Conduct in Question - Mary E. Martin

When I think of successful, modern-day, mystery writers, I think of Stephen King, John Grisham, Walter Mosley, Dean Koontz, James Patterson and Patricia Cornwell. The ability to interject realism into a mystery novel makes it an extremely difficult genre to enter. Some would say that there simply is not enough room in this area to lend admission to a new writer. Whether there is room in the literary community or not, space must be made for Mary E. Martin.

Canadian attorney, Mary E. Martin can not only 'hold her own' with each and every one of these authors, but her ability, at times, outshines them all.

In her breakout novel, Conduct in Question, Martin introduces readers to a hard-working, honest attorney, Harry Jenkins. Harry is the legal machine behind the success of his firm, yet he has always played second fiddle to his law partner, Richard Crawford. Though Harry is constantly prodded by his spoiled wife for ‘carrying more about his clients than earning money’, he remains complacent with his career and applies no pressure upon himself to excel in his finances. Though Harry is not completely happy, he continues in this role until, in less than a week, his life takes a rollercoaster track of unavoidable detours.

Within the span of a few weeks, Harry’s boss dies of a stroke; his firm’s richest client dies under suspicion of murder; a Hong Kong business man pays him more money on a retainer than he’s made in five years and his wife decides to leave him. If this is not enough, a serial murderer known as “The Florist” is murdering young women in the city and the police find that Harry always seems to be connected.

Mary E. Martin has taken estate law, criminal law and politics of bar associations to create a masterpiece that truly belongs on the silver screen. In this legal thriller, Martin beautifully constructs the dining halls of upper-class socialites, the bureaucratic halls of the legal profession, the back rooms of the mob and the hard-working class of people that keep our world balanced. Before the reader reaches the middle of the book, he/she will suspect each and every character (still alive) as the infamous “Florist”.

Through all the suspicion, lore and evil, Martin adds the backdrop of beautiful Toronto, Canada, which becomes a breathtaking character in its own right. Though I’ve never visited the city, I have vivid pictures in my mind of its skyline, communities and architecture.

Conduct in Question promises to be the first in a trilogy. I can’t wait for two and three and if you haven’t heard of Mary E. Martin, mark my word, you will. If you don’t know who she is and you enjoy a great suspense thriller, you have no idea what you are missing.

You! The Journey to the Center Of Your Worth - Ed Young

Pastor Ed Young is a man on a mission. That mission is to change your life by introducing you to the second most important person in your life. You may ask, “Why wouldn’t I just want to know the MOST important person in my life first?” The answer is, “Because that person is YOU! And you can’t know the most important person in your life (our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ) until you first know YOU!” You might find this statement controversial, however, it is within you that He resides therefore that is where your search should begin.

With every Christian book I am privileged to review, I search to find something within the book that will help me learn and grow in my Christian life. In reading “You!” it was very easy to find what stood out the most for me. Pastor Young introduced me to the 4-F’s. The 4-F’s are four destructive tenets we experience that bring about our downfall.

The first is Fear. Our fear to be ‘found out’ is sometimes so strong that we try to camouflage our pain. Pastor Young explains how this fear grows and manifests in other aspects of our life. The second is Frustration. Frustration rears its ugly head when we won’t admit our mistake. The third tenet is Fatigue. Fatigue sets in when we get tired of dealing with the fear and the frustration. The continued juggling weighs heavy on your soul and it makes us easy prey of tenet four. Tenet four is Failure, which is what the enemy craves for you and I to experience.

You might think I’ve shared the premise of the book, however, the 4-F lesson is only three pages of the book!

Pastor Ed Young has created an extraordinary book to help young Christians find fulfillment in a Christian walk. It is a wonderful book that is easy to read and is perfect for youth groups. It is a great book to read together with a friend or just to read on your own.

YOU! The Journey to the Center of Your Worth offers insight for both the budding Christians and the seasoned Christian soldiers, the tools to make that journey. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it.

Burn This Book - dreamslaughter.com

“You can always know the character of a man by the quotes he chooses to use.” – Robert Denson

As a child, my father used to quote famous speakers and authors to inspire me. “Son, if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything!” He’d say or, “No good deed goes unpunished. Your character comes not from your reward but from that in which you fervently stand.”

Dreamslaughter.com have captured the essence of wisdom through quotes and published it. The product is Burn This Book now on sale at their website http://www.dreamslaughter.com/.

Apparently, the project began in Internet chat rooms over ten years ago. They found that many people used quotes of famous people to support positions in political discussions. Dreamslaugher.com compiled these quotes.
Since “Burn This Book” is a collaboration, it was decided to use the chat room handle 'dreamslaughter' as the author. They used the title “Burn This Book” because the quotes used are provocative and thought inspiring. The book is edgy, passionate, angry, spiritual, compassionate and deeply thought provoking. It is a frontal assault on non-progressive ideals, using the words of notable people.

I applaud dreamslaughter.com’s ideals in producing Burn This Book and I highly recommend it. The thing that most Americans lack is the will to think for themselves. Burn This Book promotes freethinking through famous quotes. If you are opposed to individually educated thinking and support the status quo, you might have the urge to burn this book as well! I, however, am looking forward to the promised second edition.

Twist in Time - Bill Coate

You think you know history?

You might very well know the things that were taught to you in high school history class, but there is so much more to history than the stories that are told. There are many tidbits of history that were “left out” or “omitted” because they were felt to be unimportant.

In his book, “Twist in Time”, William S. Coate has captured and recorded some of the most intriguing, scarcely known facts of history. For example:

Did you know that there seemed to be a curse on almost every person remotely connected to the assassination of Abraham Lincoln? Coate lists eight people either directly connected to President Lincoln or to the events of his death. Each person either lost their minds or their lives, including the widowed first lady. Who were these people? You’ll have to see pages 100 and 101 of the book.

If that is not enough, consider this:

Did you know that Theodore Roosevelt was shot while running for another term as president? He was set to give a speech in Milwaukee and in route, he was shot in the chest at close range. Being the strong man that he was, Roosevelt ignored advice of doctors and gave the speech…with the bullet still in his chest! How did he survive? See pages 134 and 135.

I am quite fascinated with history. One of the things I liked most about “Twist in Time” is that I did not have to read it all at once. Every two to three pages are full stories within themselves. The book is very well crafted and provides much intrigue and mystery.

William (Bill) S. Coate has delivered a magnificent historical volume that will be sure to make the reader reign supreme in his/her knowledge of historical trivia. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

The Early Horror Works of H.P. Lovecraft

Call me cynical and morbid, however, two of my favorite authors are Edgar Allan Poe and Stephen King. These two authors have always been able to express man’s greatest struggle with the battle with inner fear rather than with outside circumstances. I did not think there were any other authors that could adequately portray this struggle on paper, until now. The funny thing is, I did not discover this through reading but from listening. Let me explain.

Though my bookshelves are filled with hardbound books, both for reading and for collecting, I have long since been a huge fan of audio books. Audio books are not only time beneficial, but educational as well. I have long believed that audio books are the wave of the literary future. Finally, someone else agrees with me...Classic CD Books.

Classic CD Books introduced me to classic writer, H.P. Lovecraft and his early horror works. Narrated and performed by former radio DJ, Erik Sellin, the five stories (The Beast in the Cave, Dagon, The Statement of Randolph Carter, The Terrible Old Man and The Music of Erich Zann) practically come to life as the words flow from the speakers. Erik Sellin does a marvelous job of making each sentence breathe through his emotion and pitch.

In my favorite of the five, The Beast in the Cave, a hiker is separated from his group and finds himself alone in a cave...or so he thinks. He is terrified because he has no idea where he is or how to get out. He soon realizes that he is not alone and that there is a creature lurking in the dark just beyond his vision. The creature seems to be stalking his every move. Reminiscent of Poe and King, Lovecraft does a marvelous job in describing the fear of mankind and the desperate actions taken when succumbed by fear.

This audio production was quite a wonderful way to discover and indulge in old classics! Visit http://www.classiccdbooks.com/ or order it on Amazon. I am looking forward to many more classics to be so eloquently produced by Classic CD Books. Long live the audio revolution!

The Letters - Sean Hanzelik

When horrific atrocities are happening in the world, where is God? When an innocent child is being abused, where is Jesus? When your life is going terribly wrong and everything is falling down around you, where is our Savior?

The answer to each of these questions is, “He is there.” Sometimes He speaks to us and sometimes, He sends us letters.

“Dear Reader, It is now time for you to read this book. I have helped write it for your enjoyment and for your enlightenment. Listen to your heart as you read, and hear My message. I look forward to speaking to you in the very near future. God.” You might find this to be ‘over the top’ until you crack open the book and read the divine messages displayed upon its pages.

Sean Hanzelik has captured the extraordinary examples of how God reaches us and compiled them in what promises to be a breakout novel, The Letters. Why would I make such a profound statement about this book? Because The Letters’ most important gift is not the story, but the messages it delivers.

This book makes such a huge impact because it describes how there are no ‘random events’ in our lives. God works in mysterious ways and He is always working. Even in the midst of our struggles and pains, Jesus is there. He so desperately wants us to turn our lives over to him rather than take on the world’s circumstances on our own; however, it is always up to us to make that decision.

When reading The Letters, you will feel each and every character. You will identify with their successes and what seem to be their failures. You WILL feel their pains. Most of all, however, you will feel their redemptions and you will realize how Christ is always standing ready to enter into our lives. We are always within the reach of His outstretched arms. Life’s tests and trials come as opportunities to make us stronger, not to destroy us. As one of Hanzelik’s characters, Odessa Greene states, “Wherever God puts you is a blessing.”

The Letters is an extraordinary novel about extremely ordinary people. There are several champions for Christ in this book however the only hero is the “Love of God”. There are no enemies or evil foes represented between the pages, only the people who keep the characters from Jesus’ love…themselves.

Sean Hanzelik has created a story worthy of the bestseller lists. I hope you will take the time to read The Letters and share it with anyone who can benefit from its message and I believe that anyone is everyone.

The God's Honest Truth - Darin Hufford

This book had a profound effect upon me. You may ask, “Why this one more than other books?” It was so profound to me because this book was about me.

No, I did not write this book. It was written by Darin Hufford, the founder and director of Married to the Master Ministries (www.phoenixnightlight.com) based in Phoenix, Arizona. The book resonated with me so much because like myself, Darin had to lose his religion before his spiritual connection with GOD was taken to another level. The most magnificent aspect of Darin’s epiphany is when GOD revealed it to him. It was not when he was lost and confused in worldly means. It was while he watched an auditorium fill with Christians coming to hear the word of GOD. What Darin realized was that the majority of the people entering the conference were in spiritual pain. In Darin’s words, “The people were basically disappointed with their religion. It was if they had been sold something by a con artist and once they got it home, it didn’t work.”

Wow! I cannot tell you how many times I’ve experienced this in my life. When I was in rebellion and away from the church, I cannot tell you how many times I watched Christians who had found Jesus that continued carrying their own burdens. Christians have no idea how much they deter people who want to find GOD from coming to church. When those that are lost see the ‘churchgoers’ still burdened with spiritual pain, they don’t see a benefit. Why trade pain for another pain? So rather than embrace Christians—they flee! Darin’s message on this subject is, “There is a power in GOD’s kindness that can literally carry you to freedom!”

Please realize that the focus in this message is not on the church but on the perception of religion. “The purpose of this book is not to expose the faults of the Church, but to declare the truth and beauty of GOD.” And what a beauty Darin Hufford shares in The God’s Honest Truth. Hufford has delivered a message that strikes at the heart of the old as well as nourishes the roots of the young in Christ.

As I moved from chapter to chapter, I felt as if Darin Hufford was ministering directly to me. He gave me The God’s Honest Truth; addressing aspects of my own life, GOD’s love and what GOD has in store for us all. As he expresses the Divine message GOD asked him to deliver, Hufford constantly reminds you that, “Truth ceases to be the truth if it is spoken in any other tone than love.”
This is one of the most relevant and most powerful Christian books I have read for ‘spiritual’ seekers. Look for Hufford to be compared to Rick Warren and Joel Osteen. The God’s Honest Truth, in my opinion, is one of GOD’s best sellers.

The Spirit - Jean Emile Charon

Why are we here? What is our purpose in this existence?

If you are a believer in Creationism, you know GOD created the universe, the Earth and mankind. HE gave Adam dominion over the Earth, however, HE never explained why. If you are a firm believer in evolution, then these too have been questions that have plagued humankind since it formed a conscience. No matter which belief you subscribe to, world-renowned physicist, Jean Emile Charon has the answer; and the answer is “The Spirit”.

Jean Emile Charon, nuclear physicist, decided to include the phenomena of metaphysics in his work in 1959. Dr. Charon has written more than 25 books on the subjects of physics, scientific philosophy and computer science (visit www.jeanemilecharon.com to see his extraordinary curriculum vitae). His goal was to bridge GOD and science—and he succeeded. Most would classify this as a new age subject; however, Dr. Charon first published this book as “L’Esprit cet inconnu” in 1977.

In realizing this, it is amazing how enlightened Jean Emile Charon was during a time that it wasn’t so popular. Dr. Charon provides his foundation in history, explaining how almost every successful physicist (specifically Sir Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein) wrote passionately about metaphysics. He also explains how succeeding scientists ignored and suppressed this information (reminiscent of Constantine’s ploy to decide approve and reject different books of The Bible) because they believed that since experiments could not be done and controlled, it was “out of our reach.” Dr. Charon believed that the very thing that physicists could not explain should be the very thing they sought to explain.

Jean Emile Charon, in this magnificent and controversial work, has done what other physicists were afraid to do. He has offered hard evidence that we are immortal. He has connected the ‘explainable’ to the ‘unexplainable’. Charon states, “Kicking a hole in a wall to get a view may be a bit radical, but as long as the wall stays intact, no one sees anything!” I can profess that the wall was adequately removed, almost 30 years ago, when Jean Emile Charon published this book.

If you are a seeker, like myself; if you thrive for answers to life’s unexplained situations, this book helps to fill in the gaps. This is not light reading however it is truly enlightened reading. Much appreciation goes to translator, Philip “Phil” Gagnon, Sr. for bringing this work into the American market. I recommend this book to each and everyone.

The Great Pretender - Millenia Black

What happens when a 6+year, pseudo-bigamist decides to ‘grow a conscience’? Only one word comes to mind…disaster!

Reginald Brooks is a tall, attractive, charismatic and extremely successful businessman. Reginald has it all: power, influence, money, women and love…his problem? Where he wants love, he has abused and lost it. Where there is more love than life, Reginald ignores it. His biggest dilemma? He is playing this ‘give and take’ love game with five (count them) five women.

“Hell hath no fury to that of a woman scorned!”

Juggling a wife and two, practically adult, daughters in Miami and a fiancé’ and a six year old daughter in Orlando, Reginald makes it a difficult task for the women to continue loving him with their all. Nevertheless, Reginald plays Atlas, carrying the world on his shoulders, maintaining his masquerade by telling lies and securing alibis. All is manageable until Reginald decides he can no longer handle the pressure. In actuality, he does not ‘grow a conscience’. In fact, he attempts to shift the responsibilities of his selfishly choreographed indulgence steadily upon the backs of the women he supposedly ‘loves’.

Reginald discovers, unbeknownst to him, that all of these intelligent women have lives of their own; all having their own explicit secrets. As all the lies began to come to light, Reginald finds out that he has never had the control he believed he held. Reginald is merely a great pretender. The truth hurts, but not always the person in which it is expected to hurt. The truth has a life of its own as well.

In the literary arena, there are great stories and there are great storytellers. Most often, one does not automatically accompany the other…but in this case it does. Millenia Black is a great storyteller and she tells a great story. “The Great Pretender” is realistic; its characters are fully complex and their dialogue is authentic. With the use of small, inconsequential interruptions in complex situations, Millenia Black paints a scene that is so genuine, if flows like true life.

While reading this book, I was reminded of the days I grew up watching “Dallas” and “Dynasty”. I would not dare compare Millenia Black’s work to the soap opera’s of today because Millenia’s work is so realistic.
Someone call HBO! The Great Pretender could easily be “The Sopranos” of South Florida. I believe The Great Pretender will be a big hit in the bookstores and I have no doubt that it will not be last time hearing from Ms. Millenia Black. You’ll be asking, “Janet Evan-a-who?”

The Tribe - Gregory Townes

What goes around comes around. We’ve heard this all of our lives, but what happens when situations truly come full circle? David Peters has found out the hard way and what he has discovered could mean death to him and his entire family.

In the midst of a heat wave, David and his daughter Star, go out to purchase her some new sneakers. Suffering from the constant heat, the couple cannot seem to find a cool place. They soon find themselves bombarded by strange characters that seem to repeat the same thing.

“The Dead Know What the Living Are Doing”

Not realizing what it means, they fight to make it back home in one piece. This proves not to be an easy task. Once they finally make it home, however, unbeknownst to them, a wheel has been set into motion. What was sent around hundreds of years ago is beginning to come around, and life as they once knew it is forever lost. They find themselves in a whirlwind of violence, death and evil. An evil so powerful that if not stopped, it will destroy the world. Only one person can stop this evil…an innocent pawn possessing more power than both life and death.

The Tribe is an excellent book that perfectly balances the sins of the past with the worlds’ problems of today. Author Gregory Townes has created a magnificent collage of human emotion, deception, greed and redemption. In his collage, Townes blends the history of slavery, African folklore and culture and its unfortunate circle of human iniquities.

A psychological thriller full of twists and turns, Townes will have you guessing through each page. Take a journey through hell with David Peters as he battles his demons, doubts, insecurities, anger and inabilities. His only goal is to catch a shining star. If that star fails, the world will most certainly follow down into the depths of the evil in which has inhabited it since its very existence.

A Break in the Storm - Arnold Simon

Hindsight is 20/20.

If you ask most any American what they though of Adolf Hitler, they will possibly refer to him as evil, as a murderer, crazy and some would even refer to him as “The Anti-Christ”. In my opinion, all of these are adequate and I could add more, however, my feelings were manifested because ‘hindsight is 20/20’. But what if I had been born German? What if I had been living as a teenager in Germany during 1936? Would my opinion of Adolf Hitler be as concrete as it is now?

Author, Arnold Simon, tackles this subject brilliantly in his novel, “A Break in the Storm”. Simon magnificently paints for the reader a clear, 1936, German vision through the eyes of the lead character Erich Behrndt and others.

Behrndt is an enthusiastic and idealistic young German whose father died in World War I. He later watched his mother work herself to death to afford him an education and a better life in their homeland. Behrndt feels he has found the potential for his life when he is taken to hear a powerful and charismatic, German leader. The leader was Adolf Hitler.

Behrndt is seduced by the promise of making his country strong again. He is drawn in by the promise of restoring pride and glory to his country. Behrndt is hooked by the idea that he will have the opportunity to “make his father proud”. He eagerly joins Hitler’s movement, not realizing that his idealism, sought through a Nazi government, would come with an expensive price tag.

Simon uses colorful (yet realistic) characters to adequately express (what I consider) the different ideals of a struggling social climate whose ultimate future, in our hindsight, is predestined. Nevertheless, through the interaction of these characters, Simon demonstrates how close the world came to avoiding World War II.

Simon’s accounts are so clear and precise, you might wonder if it is truly ‘fiction’. This book lends human emotion to an era most of us only read about in textbooks. Arnold Simon delivers unparalleled social, political and historical fiction in “A Break in the Storm”. I recommend it to everyone that enjoys history and pays respect to the WWII generation.

Beneath Wings of an Angel: Healing the Child Within, A Spiritual Healing Journey to Recovery from Domestic Violence - Janice Romney Farnsworth

Against all odds, GOD is still there.

People often ask, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” When things happen that we just don’t believe can be in GOD’s plan, we begin to question HIS existence. Where is GOD when a young child is being molested? Where is GOD when innocence is being stolen by evil? People are quick to compare their pains to those of Job, however, not many can actually identify. I believe, however, Janice Romney Farnsworth can.

Author, Janice Romney Farnsworth’s life’s testimony, Beneath Wings of an Angel: Healing the Child Within, A Spiritual Healing Journey to Recovery from Domestic Violence is a true, modern-day version of the Book of Job. Ms. Farnsworth reveals the torment of her inner soul, as Satan seems to hijack every male that enters into her life and take away everything she has, except her life. She readily admits that even though these men did not end her life, she wanted to end it…and tried.

Beneath Wings of an Angel, the inspirational and spiritual journey of Janice Romney Farnsworth, travels in both directions…into the future and deep into the past. During this journey, she realized that she’d been programmed to be a victim from her earliest of memories. She had dealt with abuse so much; she thought it was the way her life was supposed to be. So what changed Janice Farnsworth? At one of the lowest points in her life, GOD spoke to her.

Since that revelation, Janice Romney Farnsworth has become a champion for women dealing with domestic violence and abuse (and the abuse is not always physical). She is a hero to ALL victims because her story does not stop with her abuse. The abuse is only a steppingstone to the inspiration she received directly from GOD, which she now wishes to share with the world.

Not only does Beneath Wings of an Angel contain the trials of the author, but invaluable information regarding domestic violence. This is an inspirational book that could change your life if you are willing to accept the message. If you are not in need of its powerful message, I’m sure that you know someone who does. Through this book, Janice Romney Farnsworth can supply the tools to help them free themselves from abuse’s evil bondage.

Adrenaline - John Benedict

God Complex.

Doctors are often labeled with having God complexes. Sitting upon the pedestal in which the public has placed them, it is easy to believe the supreme beings, adorned in their white coats, pick and choose who lives or dies…but what happens if it is true?

Doug Landry, a young anesthesiologist, finds himself asking this very question. When a string of patients start dying by extraordinary, ‘accidental’ circumstances, Doug is forced to investigate the very colleagues with whom he works everyday. He must determine whether the Grim Reaper is frequenting Mercy Hospital by chance, or is he being continually summoned?

Properly entitled, Adrenaline is a thrill ride from the opening chapter. Dr. John Benedict has written a novel encompassing the intrigue of Michael Crichton’s “E.R.” combined with the thrill of “Crime Scene Investigations.” More than this, however, John Benedict takes the reader into the life and mind of a doctor. Though some doctors may have God complexes, with these complexes come an awesome sense of responsibility for the lives that are in their care.

In Chapter 8 of Adrenaline, Benedict writes, “Mike realized that all doctors must face this crossroads at some point in their careers. If they detach too much from their patient’s pain, they become heartless bastards with no sense of caring or empathy, no ability to heal the soul, the most important part of their patient. If they don’t detach at all, they risk being dashed on the rocks of human suffering.” This was a spectacular observation, which I’d never considered before I read this book.

Benedict does a wonderful job in taking his reader into the operating rooms, the conference rooms, the locker rooms and even in the privacy of the doctors’ stalls (have to read the book to understand that one). He also takes the reader into the political realm of doctors, the blame games and the finger pointing.

Adrenaline is a thrill ride from beginning to end. This is a top-notch medical thriller and I hope it is the first of many from Benedict. He could easily become the next Dean Koontz with a medical degree.

Corinthia: My Name is Corinthia - Leonard 'CRUZE' Webb

Corinthia Helene Myers is an average 10-year old girl living in the “City of Brotherly Love”. What she wants to tell you about is her first day in the public school system after years of Catholic school. In classic ‘10-year old’ dialogue, her story seems to take detours along the scenic route, allowing you to see more of her past than her present. The scenic view, however, is beautiful and the more Corinthia reveals to you, the more you realize; “Corinthia is not average at all!”

Author and cartoonist, Leonard ‘CRUZE’ Webb has created the sweetest, most adorable character in Corinthia Myers. Her mannerisms, her discussions and her wandering dialogue epitomizes the excitement and enthusiasm of a young girl ‘just dying’ to tell you her story. Webb, with his unique gift of cartooning, helps that much more with his illustrations.

As Corinthia holds your hand and walks you down the road of her life, you realize that her gifts are evident to everyone—except Corinthia. It might be because she talks more than she listens or it might be because she takes everything in stride. Either way, her story is meaningful, spiritual and enjoyable.

Corinthia Helene Myers’ innocence is sure to capture your heart. I thoroughly enjoyed Corinthia’s story, however, since I did not feel I was the intended audience, I consulted a professional…my 8-year old niece.

Vanishia, my niece, could completely identify with Corinthia and loved the character. She was excited about reading the book and was disappointed that she finished it so quickly. She was very pleased to know that it was the first in a series of books, and told me she wanted every one. I know Webb has at least one die hard fan!

Len ‘Cruze’ Webb has tapped into a market that has been sorely ignored. Corinthia is an African-American role model with a special gift from GOD and she is sharing it with EVERYONE. I strongly recommend this book for any young child just finding their direction in life. I guarantee that Corinthia will grab their hearts, minds and hands and guide them in the right direction.

From the Path - Verses on the Mystic Journey - William W. Simpson

“We are all on the path of our lives. The path that leads from birth to childhood, youth to maturity, work, family, advanced years, death and to the life beyond. Each of us was born with a purpose—with an intention to manifest certain qualities, to learn particular lessons and to share particular experiences with each other. We are put here together, so that we might discover and share our lives—together—in service and love to each other. In the end, all our paths lead to the same place, our home in Spirit. But we each have our own unique way of getting there.”

I honestly cannot think of much more to add to the aforementioned wisdom that describes the book “From The Path – Verses on the Mystic Journey” by William W. Simpson. However, since the aforementioned wisdom is not my own, I will give it a try.

The quotation is from the foreword of “From The Path – Verses on the Mystic Journey” which was written by the author/poet on Sept. 20, 2004, which happens to be the day before my 35th birthday. Is this a coincidence? Only you can be the judge, however, I was honored to review this poetic collection and am now just as honored to share its effects on me with you.

“From The Path – Verses on the Mystic Journey” is full of philosophy, lessons of life as well as moments of spiritual awakening and consciousness. As I read these jewels of verse, I would find myself reading silent prayers. I would turn the page and find myself gazing into the heavens at the wonders of GOD’s creations. On the next page, I would find myself reminiscing about moments of my life that were long forgotten. I found myself caught up in each page, spiritually moved with the written testimony represented in the words of Mr. Simpson.

Though “From The Path – Verses on the Mystic Journey” chronicles the conscious journey of William Simpson, you will find a bit of yourself in each verse. If you consider yourself a spiritually inclined person, you will enjoy each and every page of this book. If you are a seeker of spirituality, the book also includes a bonus chapter entitled "First Steps" - a collection of practical techniques for growth and transformation including detailed instructions on: Practicing The Presence, Affirmations, Meditation, Chanting Om, Watching The Breath, Sitting In The Stillness, Loving, Giving All Actions To God and Practicing "The Last Day".

For more information on the author, a few sample poems and purchasing the book, please visit http://www.consciouslivingfoundation.org/book-FromThePath.htm. I believe you will enjoy Mr. Simpson’s “Path” just as much as I.