No comments about Maya Explorer: John Lloyd Stevens and the Lost Cities of Central America and Yucatan.

5 comments about A Beginner's Guide to Changing the World: A True Life Adventure Story.

1. I loved, loved, loved this book. It was exactly the right book for me. I almost didn't buy it, though. I'm on a must-resist-book-buying sort of budget, but my husband pointed this book out to me at the bookstore. After reading the "Ten Indispensable Things You Need to Change the World" on the back flap, I knew I had to buy this book. (#1 is "A cupboard. To put your TV in." Something I know I should do but don't.)
   
   The book is structured around the author trying to get a better grasp on the serenity prayer, which she has carried with her for years:
   "Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change
   The courage to change the things I can
   And the wisdom to know the difference."
   
   That first bit is where I get stuck. I feel this immense responsibility to devote my life to "changing the world" but I just end up feeling overwhelmed (duh, can you imagine?) and frustrated when I see that there's no silver bullet solution to anything. This book spoke to me in a way that no one ever has. No matter how many times someone has said to me "There is no silver bullet" or "You can't change the world in a day" or whatever, I nodded in agreement but didn't really agree. Deep down, I truly believed that there is a silver bullet and I just had to find it.
   
   But this book taught me that though there may be a silver bullet out there, devoting your life to finding out what it is isn't nearly important as *doing* something that brings you joy and makes you feel as if you're contributing something to the solution. I don't want to ruin the ending, but I will if I say much more than that.
   
   I just really, really loved this book. It's exactly what I needed to read. Thank you, Isabel Losada, wherever you are.



2. In A Beginner's Guide to Changing the World Losada decides to devote a year of her life to a worthy cause in an attempt to see whether an individual can make real changes. Her chosen cause is the Tibetan situation. This makes the book sound incredibly serious, but what I like about Losada's style is her way of communicating as if she & you are sitting in the room together & she's chatting to you personally. She is a very witty writer & what could be a dry and depressing topic is actually very funny at times, whilst not losing sight of the serious objectives.
   
   The book is divided into three main sections. In the first part Isabel Losada recounts her decision to travel to Tibet & see the situation at first hand. This reads as an exciting travelogue & paints at times an amusing and then touching picture of Tibet & its People. In the second section back at home in London, Losada contemplates the possible ways she could support the Tibetan cause, culminating in planning a daring publicity stunt promoting the Dalai Lama's peaceful stance against violence at a time when the world had embarked on the `War on Terror'. In the third section of the book Losada is invited to Dharamsala to meet His Holiness himself.
   
   You can expect to experience the full range of human emotion as you read Losada's account. At times she is laugh out loud funny, at others you'll be outraged by the callous treatment of the Tibetan people by the Chinese occupiers. You'll find yourself sharing Losada's frustration in her search for a way to make a difference and her excitement and nerves in mounting the stunt. Then there's the anticipation of meeting His Holiness- I had a tear in my eye & felt I was in the room with them.
   
   (...)



3. This book talked much about what we already knew about the plight of Tibet, Tibetans, and Dalai Lama. Still, I'm continuously pilfering through books written about Tibet lest I forget human's propensity to do atrocities against their fellow human beings. Whilst we think that sacrifices made during World War 2 would remind people not to resort to violence to resolve issues, it happens yet again in our lifetime. Examples are everywhere namely Iraq occupation or revolution depending which sides you are on. The irony of the whole thing is that the main power that ended World War 2 would be the aggressor in this instance in the name of profits. From this book, it's obvious that Isabel has a pure heart and she asked quite rightly why we are actually penalising Dalai Lama when he's the one who preached non-violence to overcome obstacles. She also said it quite rightly about fighting might with right. Cynical readers might be worried that this book is one-sided, China slamming. It's actually not like that at all. Isabel pointed out also that the ways activists were dealing with issues might be at the wrong footing or rubbing China the wrong way. Ultimately, Isabel just shared with us her experience of trying to help Tibets, Tibetans, and the Dalai Lama. It's funny, heart-warming, and straight to the points at times. For those readers that want to know about those three main issues and yet, don't want to read a dry book, I guess this is a book that you can try to get your hands on. It's quite an enjoyable read, really.



4. A Beginner's Guide to Changing the World is an amazing book.
   
   Ostensibly a book about a woman (author Isabel Losada) who decides to do something to help the people of Tibet (the Chinese should be ashamed of themselves for what they've done to that peaceful country!), A Beginner's Guide is a book for anyone who longs to LIVE life to its fullest. It's a book for people who yearn for adventures, yet never take the first step toward making them happen.
   
   It isn't just for people interested in Buddhism, either. It's a fun-to-read, inspiring book that anyone, of any religious faith, could embrace and enjoy.
   
   Written in a breezy conversational style, A Beginner's Guide is a tale told wonderfully and joyfully. It recounts Ms. Losada's adventures in Tibet, revealing a side to that country's people the Chinese don't usually let people see. If you'd like to see Tibet, but don't have the time or money (or government permission) to go there, A Beginner's Guide to Changing the World is the next best thing.
   
   I wholeheartedly embrace Ms. Losada's desire to help the people of Tibet. I think what happened (and is happening) in that country is just as terrible as anything that happened to the Jews in Nazi Germany. A Beginner's Guide to Changing the World is one woman's attempt to come to grips with the enormity of the situation and to do something about it. (And you'll never believe what kind of things she dreams up to do about it!)
   
   But, again, this book is not heavy-handed or dire. This is one of the most joyful and positive books I've come across in a long time.
   
   I strongly recommend Isabel Losada's book A Beginner's Guide to Changing the World.



5. Isabel Losada wears many hats: single mom, writer, traveler, and now newly christened activist. Journey with Losada as she tells of the seemingly endless trials and tribulations as a wannabe activist fighting for the religious freedom of Tibet. Interesting choice. Yet when the author explains her reasoning behind backing this particular cause, readers will fall into her line of thinking with a natural acceptance simply because Losada is so charming and sincere. Her expression of sadness over the rising regularity of terrorism worldwide is so commonly felt, so consistently lamented, that when Losada poses the premise of fighting the war on terror with nonviolence, it makes sense. Who then is the leading proponent of nonviolence? The Dalai Lama, of course. Losada determines that he's the man for her --- and on this basis Losada begins her story, her journey toward social activism.
   
   Making use of the famed serenity prayer, Losada divides her text into three main sections. Part One: "Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change..." Recognizing that she has never done much besides navel-gazing, Losada decides to invest some time in protesting outside the Chinese Embassy, a not particularly auspicious beginning. Next, the author starts investigating, interviewing, and finally traveling to Tibet. Waking up in Kathmandu, Losada details in comical fashion the advice passed along to her from a girl in the know from Tibet: Never squat down in the bushes on the Nepalese side of the Himalayas. Leeches have a way of attaching themselves. Before you know it, you're pouring with blood.
   
   Sounds enchanting. Not to be daunted, Losada repeatedly hears the warning of altitude sickness, which can kill you. More seriously, though, were the injunctions to take extreme care in how one speaks to the Tibetan people regarding their loyalty to the Dalai Lama. And never, ever, hand out photos of the Dalai Lama as they're illegal. Losada does indeed travel and immerse herself in Tibetan culture where she sees both beauty and evil side by side, incongruously thriving together. Hard to accept.
   
   "The courage to change the things I can..." comprises the second part of Losada's tale as she begins making advances in practical activism without much initial success. From approaching the Free Tibet Campaign organization to requesting and receiving an interview with a member of Parliament, from setting up a company, a website, to delving into the nitty-gritty of fundraising via parachuting for donations, Losada makes even the most dreary activities both humorous and sobering.
   
   Finally, in Part Three, "And the wisdom to the know the difference..." Losada's journey becomes at once more introspective and profound as she receives an invitation to meet with the Dalai Lama. It is this portion of the text alone that will likely bring the most fascination to readers. Losada takes her time to carefully unfold the details of this once in a lifetime encounter and the results are most satisfying.
   
   While Losada communicates with regular dashes of humor and wit, she likewise is serious about making a difference in the world. Even the most socially complacent readers will glean tips on how vital doing "one's bit" is to a better, safer, more peaceful world. As the Dalai Lama so succinctly states, "If the individual acts, society is changed."
   
   --- Reviewed by Michele Howe

3 comments about Ralph Edwards of Lonesome Lake.

1. I have read both books about the Edwards family & each has it's own merit. The main thing is that they tell the story of an extraordinary individual that wanted to carve out his own place on earth without the help of hardly anyone & certainly not the help of any government. He also saved a specie from almost curtain extinction, the Trumpeter Swan, and that alone should make him a hero to anyone who has ever seen one of these magnificent birds. After reading this book & " Grass Beyond the Mountain" I went to this Area of B.C. & came away with renewed respect for these people.



2. This book is a sequel to "Crusoe of Lonesome Lake" by Leland Stowe, a quite successful book published in the late 1950s where the fascinating life of Ralph Edwards is biographed. Edwards, who can only be described as a 20th century pioneer, single-handedly carved out a homestead in the Canadian wilderness, nearly a hundred miles from his nearest neighbor.
   
   Although this book was interesting, the above-mentioned prequel by Leland Stowe was far better. In fact, in many ways I wish I had not read this one because Edwards' exploits ended on a high note in "Crusoe" whereas this book seemed to tarnish my image of the bigger-than-life Edwards portrayed in the earlier book. But, I realize that most people who read the prequel will want to know what eventually became of Edwards in his latter years, and this book answers many of those questions. I would simply admonish anyone who reads this book to absolutely get the prequel. If you read this book alone, you are getting far less than half the story of a remarkable man's life. "Crusoe" is much better written and considerably more moving.



3. Ralph Edwards of lonesome lake is a book about carving out a life for ones family in a remote wilderness. This book is such a contrast to our technical world with cell phones, internet, e mail "Big Box shopping" malls. Our lives are so full but really so empty. I felt an extreme feeling of sadness after having read this book. Ralph Edwards and his wife are now dead after having lived a hard but full life. We all struggle through life with different goals and yet we all have to face death. I felt the sadness of Ralph Edwards when he realised that he was too old to be independant and look after himself. This book has to make us all stop and concider what we are doing and what is the purpose of life. What could possibly be more important than these questions?

1 comments about Gapfiller Chronicles: Memories of Daze Gone Bye.

1. Wonderful stories that will grab you from the first page on. I could not put the book down, even when my eyes became cross-sighted! A very easy read with many life learned lessons that the author is willing to share with his readers. I recommend this book to everyone. Fairy tales do come true, they can happen to you when your young and heart. Loved it and hope the author will produce another book in the near future.
   
   ARH 7.16.08

1 comments about Gittin' Western: A True Adventure of Body, Mind, and Spirit.

1. The author grew up in Michigan and after an apprenticeship, became a successful bricklayer. However, he decided to live out his (and that of many other men) fantasy, of living on a range and becoming a cowboy. He took his family out to Wyoming and entered the business of providing hunting expeditions. While the reality of the fantasy was much harder than it first appeared, it is clear that he has no regrets.
   Wiltse chronicles battles with the elements, the federal government, bears, pack animals, his wife and unruly clients, yet it is clear that he is fundamentally happy regarding his decision. No dream worth having or pursuing is without significant difficulties, for if it were easy it wouldn't be worth doing. He speaks with fondness of his employees, his environment, his children and most of his animals. You can tell that he is a true cowboy when he describes Singer, one of his pack mules. His fondness for Singer is genuine and all true ranchers treat their animals, even those with short tempers that way.
   His life outside of hunting outfitting is somewhat typical of what we all face. His father back in Michigan dies from pancreatic cancer and his children work alongside him and then grow up and move away. Unlike the stories of the sturdy pioneer women who loyally follow their men out west, his wife goes with him in body, but not in mind. Their marriage is rocky and eventually they divorce after a series of nasty actions.
   Despite all of his business and personal problems, Wiltse is a man to be commended for having the courage and fortitude to have and execute a dream. Not everything worked out the way it does in the best of dreams, but all life is trading one thing for another and it is clear that Wiltse made the right choices.

No comments about Meriwether Lewis: A Biography.

No comments about Adventures of Tibetan Fighting Monk (Asian portraits).

No comments about Matthew Flinders: The Life of Matthew Flinders.

No comments about My Father, Sandy: A Son's Memoir.

1 comments about Wing Tip Shoes.

1. In a small mid-western town in the 1960's a fresh young girl had a fleeting passion to see the world. Looking past the Iowa corn fields she yearned to see grand oceans, legendary statues and exotic palaces. In 1964 the dreamer found the perfect cup to house her desires. Despite fear, competition and doubt, she was accepted into a life of excitement, culture, and friends as a first class flight attendant for TWA. Wing Tip Shoes - Memoirs of a Flight Attendant is the autobiographical story of the charming, timeless encounters of Mary Elizabeth Spreitzer. The original stories and unique interactions are brought to life by the author's down to earth style and personal photographs. If you need to get away without ever leaving your house Wing Tip Shoes is just the ticket.
   
   The Second Declaration
   Every Day A Miracle Happens
   The Secret Meaning of Names
   Lighter Than Air
   The Devil's Disciple
   Les Miserables, Volume I & II
   THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO Vol II
   PUBLISH IT NOW
   Book Marketing Basics - The New Model For Promoting Your Book
   Illumination: A Gnostic Handbook for the Post Modern World