Wonderful journey back to the Numinous World
355553
In "The Ravens of Falkenau," author Jo Graham turns to short story format to present incarnations of her Numinous World characters, from ancient times to the twentieth century.  As with all of her work, the atmosphere is wonderfully drawn, the characters are fully realized, and the historical details seamlessly included.  It is fascinating to see various aspects of Gull/Charmian/Lydias, from the dark and frankly, frightening Georg to the sweet, tough Lucia - and one of Dion's stories was just icing.

My one comment/complaint is that many of the stories read as excerpts from larger novels.  My general thought is that a short story should be self-contained and self-sufficient, but a few of these felt unfinished at the ending.

Still, it's great to see more of the Numinous World.  I'm really looking forward to her next novel!
4906892
I simply loved reading this book. As an avid traveller I imagined myself on this journey and easily visualized the trip through Jennifer's strong but eloquent prose. The way she inserted spiritual passages tied her thoughts together and painted an ancient story of pilgim's and modern travellers hiking along this mystical route. This is a truly good travel book for the ages.
3436997
A great ride through a wonderfully and thoughtfully imagined world. I have rarely met a book that I so much enjoy reading and re-reading all the little details. Truly a world worth visiting.
1773985
The author shares lots of private yet dramatic, nostalgic, and convincing photographs and essays created based on his world trips. They did also an amazing job translating his Japanese writing into English to go with artistically done black & white photographs. His messages, throughout the book, are intriguing, realistic, and encouraging to all of us who wonder about the meaning of life and its everlasting adventure.

I am sure anyone who reads the book will feel the urge to get out the house and travel around the world to see what the author saw during his trips. The world is filled with smiles, love, and beautify.
4949349
When I picked up world traveler and pilgrim Brandon Wilson's latest book "Along the Templar Trail - Seven Million Steps for Peace", I expected adventure and a journey into the unknown. After all, seven million steps is no small feat! There was certainly plenty of adventure, but what I also got was a glimpse into the physical and emotional toll that such an undertaking exacts; from severe blistering and sunburn caused by sometimes walking up to 50 kilometers a day in torrential rains and debilitating heat; to the tension and frustration that arises when two walking companions share the same road but not always the same path; to the loneliness of walking alone.

We are treated to many cultural and gastronomic delights along the way, but what especially touched me were the human connections that they made, the many acts of kindness and compassion from complete strangers, the many "angels" who appeared just as they needed them. I experienced the sense of wonder and magic that comes along when one opens his heart to the world, and watches it respond in kind. Brandon did so, and the rewards go beyond the mere pages of a book. They touch the timeless within us all, and offer us the vision of a world in which borders and boundaries of all kinds no longer exist, and what unites us is greater than what separates us. I thoroughly enjoyed this journey and book, and know that you will too. I highly recommend it.
1922443
I admit I haven't read the first book of the series, and was worried I would be lostI was not. Ms. Calleiro wrote a wonderful book filled with fantasy, romance and adventure. It drew me right in. I spent many late nights reading (just one more chapter) to find out what was going to happen to Sophia next. I loved learning about the Diasodz culture along with Sophia. There was a lot of new age and Biblical references, that were blended together, and made a nice addition to the story. I am always excited to find a book that completely immerses me in the story with good writing-- and this was one of those books. I cannot wait to go back and read the first book, and then continue the journey with Sophia in books #3 and #4.
2683909
This series will transport you to another planet in both time and space - the big difference it resides with us on this planet.  A magical adventure into creatures I did not ever see - and never new existed. A beautiful affirmation to those that just live their lives and enjoy their edowed gifts of life.  Truly an adventure - each  and every segment.  WELL WORTH A WATCH OR TWO OR MAYBE THREE - Well done!
2808529
It's a great big beautiful world out there and Mr. Carrillo takes us along for his amazing journey.  He introduces the reader to interesting places and people in a delightful style.  I love his no fear approach to living.  This is an inspiring read. I recommend it without reservation!
522116
This is a wonderful journey through alternative universes, the meeting with the gods, and friendship with aliens! His thesis as to why the sad state of human behavior is a very creative story, and is an compelling argument.
813426
As someone who loves to travel this book reminded me of the beauty, experiences and joy that travel brings to our lives.

While Id rather be exploring 365 days a year, this book takes me out of the monotony of life and brings excitement for memories yet to be made.

If you love traveling you don't want to miss this!
2188257
I really enjoyed this wonderful read.  It puts everything we do in perspective.  What would happen if we needed to start over?  This series is a wonderful exploration of what it is to be human.
3204628
This book, a sequel to Ferguson's ground-breaking "Inanna Returns" is one of my favorite stories of all times.  It goes between the ancient life of Inanna to the everyday life of a modern woman who is waking up to her Spiritual nature.  There are breathtaking scenes of erotic spirituality that are unique and really beautiful.  Although it might stretch the imagination beyond its breaking point, this book is a visionary delight that connects us with our ancient Anunaki ancestress.  It will open places in your soul that you didn't know were there!
4700346
I loved going on this journey, learning about a culture and a place in time that I knew almost nothing about. I felt enriched for having read it, and enjoyed meeting all the wonderful characters along the way.
1934962
As I approach the dreaded half-century I remember fondly the wonderful SF from so many of the classic writers, but Vance in particular.  His command (and invention) of the language is approximated only by Zelazny's, and his  ability to create wonderfully outlandish cultures is on a level far beyond  anyone else's.  I LOVED Night Lamp.  It has a quality of odd innocence that  characterizes much of Vance's work (including most of the Gaen Reach work)  that is entirely appealing in a way that takes me back to the juveniles of  my youth and just really makes me feel good.
I confess I was pleasantly  surpised at how good this was, and my appetite is fully engaged.  Come on,  Jack, you can do it again!
538487
As Larry spends six years journeying around the world with various friends--old and new--he faces tremendous challenges, has great fun, and learns how strong he really is.  I will never take such a journey, but so enjoyed reading of his adventures through his emails, personal journal, and reflections on the trip.  I am in awe of the tenacity, patience and endurance this trip took; but am also envious of his once in a lifetime experiences.  A quick and easy read it was a wonderful way to spend a few hours as an "armchair adventurer."  And, when he and Ken came to speak to our book club, it was just as fun to experience their fun-loving exuberance in person.
3654693
Sitting down to read this book had me transported to a peaceful, sweet place where absolutely anything is possible. The words glide off the pages and into your heart, creating a dance of love, connection and surprise.

It's so easy to forget about the Divine while we navigate through daily life. There's so much going on from sunrise to sunset. These messages speak to the soul and and serve as reminders that love is absolutely all around us, even when forgotten it for a moment. The images are gorgeous, too. I feel as thought I just took a trip around the world!
841443
I'm so glad that Tracing the Moon landed in my life. Kumari writes so poetically, her words seem to dance across the page as she reveals her story with such deep refreshing honesty and courage with admirable attention to details.

I really enjoyed my time with this book. It was like sitting down, gently listen to the intriguing story of a wise friend unfold, night after night.

Upon closing the book after ever visit a sense of peace would visit me and I found myself inquisitively going back to underline very thought provoking sentences to ponder over. This book has sparked questions within me, and allowed me the time and space to sit in reflection of myself.

Kumari, I thank you for sharing your journey. It is through your path I am reminded that life takes you on incredible journeys and to always let go and follow the calling, to wherever it may take you.