tears An Epic of Awesome PowerKahlan has at last gained the one goal she had always thought was beyond her grasp .... love. Against all odds, the ancient bonds of secret oaths, and the dark talents of men long dead, Richard has won her heart.Amid sudden and disastrous events, Richard's life is called due to satisfy those treacherous oaths. To save his life, Kahlan must forsake Richard's love and cast him into the chains of slavery, knowing there could be no sin worse than such a betrayal.Richard is determined to unlock the secrets bound in the magic of ancient oaths and to again be free. Kahlan, alone with the terrible truth of what she has done, must set about altering the course of a world thrown into war. But even that may be easier than ever winning back the heart of the only man she will ever love.Book 3: Blood of the Fold An Epic of Two WorldsIn a world as rich and real as our own, Richard Rahl and Kahlan Amnell stand against the ancient forces which besiege the New World-- forces so terrible that when last they threatened, they could only be withstood by sealing off the Old World from whence they came. Now the barrier has been breached, and the New World is again beset by their evil power.War and treachery plague the world, and only Richard and Kahlan can save it from an armageddon of unimaginable savagery and destruction.Terry Goodkind, author of the brilliant bestsellers Wizard's First Rule and Stone of Tears, has created his most masterful epic yet, a sumptuous feast of magic and excitement replete with the wonders of his unique fantasy vision.

Customer Reviews:

wizard set.......2007-09-12

great to get a set like this. When you finish the 1st book 2nd one is right there.

Great style, substance and themes........2007-09-11

Goodkind's writing seems to mature with each book, adding nuance and layer to his seemingly simple themes and characters, leaving the reader to wonder to themselves about what "good and evil" really are.

The stories come alive with great characters, plenty of action, and the wonderment that magical concepts add to the stories. All the fun of being a kid again, but with the adult themes that will keep you reading far into the night.

Have fun!

Sword of Truth.......2007-09-01

Very fast transaction and accurate description of the item, so I would recommend this Seller.

Fantasy at its best!.......2007-08-16

I recommend the first 3-4 volumes of this serie to every fan of good fantasy-literature.
Very creative story, fascinating characters, a lot of suspense, a lot original ideas!
It`s too bad that after "Temple of winds" the whole story started to lose its grip, logic and tended to repeat itself.
Nevertheless, as said before, the first 3-4 volumes are excellent!

Don't Buy This Set.......2007-08-05

Unless you've already read the series and just want to replace your copies, don't buy this set. I made the enormous error of purchasing this set without reading any of Goodkind's novels first. I forced my way through Wizard's First Rule and realized that I wasted my money. I have no intention of ever reading Blood of the Fold or Stone of Tears.

I have very, very few positive things to say about the Wizard's First Rule. So I'll just get the positives out of the way now. Zedd is a very likable character. Not very original, certainly, but he's kooky and funny and hard not to like. The character Giller, too, is likable after a fashion.

Well, that's about all I can say thats positive about the novel. So lets get to the negatives.

1. It's poorly written. The narrative is clumsy, the dialog is repetitive and unrealistic. Not only is the language poor, but Goodkind is unable to logically construct even a simple paragraph, let alone an entire chapter. He has a habit of meandering in his paragraphs so that the first sentence of the paragraph has absolutely nothing to do with the last sentence. This would be understandable were he writing in stream of consciousness, but, alas, he is not. He also has the annoying habit of changing the perspective of the narrator from paragraph to paragraph without informing the reader, making it difficult to sort out who thinks what.

2. The characters are detestable. As I already said, Zedd and Giller are good characters. But they are minor characters. The hero, Richard, is one of the most immediately dislikable protagonists I've ever seen. He's arrogant, whiny, awkward, stupid and completely intolerant of other people and their cultures. Which leads me to my third major criticism.

3. Inconsistent character development. Goodkind frequently changes the personality of his characters to suit the chapter. In one chapter, Richard throws a tantrum because he cannot use his right hand to do something because it is against the culture of a tribe he is visiting. A chapter or two later, he willingly eats the flesh of another person because the culture dictates he must. In addition, Richard (and the other characters) range from mind-bogglingly stupid to brilliant and back something within a couple paragraphs. Goodkind makes his characters smart when he needs to in order to advance the plot, then makes them stupid when he needs to. Richard, Kahlan, Zedd, etc., all do enormously stupid things, and then are brilliant the next chapter. And its not just one character, every character is in turns brilliant and stupid. And it seems that there is always one brilliant character and several stupid characters at any given time so there is always enough intelligence to advance the plot. What's the point of having 800 pages of character development if you just throw it away to advance the plot?

4. And speaking of the plot, the story of the Wizard's First Rule is pretty poorly devised and highly predictable. There are two major secrets in the novel, the first being the identity of the Wizard (which is readily apparent within the first 15 pages of the text) and the identity of the Traitor (which is apparent as soon as it is learned that Richard was betrayed). And despite how painfully obvious who these characters are, Goodkind painstakingly devotes hundreds of pages to discovering their identities. It's terribly painful clawing your way through this book when you already know how all the big secrets and how the book is going to end within the first few chapters.

5. Plot-lifting. In a lot of ways, Wizard's First Rule is a dumbed down version of Robert Jordan's the Wheel of Time. Richard is essentially Rand Al'Thor, the Dragon Reborn, though he is purely a good character and destined only to help the world. Kahlan Amnell and the Confessors are utterly identical in every way to Jordan's Aes Sedai. The torture and training Richard endures is identical (and often down to the very wording) to the training Egwene Al'Vere endures. Darken Rahl is a very poor rip off of Shai'Tan, the Dark One (and, for that matter Darth Vader of Star Wars fame). There is very, very little of Goodkind's original thought in the Wizard's First Rule, and what original thought there is is very poor.

6. Convenient Writing. Goodkind is the King of making crap up as he goes. Due to his inability to write his way out of a wet paper bag, Goodkind is constantly having to make up new powers or abilities to get his characters out of a seemingly impossible situation. The best example for this is one scene in which Kahlan, Zedd and Chase are ambushed by Darken Rahl's minions. For whatever reason, Zedd and Chase are incapacitated and Kahlan, for some other stupid reason, can't use her powers and is being raped. Suddenly, Kahlan develops a new ability that 1. has never been mentioned before, 2. she admits that she had never been able to do before, 3. must be taught by an expert, as stipulation Kahlan never met. Yet somehow, Kahlan is able to use this power and miraculously defeats the enemy. Goodkind's writing in these situations is so bad that he flat out admits what the character just did is impossible, but goes with it anyway.

In truth, I could list another dozen or so criticisms of this book. But I doubt anyone is going to read that much. My advice: If you've never read Terry Goodkind before, read him before you blow the extra money on this set. If you're an intelligent, well-read reader, you will likely hate the series and regret spending the money, as I did. You are more likely to enjoy this book if you are a child, say 10-12 years old, or you have never read a fantasy book before. If you fit into either of these categories, the cliches will not seem so bad, and the new world of fantasy will blind you to the very poor writing and storytelling. But in either of those circumstances, I would still advise against buying the set. Make sure you like Goodkind before you drop the money for three of his books. Go to the library and read a chapter or two first. There's a very good chance that you will despise this novel like most other experienced readers.

I gave this set two stars, by the way, for the reasons listed in the previous paragraph. If you're an inexperienced reader or are new to the fantasy world, this series will work well for you. In addition, Mr. Goodkind CAN write, and can write well. The Wizard's First Rule features one or two chapters that are marvelously written. But this is an extreme exception to the rule. Perhaps the later books are better, but after Book I, I will work very hard to ensure that I never read another word of Goodkind's writing.

Average customer rating:

Science Fiction Snacks for the Mind

Less Than It Could Have Been

Great stories with quick, effective, complex points

A Short Short Review

100 Great Science Fiction Short Short Stories
Isaac Asimov
Manufacturer: Avon Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0380507730

Customer Reviews:

Science Fiction Snacks for the Mind.......2004-10-14

Concise tales of science fiction that twist and turn their way into your very psyche. Great for midnight snacks when you need to dream while you're awake.

Less Than It Could Have Been.......2004-08-13

I have always believed that there is a line between the Fantasy and Science Fiction genre-a thin, blurred line perhaps, but a line nonetheless. Science Fiction is speculative fiction based on science fact, which may be concerned with space travel, environmental evolution, alien life forms etc.
Asimov's "100 Great Science Fiction Short Short Stories" includes genies, leprechauns, wizards, deals with the devil, and even magic fortune cookies. I think Isaac missed the boat, especially since he saw fit to produce a separate volume entitled, "100 Great Fantasy Short Short Stories". Hard-core Sci Fi fans, this book is not for you.
The anthology itself reads like a who's who of the science fiction (fantasy) legends of the 40s, 50s, 60's, and 70's. And although the reader may enjoy reading two or three stories by the same author (Asimov was not above including his own stories or stories about himself), there are a number of "short short" story greats noticeably absent-Simak, Brown, Del Rey, and Dick to name a few.
Although many of the stories are classic and will long be remembered after the final page is turned, the book falls short of what it could have been.

Great stories with quick, effective, complex points.......2002-05-05

I have no doubt that the short story is the hardest to write. With limited space, the point, and there can really be only one, must be relatively obvious, yet complex enough to make an interesting story. Adding in a science fiction theme increases the level of difficulty, as generally, such stories require more explanation of the circumstances. Given that an environment different from the usual is necessary, some space must be used to explain the background of the story.
Despite all these hurdles, it is possible to write quality stories and this collection is an existence proof of how well it can be done. Independent of the length, these are some of the best science fiction stories of all time. They range from puns to the possibilities of interstellar war. I started the book and kept it close so that I could read it during every spare moment. It is one of the best collections of science fiction stories that I have ever read.

A Short Short Review.......2000-05-19

This is an excellent book. It runs the gamut of the science fiction genre; from jules verne to starwars, dragons to philosophy. It contains a cross section of literature and authors of both range and caliber rarely found. Many of its stories do not appear to be science fiction at first read; the only common thread among all the stories is the fact that, as Asimov puts in his introduction, "A very honed point." A must read.

Average customer rating:

STUFFED!
Great collection of very short stories

100 Great Fantasy Short Short Stories

Manufacturer: Doubleday
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Masterpieces: The Best Science Fiction of the 20th Century

ASIN: 0385181655

Customer Reviews:

STUFFED!.......2005-07-03

The best book of its kind. I am saddened that I am unable to give this book more than 5 stars. Truly awesome, truly enjoyable, truly the kind of mirth that I need on this lousy holiday weekend. MAGNIFICENT!!

Great collection of very short stories.......2000-05-04

I read this book years ago, but I can still recite two of the stories in it almost word-for-word. It helps that they're short (every story has to be under two thousand words), but some of the stories are really exceptional. And for those that aren't great... big deal! How long does it take to read two thousand words?

100 Great Science Fiction Short Short Stories

Average customer rating:

100 Great Science Fiction Short Short Stories

Manufacturer: Avon 50773
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000VYNWOG

Average customer rating:

Well worth the reading.

100 Great Science Fiction Short Short Stories

Manufacturer: Avon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0380507331

Customer Reviews:

Well worth the reading........1998-06-21

A collection of great science fiction, all 1 to 3 pages, ranging from deep despair to long one-liners. Each one thought provoking. There is no filler material here...

Average customer rating:

A wonderful book describing alternative portals to the sacred

Clear, intimate, and significant

Beyond Religion and Into My Soul

This book will open your eyes, as it did mine!

Insightful

Beyond Religion: A Personal Program for Building a Spiritual Life Outside the Walls of Traditional Religion
David Elkins
Manufacturer: Quest Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Christian Living | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 083560764X

Book Description

This book is aimed at the millions who find that traditional religion fails to meet their spiritual needs.

Customer Reviews:

A wonderful book describing alternative portals to the sacred.......2006-12-04

Usually I run a mile at anything writen by a psychologist or someone in the profession. While I respect what they're doing, and have done a lot of therapy myself, I find their tools and perspectives are usually quite limited and out of date. This however, is an excellent book. Writen from extensive practical experience for the person who's seeking spirituality outside of organised religion... and lets face it, that's a growing market! Even if you do have a primary spiritual path or religious faith, you will find that this book has much to offer in terms of practical connection with the sacred/god/spirit in areas you may not have considered.

I found much of this work has the flavour of Thomas Moore, while still being uniquely the author's own work and perspective. The reader will also note a Jungian influence in his work. Elkins outlines 8 alternative paths to the sacred - The Feminine, The Arts, The Body, Psychology, Mythology, Nature, Relationships, Dark Nights of The Soul. It's great to choose one that appeals to you and delve into it and then to look at section you may not initially be attracted to and see how that can be worked into your life - there are many portals to the sacred! I pick this book up occassionaly just to review a chapter and reflect on how I can integrate that path more into my life. In a final chapter, he provides a valuable tool for developing a spiritual program based on each of the paths including several exercises and a places for reflection. Coaches will find this a valuable tool for their toolkit.

I've recently went through my books to cull out the rubbish and titles I've outgrown, this book will be a keeper. Highly recommended.

Clear, intimate, and significant.......2005-02-10

This book, which I've read twice through and refer to from time to time, gives the reader a clear explanation of spiritual paths. They are backed up by the author's experience and knowledge of the field. Being a southern boy from a conservative christian group, many of the concepts here are foreign to the heritage in which I was raised. I have attempted at times during the course of my life to understand and fathom this yet evolving alternative spiritual tradition. This book has been a help. The fact that it is authored by a person who comes from where I come from provides validation for me of the truths of this spiritual stream. David and I come from the same place in rural Arkansas. He is six years older than I and I can distinctly remember him on pitcher's mound throwing his roundhouse curveball to Pony league batters. We grew up in an intense, close knit christian group. Zealous and extremely rational, the rules are well set and little deviation allowed. But sincere, diligent, and devout beyond reproach. Therefore, I know where he is coming from. David was always a caring, thoughtful and feeling type person. Naturally, he went into the ministry originally but eventually found his way and home in the psychology profession (lucky for you dear reader). Even though I haven't seen or talked with him since I was a teenager in the sixties I can still hear his voice when I read the book. You can perceive that he made an impression on me. The book shows that he has read widely and he draws from resources back to the Greeks and before as well as spiritual writings up to the present. It is not New Age pap. I really admired him for self-disclosure and for his guts to say some of the things he did in the sections on the feminine and the erotic. The book is intended for those "outside the walls of traditional religion". But, it is my opinion that it is no less useful for those (like myself) who are within organized religion. So read it and try out some of the paths. It is good that he provides suggested structure and discipline. Didn't Jesus say something like "My yoga is easy my burden is light"?

Beyond Religion and Into My Soul.......1999-11-30

This is one of the best books I have ever read. It is like I wrote it myself it is so near to my own philosophy. If you would to explore something outside what you have always been told is the truth, read this book!

This book will open your eyes, as it did mine!.......1999-09-05

As a spiritual teacher I have often been asked about spirituality and religion. David, however, deals with this topic better than anyone I have ever seen--Del Millers, author, Dancing with God

Insightful.......1999-08-25

This book expressed ideas that I have been feeling for a long time. This book was beautiful and spiritually insightful. I do believe in God and our lord and savior Jesus Christ, however traditional religion did not quench my hunger for spiritual knowledge. I strongly advise this book for the spiritual seeker

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