Reader Views

Five Steps to Draw Closer to God

Article first published as Book Reivew: Five Steps to Draw Closer to God by Doranda Jacques on Blogcritics.

Doranda Jacques writes to encourage her readers to grow spiritually while they develop a deeper relationship with God in her book “Five Steps to Draw Closer to God.”

The book is made up of five chapters. Each chapter opens with a spectacular awe-inspiring color photo creating a sense of quiet and peace. This is followed with the introduction of practical key points which develop an important scriptural principle designed to nurture a unique concept of spiritual growth which will lead to a more meaningful understanding of the fullness of God’s love and purpose.

A summary of the key points of each chapter helps the reader assimilate the narrative as well as capsulizing the material for focus, application, and determining personal action steps. This is followed with a checklist to ensure that the steps are incorporated in daily practice and experience. Provision is made for recording personal notes. Selected scriptures are included to reinforce these truths. A thought-provoking prayer is provided for contemplation and reflection.

Additional features in the book include:

• Practical notes on being tested in the process of drawing closer to God
• Thoughts on evaluating yourself in the process
• A section for recording your personal reflections in journal form
• A clear presentation of the Gospel for those unsure of their relationship with God

The book is designed as a devotional study rather than a theological discourse, however, Doranda Jacques’ writing is Biblical based and are true to the scriptures. The format of Doranda Jacques’ “Five Steps to Draw Closer to God” provides for a concise, yet comprehensive, plan leading to a deeper relationship with God which can be adapted for inclusion with any existing plan of devotional reading or Bible study.


Five Steps to Draw Closer to God
Doranda Jacques
CreateSpace (2012)
ISBN 9781453816189
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (3/12)

Philosophy: Structuralism for Unity: Visions of Truth for Justice and Success

Article first published as Book Review: Philosophy: Structuralism for Unity: Visions of Truth for Justice and Success by Ronnie Lee on Blogcritics.

Prolific self-published author Ronnie Lee has recently released his tenth book presenting his philosophical thinking. Titled “Philosophy: Structuralism for Unity,” this book, like his others, is a tome. Over the course of 821 pages, Lee offers an expanse of thoughts that at their core form the foundation of his writings in general. The writings in this volume specifically address society and law, business and responsibility, politics, war, religion and morality, philosophy and existentialism, and life and unity. With regard to these fundaments, the book is in essence a one volume encyclopedia of Lee’s philosophy, and as such, is both a reference book and a collection of philosophical poetry and prose.

It is important for readers who are unfamiliar with Lee’s other books to be aware that the author’s preferred writing style is free form poetry. He has honed his content framework and creative writing device to a very sharp edge. Consider, from Chapter 6, Philosophy and Existentialism, an excerpt from the poem entitled The Mind: “The mind is the end result, Of what you have been through. This creates your psychological loops, That are often entangled, In happiness and sadness loops, Hope and despair loops, And success and failure loops.” Some might perceive this style to be cutting edge, while others will perhaps regard it as a bit of a gimmicky way to slice and dice sometimes deep content into small bites. But whether it is either of these or both, my perception is that stylistically, what the author is trying to communicate is more approachable and easier to grasp as a result.

And it seems to me that what Ronnie Lee is trying to say, between the lines of his philosophy in this book, is simply this: we are overwhelmed with information resulting in confusion and conflict; we can change this if we create “structure and unity in what we are told, and what we take in. Love, security and justice will follow in greater measure when there is a solid, coherent foundation to build on.”

In my opinion, “Philosophy: Structuralism for Unity” is best described as a philosophical grand unified theory in Lee’s search for an elusive Philosophy of Everything. Considering the scope of the fundamentals that Lee covers the book is surprisingly concise and coherent. Most importantly, the author speaks clearly, and with one consistent voice.

Ronnie Lee’s “Philosophy: Structuralism for Unity” may appear daunting at first glance. And I believe that if a reader attempts to read it straight through, it will indeed lead to philosophy overload. But if read at one’s leisure, at their own space, this book just may become a touchstone over time for many who are seeking clarity and hope in their lives. For me it would be a comforting book to have on the shelf.


Philosophy: Structuralism for Unity: Visions of Truth for Justice and Success
Ronnie Lee
Outskirts Press (2011)
ISBN 9781432771836
Reviewed by Joseph Yurt for Reader Views (1/12)

Breaking the Bonds of Adult Child Abuse: A Biblical Textbook on Abusive Narcissistic Families, How They Operate, and How to Deal With Them

In her book “Breaking the Bonds of Adult Child Abuse” Sister Renee Pittelli explains narcissism, narcissistic behavior, sociopaths, and abuse as a personality disorder. She helps the reader recognize and understand the nature of these abusive relationships and offers practical principles and approaches for dealing with narcissistic family members.

Sister Pittelli uses many illustrations for her own experiences of being verbally abused by her birth parents, of how they used exploitation, criticism, and manipulation to intimidate and control her both as a child and as an “adult child.”

She also describes dozens of case studies, personal stories, and testimonies of survivors who have moved on from being victimized by abuse, humiliation, betrayal, and abandonment to build normal intimate relationships, fulfilling happy lives as they apply the practical principles, examples, and scriptural admonitions and promises set forth in the book.

I found the chapters on abandonment, limits, and boundaries, especially informative, describing reasons for abandonment, the abusers motivation, and in providing important counsel for gaining respect, setting and maintaining limits, and learning to say “no.”

Sister Renee Pittelli’s credentials as a victim’s advocate, an Adult Child Recovery Mentor, an established author, and founder/director of a ministry dedicated to counseling the victims of Adult Child Abuse are validation of her qualifications to author this material.

The sheer volume of the book (630 pages) may be intimidating for the average reader; however, the comprehensive nature of the text including the well-chosen Biblical references with practical application makes this a fitting resource as a text for counseling ministries, lay counselor or mentor training.

The book is well organized, formatted with significant thought-provoking lists, well balance Scriptures and applications. Sister Pittelli’s writing is articulate, psychologically sound, and theologically accurate, culturally relevant.

“Breaking the Bonds of Adult Child Abuse” is an important resource, it serves as a reminder to the victimized reader that they are not alone in being victimized. This is a significant book to be read, processed, assimilated, applied, and re-read.


Breaking the Bonds of Adult Child Abuse: A Biblical Textbook on Abusive Narcissistic Families, How They Operate, and How to Deal With Them
Sister Renee Pittelli
Outskirts Press (2011)
ISBN 9781432766566
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (12/11)

Tree Whispering: A Nature Lover’s Guide to Touching, Healing, and Communicating with Trees, Plants, and All of Nature

The subtitle of “Tree Whispering” tells the reader exactly what is in this concise and brilliant guide: Touching, Healing, and Communicating with Trees, Plants and All of Nature.  Compilations of stories, teachings, guides, exercises and information by both renowned Tree Whisperer Dr. Jim Conroy and Chief Listener Basia Alexander lead us through basic knowledge of how anything living can be communicated with.  Their conversational style of writing drew me in and I felt as though I was in a workshop with them while gleaning valuable information to add to my own knowledge and take my “whispering” to a higher level.

I’ve communicated with animals and nature for decades, listening to their voices.  For me, reading “Tree Whispering” confirmed that, yes, we as human beings can hear and respond to any living organism in this world, and probably beyond.  I resonated with Dr. Jim Conroy when he said “For years, I have been listening to trees and plants, learning how to come from their points of view.  To do that, I have had to check my ego at the door.  In other words, I have had to set aside my own personal point of view.  I have learned to ask the plants and trees what is best for them and to have humility in doing so.”  But, there is more.  We also have to be open to listen to what they have to say, what their needs are, and how we can help them.

For those that are just embarking on tree whispering, the authors give simple but powerful and effective exercises.  Through these potent exercises we, as human beings, if open and receptive, can successfully communicate with any living life form.  The Five Heralds presented are: BE the tree; ASK the tree; HEAL the tree; SAVE the tree; and, LOVE the tree. To me, this is no different than communicating with our own species:  other human beings. “And, Nature wants to be our partner.”

You can probably tell by now I’m thoroughly enamored with “Tree Whispering.”  I can’t imagine anyone not being so as well, especially if they are connected to Nature, or even have an inkling they may be. It is our birthright to treat Mother Earth’s offspring with care and love; it is the only way we can save our planet from destruction.  I encourage you, if you aren’t already, to reconnect to the sacredness of Nature.  “Tree Whispering” will help you do so, whether you are just embarking on this quest or have been communicating already; in both cases this book is highly recommended to take you to a higher level of consciousness and communication.


Tree Whispering: A Nature Lover’s Guide to Touching, Healing, and Communicating with Trees, Plants, and All of Nature
Jim Conroy, Ph.D. and Basia Alexander
Plant Kingdom Communications (2011)
ISBN 9780983411406
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (12/11)

40 Días: La inmortalidad al alcance de la mano

Me entusiasmé  muchísimo al recibir este libro para producir una reseña ya que me llama mucho la atención los conceptos  de metafísica y Chakras, y he leído libros sobre el tema tanto en Inglés como en Español.  Pero debido al hecho de que nunca he tenido una instrucción formal en el tema, anticipaba leer “40 Días: La inmortalidad al alcance de la mano” con la esperanza de obtener cierta estructura ideológica mientras profundizaba mi conocimiento sobre la materia.

Cuando leí la cubierta trasera del libro (con mucha dificultad ya que el  los caracteres son bastante pequeños y su color blanco sobre un fondo negro hizo el contenido casi ilegible),  comprendí inmediatamente que este libro me proveería un sistema completo para los 7 Chakras, y que  este sistema es solo la primera parte “del Método Pempenides.” Es por eso que asumí que este libro es una guía la cual introduce este Método al lector. Fue precisamente en esta expectativa que este me desilusionó.

El libro comienza con una clarificación terminológica, por la cual estuve muy agradecida porque fue la única porción del libro que tuvo sentido para mí. Desde la página 14 hasta la 81 estuve totalmente perdida. Comprendí  lo que el Autor estaba tratando de exponer en la página 82 ya que mostró finalmente cierto grado de estructura cuando el método tomo una forma cronológica, desde el primer día hasta el cuarentaiseisavo. Luego regresó a tratamientos y ejercicios de meditación en la página 261 hasta el final.

Mientras leía deseaba que el Autor hubiese buscado ayuda profesional para estructurar el libro, ya que la organización y el formato presentaron el proceso de manera sumamente confusa.  El formato del libro en sí no me ayudó ya que no pude comprender el significado en la utilización mayúscula de decretos completos en ciertas secciones pero no en otras, aun cuando se trataban de las mismas invocaciones.  También note un par de errores ortográficos. En general el libro se hubiera beneficiado con los servicios de un Editor profesional.

Debido a la complejidad de la información se desea exponer al lector, yo opino que el Autor debió hacer lo siguiente:

    Determinar quién es su audiencia. Este libro no está estructurado definitivamente para personas que no tienen conocimiento sobre el “Método Pempenides,” o sus conceptos básicos.
    El titulo debería ser “46 Días,” ya que es el número real requerido para terminar el proceso.
    Estructurar el libro con reglas estandarizadas de formato para producir un libro legible.
    Finalmente, ser consistente en la presentación de ideas para facilitarle al lector su seguimiento.

Quizás mostrando el método cronológicamente (día a día) primero para ser seguido con una guía bien organizada con los ejercicios de meditación al final, hubiera hecho la diferencia. Sin embargo, en su formato actual con todos los problemas mencionados anteriormente me fue imposible seguir el  “Método Pempenides,” aun utilizando las grabaciones en la página de internet. – Una lectura laboriosa y confusa – 3 Estrellas.

 

English Version of Review:

I was very excited to receive this book for review, as I have been fascinated with metaphysics and Chakras concepts for a while, and have read few books (in English and Spanish) in the subjects. But because I have never had formal education about these topics I was eager to read “40 Dias: La inmortalidad al alcance de la mano (40 Days: Immortality at the reach of your hands),” in hopes to get some thought structure as I deepened my knowledge.

When I read the back cover (with much difficulty as the font was tiny and the white color on black background, made it almost illegible), I quickly understood that the book would provide me with a complete system for the 7 Chakras, and that this system was only the first part of the “Pempenides Method.” I assumed that this book was a guide to introduce the reader to the whole method. It was on this expectation that I found this book disappointing.

The book begins by providing a terminology clarification which I was very grateful for because it was the only portion of the book I could make some sense of. From page 14 through page 81 I was totally lost. I understood what it was all about on page 82 when the author finally showed some kind of structure as the method took chronological shape starting from Day 1 – Day 46. Then it went back to meditations exercises and treatments on page 261 through the end.

I wish the author would have sought help of a professional to structure the book as the formatting, and organization of the process was presented in a very confusing manner. The formatting offered no help as I could not comprehend the capitalizations of decrees on some sections but not in others, even though they were the same rulings with the same functions. I also found a couple of spelling errors. Overall, the book would have benefited by a professional editor.

Because of the complexity of the information the author wishes to convey to readers, I think the author should have done the following:

1)  Pre-determined his audience. This book is definitely not structured for people who are not                                                                                                               
     familiar with the “Pempenides Method,” or its basic concepts.

      2)  Title the book “46 Days,” as that is the true number of days required to finish the process.
      3)  Structured the book with standard formatting practices, to make it more legible.
      4)  Finally, be consistent on the presentation of the ideas to make it easier to follow.

Maybe by showing the day-by-day method first and a well-organized meditation exercise guide in the end would have made the difference. But in its current format all the above problems made “40 Days: Immortality at the reach of your hands” impossible to follow the method, even with the help of the audios on the website. -  A confusing and laborious read – 3 Stars.

40 Días: La inmortalidad al alcance de la mano
Don Juan Martín González
AuthorHouse (2011)
ISBN 9781456746452
Reseña de libro por Susan Violante para Readers Views (11/9)

How to Forgive: A Practical Guide

In the first chapter Lynda Bevan explains “this book will identify the many aspects and meanings of the word ‘forgiveness’ and will attempt to enable you to understand exactly how being able to forgive someone is a basic, essential, necessary process in your life.”

Bevan further states “The focus of this book is ‘forgiveness in adult relationships.'"  Indeed, it is a book for healing adult relationships. And, it certainly is one for those that have experienced various negative emotions/feelings and lived through the trauma/drama to get to the place of wanting self-awareness and healing the past. Any age group or relationship, whether it be young or old, married or divorced, same-gender or heterosexual, parent or child, or even platonic friendships, will find Bevan's simple method of much benefit to start the forgiveness process.

In the beginning of the book Bevan, in a gentle voice, helps the reader understand what forgiveness really is and why we need to forgive. She claims that we aren’t able to “move on” if we don’t practice and incorporate forgiveness into our lives.   Personally, I completely agree with her. Sometimes forgiveness is the only medicine that will heal emotional unrest.

Once the reader fully understands the necessity of forgiveness and is willing to start the healing journey Bevan gives a step-by-step process.  Her guidance is clear and direct.

I believe the most important chapter in this book is “Implementing Change.”   The initial process may seem simple enough but the actual change can be a challenge.  Others may trigger negative emotions in us and it becomes easy to slip into the old patterns.  Bevan encourages addressing the feelings by providing a set of questions to ask ourselves. It’s only when we become clear that we are able to truly forgive.  “How to Forgive: A Practical Guide” is an important tool for that clarity.

How to Forgive: A Practical Guide
Lynda Bevan
Loving Healing Press (2011)
ISBN 9781615990306
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (8/11)

Are We Our Past Lives?: Soul Patterns in Personalities and Relationships

As a Psychologist and college professor I get many questions about reincarnation, especially from my students at a Christian college. Although many do not believe in past lives, Marie Gates has provided her own research and thoughts on this topic. Through her writing, she will get you to have second thoughts about what you believe.

Gates has done much research over the years on her own past lives and karma. Her extraordinary way with words describe in detail how she discovered these past lives and what her feelings were at the time of discovery. She is enthusiastic about her theory and supports it through research from individuals like Edgar Cayce, and the use of Harmonic Vibrational Therapy (HVT). In addition she gives great detailed information about HVT.

She states “Who are we and why? Don’t most of us think of this? Do you have vivid dreams of people that have made an impact on your life?” She goes on to quote Sylvia Browne, “Almost everything about us in rooted in a past life.”

In “Are We Our Past Lives?,” Marie Gates discusses negative karma, emotional challenges and the roles we play. Her book is very informative. You will need to read this slowly, jot down notes or questions and do some research of your own. After reading this book, you might be undecided as to what you believe - some of us are on the fence.  Ms. Gates’ information, research and excellent writing skills will give you food for thought - this is a journey all should take.

Are We Our Past Lives?: Soul Patterns in Personalities and Relationships
Marie Gates
CreateSpace (2010)
ISBN 9781452867731
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (7/11)

REBOOT! Confronting PTSD on Your Terms: A Workbook

Author David W. Powell was a former U.S. Infantryman whose memoir, “My Tour in Hell: A Marine’s Battle with Combat Trauma,” is a highly acclaimed chronicle of his struggle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Before his recent passing, he completed a follow-up, reference workbook entitled “REBOOT! Confronting PTSD on Your Terms.”

While Powell always highly recommended that those suffering from the effects of PTSD work with a trained therapist or facilitator, he also felt strongly about properly preparing for the recovery process through inner, self-evaluation, which a therapist cannot do, and by becoming familiar with available therapeutic approaches. His goal for this workbook was to guide the reader through these important first steps. He begins in his Introduction with a summary Survey of Therapeutic Approaches.

In Sections 1 – 6, Powell’s guidance relies heavily on the completion of inventories, a reflection of his military experience. A review of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, coupled with direction for taking one’s own Needs Inventory, are practical and beneficial resources to use in starting the recovery preparation process. PTSD inventories and self-tests for military casualties follow.

Also included is a valuable self-test for all casualties along with a top line exploration of the Emotional Scale. Apart from the trauma caused by military combat, the American Psychological Association, via an e-medicine health site, has determined that: “Traumatic events that may trigger PTSD include violent and non-violent personal assaults, natural or human-caused disasters, such as terrorist attacks, and motor vehicle accidents.” Those suffering from these non-military combat related events will benefit from this content in Powell’s book.

In the book’s concluding Section 7, Powell explains why he chose the therapeutic approach, Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR). In addition to outlining the workings of this therapy and the tangible benefits that it provided to the author, this section also underscores the importance of recognizing that best results are achieved by matching a particular therapy to one’s own particular profile.

As with his personal memoir, David Powell’s reference workbook, “REBOOT! Confronting PTSD on Your Terms,” is written in a straight forward, easy to read manner. Realistic action steps create a strong feeling that progress and significant successes can be achieved in managing PTSD. This small, yet compelling volume will add to David Powell’s legacy for many years to come.

REBOOT! Confronting PTSD on Your Terms: A Workbook
David W. Powell
Loving Healing Press (2011)
ISBN 9781615990849
Reviewed by Joseph Yurt for Reader Views (7/11)

Choosing Simplicity

Our lives seem to be getting more and more complicated every day; fuller and fuller of experiences, things, challenges, emotions and events. Yet for all of this abundance, I’ve often wondered whether it ever makes us any happier, and I have reached the conclusion that more frequently than not, more of most things does not necessarily mean a happier existence. Let’s face it… sometimes all we need to feel on top of our game, and also on top of the world, are the simplest things - a child's smile, a hug from your spouse, a cat snuggling in your lap, a great book or a perfect cup of coffee...

So what exactly is it that would make us more contented, happier and generally more at ease with ourselves, and what exactly is our role in this process? Most of us could use some help in this area, and Steven Ayer’s book “Choosing Simplicity” would be a good starting point in this quest. Beginning with a well-written introduction, explaining his point of view and what really matters to him, the author takes you on a tour of one’s life with all of the Important Concepts, Challenges, Qualities to Cultivate, Qualities to Avoid and even the Business Applications. Those chapters are all written in an interesting format, starting with a list of words pertinent to the title, and each of those gets a separate little section, divided into three parts: a quote from somebody famous, author’s thoughts on the subject, and probably the most important of the three, the action.

It is that third part that invariably caught my attention, and its underlying, continuous theme of “you are responsible for yourself.” Ultimately, we have to make our own choices, and therefore it is even more important that we learn how to make the best possible ones. I will gladly admit that there were several areas pointed out by Mr. Ayers where I could definitely see some major room for improvement.

I have truly enjoyed this book in its function of a “guide.” Unlike many self-help books I’ve read in the past, this one does not so much offer exact recipes for a change as points the reader to segments of his or her life that could use some more work and attention. I never found the writing to be preachy or condescending, but rather encouraging and inspiring, and the Afterword was just an added bonus in its charming down to earth, let’s-keep-it-real manner. Whether you decide to read “Choosing Simplicity” in one sitting, or take it as a daily companion for support in changing what needs to be changed, it will not disappoint you.

Choosing Simplicity
Steven M. Ayer
AuthorHouse (2010)
ISBN 9781452095295
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (6/11)

The New Trinity: Your Secular Pathway to Personal Spirituality

Whenever I hear the term “Trinity,” like most Westerners I think of the commonly used and familiar one – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (or Holy Ghost). Therefore I was deeply intrigued by the title of Jack Burch’s “The New Trinity,” particularly in conjunction with its subtitle of “Your Secular Pathway to Personal Spirituality.” Somehow the term “Trinity” always carried a religious connotation for me, and I had no idea whatsoever what the New Trinity could possibly be.

Mr. Burch led me on an exciting journey, laced with insights from many disciplines, and providing a rather unique perspective for the prospective seeker of spiritual evolution. He identifies the New Trinity as the conscious you, the Generative Principle and your experiential world. Each of those components is explored and explained and put in the proper historical context as well. Unlike most spiritual books I’ve read in the past, Mr. Burch puts the emphasis on the internal factors, and not the external ones, and he clearly states that we are not incidental observers, but rather the instigating force to be reckoned with.

While a lot of his teachings were far too complex for me at this stage, since I have never been much involved with this type of a spiritual quest, I certainly appreciated his unique and fresh viewpoint, which clearly encourages each of us to find the strength and determination within every individual to change ourselves as well as the world we live in. A section that particularly resonated with me states, “A great misconception about being spiritual is that one needs to be pious and reserved. This belief inhibits the vibrancy of life, itself. Your spirituality offers a joyful freedom of expression in the world ranging from the exuberance of creativity, through the fulfillment of relationships, to a quiet serenity of time spent alone. ‘To follow your bliss,’ as Joseph Campbell so implored us, is to find your personal spiritual path, for they are one and the same.”

There is a lot of positivity in Mr. Burch’s teachings about mindfulness, awareness and consciousness. I believe that his approach through affirmative meditation will be welcomed by individual thinkers who are ready to accept responsibility for their own spiritual evolution and are not afraid of exercising free will. The structure of “The New Trinity” with clearly outlined chapters, each ending with questions for discussion – or pondering, depending on whether the reader sets on this journey alone or with others; as well as copious resources and references, will provide bountiful material for anybody who is still seeking spiritual enlightenment and is searching for a new, non-restrictive, more fulfilling and love-filled approach to it.

The New Trinity: Your Secular Pathway to Personal Spirituality
Jack J. Burch
DeVorss & Company (2011)
ISBN 9780875168616
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (5/11)