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by John Calabrese, Huntington, NY and Erica Settino
Connection. This is the central theme of McTaggart’s new book, and the new zeitgeist for our troubled world. Sound boring? Not on your life. This is a great read, based on science and sound experience from a fascinating variety of sources. Every single one of us thrives on acknowledgement and belonging, the sense of being “connected” to others in a positive, useful way. Are there loners out there? Of course, but perhaps those are people who have given up because they’ve been so disappointed by others - and thus felt disconnected from them - for so long. The world is rife with contradictions, reaching a point where most of us need to be in alignment instead. “Us vs. them” needs to go, with much more emphasis placed on cooperation - “surrendering to wholeness,” or connection - instead of competition. “Earthrise,” the first photograph of the Earth shot by the crew of Apollo 8, showed a beautiful, frail jewel of a world hanging in the desolate isolation of infinite space. What better reason to work together to save ourselves and the generations we bring into this world? The Bond is a brilliant, useable blueprint for showing us how to forgive, see the big picture, get along better, and build community. All this adds up to a stronger sense of connection, the “bond” that heals, filling our lives with a sense of fullness - that we belong, and therefore we matter.
Once in a very great while a book comes along with such a strong, important message that I marvel over the courage and spirit of the author. Vegan Is Love is one such book. Ruby Roth, author of That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals, has produced yet another inspiring, educational and truly beautiful children’s book, one that surpasses the messages of most. Brilliantly and vividly illustrated, Roth has managed to creatively articulate what every child and parent must learn and perhaps relearn at this crucial time. Exploring the very essence of our humanity, Roth is one of our most important teachers, bringing an honest awareness to the plight of the animals, the planet and our own lives. We must not continue to contribute to the pain and suffering of other living beings. With her focus being on a topic that has often, and for far too long, been considered taboo, Ms. Roth should be applauded and celebrated for her work, which every child should have unlimited access to. Reviewed by Erica Settino
BUDDHA SPEAKS:
To The Buddha Nature Within In this compelling and inspirational account of the most fundamental of Buddhist teachings, Rashmi Khilnani has managed to convey the ancient wisdom of the Buddha’s philosophy with an astute awareness of how it pertains to our modern times. In a world that is in a constant state of fluctuation and disease, these messages come at a time when most everyone is searching for answers and solutions to the disharmony in their lives. Thanks to Khilnani, we are reminded that those of us who are seeking peace and conscious awareness need look no further than within, even if the depths of our own self-doubt can seem bottomless at times. Ultimately, Khilnani has produced a spiritual text and commentary of the true Self. A reminder that at the core of our beings we are all Buddha-like in nature, and our suffering can only cease when we listen to our soul’s voice instead of the constant distractions of the monkey mind. Reviewed by Erica Settino
OUT OF BREATH Ashland Creek Press, an Oregon based, boutique publisher, dedicated to publishing books with a world view, continues to accomplish their aim, having produced yet another brilliantly layered and compelling story. Out Of Breath far surpasses the industry standard for young adult literature, and introduces an exciting and rare form of thought-provoking subject matter into mainstream storytelling. Blair Richmond fuses an undoubtedly honed craft with vivid description, emotional characterization and development, and the subtler, yet ever-present gift of metaphor. This is what brings her voice to life. With topics as far-ranging and seemingly unconnected as vampires, paranormal disturbances, competitive running and Shakespeare, coupled with the ongoing, not so quiet themes of veganism and environmental protection, Out of Breath takes readers on a fast-paced journey through both faith and fantasy. The first book in a trilogy featuring Kat and the mysterious Oregon town of Lithia, Richmond has succeeded in leaving the reader wanting more, and questioning everything they have believed to be true. Reviewed by
Erica Settino
Eat & Run: From world-renowned ultramarathon champion, Scott Jurek, comes his inspirational and motivational account of what it takes to run farther, harder and longer than you ever thought possible, and all you have to do is eat a vegan diet. Well, that’s not exactly true, seriously, this dude runs 135 plus miles at any given time, so obviously there are a number of factors to consider. But Jurek will be the first to tell you that his superhuman abilities stem from a plant-based diet. That, and his remarkable will and undying spirit are what makes him a modern day hero. While I was reading Eat & Run—which I devoured in twenty-four hours and promptly handed to my husband to enjoy, while also making a mental note of at least three people I know who must read this book—the word that kept popping into my mind was hope. Hope for a new generation of athletes who understand what their bodies are capable of when fueled properly and healthily; and hope for an industry and culture that has, for far too long, bought into and capitalized on the rampant “where do you get your protein” propaganda. What Jurek has offered is an irrefutable account of an excellence that comes only from severe perseverance and unimaginable endurance. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally, and most definitely spiritually. This is a really good book. The writing is spot on, and Jurek’s humble and truthful approach is present in every sentence. And, the unexpected yet delightful recipes that he includes at the end of each chapter are simple, nutritious and delicious. I was honestly blown away. Not just by his acclaim and his accomplishments, but also by his humanity. And truthfully, he made me want to get up and run. Reviewed by Erica Settino.
John Calabrese is the Editor-at-Large at Creations Magazine and has a private counseling practice in Huntington, NY. |
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