Book Reviews
by Rachel Marks • Huntington, NY

THE INSTRUCTION: Living the Life Your Soul Intended
Ainslie Macleod
Sounds True, 2007
www.soundstrue.com
Long before the advent of GPS’s, souls arrived on earth with a navigational system to guide their journey on the physical plane. This is the premise of The Instruction, a unique, systematic approach to finding one’s life purpose. With the aid of eloquent guides, Ainslie McLeod escorts us through twelve “doorways” to “the soul world” to reveal elements of the life plan—the soul’s self-designed compass—to uncover who you are, why you’re here and the secrets of living the life intended by your soul.
Juxtaposing metaphysical concepts with concrete examples, the author provides an understanding of human history and existence from a soul perspective. Rich in metaphor and imbued with down to earth personality, The Instruction is an engaging, thought-provoking manual on creating a happier, more meaningful life.

How to Open or Improve a Successful Alternative Health Care Practice
Theodore W. Robinson
Inner Healing Press, 2007
www.centerforinnerhealing.com
Even for the well-seasoned entrepreneur, a new business venture is risky. Opening an alternative health care practice poses its own set of challenges. From ambiance and dress code, to marketing strategies and hard-to-find legal information, all the necessary tools for developing and operating a professional, successful practice are here in one detailed yet unintimidating volume.
Beyond your usual “how-to” guide, Theodore Robinson addresses the spiritual side of business ownership and the inner obstacles one may encounter.
A valuable section on Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)--an innovative emotional release method using acupressure and wordings--shows how to eliminate blockages to success and embrace the integrity of purpose vital to succeeding in this field. Timely and inspirational. A Bible for any new business owner.

TO BEE OR NOT TO BEE:
A Book for Beeings Who Feel There’s More to Life Than Just Making Honey
John Penberthy
Illustrated by Laurie Barrows
Sterling Publishers, 2007
www.sterlingpublishing.com
This tender allegory takes us on the spiritual journey of a curious little Bee named Buzz. During his search for enlightenment, Buzz encounters many trials, which teach him some important lessons. He learns that to find God, you must first find yourself through being in the moment. From his hardships he develops gratitude, wisdom and reverence for life.
Filled with humorous plays on words and wise aphorisms from Buzz’s friend, Bert the Bee, this heartwarming tale mirrors the universal search for meaning and purpose. With purity and powerful simplicity, it’s potent message—BEE HERE NOW—resonates with the child within us all.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU: A Physician Explains How Acupuncture Helps You to be the Best You
Joseph M. Helms, MD
Northatlantic Books, 2007
With all alternative healing approaches, there’s more than meets the eye. Look deeper than a “cure” and you’ll find knowledge of self and spirit. It is the inherent wisdom of acupuncture conveyed in this fresh perspective on an ancient art.
Central to the book are “biopsychotypes”-- psycho-soma types that provide a roadmap to one’s constitutional makeup. Through understanding their type, patients are empowered to recognize health problems and emotional imbalances while still at subtle energy levels. By linking symptoms, this system often makes sense of maladies that mystify Western doctors.
With patient and physician quotes and his own personal health care vision, Dr. Helms points to a lifestyle shift in which complementary medicine is the first resort. If you’ve ever been told, “it’s all in your head,” you are sure to find peace of mind in this insightful, transformative book.

Rachel Marks has worked as an editor of community newspapers, trade magazines and in public television, and is active in social justice and environmental campaigns.