THE MENOPAUSE DIET 
by Larrian Gillespie, Healthy Life Publications, Beverly Hills, CA, 1999, 224 Pages, $17.95.

Another diet book – I seem drawn to them like a diabetic to Twinkies. My usual reaction after reading one is, “Well that was another waste of money.” This time I thought all women in their forties (probably all women who struggle with their weight) could benefit from reading this book. Dr. Gillespie clearly and succinctly explains the process of digestion and how the process is affected by hormonal changes. Had she been in the room, I would have given her a big hug when I read, “... the ten years before we stop menstruating are the toughest on our bodies.” That single statement validated my experience for the last 4 years.

Larrian (I began to think of her as my best friend by Chapter 3) explains the hidden dangers of excess weight and specifically abdominal fat. As bleak as the problem seems, there are things we can do for ourselves to counteract these hormonal changes. The menopause diet contains many suggestions we have all heard many times. Eat more fruits and vegetables; eliminate simple carbohydrates; find some form of exercise you like and that you will stick with for a lifetime. Chapter 4 provides diverse recipes with information on places to find good spices. If you like to cook and experiment with new flavors, you’ll appreciate this section.

Chapter 6 includes information on hormone replacement therapy. Larrian admits her bias for HRT and explains her reasons, but still spells out the possible side effects and some natural alternatives. The stress factor and its relationship to fat, information on nutritional support, an appendix listing resources and a lengthy reference section round out the valuable information in this book.

Purchase this book to gain understanding of the process of digestion and what is happening in your body in the years before menopause.

Reviewed by Colleen Verbeke

AN AMERICAN MYSTIC
By Michael Gurian, Viking Arkana 2000, 273 pages, $24.95

Readers who enjoy a novel with a metaphysical setting and spiritual lessons will enjoy the first novel by Michael Gurian, psychotherapist, social commentator and poet. Gurian’s book reflects his background and experience in diverse cultures. He has taught psychology, religion, mythology and literature at several American universities and at Ankara University in Turkey. He currently lives in Spokane, Washington.

Gurian’s novel is identified on the cover as “a novel of Spiritual Adventure.” The publishers compare it to James Redfield’s Celestine Prophecy and Dan Millman’s The Way Of The Peaceful Warrior. It does have some similarities to Redfield’s work in that it is interspersed with spiritual lessons presented as the “Ten Tasks of Enlightenment,” and it concludes with a spiritual message entitled the “ten spiritual principles.” This set-up is both the novel’s strength and its weakness. The weakness derives from the fact that the “tasks” and “principles” are not new, but coincide with the concepts familiar to most spiritual seekers. As one reviewer notes, “These steps are simply those precepts espoused by each major religious faith embracing the common concept of love and universality.” In other words, the 10 tasks or steps to enlightenment are related to the Ageless Wisdom, the core of all religions and the center of all books on spirituality being written today. For many readers, however, this should be no problem. There is nothing wrong with another book putting forth the principles of the spiritual path. Repetition is useful and good. Therefore, the book’s strength is that it provides another opportunity for readers to reinforce their understanding of these ideas while at the same time enjoying an interesting adventure story.

The story is the quest-adventure of its protagonist hero – Ben Brickman, an American graduate student in psychology. At the start of the story, Ben, suffering from writer’s block and from a series of symbolic and prophetic dreams, visits Paris where he meets his teacher/guide Josef Kader, who will lead him on his quest to discover his life mission. This mission takes Ben to Josef’s home country, Turkey, where the rest of the adventure takes place. This setting provides a highly exotic and fascinating atmosphere for the plot. Kurian does especially well with his descriptions of Turkey and its peoples, no doubt the result of his own personal experiences in that area of the world.

Ben Brickman’s quest is reminiscent of stories of shamans. Whereas, his quest is presented by the author as a “template” for a way to enlightenment, it includes various factors related to shamanism, including prophetic dreams, many synchronistic devices and a typical shamanistic initiation, as part of the adventure. It ultimately turns out that a mystical spiritual entity called “The Magician” has identified Ben to be the “Messenger” sent to explain to the world the Magician’s message for the twenty-first century. Benjamin himself, coincidentally, is an amateur magician with the gift of photographic memory and total recall, a trait which makes him the perfect person to remember what the Magician tells him.

The book is fun to read, especially for readers who like a good story to also contain some worthwhile spiritual thoughts. Although the ten boxed “Tasks of the Mystic” and Ben’s various dreams do foreshadow the action considerably, the story’s plot moves forward well and establishes enough tension to hold reader interest to the very end. The concluding chapter contains the “message” from the Magician. It contains considerable emphasis on the development of love and compassion for one’s fellow humans and the development of intuition and its use to balance intellect and emotion. “The ten tasks of enlightenment await all searchers,” the Magician says.

I enjoyed this book that blends spiritual awakening with adventure. Readers who enjoyed The Celestine Prophecy, Mutant Message From Down Under, or Secret Of Shambhala, will also delight in An American Mystic by Michael Gurian.

Reviewed by Gayl P. Woityra

SECRETS OF MEDITATION
by J. Donald Walters (Swami Kriyananda), Crystal Clarity, Publishers Nevada City, CA, 1997. 64 page “mini” book $6.95

This little book is a special read particularly for those who are exploring meditation and manifestation through repetition. Those who simply find pleasure in beautiful words, photographs and art will enjoy it as well.

There are 31 “seed(s) for thought” in this book... one on each page along with a related photograph or artwork. The reader is encouraged to read and repeat one secret truth for each day until its message becomes “an integral part of... normal consciousness.” I found the preciseness of each secret one of the book’s more appealing factors.

One of my favorites is Day 16: “The secret of meditation is releasing yourself from the limitations of body and ego; identify yourself with Infinity.” I also loved Days 17,18, 26 and especially Day 28. Day 20 gave what seems to be a wonderful definition of meditation, calling it: “... absorption in the peace within.”

Secrets of Meditation is just one in a series of guides on love, men, women, success, prosperity and more, by an author who is one of the most respected experts on meditation. He has authored more than 60 books including Meditation for Starters, Superconsciousness: A Guide to Meditation and more.

Reviewed by Barbara Johnson

Signs of Life: The Five Universal Shapes and how to use them
by Angeles Arrien; special stories by Lynne Whiteley Novy. Tarcher/Putnam, Inc. 1998, 94 pages $18.95

The title and perhaps, the first part of this book are a bit misleading. The first section because it makes you think that the book will be a bit of a scientific thesis and the title... yes, the topic is 5 shapes and yes, the reader does discover how to use them, but the title doesn’t indicate how much fun it all is.

And nothing tells you about the interesting quotes and wonderful short, short, short, stories at the end of each section. Dancing on Cosmic Jello is my absolute favorite of these storeis by Lynne Whiteley Novy. It is a joy. It follows the section on the triangle. Discovering a Hole In the Universe, just after the spiral section is another favorite. How clever of author Angles Arrien to use storytelling to convey meaning. How wonderful that Novy does it so well.

The book is so much more than a how to about 5 symbols and a test. It is philosophy. It is history. It is unique. The test author explains “allows a person to discover one’s own current world view or can lead to the understanding of the world view of others.” It can be used with children, employees, clients, organizations and societies. It can help pinpoint what a person’s main area of self’-work is; point out problem areas for couples and even guide employers as to who would work best in what areas.

What are the basic shapes, you ask? The circle (wholeness), square (stability), triange (goals and dreams), cross (relationship) and the spiral (growth). How does it work? “Shape preferences are a good barometer of inner processes,” the author writes based on her extensive research. “The five shapes are external symbols of internal psychic states.”

Think about it. A simple test of numbering the 5 shapes in order of appeal (1 being the most important, 5 the least) can lead to understanding a person’s business or society’s values and belief structures. Conflicts could be seen for resolution. Choices would be less chance just by considering the logo of a company, the design on a business card, even a doodle. We’d be ahead in working on self too, because the test “provides a window on individual experiences and needs, as well as clues to the direction of future growth.” Excellent, interesting book.

Reviewed by Barbara Johnson

From Seekers to Finders: The Myth and Reality about Enlightenment 
by Satyam Nadeen, Hay House, Inc., Carlsbad, CA, 2000, 150 pages, $12.95 

An interesting read for all seekers to consider adding to their library. The author begins with a list of the attributes he has found to be almost universal with seekers. If this title attracts you, I’m sure you will find yourself described in the list. He also shares a summary of his personal experience of “the Shift.” Nadeen uses shift in lieu of enlightenment because he feels there are too many misconceptions and myths associated with the word enlightenment. Nadeen provides in-depth coverage of his personal shift in his first book, From Onions to Pearls.

The author spends several chapters covering what he calls the myths of enlightenment. This part of the book offers many thought-provoking concepts to consider. For many seekers these myths may hold a sacred place in their psyche. Reading about them as myths may cause discomfort. Nadeen explains his reasoning in each chapter. Yet it is this very discomfort that may propel a seeker further along the path.

The most intriguing guideline given is what Nadeen calls “dancing yes to the no of daily contractions and still maintain a deep, peaceful freedom from all judging.” Dancing yes means giving up all resistance. If you are ready to “Embrace life just as it is,” this is the book to read and digest.

Reviewed by Colleen Verbeke

TAOIST FENG SHUI: The Ancient Roots of the Chinese Art of Placement
By Susan Levitt, Destiny Books, Rochester, Vermont, 2000, 148 pages, $14.95.

At last, a feng shui book that a person unschooled in the art can read, understand and apply without getting a major headache. Susan Levitt lives and practices in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has a background in Chinese history, as well as astrology and shares just enough Taoist history to make her book an interesting read, but not so much that the reader is confused about the connection between the history and its application to the art of placement.

In one short chapter with an astutely chosen quotation from Lao-tzu, Levitt illuminates both the meaning and significance of yin and yang. This text offers the reader opportunities to delve into personal attributes, behaviors, likes and dislikes. There is the standard lunar calendar to determine the animal year of your birth and its significance to your personality. This book also includes information on the Taoist cosmology regarding the five elements and where an individual falls in that cosmology.

The combination of the two enables the reader to gain great personal insight. Levitt weaves the information to show how it can be applied to decorating one’s home or office. She supplies specific diagrams and descriptions to help create the most nourishing environment for family, work and health.

Practical advice abounds in this book and much of it can be applied without expense. Clearing clutter and meticulous cleanliness are two areas Levitt stresses. Illustrative stories add emphasis to the importance of and reason for many applications. The text concludes with a short chapter on using the I Ching. Once again, the author’s deep understanding of her subject matter and concise use of words makes this chapter instantly accessible to her readers.

Reviewed by Colleen Verbeke

HOMEOPATHY A-Z
By Dana Ullman, MPH, Hay House, Inc., 1999, 156 pages, $19.95.

Here is a resource book on homeopathy that is perfect for anyone who desires to learn about homeopathy or use it for self-help health improvement. It is a delightful book in many ways.

Perhaps least important functionally, but most important esthetically, is its design. Jenny Richards is given credit for the design and I expect that includes the colorful abstract illustrations as well as the book’s user-friendly organization and construction. Since I already own several excellent resource books on homeopathy, it was the artwork on the cover and throughout the text, as well as the sturdy, spiral construction which permits the pages to lie flat for easy reading, that first drew my attention. This creative presentation motivates the reader to move through the text and makes it fun to look at and use.

Then I was especially pleased with the organization of the material. First, the author, Dana Ullman, MPH, who has written five other books on homeopathic and natural medicine, provides an easy-to-understand introduction to homeopathy. This makes the book perfect for newcomers to this alternative medicine who would like to know more about it in order to more intelligently assume greater responsibility for their own health. Homeopathy often works well and safely, as an adjunct to traditional medical treatment. This book, however, is clear in its recommendation for users to seek professional care for chronic and serious ailments.

The main portion of the book (from A-Z) is organized like a spiral notebook with alphabetically labeled index tabs. Health problems are listed in each section with four or five recommendations of key homeopathic medicines appropriate for specific symptoms of that health problem. Problems include both physical ailments and emotional situations. For example, under “A” we find: Abscesses, Abuse, Aids, Allergies, Anger, Arthritis, Asthma and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).

This delightful introductory volume by no means provides an encyclopedic coverage of homeopathy. Rather, the author clearly intends this to be informative, easy-to-use and non-threatening to all readers. He even encourages readers who start here to turn to “other homeopathic guidebooks in order to learn how to use homeopathic medicines with the greatest accuracy and effectiveness.” To this end he provides in the Appendix a list of Homeopathic Organizations, Sources for Homeopathic Remedies and a comprehensive bibliography of additional guidebooks, helpfully grouped into categories: Introductory and Family Guidebooks, Specialized Self-Care Books and Philosophy and Methodology.
For anyone who would like to get acquainted with homeopathy, this delightful and artistic volume is clearly a great place to start.

Reviewed by Gayl Woityra

SEVEN DAYS IN FLORENCE
By John Shanle, pub. by author, 1999, 60 pgs, $12.95, ISBN 0-9674459-0-6

Are you sometimes lured to the self-help section of the local bookstore each time you face one of life’s complexities? In Seven Days in Florence, a young American student studying in Italy is and sets off to the bookstore in search of a book that will answer all of his questions and uncertainties about life after college. The young student, Michael, soon gets more than he bargained for. He magically learns the answers to all of his questions, without even buying a book.

The story begins late one evening as Michael enters an old, mysterious bookstore in the ancient streets of Florence. After wondering through the bookstore, not having found the self-help section, Michael asks for direction from an elderly bookseller named Signore Vernola. Signore Vernola tells Michael that his bookstore does not sell any self-help books, but then offers his own personal advice and wisdom promising the young student that if he takes his advice, he will never need to buy any self-help books again.

This is a lovely story about self-awareness, having the courage to follow your heart and listening for God’s voice. After Michael receives an adventurous plan from Signore Vernola, he spends the next seven days traveling through the streets and county sides of Florence. Each day Michael visits one of six wise townsmen, who each teach him a spiritual and timeless lesson about life. The seventh day is the most important lesson of all; it is one that Michael must teach himself.

This book is simply a little gem! Local author John Shanle has given us a delightful travelogue that captures the wonder and beauty of Florence Italy, while keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. Anyone who is embarking upon a major life change or transition will definitely appreciate this story and benefit from the valuable lessons that Michael is taught in Florence.

Reviewed by M.S. Bernath

EDGAR CAYCE ON THE AKASHIC RECORDS,
THE BOOK OF LIFE
by Kevin J. Todeschi, The ARE Press, 1998,176 pages, $12.95.

In ancient Egypt, to blot a person’s name out of a record was equivalent to destroying the fact that he or she had ever existed. Coming closer to our current era, a great deal of contemporary information on the Akashic records has been made available by both reputable psychics and modern day mystics. These individuals have somehow perceived beyond the limits of three dimensions.

For 43 years, Edgar Cayce’s life was dedicated to his extraordinary clairvoyant work. He possessed the ability to lie down on a couch, close his eyes, fold his hands over his stomach and put himself into some kind of altered state in which virtually any type of information was available.

Primarily, the Akashic records of the past provide individuals with a framework of potentials and probabilities in the present which exist for everyone.

According to Edgar Cayce, the purpose of each lifetime was to undergo experiences which would enable the soul to become more in tune with its divine origins. Whether or not that ideal was actually achieved became a matter of free will, regardless of the specific lifetime. Cayce also suggested that an individual’s interpretation of the Akashic records could be shaded by his or her intent, purposes, and belief systems. Cayce’s perspective on reincarnation was neither a belief system nor a philosophy; it was a factual process of personal development that eventually enabled each individual to reach soul maturity.

When giving readings he gave practical advice, helping individuals with all manner of difficulties. These readings have been recorded and documented in files accessible to the public. The author has given the reader many examples of these remarkable cases, relaying the importance of personal responsibility in shaping the course of our lives under the conditions of the world around us. In Cayce’s terminology, our lives are not destined. Instead we are active “co-creators” in their unfoldment.

This is a story of the soul. With our own free will, we have been choosing experiences that have enabled us to develop our own sense of individuality. At the same time we are constantly searching to regain our true relationship with God. That relationship is our destiny. Edgar Cayce simply states, “We were with the creator in the beginning, we went estray, and ultimately we will return to our true home.”

Reviewed by Mary E. Denison

SARA AND THE FOREVERNESS OF FRIENDS OF A FEATHER
by Esther and Jerry Hicks, PO Box 690070, San Antonio, TX 78269, 1995, 185 pages, $15; 3 audiotape set of the book, 1998, $30.

The phrase “you create your own reality” is not new to spiritual seekers. The tools and techniques abound, but few are as incredibly – and joyfully – easy as the Abraham material. Abraham is a “clump” of consciousness that flows through a delightful human being known as Esther Hicks. Abraham has manifested at this time due to Esther’s husband, Jerry. His insatiable curiosity and endless stream of questions created an intense forcefield large enough to draw in the Milky Way. Thus, Abraham was brought into our world.

Sara and the Foreverness of Friends of a Feather is the third book from Jerry and Esther Hicks. It is about a little girl, Sara, who learns about life through a wise owl named Solomon. The lessons are simple yet poignant. This is the book you can give to all your friends who are starting to question the meaning of life. Actually, Sara serves as a good reminder to seasoned travelers on the spiritual path, also.

This heart-warming story incorporates the steps of the art of deliberate creation which is the heart of the Abraham material. Readers will understand, and come to know, how they, too, can become the magnificent creators they were born to be and that all really is in divine order ... all really is well.

When Sara comes to this knowing in the end of the book, she asks her wise mentor, “Solomon, how ever will I ever explain this to anybody? How will I ever make them understand?” And Solomon speaks to all of us as he answers, “Sara, that is not your work. It is enough, Sweet Girl, that you understand.”

For those busy types who have no time to sit still and read, Sara is now available on audiocassette tapes. Jerry Hicks brings his show business background to a delightfully orchestrated version of the book. He breathes joy and vitality to each character. This album is for children of all ages, from 5 to 105. Sara and the Foreverness of Friends of a Feather is a wonderful gift to give yourself or anyone who wants greater understanding of life. We highly recommend the book, tapes and all the Abraham material.

Reviewed by Cindy 
(And I helped, too! -Gerri)