Journeying with "The Prodigal Troll"
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Charles Coleman Finlay is a master at the art of the short story, producing diverse and creative stories which have made him a regular contributor to The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction.

"The Prodigal Troll," based on a previously published short story, is the tale of a boy who winds up living amongst trolls, growing up knowing only troll ways and trying to overcome the obstacles he faces due to his frailties in comparison to his massive peers. The book combines elements of adventure, fantasy, and politics, all delivered with a wry wit that adds uniqueness to the tale.

There are things about the story I'd like to have been elaborated upon further, like the troll society itself, where the interaction between the boy (dubbed Maggot) does everything he can to truly become one of them, but ultimately fails. In fantasy, I most look for the elements of worldbuilding and characterization to drive the tale, and Finley delivers these very well, although I wish there were even more. I particularly wanted more insight into the three gods who rule over the world, and the magic through which humans can manipulate their powers. The one time when it seemed that the secrets of this were about to be revealed to Maggot, the wizard about to educate him is murdered in mid-sentence. And later on, Maggot manipulates this very magic through charms worn around his neck. By committing a simple act, the charms perform their magic all on their own. Like the book as a whole, it was an interesting and entertaining twist, but still left me wanting to know more.

I think it's safe to say that there will likely be a sequel, and I'm very much looking forward to it. I just hope that the author builds on the foundation he's laid here, and takes us deeper into this mysterious and fun new world.

- Gregory Bernard Banks, author of "Phoenix Tales: Stories of Death & Life"
3201915
Journeys we don't want to take--we've all been there or will have to go there one day. As a health professional I assist people on those journeys. Now I have some essential gear to suggest for the road--Amy Givler's guide for navigating the cancer maze. Dr. Givler's style is like a long draw of well water for a parched traveller. She relates her personal journey on the cancer road; you are with her from the first discovery until the present. Along the way, you meet others who are trodding the same path with their families and friends.  Givler attacks the hard questions  but doesn't leave you hanging for answers. This book is reader-friendly--informative yet warm, frank yet hopeful.  I am already suggesting it to friends, pastors, and purchasing it for a local oncologist.  "Hope in the Face of Cancer"--gear you have to get!
2355367
This book is a journey of the inner conscience. Don Mario Mazzoleni's sincere quest for the Divine is revealed in a thoroughly sincere account of his discovery of Baba, his life and his  teachings.  It's a journey from faith to faith, albeit colored by a different path and a different context, yet in the end revealing the 'sameness' in the teachings of both Jesus and Baba.  The attitudes of the Church and the painful consequences of ex-communication just for believing in the presence of a Divine Being becomes irrelevant when the reader gets absorbed in the author's quest for God.  In sum, Don Mario's quest is everyman's quest for the Divine.
35129
This is one of my favorite Troll books. It shows the positive side of trolls...not only depicting them as ogres. This happy family of trolls lets us know the "other side: of their nature. I recommend it for young children who are just gettiing introduced to the troll-kingdom...and they should be introduced! Happy trolling through this book!
662154
Gary Shteyngart, the author, in his back cover blurb, characterizes A Sense of Direction as Gideon Lewis Kraus's meditation on his 'neurotic wanderings'.  Take heed and, particularly, of the 'neurotic'.  This book will not please you if you want to learn about the 'Camino' or the Shikoku 'michi'. It is a record of the preoccupations and overheated speculations of a confused man in his late twenties who cannot stray far from his Facebook, email and Skype accounts while on pilgrimage and who spends the final two weeks in Shikoku racing through Ehime so he can party in Osaka on an appointed date. GLK is a talented writer - his daily banter with walking partner Tom throughout the Camino is amusing enough.  He is also good at characterizing those pilgrims who will people his book, using them in the same way he uses family members Dad and Micah and Mom and Max; it's a measure of GLK's writing that you continue to read about them.  You won't find out much though about the Camino or the Shikoku 'michi' and Kobo Daishi. GLK's major concern is himself. Wait.  I did learn that the Camino was often undertaken now to
achieve weight loss or to find romance . . .
4226496
This humorous travelogue takes you on an unforgettable journey.

With Do Not Wash Hands In Plates: Elephant frenzy, parathas, temples, palaces, monkeys...and the kindness of Indian strangers, Barb Taub has created an unforgettable travelogue. It is a highly enjoyable and hilarious read, engaging the readers from the first to the last pages. Barb Taub did not just write this story, she drew me in so that I became an invisible co-traveller. The situations are often pretty funny, had me chuckling and even laughing out loud while reading. I had a great time reading Do Not Wash Hands In Plates: Elephant frenzy, parathas, temples, palaces, monkeys...and the kindness of Indian strangers. Readers beware: The continuous mention of delicious Indian food may trigger your appetite. ;-)

This is a book for you if you like humorous travelogues.

Highly recommended!
4862526
I feel as if the author walked into my living room, sat down, and shared with me what it was like to walk the Camino and how the adventure was full of ups and downs--both physically and metaphorically. Many good tips are woven in for those who are interested in making the pilgrimage, everything from the best kind of boots to a list of recommended reads on the subject. Of particular interest is the fact that she makes the journey with her 82 yo father who inspired so many and became a legend along the Way.
1130020
For the spiritual traveler walking the path of The Fourth Way. Written by Mr. Gurdjieff.
4398511
Robert Kopecky writes of the eternal wisdom, but even though the message is old, that doesn't mean the story is. What leads Kopecky to his conclusions are three near-death experiences, each very distinct from the others, which gave him a peek at the world beyond ours. Also really special is Kopecky's voice: down-to-earth, self-effacing, whimsical, and plain-speaking reading him is like being with an enjoyable companion. HIghly recommended for spiritual journeyers and those contemplating such a path!
472628
I won't re-iterate what the other reviewrs have written. There were a few theologically sloppy moments (but then it is a novel and not factual), and a section discussing dimensions which went right over my head; but other than that it was an amazing journey to read this book and Gita Nazareth is a writer well worth watching in the years ahead. My preconceptions were challenged and I too had a 'round' journey like Brek, understanding her anger and desperately wanting her to be set free by forgiveness. A book to take with us out into our own world where the lessons hold as true as for the next!
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David H. Greegor is a spiritual fellow-traveler of early natural philosopher-explorers like von Humboldt, Banks, and Darwin.  His early-career scientific adventuring--largely antipodal, conducted in the likes of Argentina, New Zealand, even Antarctica--led to a productive career as environmental professor and field biologist.  It was not, however, until, already nearing three-score-and-ten and well into formal retirement, he and his wife, Sonja, accepted an assignment as Peace Corps volunteers to Mexico that he found his true mtier.  His new book, Going to Mexico: Stories of My Peace Corps Service, a compelling case-study of a true vocation discovered, is must-reading for all such seekers.  Highly recommended.
Jim Norwine, Regents Professor Emeritus of Geography, Texas A&M University System
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This is an excellent account of a unique journey.  I read it slowly, savoring each passage and episode.  The writing style is light and lively, with effective use of foreshadowing of future events, and interesting digressions.  The photographs are not reproduced to a high standard (in my soft cover edition, at least), but are a perfect complement to the text.

My wife and I traveled overland to India on a motorcycle in 1974.  Some of the challenges overcome by Max and Herbert were not so severe - health issues, mainly - but it was remarkable how often I found myself exclaiming "Yes, just so!".  Therefore, I recommend this book as a valid, useful comparison of experiences for anyone who loves to travel, to compare the circumstances today to those of the 1930s, and to compare experiences in other countries to those covered in the journey recounted in this book.

Naturally, there are some dated ideas and behaviors described, but not so many as one might think and certainly not so much as to spoil the read or the admiration for these travelers.
1111841
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the author's account of circumnavigating the world with her husband in a small sailboat.  I have read books by other authors who have sailed around the world, some single-handed, some non-stop, but Parry's rich descriptions of the places visited along the way allows the reader to come along for the ride, so to speak.  The reader is able to share the author's experiences, both good and bad, with the many different people, places, and customs they encountered on their voyage around the world.

The author also offers her perspective of how choosing to shed the trappings of life on land began a seven year transformation of her life while at sea.  The journey was not always easy, but the sum of her experiences changed her life in a profound and positive way.

The author avoided an abundance of esoteric sailing language, so the reader who may not be fully versed in nautical terms can follow along smoothly without flipping to the glossary often in order to understand what is going on.

This book is simply a good read!  :)
3623300
Imagine your wife comes to you and is wearing an outfit that doesn't quite flatter her. "Honey, how do I look in this?" she asks. Wow, now you are stuck at a point of no return, whatever you say is going to influence your life for at least the next month.

  This is the same situation we find ourselves in when ministering to people. At certain points we are going to be confronted with situations where we will need to know what to do and what to say for the betterment of all.

  In Dr. Whitesel's Spiritual Waypoints the reader is introduced to 16 distinct way points that will allow them to recognize where any individual is on his spiritual journey. But, Whitesel goes further than just identifying these waypoints he gives practical suggestions on how to recognize and assist travelers on their navigation of these waypoints.

  For examples travelers at waypoint 15 will acknowledge that God exists, but may not have a favorable idea of him. We can assist these travelers by listening to their views on God. Travelers at way point 14 are in need of physical or spiritual support, and we can minister to their needs by providing help and assistance to meet their basic needs.

  It goes on to show us exactly how we can help convert Spiritual Travelers to Christianity. Not so much as condemning them of their sins, in Whitesel's opinion that is the Holy Spirit's job, rather we should be their companion show them examples and uplifting stories of those who have converted, and pray for these travelers.

  Finally, Whitesel explains how after conversion a Christian develops from an ordinary learning Christian, into a Spiritual Leader who sews seeds to benefit others.

  In sales you must know the right things to say at the right times and you must do things to peak interest, over come objections close, and maintain customer relationships.

  Christianity is the same. You must build a relationship, create an interest in Christ, over come objections or uneasiness about our faith, and through prayer convert the seeker. Afterwards you must maintain a relationship and care with the person so that they can grow and become more like Christ.

  The caution should be taken that if at any point along the way the wrong thing is done or said, it could leave a scaring impression on the traveler thus repelling them away from Christ rather than drawing them in. As pastors we owe it to ourselves to be familiar with these waypoints, with the journey in with the proper way to aid seekers so that we not only can help the seekers, but teach our congregation, the right way to handle others as they travel down the road to redemption.

  I thoroughly endorse this book and found myself taking more notes on Whitesel's material than I have taken in years. This book will give pastors and Spiritual Leaders a tool and power to help anyone on their journey. It will forever change the way you go about fulfilling the great commission.
670942
The author had me with the description of the plate sized cinnamon roll at the Hilltop Restaurant. I am making plans to experience this roll with either 5 of my closest friends or my husband with two doggy bags! Kath takes the reader on an entertaining yet practical journey of the restaurants, breweries,unusual lodgings (ever consider spending the night in a light house?), entertainment, recreation, and history of Michigan's UP. This Troll really enjoyed the read and is planning to purchase a couple of more books as gifts.
678560
Touring North Korea is not really in the cards for me, and I'm certainly not going to be allowed to visit Mt Athos anytime soon (ancient Greek monastery, no girls allowed), so travelling to these and other unlikely spots around the globe with Jay and his incredibly supportive wife Michelle via his new book 'A Year of Living Prayerfully' was a fascinating journey, one I would highly recommend grabbing a ticket for yourself.
Raw and honest about his driving motivation - learning about the point and the practice of Christian prayer through the ages but especially for today - Jay holds nothing back, whether interviewing the Pope, a nudist pastor, or the leaders of America's most hated church. He manages to infuse a sometimes stuffy, guilt-laden subject with fresh life, hilarity (be warned, you will actually LOL) and for me anyway, optimism.
Ambitious in scope and subject, Living Prayerfully is unlike anything I've read before. Part stand-up-comedy, part spiritual quest, part travel journal; this book thankfully avoids preachy or condescending tones, making it equally approachable to those inside or the outside the church doors, perhaps especially history or travel buffs. Pick it up (bet you won't put it down) and enjoy the ride!
775579
Gideon Lewis-Kraus' memoir is rich in humanity, humor and a zest for life. "A Sense of Direction: Pilgrimage for the Restless and the Hopeful" takes us from an anything-goes lifestyle of parties and booze in Berlin to the physical endurance and mental fortitude required to do three pilgrimages and many hundreds of miles in Spain, Japan and the Ukraine. The first was Spain's thousand-year-old Camino de Santiago with a friend, the second a solo circuit of Japan's eighty-eight Buddhist temples on the island of Shikoku and the third the annual mass migration to the tomb of a famous Hasidic mystic in the Ukraine with his father and brother.
It's also a story of pain, promise and forgiveness. Much of it Gideon's desire to avoid the kind of constraint that kept his father, a gay rabbi, closeted until midlife.
Gideon's insightful book is also thought-provoking. He saw Spain's Santiago pilgrimage as Christian as the trail is a strait line and it's about the future. The devout walk it to get-out-of-purgatory. The Buddhist trail is a circle around the Shikoku and it's about the present. The Jewish pilgrimage is a dot in the middle of the Old World and it's about the past. He said, the first was about finding a sense of direction, the second about returning to where he started and the third about knowing where he stood. He also observed how the pilgrimage helped him pay attention to the low-level distress and indignity of people he was not all that keen on. It became clear to him that forgiveness has to come first because part of that gesture is reconciling himself that there's never going to be any real, satisfying redress.
"A Sense of Direction" is not only Gideons story, but our story. It's an epic inner and outer odyssey into coming to terms with what has been, what is and how to move forward.