No comments about A Short Life of Jonathan Edwards (Library of Religious Biography).

No comments about Catherine of Siena: Spiritual Development in Her Life and Teaching.

5 comments about The Barn at the End of the World: The Apprenticeship of a Quaker, Buddhist Shepherd.

1. I beg to differ, as one of the earlier reviewers stated, that this book does not offer spiritual fulfillment. I found it awakening many slumbering treasures that I have neglected over the past few years, caught up in other things in my life. I thought it was a delightful treat. I would agree that there is little to no spiritual direction, but it does not purport to be an "owner's manual" for any spirituality.
   
   I would also kindly disagree about its lack of plot. While the writing is more stream-of-consciousness than one typically expects for an autobiography, there is a movement throughout the book which one can follow, and it is not to "nowhere."
   
   I am not a shepherdess myself, and there were times when I thought "ew" (get it - ew/ewe - pun intended!) when presented with graphic descriptions of sheeep husbandry, but it was all part of parcel of the journey. This is definitely one of those books in which the joy is in the journey, and thank you, Mary Rose, O'Reilly, for taking us along!
   
   I was fortunate enough to have found this book in a happy happenstance. I was waiting for colleagues at our local quirky microbrewery on a Friday after work, went over to the shared bookshelf and pulled this off. I intended to return it when I finished, but I think I will donate another book to their library, as this one is too precious to let go! I intend for it to be one of those few books that I re-read over and over.



2. My first impressions of this book were that it was weird. That really describes the first section and a half of this book. It *is* weird reading about the excrutiating details of sheep farming coupled with deep religious insights. But it was weird in a good way, like waking up one morning in the middle of the winter at 6 AM and having the sun already be risen. The further along in the book I went, the more I enjoyed her weird combination of sheep farming, Buddhist retreat, music, and Quaker imagery. I found myself thinking about what she just said constantly; quite frankly, it was an absolute inspiration to me, especially when she starts delving into her life at Plum Village. Her format also makes the book easy to read. You can pick it up for just 5 minutes at a time. With some memoirs, the format of short essays makes the memoir feel disjointed; with this one, it makes it feel whole. I've read many memoirs and many spiritual/religious books. If I had to give a list of my top 3, this book would be on it.



3. I found this book boring. Her message was good, but her delivery did nothing for me.



4. In the past 15 years, I've read two, "personal memoir"-type books by women writers that totally blew my doors off: Terry Tempest Williams' "Refuge: An Unnatural History of Family and Place" and Mary Rose O'Reilly's "The Barn at the End of the World: The Apprenticeship of a Quaker, Buddhist Shepherd." Very different books, at the end of the day, but both women think and write from deep religious traditions in their lives. Likewise, both have an abiding love for "the land," concretely and metaphorically, so what you hear at the end of that same day are calm but passonate voices that make you listen, make you want to listen hard to the observations, but with sense of deep fulfillment for the experience of it.
   
   As for "Barn," I am neither a Quaker, a Buddhist, a farmer, a teacher nor an "older, adventurous woman" (as one reviewer suggested would be the type of person who would enjoy "Barn"). SO WHAT! "Barn" is a truly a banquet of wise and penetrating insights into the essence work (and working with and caring for animals in particular), of friendship, love, responsibility, accountability to yourself and to others, silence, mediation, the sacred, and, ultimately living honestly. There is much humor, gentleness, and "character" (for want of a better word to describe her inner strength) in the 90-odd "chapters" (some as short as 1 page) that are more like mini-essays on discrete but interrelated topics, so much so that I found myself going back, often, re-reading passages, savoring her prose and her insights, shutting the book, just letting the writing sink in. "Barn," resonated with me (an "semi-older, adventurous man") on more levels than I could ever have predicted. I'm a big fan of Thich Nhat Hanh's work, so the chapters recounting her experience at Plum Village and Thay's "dharma talks" were an added "bonus." Give it a shot, and take your time reading it; it's worth it.



5. The Barn at the End of the World: The Apprenticeship of a Quaker, Buddhist Shepherd by Mary Rose O'Reilley is a beautiful and insightful memoir. There is something to be learned, pondered over, and highlighted for posterity on almost every page of this book. O'Reilley's humor and down-to-earth honesty regarding spiritual and personal matters made me feel at home, even in unknown territory. While reading this memoir, I learned to pause, remember, and cherish my own breath, to accept what is and what is not.

5 comments about Dorie: The Girl Nobody Loved.

1. Dorie, The Girl Nobody Loved is one of the best books for the abused and those who wish to get in touch with those you love, for an individual, or a group. If you are struggling to understand, please take the time to read this.



2. What an exceptional story, What an exceptional Lady, What an Awesome God. Why God let this happen is beyond me but how Dorie didn't end up with a victim mentality and a wasted life is only because of God. I love to read accounts of people who came through incredible difficulties with flying colors and best of all attributes their success to God. This is that book. And in reading the other reviews I learned there's even more in another book Dorie wrote. In my prison ministry this book will prayerfully be an inspiration to a young gal who has a similar horror story and needs to know it's possible to overcome. I also read this book in one sitting, about 4 hours, couldn't put it down.
   
   Another benefit I hadn't expected, I'm always analysing what I say and do for my little girl and thinking I'm going to mess her up for life sometimes by not saying or doing the exact right thing all the time. Dorie showed me otherwise. Whereas my little girl in no way will experience anything close to what poor Dorie went through (Lord willing) I pray her walk with our Lord will be as strong and I know He can protect her from my inconsequential by comparison mistakes.



3. I was totally captivated by this book. I read it at one sitting. My heart went out to Dorie as a child and soared with her in her triumphs throughout the book. Although I order the book used, and it was a bit tattered, it did not detract from the content at all. I shall recommend it to many and share with my dear friends.



4. Dorie has been a very very good friend of mine for the past 15 years. The story of her early life is true and tragic, but the second book, No Place to Cry fills in the blanks in the first book. Dorie, The Girl Nobody Loved was published before anyone wrote autobiographically about sexual abuse. As Dorie has courageously opened these chapters of her life, so has the Lord opened her world wide ministry of speaking. She has been 12 times around the world telling of the sexual abuse, the damage of shame and the way the Lord has brought change in her life by facing the past. I often tell her that her book needs to be renamed, The Woman Everybody Loves. She is loved and is hugged by more people than could ever be counted. She is truly a picture of the grace of God and the fact that He delights in taking what others meant for evil and turning it into good.



5. Hi my name is Alex and i love this Book !! My health teacher read part of it in my Health class .I think this is such a good book it is when your 13 ..... I love this book I think it is soo sad but I love how she knew the lord was there ... It is soooo sad but it is a excellent book I want this soo much I love it @!!

5 comments about David Livingstone: The Truth Behind the Legend.

1. If you are interested in the trailblazer who paved the path into Africa for Christianity this is the book for you. He single handedly stopped the slave trade in Africa through his complete reliance on God and God alone. Just an awesome person of faith and a true testimony to humanity. He shows you what the human spirit is willing to endure for his love of others and God.



2. I don't want this to sound anti-Christian, because I definitely am not. But the religious message gets in the way of what would otherwise be an interesting story.



3. I guess there are times in biography writing when the sheer magnitude of the subject overshadows the book. However, Rob Mackenzie captures this life with pure genius. As he takes us on the chronological journey of David Livingstone's life, we are deeply saddened by the utter despair of his relentless failings and hopeless circumstances, only to reach to the top and celebrate in the victory of a simple move forward. He truly captures the love and compassion that Dr. Livingstone had for a forgotten people and shames us with the recounting of his unfeigned commitment. The road to Africa's salvation is surely paved with the blood of this man and the content challenges us to dare to take that road after him. When the author describes the final scene--with David Livingstone crumpled over, dying silently while in prayer, I am in tears and like the natives, afraid to consider what to do next. I took this biography personally and I am unworthy to even walk in his shadow, you see, I am a missionary in Zambia. Every success I experience now, was properly paid for and recounted in this book.



4. Reading this book on David Livingstone's life has really impacted my life in an incredible way! I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to be spiritually challenged in getting the gospel of Jesus Christ out into the world. Having been born and brought up in Zimbabwe as the child of missionaries I feel that we owe so much to Mr Livingstone and many others for "sewing the seed"and giving their lives for the gospel in a beautiful but hard land.



5. I went to Cecil Rhodes School and my 'sports house' was Livingstone (this was in London). David Livingstone has always been part of my life, I came to South Africa some years ago. I visited Victoria Falls two year ago while I was there I too saw the same beauty David saw. His Statue overlooks the Falls as if keeping them safe. After reading this book on his life - it had such an impact on me. This man NEVER gave up, he loved the people of Africa and if we could just have a little 'piece' of his humility, we all have hope. Rob Mackenzie showed Livingstone humility all through the book and as I finished the last page. I felt that I had been of a real journey. My life changed because of this - I am 47 years old and I registered for 1st year University in Human Sciences. I even went and bought more copies to give to my friends - it is a humbling experience, it puts everything back into perspective.

5 comments about Blazing Splendor: The Memoirs of Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche.

1. This is a biography of the late, great Ati Yoga master Tulku Urgyen (TU)--via descriptions of interactions & legacies from his masters. As per much religious literature (Buddhist & otherwise) it mixes mythology, allegory, & historical fact--as much hagiography as biography. It stems from anecdotes/stories recorded by Erik & Marcia Schmidt et al under TU's tutelage. There are advanced teachings hidden amongst the exoteric & mythological--some being controversial: observations on Tibet's lack of preparation prior to Chinese occupation despite graphic omens p. 294: "It is amazing how a country like Tibet could have the merit to host so many great masters & at the same time lose everything;" pp. 179-80: the story of the river parting (like the Red Sea); & his uncle & root guru Samten Gyatso's statement p. 233: "One thing is for sure: there will not be any direct reincarnation. For that I have no wish. On the other hand, someone will probably come along capable of benefiting the Dharma & sentient beings, who will be given the title `Samten Gyatso's tulku.'" This certainly puts a different perspective on tulkus and reincarnation!
   
   There are also pithy observations--p. 114: "Chö is to benefit others by cutting through ego-clinging," p. 11: "When training in Mahamudra, do not busy yourself with virtuous deeds of body & speech," Milarepa explained, "because you risk losing thought-free wakefulness," p. 307: a master who acted childlike, ignoring social conventions upon reaching "collapse of delusion," p. 312: a master noting that "The Way of the Bodhisattva" is a rudimentary text, & Samten Gyatso's p. 101: "emptiness isn't anything you can possibly cultivate."
   
   There are also some interesting takes on preconceptions: p. 327: "Today's meat & cream is tomorrow's shit, p. 342: By abandoning activities you approach the nature of nonaction. That's the entire reason for staying in mountain retreats, & p. 387 note 172: Erik Schmidt--The hell realms are not real, physical locations but resemble horror movies played out in the minds of the beings there.
   
   It's a long book (especially if you aren't into hagiography & hyperbole), but if you persevere, there are gems herein. You have to dig to find the gold or wish-fulfilling gem. If you want some of his actual teachings, try his very fine Rainbow Painting: A Collection of Miscellaneous Aspects of Development and Completion or the collection of his pith instructions, Vajra Speech: A Commentary on The Quintessence of Spiritual Practice, The Direct Instructions of the Great Compassionate One or his lengthier As It Is Vol. 1 (As It Is) & As It Is, Vol. 2.



2. I'm thoroughly enjoying this book! It is full of beautiful stories about the lifestyle and people of the intense Buddhist spiritual culture in Tibet in the last century. So many anecdotes bring the whole scene to life. The flavor of that whole world comes through so clearly. I'm not a Nyingma practitioner - so I'm not talking as a devoted student per se - but it's such a rich read and I'd recommend to anyone interested in Tibetan Buddhism.
   I've hardly read anything that gives the same depth of detail and cultural ambiance as this.



3. I found this book fascinating. It gave me a window to view the way of life of an elite sector of traditional Tibetan society - the high-born lamas of Eastern Tibet - and their complete dedication to the pursuit of spiritual attainment within the context of the buddho-shamistic culture of their people. Written from deeply within the context of the Tibetan spiritual worldview, this narrative brings to life the character of many great masters from pre-communist Tibet, and puts the teachings that survive them within the context of their traditional way of life. If you are interested in awakening to Truth, the Dzogchen teachings, and traditional cultures, you are sure to find this an interesting read, providing that you are able to navigate the many dozens of Tibetan names and words that occur throughout the text (glossary included.) :) The greatest thing that struck me from reading this memoir was how profoundly the society of Tibet supported its spiritual practitioners - and in contrast how lacking our modern society is in this regard. Truly, despite all of its failings from a modern humanistic perspective, traditional Tibet was a sacred society.



4. Many reviewers have rated this book among the best because it tells the story of a great Tibetan teacher. Some of Rinpoche's students are well known teachers in the United States and other countries. This is a well told story that could, at one level, be a history of the lineage holders that compise the evaporating pool of knowledge of Tibetan Buddhist tradition and culture. On a deeper level, it is a teaching in the oral and Tantric tradition, and because the authors are careful to keep the narrative as told by Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, it has the feel of a story heard while sitting in his presence. My only complaint is that the endnotes are so fact-filled and important to understanding the traditonal background of the story, that they probably should be formatted as footnotes, just so that one does not have to continually flip to the back of the book. This is an important book for those who care about Tibet and all that it was and still is because of the living oral history that remains accessible in spite of, and maybe even because of, events that ocurred in the last century.



5. This volume is wonderfully fresh and accessible. It is like sitting, listening to stories told by a dear friend or relative. There are charming details, remarkable personal observations of many of the greatest lamas of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, down through Dzonsar Khyenste, Dilgo Kyentse and the 16th Karmapa. A deep theme throughout is that of the "terton", the gifted soul who uncovers "treasures" or "terma" hidden by Padmasambhava to be discovered when the time and times are correct. The author's great grandfather, Chokgyur Lingpa, was one of the last and greatest tertons, and the teachings thus uncovered - how and where they occurred, who was involved, the lineage of those who received these teachings, and so forth - is central to the story. I have found nothing like this in any of the many I've read on Tibet and the Tibetans.
   
   Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche tells stories of these events that go back a considerable ways before he was born, into the 19th century, when Tibet was a world unto itself. He ends the book with a relatively brief description of the work he undertook at the direction of the 16th Karmapa to build a monastery near the great stupa of Boudanath, near Kathmandu, many years after his departure from Tibet in 1955. One sees glimpses throughout the narrative of the coming debacle; remarkable prophecies, side by side with engaging tales of his encounters with masters of the Dharma. It is a unique account, not to be missed, especially by those who seek a deeper understanding of how the great lamas of Tibet in that time lived their lives, related to each other, maintained their lineages and looked forward to preservation of the Dharma in a changed world. Altogether enchanting!

5 comments about Salvation: Scenes from the Life of St. Francis.

1. Describtions in this book were too depressing and austere for modern reading.



2. I was prepared to dislike this book, although for the life of me I can't quite remember why. Perhaps it's because I distrust fictional accounts of Christian saints, particularly when they're written by nonbelievers. But I was quite mistaken in this case. Martin's "biography" of St. Francis is a wonderfully beautiful series of sketches. She takes scenes from his life--those related by the two earliest biographies by Thomas of Celano, but also later accounts such as Bonaventure's--and imaginatively weaves them into a cinematic-like skein that offers glimpses of the man Francis. So the reviewer who carps about her chronological lapses really misses the point. Martin doesn't intend to offer a straightforward account of the saint's life so much as a string of meditations that take their starting point from specific events in his life. Along the way she offers prose that is breathtaking in its beauty. Here's an example, taken from Martin's description of Francis early encounter with a leper--the episode that he himself, in his Testament, describes as his "conversion." Francis has just kissed the leper's hand: "His ears are filled with the sound of wind, and he can feel the wind chilling his face, a cold, harsh wind blowing toward him from the future, blowing away everything that has come before this moment, which he has longed for and dreaded, as if he thought he might not live through it. He reaches up, clinging to the leper's tunic, for the wind is so strong, so cold, he fears he cannot stand against it. . . . The two men clutch each other, their faces pressed close together, their arms entwined. The sun beats down, the air is hot and still, yet they appear to be caught in a whirlwind. Their clothes whip about; their hair stands on end; they hold on to each other for dear life."



3. I was prepared to dislike this book, because I tend to distrust imaginative "biographies" of Christian saints. Too often, they tend to be sweetly sentimental. But my concerns were pointless in this case. Martin's "biography" of St. Francis is a wonderfully beautiful and reflective series of sketches. She takes scenes from his life--those related by the two earliest biographies by Thomas of Celano, but also later accounts such as Bonaventure's--and imaginatively weaves them into a cinematic-like procession that offers glimpses of the man Francis that shed light on our own spiritual journeys. The reviewer who carps about Martin's chronological lapses really misses the point of what she's trying to do. She doesn't intend to offer a straightforward account of the saint's life so much as a string of meditations that take their starting point from specific events in his life. And along the way she offers prose that is breathtaking in its beauty. Here's an example, taken from Martin's description of Francis early encounter with a leper--the episode that he himself, in his Testament, describes as his "conversion." Francis has just kissed the leper's hand (p. 241): "His ears are filled with the sound of wind, and he can feel the wind chilling his face, a cold, harsh wind blowing toward him from the future, blowing away everything that has come before this moment, which he has longed for and dreaded, as if he thought he might not live through it. He reaches up, clinging to the leper's tunic, for the wind is so strong, so cold, he fears he cannot stand against it. . . . The two men clutch each other, their faces pressed close together, their arms entwined. The sun beats down, the air is hot and still, yet they appear to be caught in a whirlwind. Their clothes whip about; their hair stands on end; they hold on to each other for dear life." Wow! With writing like that, how could one not love this book?



4. In the introduction, the author tells the story of St. Francis in chronological order, and this is the part of the book that makes the most sense. Several reviewers have stated that this book is written in reverse chronological order, but it is not. Major sections of the book are in reverse order, but confusingly, the chapters within each major section are in chronological order. Adding to the confusion is that the first major section of the book is supposedly about the death of Francis, but it is actually only about his last days. His death does not occur until the next to last chapter of the book, and is followed in the final chapter by the earliest scene we are to see: when Francis encounters a leper in the road. If you think my review is confusing, just wait until you read the book. Is the author trying to say that the sequence of events is unimportant? In the case of Francis, who started off as the son of a wealthy merchant and ended up barefoot and penniless by choice, the sequence of events would seem to be all-important. Readers should know that the scenes from the life of Francis focus almost entirely on the physical: what he wore, where and how much he bled, how doctors branded him with hot irons, etc. Seldom if ever are we given any understanding of his inner life or spiritual motivations.



5. I just finished Salvation: Scenes from the Life of St. Francis and found it to be a provacative read. Martin is a captivating writer, who handles a potentially biased topic with journalistic objectivity. But still, she manages to relay the deep emotion that surrounded and continues to surround St. Francis and his life. What I appreciated most about Martin's writing was that it gave small pictures of St. Francis, some which showed clearly his holiness and devotion to Christ, others that made you wonder if he was a complete lunatic.

   For those of us who have studied the life of Christ, we find an interesting parallel. CS Lewis once said that Christ was either the Savior of the world or a raging lunatic. Too often, people shy away from the uncomfortable when they approach such topics. Because of that, people miss out on the complexity of the people. Too many people think Christ floated 3 inches off the ground and acted like he was stoned most of the time. They don't talk about anger, despair, humor and the like. They often make the same mistakes regarding saints.

   Martin shows here that St. Francis was a man who took a radical stand in his faith. Who knows...maybe he was holy AND insane!

5 comments about Joan of Arc: In her own words.

1. I've begun reading this, along with 3 other books I purchased. It is not a narrative read, and more along the lines of a journal or notes, but it is excellent, and breathes new light into Joan of Arc as a woman beside & within her every belief.



2. I bought this book several years ago and it is one purchase that I do not regret. Wonderful for grabbing a thought, it often ends up in the pile of my inspirational books. There is nothing like a word from Joan before facing the day. As history, it is an excellent tool from which to derive direct quotations from one of the greatest enigmas of all time. JOAN OF ARC: IN HER OWN WORDS puts the reader in contact with the mind of the saint and the events which she faced so courageously. Her boldness, her femininity, her adandonment and her triumph are all there.



3. This was a good book. It enlightened me to many things I didn't no about Joan of Arc. Like her childhood which it covered very well and even mentioned her dreams of becoming a solider and father's nightmares and even her favorite spot to play.
   It covered her military conquest in great detail and made it interesting in a way I have not before on her. But I have to question the parts that reveal personal information on Joan's dreams. She was illiterate her entire life, right? So how did the author get the documents to prove this.
   
   The trail sequence was also very well done. The questions and answers, even though very redundant, were both enlightening and showed Joan's personality extremely well. The references to the saints were like said in the notes slightly changed to make it make more sense.
   
   All in All, good book but contradicts itself in some parts. Probably when the author was changing the letters to first person instead of third, but that is mention in the notes. There are also some randomly blank pages in the notes leaving parts out. The book is very accurate and is a good read for people who wish to learn more about the heroine.



4. I read this right after buying it, but it was published in 1996 and the publisher apparently went out of business in 1997. I would like to know whether it is my copy or the entire edition that is defective - the Notes end in mid-word ("Excluded with then are passages merely rou-") on p.147! Then p.148 is blank, and there is no p.149/150, after which the pagination resumes with p.151.



5. Reading Jehanne's own words is simply an amazing experience. The way the book is written, you can almost hear her speaking with all the passion & fervor she posessed. Reading this book is like being there, back in time, actually watching & hearing all as it happens.

5 comments about God's Generals: The Roaring Reformers.

1. Infact, the first book of the God's Generals series that I read blew me to the realm of the spirit. I finished that book in no time. I rate it a five star. I'm now reading the second one and I surely recommend the series to anyone who has the zeal to be a general for God. Nana



2. I've enjoyed God's Generals II very much. There is a lot of history contained within it's pages. I have learned a lot that I didn't already know so I can say it is definitely worth reading. I did, however, enjoy God's Generals I more, but I think much of that has to do with the fact that it was more modern generals. Anyway, I recommend you get it.



3. This is an okay book, about Great Men
   
   The people reviewed in this book are great men of God. The book itself is kind of awkward. The author presents biographical sketches, interlaced with comments like, '...I admire the sacrifices that Hus' mother must have made, because I also had a mother and a grandmother who taught me to pray and seek the Lord from my youth. I can relate to the dedication and love that Hus' mother gave to her son. The love of a mother remains the same, no matter what generation she lives in.'
   
   These kind of musings occur throughout the book, and distract from the content. The author also provides a lot of opinions about the characters of these people, rather than just telling their stories.
   
   Overall, a book I'd rather borrow than buy. But I'd rather borrow a better book.



4. I loved every bit of this book. Growing up I dreaded the long monotone teachers and memorizing the dates & the timelines in my history classes. After having a great history teacher in college I have grown to love history! It is now a hobbie of sorts for me. And in this book you can see the lives of these men from a different angle than you find in most history books. I found their lives were relatable and I was encouraged by their trials and their accomplishments!



5. Great read. Chapters highlighted key reformers in an interesting and detailed way. All this info in one volume...this book was very informative and a bargain. I found it very helpful and together with God's General's 1 a perfect edition to my library.

5 comments about SOLOMON'S TOUCH: The life and work of Solomon J. Wickey.

1. Lacks specifics on healing. L.D. Porter published a book (Mountain Healer), also available on Amazon, based on his experiences working as Solomon Wickey's apprentice. His book has the most specific healing database and A-Z information available anywhere. (The book is hard to find; the author is listed as anonymous). Solomon's Touch by June Naugle is a good re-telling of the legal battles, however.



2. This is an excellent book that informs you on alternative cures to different ailments versus using all of these chemically formulated medications. It enlightens you on how the medical community do not want you to know how to naturally cure yourself, because you are robbing them of their 6 figure incomes.



3. This book gives us an inside look at the life of Solomon Wickey. It fills in a lot of the blanks as to how he became an herbalist, and why and how he works. I was surprised by how much tragedy he has experienced. I had heard about the lawsuit, but reading about it was enlightening, to say the least. I'm impressed he went back to practicing afterwards.
   
   If you like this book, I recommend He's Not Autistic But...: How We Pulled Our Son From the Mouth of the Abyss. While the title may not sound related, the author describes the healing art of releasing that Solomon uses, and gives more detail and explanation on the codes and how to use them.



4. I was guided to this by a friend who knew of someone healed of cancer and bought it for a friend who was diagnosed with cancer.
   If you believe in God and know him, He can and will heal you. This is of a man who guided others and prays on your behalf too.



5. I found this book to move slowly at times. I was very satisfied with the information given with regards to what Solomon does in the treatments. It was a learning experience.