MR. EVERIT’S SECRET
by Alan Cohen, Hampton Roads Publishing, 2004. 106 pages. $16.95

Alan Cohen does it again. The wizard of words has penned another winner with Mr. Everit’s Secret.

Alan has been blessed with the talent to write modern-day parables that teach and inspire at the same time. He again plucks a solid note from our heartstrings with this latest gem.

In the introduction, Alan writes, “Life has an amazing way of sending help to those who need it... the story you are about to read is a chronicle of the answer to one man’s prayers... his heart was in deep pain and his spirit called out for relief. His answer showed up in the form of Bert Everit.”

It is the story of a young man who applies for a job in a wheelbarrow factory. He meets the owner Bert Everit and senses an immediate connection. He is hired. In no time, Mr. Everit takes him under his wing and begins to share things with him. Along the way, his life is changed. At the end of each chapter, our hero writes in a notebook, “What I learned from Mr. Everit”... “Other stuff he said”... and leaves hints the reader can ponder with “What I did” that lists actions he took as a result of the “lesson” he learned from Mr. Everit.

As you delightfully devour each chapter, the reader comes to the realization that they, too, are being offered the tools to transform their lives.

This is a book that you will read in one setting. And it will make you smile, chuckle and bring a tear to your eye.

Reviewed by Cindy Saul

Loving Yourself
by Daphne Rose Kingma, Conari Press, 2004, $12.95, 177 pages.

The most important relationship we have in our lives is with ourselves. As the lyrics of the song goes, “Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all!” Daphne Rose Kingma is to love what the sun is to a beautiful summer day. She is the female Leo Buscaglia. You know right away how she views this sacred relationship from the dedication in the front of the book. It reads, “For you, because you’ve finally decided to love yourself. And because your soul knows you deserve no less.” The adventure begins here. The first part of the book deals with how you got to where you are. I liked the chapter titled “How Don’t I Love Me? Let Me Count The Ways.” In Part Two, you are shown the path to self love and it sets out four steps to take to becoming the naturally loving being you really are. This book encourages us to our natural way of being… which is loving ourselves. Daphne concludes the book with a beautiful prayer her father used to say to her each year on her birthday. She writes, “When I want to remember to love myself, I recall the beauty of his prayer… “Dear ____, I ask you to hold me tenderly in your care, to honor me and cherish me, to celebrate all my gifts and powers, to comfort me in the difficult hours, to fill my heart and enlarge my soul, to walk with me in the path of service, so I can fulfill my purpose on this earth. May I know every day that I belong. That I am loved. That I am loving. Amen.”

Thank you Daphne, for gently and eloquently reminding us.

Reviewed by Cindy Saul

MY GREATEST JOYS ON MY WAY HOME
by Rev. Jay Samonie, Morris Publishing, 2004, 277 pages, $14.95.

The Reverend Jay Samonie, a senior priest in the Archdiocese of Detroit, continues his autobiography in this, his third book. Each of Father Jay’s books has presented a delightful picture of a warm human being living a life of dedicated service, while at the same time each book includes fascinating glimpses of the Detroit community, its history and people.

Whereas this review introduces Father Jay’s newest book, it is useful to also review his first two volumes; so we will do so. On My Way Home (Morris Publishing, 1998) told a story that was rather unexpected from a dedicated Roman Catholic priest. In this first book Father Jay revealed many mystical and spiritual events in his life and told of his various metaphysical studies (including the Edgar Cayce readings) and his interest in and teaching of The Silva Method of Mind Development. This introductory volume is highly ecumenical in nature and is a highly inspirational book to read.

In Reflections On My Way Home (Morris Publishing, 1999), Father Jay continued his exploration of the meaning of his life experiences and how he could serve others. In this book he explores more deeply the spiritual messages from the first book. He discusses the important spiritual issues that concern all of us. He uses questions from readers and lessons from his own life to reflect on their meaning. This book, too, is deeply inspirational. Moreover, it is filled with charming stories and deep wisdom. Its topics include: Letting go of the past; Guilt; Death; God’s grace; the Oneness of All; Prayer as a relationship; On being religious, spiritual or both; Meditation; the Power Within; and many more similar enlightening themes.

In his newest book, My Greatest Joys on My Way Home (Morris Publishing, 2004), Rev. Jay focuses primarily on one theme – the foundation of happiness. For this he quotes a verse from Hindu poet, R. Tagore:

“I went to sleep and I dreamed that life was happiness;

I woke up and I saw that life was service;

I served and I discovered that in service is found happiness.”

The book itself becomes a demonstration of a life of service, both that of Rev. Jay and of many others whom he honors in his recollections. The book focuses primarily on Rev. Jay’s years as the pastor of Holy Trinity Church in the downtown, “Corktown” area of Detroit. As such, the book provides an insightful, warm look into the operations of a unique inner city parish, the community it serves and its staff, parishioners and friends. The story glows with love. Readers will clearly feel the joy that comes with service to others.

The Rev. Jay Samonie is a gifted storyteller and spiritual mentor. His books are both intensely personal as well as inspiring and interesting to others. The first two books are still available from sources, such as Barnes and Noble.com. Some book stores may special order the new book or readers can obtain it directly from Father Jay. (Rev. Jay Samonie, 24666 Spring Valley Dr., Westland, MI 48185-9457. The book is $14.95; Michigan tax is $.90 per book, S&H is $3.)

Reviewed by Gayl Woityra

SECRETS OF THE CODE: The Unauthorized Guide to the Mysteries Behind the DaVinci Code
Edited by Dan Burstein, CDS Books, 2004, 373 pages, $21.95.

Readers continue to be intrigued with the underlying themes of Dan Brown’s best selling novel, The DaVinci Code. The books that formed the basis for those themes have moved from near obscurity to near best-seller status. (See Book Talk discussions in phenomeNEWS in September and October 2003 and March 2004). Now various authors have put forth compendiums of the discussions about The DaVinci Code. One of the best, currently in the top 20 non-fiction best-seller lists, is Secrets of the Code, edited by Dan Burstein.

Burstein’s book is a well-balanced collection of discussions of the many provocative ideas in Brown’s novel. It includes interviews with many experts, including the authors of many of the works Brown referenced in his work. Experts also include theologians, like Elaine Pagels, professor of religion at Princeton University and author of The Gnostic Gospels; art historians like Diane Apostolos-Cappadona from Georgetown University; philosophers like Timothy Freke, author of The Jesus Mysteries; cryptographers like Simon Singh, Cambridge educated physicist; and many more.

In some cases, Burstein includes entire chapters from relevant books and sometimes, updated new material. His organization of this work is impeccable and easy to follow. This book – be prepared for fairly small print – contains a plethora of information. The clear-cut organization allows readers to pick and choose topics to peruse if they prefer that approach to reading the entire work from front to back. Burstein also includes a helpful glossary. Topics include: Mary Magdalene and the Sacred Feminine, The Lost Gospels, Early Christianity, Secret Societies, Mystery of Codes, Leonardo da Vinci, Temples of Symbols, and various reviews and commentaries on Brown’s novel.

I really enjoyed reading this book all the way through. I appreciate that it presents various viewpoints, resulting in a balanced discussion. This is an informative collection pertinent to the themes Dan Brown introduces in The DaVinci Code. It is a useful, even entertaining tool for those who would like to explore the topics without buying or borrowing a dozen or more books on the subject.

Reviewed by Gayl Woityra

Spiritual Power Tools: Support For Your Soul
by Jane E. Hart published by Center for Enlightenment, 2004.
ISBN 0-9753047-0-4, 71 pages, $9.95

Spiritual Power Tools: Support For Your Soul is packed full of revolutionary techniques designed to invigorate your spiritual growth. It is written by Warren, Michigan resident Jane E. Hart, the founder and spiritual educator of the Center for Enlightenment.

For thousands of years, the spiritual path has been shrouded in mystery. Spiritual Power Tools will de-mystify and de-glamorize soul growth. It provides a simple, step-by-step process that appeals to beginners on the path, as well as seasoned seekers who crave additional spiritual information. There’s no distracting details, just an outline of essential and practical actions.

You’ll learn compelling ways to create measurable changes in your thoughts, attitudes and decisions. You will read about soul evolution, how to meditate and develop your intuition. Hart also explains how past karma is lodged in your subconscious, dictating your present attitudes and future choices. Revealing how to uncover patterns, heal karma and gain mastery over your destiny.

Some of the actual “Power Tools” include the “Spiritual Thermometer,” which gauges your level of soul connection. Don’t make decisions when your “temperature” is low. Another is a seven step process to help release memories and circumstances that hold you back from new possibilities.

Although small in size, every chapter of Spiritual Power Tools delivers a major gift that makes every page count. Available at www.cfenlightenment.org, Renaissance Unity Bookstore or www.amazon.com.

Reviewed by Aluna Michaels

Sleeping With Schubert
by Bonnie Marson, Random House, 2004, 380 pages, $21.95

Laughter is good for us. It heals the body, the mind and the spirit. For this reason, I recommend this book, a first novel for its author, purely for the fun of it. It has its mystical side, to be sure, but mostly I enjoyed it for its wit and originality.

The book tells the story of Liza Durbin, a Brooklyn-born young woman working as an associate in a large New York City law firm. She is a competent, although not particularly enthusiastic attorney. While visiting her parents in California for the Christmas holidays, she shops for shoes at Nordstrom’s. Suddenly, Franz Schubert, the famous, long-deceased composer of the Unfinished Symphony and Ave Maria, pops into her body. Liza and Franz share her body throughout the rest of the book.

The fact of this mystical event occurring at Nordstrom’s is typical of the incongruity of events throughout the work which contribute much to the humor of the writing. Author Marson’s word choices and descriptions in the book are delicious and as fresh as peaches from a backyard tree.

The results of Franz Schubert’s appearance (not visually apparent, of course) changes Liza’s life drastically in both serious and very funny ways. Suddenly, this rather untalented young woman, who took the usual piano lessons as a child, turns into an outstanding concert pianist, guided by an eccentric music professor from Julliard School of Music. (Of course, at first all she can play is music by Schubert!)

The characters in the book are all interesting and well-rounded in development. I didn’t want to put the book down. Also the mystery of Schubert’s “Unfinished” Symphony carries through to the last chapter. Was it ever finished? Were the missing parts left somewhere? Will he finish the composition with Liza’s help?

Music fans will enjoy the CD available from Sony Classical to accompany the novel: Sleeping with Schubert: The Musical Companion to the New Novel by Bonnie Marson (SK 92596). Moreover, it is fun to know that Paramount Pictures have acquired film rights. I had fun casting the movie in my mind while I read the book.

Inferentially, the book explores themes of creativity, muse and the effects of channeling. How much does the channeled entity (Schubert in this case) change the vehicle inhabited (Liza)? Clearly that is a philosophical point to ponder.

The author of this delightful first novel, Bonnie Marson, is a multi-media artist and photographer who lives in Tucson, AZ. Her web page is www.bonniemarson.com.

Reviewed by Gayl Woityra

Your Inner Physician And You
by John E. Upledger, DO, OMM, North Atlantic Books, 1997, 223 pages, $14.95.

When one explores the various modalities of natural therapies now included in Integrative Medicine, one that is not all that well-known to the general public is called CranioSacral Therapy (CST), a name coined by Dr. John E. Upledger, the author of this book. For readers who would like more information about CranioSacral Therapy, this book is a great place to start.

Upledger’s book is not a do-it-yourself text. Rather, it explains how Dr. Upledger explored and developed this gentle technique. Within Upledger’s discussion, readers will learn about the craniosacral system, described as a “semi-closed hydraulic system.” Upledger explains how it influences total body function. In other words, one might have symptoms in an arm or leg that actually refer back to this central core.

The book is highly readable and is filled with fascinating real-life stories of Dr. Upledger’s patients. Once he began to develop his technique, he was in demand to present seminars and demonstrations to physicians in the United States and Europe. In nearly every case, physicians attending those demos would bring the most challenging cases to test Dr. Upledger’s new technique. The story examples indicate an extremely broad range of healing potential for CranioSacral Therapy. Upledger, for example, reports: “My experience shows that about 80 to 85 percent of resistant long-term headache patients respond favorably to CST.” In work with hyperactive or dyslexic children at Michigan State University, he achieved excellent results. He discovered that about 50 percent of the hyperactive children in the clinic had dysfunctions related to their birth process. Treatments for dyslexic children corrected reading problems in about 70 percent of those treated. Upledger also had great success with a cerebral palsy patient in Europe.

The book also discusses using CranioSacral Therapy for autistic children, depression, TMJ syndrome, chronic pain and spinal cord injuries. This book will inform readers about the causes for pain and how tissue holds the memory of traumas. It also covers what Dr. Upledger has named Somato Emotional Release. Through the use of the CST and reaching the memory buried in body tissue, this (SER) technique helps the patient recall the trauma or accident that has been below the surface of their awareness, and this facilitates the healing process.

I found this book to be both extremely informative as well as very interesting to read. The author, Dr. John E. Upledger, D.O., is a Certified Fellow of the American Academy of Osteopathy, an Academic Fellow of the British Society of Osteopathy and Doctor of Science. Known as an innovator, he gathered much of his experience through private clinical practice. He served from 1975-1983 as a clinical researcher and professor of biomechanics at Michigan State University. It was at that time that his team of specialists tested the existence and influence of the craniosacral system.

Readers who would like to find a CranioSacral therapist can get further information from the Upledger Institute in Florida. Many massage therapists, physical therapists, nurses, chiropractors and some dentists and MDs have trained in CST. Patients can check a link on the Upledger Institute website to see how extensive each practitioner’s training has been. The website is www.upledger.com.

Reviewed by Gayl Woityra

Medicine, Mind And Meaning: A Psychiatrist’s Guide To Treating the Body, Mind, and Spirit
by Eve A. Wood, MD, In One Press, 2004, 347 pages, $21.95.

Eve A. Wood, MD, is a psychiatrist with 20 years of clinical experience. She served on the faculty of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and has recently been appointed Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Arizona Program in Integrative Medicine.

This new book by Dr. Wood clearly presents an integrative approach to psychiatric illness and issues. This is a gift to readers because psychiatric practices today often limit themselves to treating patients medically, supported by counseling. Dr. Wood sees a need for a more balanced, holistic approach to healing, one in which she combines traditional psychiatric practices with universal spiritual principles.

Using the analogy of a three-legged stool to illustrate her three-pronged approach, Dr. Wood uses examples from her patients to demonstrate how this works. She shows again and again how we need to attend to our bodies, minds and spirits to fully heal. She clarifies just what that means. For example, our body (or biology) involves genetics, inborn characteristics and unique vulnerabilities. Both the physician and patient have to acknowledge, grasp and recognize these influences for a proper diagnosis and to treat them appropriately. The mind involves our background, beliefs and behaviors. Those too need to be explored and understood as to their influence on current health. Our spirits involve our faith or a connection to whatever gives our lives meaning. All too often current medical practices seldom deal with the issues related to the mind and almost never to spiritual components. The three-legged stool analogy underscores the importance of all three legs – or all three modalities – body, mind and spirit, for healing. Eliminate any one “leg” and the stool collapses.

Former U.S. Surgeon General, C. Everett Koop, MD, ScD, wrote the Foreword to this book. I would agree with his assessment that he would “especially like it to be compulsory reading for all psychotherapists.” I would extend that recommendation to all mental health care workers: psychologists, counselors, mental-health nurses, social workers and their associates. Moreover, the book is certainly a valuable tool for all mental health patients. Reading this book can enable such patients or potential patients, to reasonably evaluate their own treatment. Are they being treated holistically, or are they just a “symptom” to be medicated?

For readers who aren’t sure if they have a mental illness or issue, Dr. Wood’s 13 appendices are highly informative, as well as full of practical help. Here she defines various forms of problems – depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTS), social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), eating disorders and addictive illnesses. In each discussion, Dr. Wood provides descriptions of symptoms, sometime with the question, “Does this sound like you?” She includes discussion of diagnosis, causes and treatments, as well as professional sources for further information. When appropriate, she includes advice regarding how patients can help themselves. Clearly, this is extremely useful information for many people.

Overall, this book can help everyone. So often we don’t recognize that we have a problem. Dr. Wood’s book encourages us to take responsibility for our health and life choices. Without information we can’t recognize the problem. We may need to get second opinions for proper diagnoses. We need to understand the possibilities for treatment and that there is a model, like Dr. Wood demonstrates, that treats patients as whole human beings.

Books like this one help us all work cooperatively with our healing professionals. It is up to each of us to become informed enough to take charge of our bodies, minds and spirits in order to find our way to wellness. As Dr. C. Everett Koop, MD says, “I have seldom been so moved by a book. This is the only healing model that makes sense.”

Websites: www.MedicineMindandMeaning.com and www.DrEveWood.com

Reviewed by Gayl Woityra

Immortal Light, The Blissful Life and Wisdom of Swami Amar Jyoti
Edited and compiled by Sita Stuhlmiller, Truth Consciousness, 2004, 430 pages, $24.95.

This book is a collection of words and talks given by Swami Jyoti at different times in his life. He speaks with absolute humility and describes what begins as an ordinary life. This makes his message easily accessible, even if you don’t know all the traditions and words. He uses humor to explain much and tells of his life and the divine. The idea that realization is available for everyone is appealing – you don’t have to follow a certain road or know you were meant to be a prophet from birth. Divinity is miraculous, once we get out of the way of it.

This book takes a “world as one” view and weaves together the great sages as an expression of the one great power. I don’t think you often find a discussion of Krishna, Jesus and how to get the cat next door off your favorite chair all in the same book!

My favorite part of the book was when he said that compassion is never wasted even if nothing is given back. Compassion is its own healing power and by maintaining it, you are released and relaxed.

It’s an interesting read for anyone and would be a particularly good gift for someone who hasn’t made a great study of spirituality – he doesn’t assume you already know everything.

Reviewed by Laura Parrett

The Rights of The Dying: A Companion for Life’s Final Moments
By David Kessler, Perenial, 1998,
204 pages, $22.00

Dying… we’re all going to face it sooner or later. This month it came into my life through several doorways. I found myself seeking answers, understanding and comfort. This book called to me from my bookshelf. Though originally published in 1997, it contains timeless, valuable and essential information that will help assist anyone going through any death or dying process, whether it concerns you directly or someone you know or love. I spent time thoroughly reading through helpful chapters learning, through David and his patients, what this final journey in life is all about. David deals eloquently and compassionately with all phases of the death and dying process from participating in decisions to the emotions, spirituality and actual physiology of death. His most poignant piece is the Epilogue where he writes two personal essays, one for the dying and one for the living. In his message for the dying he writes, “None of us know what will happen from here, but if you look deep inside, deep in your soul, you will know that birth is not a beginning and death will not be an ending… You were born for a reason and you will die for a reason. You were born whole and innocent, beautiful and worthy and you will die that way… You were carried off in the miracle of birth and so you will be carried off in the miracle of death. All that we are, all that we have felt for you, all the love that was given to you, will be your cushion on this journey.”

This book provided great comfort for me this month. I would urge all people facing or going through this period of life to pick up a copy and read it along with family and friends. This is the perfect tool to understanding this phase of life and to come through it with a lot more peace.

Reviewed by Cindy Saul