Tour Review: Everyday Enchantments, by Maria DeBlassie

Welcome to the blog tour for 
Everyday Enchantments,

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Bewitching Book Tours!

For my stop, I'm featuring a review of this beautiful book!

There's also a tour-wide giveaway!!

Everyday Enchantments

Maria DeBlassie

Trade Paperback, 179 pages

Moon Books

October 26, 2018

Biography & Memoir, Creativity, 
Metaphysical, Nonfiction,

Philosophy, Psychology, Spirituality 

Everyday Enchantments is a love letter to the magic of everyday life, the sweet moments and the profound that we often overlook in our hurry to get from one place to the next. What if we had the power to unplug from our daily hustle and bustle and conjure a more profound way of living rooted in natural mysticism?

We do. All it takes is the whispered wish for more everyday enchantment breathed onto a dandelion head. This collection of essays reminds us to escape into the ordinary, find beauty in a simple cup of tea or rereading a beloved novel—and joyfully let our world turn upside down when synchronicity strikes in the form of wrong turns down forgotten lanes and unexpected midnight conversations with the moon.  

This book is a study in what it means to live deliciously, joyfully, and magically. And it’s an invitation to conjure your own bliss—-because let’s face it: we could all use a little more magic in our lives.  

Note
I received a PDF copy of this book from Bewitching Book Tours, in exchange for an honest review. When I started reading, I fell totally in love with it, so I rushed over to Amazon to pre-order it! It arrived on Oct. 27th, and I finished reading the printed copy.

It's rare to find a book that is so luminous, so full of beauty, that it literally takes one's breath away! But when such a book appears, it's extremely important to grab it right away, and keep it as a treasured jewel, to read again and again.

Everyday Enchantments is just such a book. The author, Maria DeBlassie, is, quite simply, a gifted writer. The book consists of short meditations on the simple things of life, which DeBlassie transforms into blissful experiences of the soul. Indeed, the word "transformation" is not only descriptive of the magic the author wields with her beautiful, poetic descriptions, but of the effect these descriptions have on the reader. 

I have long been in a kind of 'war' with reality. Books containing fantasy and supernatural elements have always attracted me because of the hum-drum monotony of daily routines. What a wonderful surprise, then, to find a book in which such routines are turned into artistic, and even mystical experiences! Clearly, I need to look at the 'ordinary world' with new eyes, and this book is certainly a catalyst in awakening my perception to the beauty inherent in this reality. 

In this wonderfully unique book, even cooking (which is definitely not on my list of favorite activities) is turned into an opportunity to dwell on the sheer transcendent pleasure of the simple things of life. For example, DeBlassie marvels at the 'gold' found in an unexpected double yolk, or the process of pickling jalapeños. Her topics range anywhere from gardening, to writing, to her own, untameable hair, which she links to her own inner strength.

Although this is an eclectic blog, I had stopped reviewing nonfiction books on it some time back. However, when I came across this one, I immediately contacted the tour company in order to sign up to review this book for the tour. I simply could not pass it up. I promptly received a PDF in my email. When I opened it, and read the first meditation, titled, appropriately enough, "Everyday Enchantment", I felt as if I had been touched by something very deep, something at the very core of my being. I immediately recognized a kindred spirit -- someone to whom the aesthetic experience is also a mystical experience. I felt, in short, as if I had come home. Although I started reading the PDF, I was chafing at the bit, so I was overjoyed when the printed book arrived, ahead of time. (The release date had been moved forward.) I just don't like to read either ebooks, or books online. I need physical contact with a book. I need to lovingly turn those pages, to hold the book in my hands. And, in the case of this particular book, that need became imperative. 

This book is so full of the transcendent beauty of life, of simple, everyday things! That's because the author is an artist and a mystic. That's because the author has an emotional, visceral connection with the visible world, one that moves my spirit. In reading this book, I have reconnected to a not forgotten, but not frequently visited part of my being -- my own artist's soul. I have reveled, and will continue to revel, in descriptions that can move me to tears, even as they give me an indescribable joy. I am being very, very honest here, because I want to live from this part of my being, more and more often. I, too, want to see, feel, and cherish the spiritual essence of the visible world, this 'mundane reality' that I have for so long shunned. In doing so, I have effectively created a barrier to my own inner experience of beauty. This book has jogged my memory. This book has touched the artist in me. This book is now my own personal jewel to treasure, to read, slowly and with gentle breathing. This book is now a part of my soul.

When I first started reading the PDF version, something stirred within, and I did something I had not done in a while. I wrote a poem. I wrote from that inner core, that part of me that I need to get in touch with more often. Now I need to start creating visual art again. That, too, is something I haven't done for quite some time. So I thank the author for inspiring me like this. Creativity can come in gentle, flowing waves, or like a tsunami. I think I've just been caressed by the one, and pummeled by the other. 

Here are some quotes that I know will spark that something ineffable in the reader who knows, and has experienced, just what I've been writing about here.

"To live with Enchantment is to see beyond the bricks and mortar that make up your home and into the magic infused within its frame." -- "Everyday Enchantment", page 1

"(Seldom can you find a person strong enough to brave the stillness or wade into the bottomeless waters of imagination.)" -- "Everyday Enchantment", page 2

"You are grateful for that flash of insight helping you hone your creative path that has long since diverged from the mainstream. Grateful for your fluency in a language that too few know how to speak. Your day is nothing without this never-ending conversation between yourself and the universe or the clap of thunder that punctuates your off-the-cuff revelations. You cannot speak your truth without lightning striking both in your blood and in your sky." -- "On Synchronicity", page 6

"Each stitch is a piece of woven intention. A slip of yarn looped around another to bind your thoughts into the blankets you create. Healing, nourishing, abundant thoughts." -- "Crocheting Infinite Blankets", page 8

"You are like Persephone -- except you don't regret letting those ruby seeds pass your lips and spill across your tongue. In fact, sometimes you miss the tart, bright taste when the days are long, and the sun tries to remind you that the only thing you should savor is its fingers kissing your spine." -- "Descending Into The Underworld", page 27

"You wonder what they have to talk about, the Colette novels that kiss your collection of fairy tales and hold up your cheesy romances written in Spanish. You wonder, too, if those stories begin to bleed into one another with their covers pressed so tightly against each other. Here no genre is favored, no era, not any one writer. Your leather-bound books, tinted with nostalgia and the heady perfume of history, keep house with beat-up pulp paperbacks...." -- "The Bookshelf", page 62


There is an earthy spirituality literally present in this book, breathing in its sun-splashed, moon-kissed pages. It comes from DeBlassie's own Mexican heritage, and gives the book its palpable energy. It's also very much the spirituality of female power, and the spirituality of the artist, in touch with the living heart of reality. This spirituality warmly embraces me, teaching me that there is value in the tender nurturing that artists give their deepest dreams. 

I am finding myself almost at a loss for words to express how very deeply, and joyfully, this book has touched me. It is a sacred book, a jewel of the heart and soul and mind. It is a book for artists, for poets, a book of inspiration, a book of magical states of mind. It is a book for those who can feel the unfathomable reaches of a reality that is really mystical, all-encompassing, that enthralls the senses, and lifts the mind and spirit. 

Reading this book is an experience in the still, flowing beauty of this universe that breathes us even as we breathe it ourselves. 

This book is, again, a sacred jewel. Thank you, Maria -- mi tocaya (my namesake) -- for gifting it to all of us who know, who understand, who feel.....and who create.


MY RATING:

 

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Moon Books

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Reviews and Endorsements  

An insightful collection of short writings that make you look at the everyday in a whole new light. ~ Erin Elliot, The Sword of Lumina  

To build everyday bridges between the magick and the mundane out of the long-sought and hard-won materials of will and wonder is the act of a true Priestess. In this book, DeBlassie offers rich glimpses of daily rituals, miniature spells in their own right that prompt the reader to look for the quiet divinity in their own lives, to see the subtle majesty in their day-to-day routines, and to question their perceived barriers between the modern and the mystical. ~ Danielle Dulsky, author of Woman Most Wild 

Maria DeBlassie has crafted magic within the pages of her new book, Everyday Enchantments. Her eloquent words offer the ‘promise of soul replenishment’ as one traverses the journey of her -and their- metaphorical metamorphosis. Page after page, readers will experience the soothing balm of DeBlassie’s words as they encourage one to open her heart, her mind, her ear, her thoughts and her soul to the unique transpersonal book they hold in their hands. Just as DeBlassie mentions early on in Everyday Enchantments when writing of the unexpected delight of discovering a double yolk, her heartfelt writing is like ‘cradling…gold’ in one’s hands. Reading and absorbing the beauty of Maria DeBlassie’s Everyday Enchantments will have readers conjuring their own magical life. Her words will caress their soul and embrace their heart with inspiration and encouragement. Everyday Enchantments blends together poetic consciousness such as from Maya Angelou and Mary Oliver all while weaving in
powerful and deep inner wisdom such as from Clarissa Pinkola Estes. Yet, Maria DeBlassie beautifully stands out given the uniqueness of Everyday Enchantments. It’s a must read and a must to be gently and lovingly held in a sacred place of honor in one’s personal library. DeBlassie’s Everyday Enchantments is like a heart song that every woman should feel. ~ Janelle Alex, Ph.D.,The Writer’s Shaman  

Reading this enchanted collection is so much more than reading a book…it’s an unearthing of things half-remembered and bringing them into the light. Gorgeous and luminous…thank you, Maria, for unwinding this spell for your readers. ~ Laura Bickle, critically-acclaimed author of Nine of Stars, Bewitching Book Tours  

An insightful collection of short writings that make you look at the everyday in a whole new light. Ponder how different life could be if you stop taking everything for granted and find joy in the simplicity of it all. ~ Erin Elliott, author of The Sword of Lumina series, The Editing Hall

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Maria DeBlassie, Ph.D. is a native New Mexican mestiza blogger, writer, and award-winning educator living in the Land of Enchantment. Her blogging life started in 2012 as a year-long journey to write her back into happy, healthy, and whole through daily posts about life’s simple pleasures, everyday magic, and radical self-care. That year-long experiment turned into a lifestyle, a book, and her ongoing blog, Enchantment Learning and Living. She is forever looking for magic in her life and somehow always finding more than she thought was there.

Find out more about Maria and conjuring everyday magic at her website and the other links listed below.

Website/Facebook/Google + 
Pinterest/Twitter
Instagram
Moon Books


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Book Review: The Spontaneous Healing of Belief, by Gregg Braden

The Spontaneous Healing of Belief: Shattering the Paradigm of False Limits
Gregg Braden
Trade Paperback, 217 pages
Hay House, Inc.
April 1, 2008
Metaphysics, New Age, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Psychology, Self-Help, Science, Spirituality
Source: Purchased from Barnes & Noble

Book Synopsis:  What would it mean to discover that everything from the DNA of life, to the future of our world, is based upon a simple Reality Code—one that we can change and upgrade by choice? New revelations in physics and biology suggest that we’re about to find out!

A growing body of scientific evidence suggests that our universe works like a Consciousness Computer. Rather than the number codes of typical software, our Consciousness Computer uses a language that we all have, yet are only beginning to understand. Life’s reality code is based in the language of human emotion and focused belief. Knowing that belief is our reality-maker, the way we think of ourselves and our world is now more important than ever!

For us to change the beliefs that have led to war, disease, and the failed careers and relationships of our past we need a reason to see things differently. Our ancestors used miracles to change what they believed. Today we use science. The Spontaneous Healing of Belief offers us both: the miracles that open the door to a powerful new way of seeing the world, and the science that tells us why the miracles are possible, revealing: why we are not limited by the “laws” of physics and biology as we know them today 

Once we become aware of the paradigm-shattering discoveries and true-life miracles, we must think of ourselves differently. And that difference is where the spontaneous healing of belief begins.

 

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Braden is a very well-known figure in New Age circles, as well as beyond. He's certainly a very engaging writer, with a smoothly flowing prose style, as well as fascinating insights, which he backs up with scientific data. Furthermore, this book is very well-researched and annotated.

I have discovered, however, that books in the New Age category do not completely satisfy me. While their philosophical views are frequently innovative and interesting, there's always something in these books that gives me pause, that conflicts with my Christian values, no matter how open-minded I might want to be. Furthermore, if one wants to leave religious values aside, these books also conflict with rational values, at times.

I am still interested in reading such books, however, because there's much food for thought in them. Depending on a reader's religious and/or philosophical views, I would advise proceeding with intellectual caution.

Braden follows a pattern laid down by other New Age authors in years past -- using science as validation for New Age philosophy. Fritjof Capra, the Austrian-born American physicist, was probably one of the first to do this, with his The Tao of Physics, published in 1975. Another example is Migene Gonzalez-Wippler, the Puerto Rican cultural anthropologist, with the book A Kabbalah for the Modern World, first published in 1974, with subsequent revised editions. Both of these authors linked New Age philosophy to quantum physics. So does Braden. I can see why they have all made this connection, too, as quantum physics has been a revolution not only in science, but also in philosophy, which is necessarily affected by new scientific discoveries.

Braden's basic theme is that, as most New Agers say, it is our beliefs that shape our reality. Citing data from quantum research, he states that we, and everything around us, "are made of a shared field of energy that was scientifically recognized in the 20th century and is now identified by names that include the field, the quantum hologram, the mind of God, nature's mind, and the Divine Matrix." (Introduction, pg. xiii, quoting from Braden's The Divine Matrix: Bridging Space, Miracles, and Belief, pg. 54)

Elaborating on this, Braden gives a brief, simplified explanation of the world of quantum mechanics, in which energy can behave as either visible particles or invisible waves. He then proceeds to what seems like a logical conclusion: if energy, which our bodies are made of, can behave in what appear to be -- according to the laws of science -- miraculous ways, then we, too, can do the same. Although  this is admittedly an interesting, even exciting concept, I have to ask myself whether it holds up as a logical conclusion. Still, it does stimulate one to think about it.

Another of the concepts presented in this book is found in Chapter One, titled "A New View of Reality: the Universe as a Consciousness Computer". The idea of the universe as a thinking computer was originally put forth in the 1940s by Konrad Zuse, who developed the first computers. Braden interprets this to mean that "everything is information" (pg. 17), and the universe is really the product of a huge program that has been running for a very long time. If human beings can come to know the program's code, they will then know "the rules of reality itself". (pg. 18)

This chapter also discusses the idea that the universe is made up of patterns, as exemplified by fractals.

Chapter Two expands on the concept of the universe as a consciousness computer through a discussion of how this computer can be programmed. The method involves beliefs and feelings, according to Braden. A thought, he states, is just that -- a thought -- until it's energized by emotion to create a feeling. He defines a feeling as "the union of what we think with the fuel of our love or fear for our thought." He then proceeds to the conclusion that belief is a form of feeling. 

This chapter also includes a short discussion of the function of thoughts, wishes, affirmations, and prayers.

Chapters 5 and 6 deal with techniques for 'shattering the paradigm of false limits' and 'rewriting one's reality code'. Quite honestly, I haven't gotten to these chapters, as I have been unable to finish the book. I don't normally write a review for a book that I have not finished reading, but I felt it important to do so with this one.

It was Chapter 4 that changed everything for me. This chapter gets to the crux of the matter -- why I cannot accept New Age philosophy in its entirety. 

The chapter is titled, "What Do You Believe? The Great Question at the Core of Your Life".  This 'great question' does indeed strike at the core of everyone's life, but I totally disagree with the author's view of just how it does so. 

Ironically, Braden states, in the same chapter, something that I do believe is true, and he backs it up with medical data.  To quote: "Our beliefs about unresolved hurt can create physical effects with the power to damage and even kill us." (pg. 111) I have read this same thing elsewhere, and do agree with it. The heart is not just an organ that pumps blood; it is the seat of emotion. Every painful emotional event we undergo can and does have lasting physical effects, unless we learn to forgive, which is not an easy task at all. I'm glad that Braden raises this point here.

It's right after this, though, that Braden gets to the question I mentioned above, which is the following: "Do you believe that there is one source for everything that happens in the world, or do you believe that there are two opposite and opposing forces -- good and evil -- one that 'likes' you and one that doesn't?" (pg. 116) Braden's own answer points to a reconciliation or acceptance of both forces in life. He states that, when we see the world as a battleground, then life becomes a battle. According to him, this then affects us physically, as we therefore see the world as not being a safe place. Braden goes on to say that seeing life in terms of light and darkness, good and evil, means that we must see the world as a very scary place.  Instead, we should see the world as a wonderful, beautiful place in which to live. He also brings up the point that judging people in terms of light and darkness will affect all of our relationships.

While there might a be a grain of truth in everything the author brings up above, the idea of reconciling good and evil, light and darkness, in short, of going beyond this polarity, is what really bothers me. Braden himself recognizes that such an idea can be very shocking to some people. On page 128, he states the following: "It flies in the face of everything that they've ever been taught -- and may even sound like heresy!" That is precisely how I feel about this concept. 

Every Christian denomination, whether Catholic or Protestant, draws a very clear line between good and evil. There is no possible reconciliation between them. The Bible itself clearly demonstrates the difference between the two, although, ironically, God in the Old Testament does not always behave in ways consistent with a good and loving deity. Still, Christianity is founded on the basic idea that good and  evil are, indeed, locked in a battle that will only end with the second coming of Jesus Christ. 

Leaving religious beliefs aside, however, the concept of 'reconciling' light and darkness, good and evil, goes against reason, as well. It's very evident that the two cannot be blended, or joined together, in any way. While there may be gray areas at times, there are, for the most part, very firm boundaries between the two forces. This is logical, and evident to any reasoning mind. 

As i skimmed through this book in order to refresh my memory before writing my review, I also realized that Braden's mentioning of the universe as a thinking computer, which can be programmed through our beliefs and intentions, coupled with strong emotions, entirely leaves out the idea of a personal God. Of course, those who are not theists or even deists will not be troubled by this at all. As a matter of fact, I do think that I might need to dwell on this further, as the fact of consciousness being present obviously indicates the existence of some type of being. Braden doesn't make it quite clear whether this 'consciousness' is merely the material universe, or whether it is an immanent deity that might also be construed as transcendent.

This is obviously a rather deep book, in spite of its easy-to-read, elegant style, so i need to go back to it and read it more slowly, carefully analyzing it as I go along. Therefore, I might return with a second review of it. However, I'm sure, as of this writing, that I won't be changing my mind in regards to the question of 'reconciling' good and evil.

In spite of my strong religious and rational reservations about this book, I have given it four stars, because Braden successfully engages the reader on very interesting topics that do bear some thinking and investigation. He is anything but boring, and is able to present even the most seemingly outrageous topics in a way that will not get him classified as being 'fringe' or 'wacky' in any way.

For those who share my own reservations, this might prove to be a reading experience that will leave them with some mixed feelings about the book, as has been the case with me. Still, I do think it's an intellectually stimulating book, well worth the read.

MY RATING:

New York Times best-selling author Gregg Braden is internationally renowned as a pioneer in bridging science and spirituality. Following a successful career as a Computer Geologist for Phillips Petroleum during the 1970s energy crisis, he became a Senior Computer Systems Designer for Martin Marietta Defense Systems during the last year of the Cold War. In 1991 he was appointed the first Technical Operations Manager for Cisco Systems where he led the development of the global support team that assures the reliability of today’s Internet. For more than 22 years, Gregg has searched high mountain villages, remote monasteries, and forgotten texts to uncover their timeless secrets. To date, his work has led to such paradigm-shattering books as The Isaiah Effect, The God Code, The Divine Matrix and his 2008 release, The Spontaneous Healing of Belief: Shattering the Paradigm of False Limits. Gregg’s work is now published in 17 languages and 27 countries and shows us beyond any reasonable doubt that the key to our future lies in the wisdom of our past.

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Book Review: Books of Light, by Robert Leichtman & Carl Japikse

Books of Light
Robert Leichtman, Carl Japikse
Mass Market Paperback, 184 pages
Ariel Press, 1988
Creativity, Fantasy, Metaphysical, Nonfiction, Science Fiction, Spirituality
Source: Purchased at used bookstore


Book Synopsis:   There is a rich treasure of books, both fiction and nonfiction alike, that explore the nature of spiritual growth, psychic development, the inner dimensions of life, and healing. Books of Light is a collection of reviews which introduces the reader to the best such books in print today, in the hope of inspiring him or her to discover these treasures. Each of these books has been a selection of the Books of Light Book Club, the only national book club in the New Age. The reviews printed in this collection were the ones first introducing each book to club members. There is also an introductory essay on the art of intelligent reading.

As the book synopsis states, this is a collection of reviews of books on various spiritual and metaphysical topics. This is the first and only time I have ever come across such a book, and I have found it to be absolutely fascinating, even though, of all the books reviewed, there are some I know I would not be interested in reading.

The authors, Robert Leichtman and Carl Japikse, are well-known in New Age circles, and are partners in the publishing house of Ariel Press. Both have written books themselves, all related to New Age topics. Their book club, mentioned in the synopsis, and now no longer active, featured these types of books, whether written by themselves, or other authors. These continue to be featured through Ariel Press.

Another interesting and unusual thing about this slim volume is the mix of reviews of fiction and nonfiction books, as well as the mix of Christian and New Age books (although the collection does favor the latter). For instance, No One Hears But Him, by Taylor Caldwell, is a collection of stories revolving around a sanctuary located on a hill, in an unnamed town, to which people go in order to tell their troubles to someone who listens in silence, behind a curtain. This person is later revealed to be Jesus Christ. On the very next page, a book titled Winged Pharaoh is reviewed. The author, Joan Grant, claimed that her novels, of which this is one, were really recollections of her past lives. Another book reviewed is The New View Over Atlantis, penned by John Michell, which is a revised edition of his earlier work, originally published in 1969. This nonfiction book examines the work of several researchers regarding the existence of ley lines. These are "a precise network of straight lines crisscrossing the English countryside in a geometric pattern." (pg. 40, Books of Light) According to Wikipedia, they are alleged alignments of sites of historical importance, such as ancient monuments

Other titles mentioned by Leichtman and Japikse are classic fantasy and science fiction works, such as The Chronicles of Narnia, by C.S. Lewis. This book of fantasy tales is full of Christian symbolism, since the author was a famous Christian writer. Also mentioned is Lewis's science fiction work, The Space Trilogy, whose volumes include Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, and That Hideous Strength. This series of books deals with an alien civilization which regularly communicates with God through beings known as "Eldila", who are somewhat like angels.  Stranger In A Strange Land, by Robert Heinlein, is a science fiction classic about a young man brought up on Mars who subsequently arrives on Earth to preach a religion based on "grokking", which means to totally understand and empathize with people. Magister Ludi ( a/k/a The Glass Bead Game), by Hermann Hesse, which won the 1946 Nobel Prize for Literature, is a fascinating exploration of the contrasts between the intellectual life and the active life. 

There are also reviews of two books by Ayn Rand -- The Fountainhead, and Atlas Shrugged. The first is about an architect who refuses to compromise his creativity and personal principles, and thereby encounters great opposition. The second one is about a group of people who decide to band together to establish a new society founded on principles of excellence, genius, and self-sufficiency. 

In regards to Atlas Shrugged, I must say that, although the plan for this new society sounds great on paper, it is established through the 'shrugging off' of "the tyranny of the masses". The founders of this new society "are no longer willing to carry on their backs the hordes of welfare consumers". (quotes from pg. 137, Books of Light) So, in other words, social responsibility to those less fortunate is totally eschewed. This sounds like a totally callous, cruel attitude. While I would certainly champion the fostering of excellence and creativity, this must be tempered with a social conscience. Rand is not known for her social compassion, however, which is why I never finished reading The Fountainhead when I started it, years ago. So I would argue with Leichtman and Japikse's inclusion of these two books.

I was delighted by some of the other books included in this volume. One of these -- Memories, Dreams, Reflections, by Carl Jung -- is a book I have long intended to read. In  it, the great psychologist candidly reveals the workings of his inner world. According to the authors of Books of Light, it is "one of the most important books of our century." (They were referring to the 20th century.) The Time Quartet, by Madeleine L'Engle, is a collection of four wonderful children's fantasy/science fiction books, starting with the best-known one, A Wrinkle In Time. The others are The Wind in the Door, A Swiftly Tilting Planet, and Many Waters. 

Another book that I was happy to see included is Narcissus and Goldmund, by Hermann Hesse. I have read most of this author's novels, and consider him one of my favorites. In this particular work, Hesse examines the creative, artistic life, as contrasted with the life of the mind. This is a powerful novel, one I intend to re-read, as my first reading took place years ago. Another Hesse novel, Siddhartha, is also included. Of course, I intend to re-read this one, as well, although I do prefer Narcissus and Goldmund, together with Magister Ludi. 

The Dragonriders of Pern, by Ann McAffrey, is another wonderful inclusion. McAffrey's novels should have been brought to the silver screen a long time ago; after all, she invented the concept of people riding dragons way before Christopher Paolini's Eragon burst upon the scene!

The nonfiction books mentioned in Books of Light explore various typical New Age themes. There are several titles such as The Reappearance of the Christ, by Alice Bailey, who was a member of the Theosophical Society, The Bach Flower Remedies, by Edward Bach, M.D., Clairvoyant Investigations, by Geoffrey Hodson, which deals with angels, There Is A River, by Thomas Sugrue, which examines the life and work of Edgar Cayce, Music: Its Secret Influence Throughout the Ages, by Cyril Scott, and many others.

Each review gives a summary of the book's plot or subject matter, and then an interesting analysis of the book, why it's considered important by the authors of Books of Light, and thus, recommended to their readers. Leichtman and Japikse are excellent writers, so their reviews are the next best thing to reading the books they have analyzed. They also make for some very entertaining reading!

The only thing I found detracted from this work, besides the inclusion of books I don't believe accurately reflect the beauties of the spiritual life, is that there is neither a Table of Contents, nor an Index. Both would have been very helpful in locating the books and topics mentioned. However, the excellent reviews more than make up for this, so I am giving this book the highest rating. I do think that this is a fascinating collection of book reviews, as well as a great reference source for those who, like me, are interested in the topics covered. In fact, the authors' reviews have motivated me to seek out some of the works mentioned, as well as to plan to re-read others!
 

MY RATING:

Blog Tour Book Review: Proof of Angels, by Mary Curran Hackett

Proof of Angels

Mary Curran Hackett

Trade Paperback,  320 pages

William Morrow Paperbacks

November 3, 2014

Contemporary Fiction, Literary Fiction, 

Romance, Spirituality

Amazon US/Amazon UK
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From the critically acclaimed author of Proof of Heaven comes an unforgettable novel about hope, renewal, and the gift of angels among us—friends, family, lovers . . . and even mystical others—sure to touch your heart

Sean Magee is a firefighter—a hero who risks his own life to save others, running into dangerous situations few have the courage to dare. While fighting a horrific blaze, Sean becomes trapped by flames and is nearly overcome by smoke. Just when it seems that all is lost, he’s led to a window—by what he swears is divine intervention. And then he

 jumps . . .

. . . into a new life. For years, Sean has shut down his feelings, existing in a state of emotional numbness. Coming through that fire, he knows that he can no longer be that man whose his heart is closed to the world. But before he can face his future, he must confront his past and everyone in it: the family, the friends, the woman—and the love—he carelessly left behind.

Note
My thanks to the author and TLC Book Tours
for a complimentary copy of
the book, in exchange for an honest review.
All opinions here expressed 
are my own.

When I finished this wonderful, uplifting novel, I did something I only do with some very, very special books: I hugged it to my chest, overwhelmed with happiness. That might elicit some eye rolling, but that's how I honestly felt. This book touched me very deep inside, and I love it when an author is able to do that. It  takes some remarkable literary skill to elicit this kind of response from a reader.

Now I desperately want to see the movie, because Proof of Angels certainly has a very cinematic feel to it. The plot slowly develops over the course of a year, and in  that period of time, the reader feels as if an entire lifetime has been lived.

This is such a beautifully written, character-driven novel! I know and love them all, but especially Sean Magee, the central character. Unfortunately, he doesn't think he's anything special, and has been running away from himself for a long time. It's only after the fire that almost takes his life that he begins to discover the wealth of feeling inside himself. It's only then, when he sees the light that leads him to a window, that he finally admits to himself what a mistake he made in leaving Chiara, the love of his life. Right then and there, he  promises to find her, to tell her how much he loves her.

The supporting cast -- for that is the way I think of them -- are just as wonderful as Sean. There's James, his fellow firefighter with the big heart, and preference for Thai food, Libby, the special dog trainer, who finds love in the midst of her own recovery from drug use,  and Tom, the slightly cynical physical trainer Sean's brother-in-law, a prominent cardiologist, hires for him.

Hackett does a great job of immersing the reader in the everyday lives of all her characters. James had been Sean's friend for a long time, but Libby and Tom come into his life because of the accident. The four of them develop a very special friendship, becoming more like family than friends. Hackett explores their inner worlds with sensitivity and detailed empathy. There are no major 'action scenes', as this is not that type of novel; instead, this is a loving, detailed examination of each character, of how their unique life circumstances have made them who they are. In the process, they learn to give support to each other. As Sean receives physical as well as emotional support from his friends, they in turn receive emotional support from him. All four friends give each other lessons of the heart.

The title of this novel doesn't refer exclusively to the winged,  supernatural variety of angel, as I had originally thought, but to earth angels, as well. Certainly Sean has been lucky enough to have three of them, while they, in turn, have also been lucky to have him as their own earth angel. Thus, the novel points to the various ways in which each one of us can be an angel in someone else's life.

Another great character -- and the fourth angel -- is Chief, the special dog Libby has trained to help Sean during his recovery process. Through his devotion to Sean, Chief becomes very special to the reader, as well. He's actually based on a real dog of the same name, owned by the author.

As the novel develops, Sean never loses sight of his goal. His whole reason for recuperating from his injuries is to travel to Italy so as to make amends to Chiara. Every small victory in his physical therapy brings him that much closer to the goal. Incurable romantic that I am, I cheered him on all the way!

The part of the book where Chiara appears is a pure delight. Hackett takes her readers to Florence, Italy, and the subtle allusion to "Romeo and Juliet" was not lost on me. The city is breathtakingly beautiful, with all of its historically important buildings, its light.....Here's a specially compelling passage describing Sean's reaction as he enters the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, for the second time in his life: "The vast open space filled with light and people made him feel that he was intimately connected to the divine architect, and all the men who'd made it, too, who worked for centuries to build the structure. It took thousands of men and women to build the structure, brick by brick, and none of them knew the lives they'd touch. Invisible to him now, the spirits of those people reached out and touched Sean as he walked. He just knew it."

I'm sure everyone knows by now what happens in Florence, and here's where I do have a minor complaint; the reunion between Chiara and Sean feels a bit too rushed. I would have wanted this part of the novel to last longer, as the two lovers get reacquainted with each other. They had been apart for eleven years, after all. But the novel's enchantment is to be found not only in its climax, but in the journey leading up to it. On the way to Italy, we have encountered some very special people who are angels to each other, who help each other to slay their private dragons because these have become their own dragons, too. 

This is a novel not only of love, hope, and redemption, but of light, as well -- inner as  well as outer light, and each reinforces the other.

To say that this novel has already become unforgettable to me is to affirm its transcendent beauty. Indeed, it is to affirm that there really are angels -- and they are where we least expect to find them.



MY RATING: 


 

Mary Curran Hackett is the mother of two children and is married to Greg Hackett. She received an MA in English Literature from the University of Nebraska and a BA from the University Honors Program at Catholic University in Washington, DC. Born and raised in Danbury, CT, she has traveled extensively and lived in various places throughout the U.S., but her favorite place in the world is home with her kids, husband, and her stacks of books.

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