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Robert A. Weiler recommends:
The Biology of Transcendence:
A Blueprint of the Human Spirit
by Joseph Chilton Pearce
2002 -
If America has
ever produced an authentic scientific mystic for the new
millennium Dr. Joseph Chilton Pearce is certainly that heir
apparent. Much of what appears in his latest work is a review,
sometimes almost verbatim, of his compelling indictment
published in 1992, Evolution's End. Now we are able
to become a part of not only those astute observations gleaned
from decades of hands-on experience, but the simple practical
solutions as well.
Pearce shows
conclusively the disastrous results of an increasingly violent
and dumbed-down society where children are bereft of bonding
from birth, nutritionally abused even in the most affluent
of families and then almost immediately thrust into the
mindless world of TV at home and lifeless computers as early
as primary school.
But the core
of this fine treatise is the relentless exposure of our
sheepish acceptance of the negative enculturations versus
our naturally occurring head brain (intellect) and the heart
brain (intelligence) which allows us to transcend to a plane
higher than any of us have ever heretofore imagined.
There is something
here for all of us, liberal or conservative, young parents
or old survivors. This is not a book filled with syrupy
New Ageism nor the restrictive ideas of religion and law
over common sense, love and spirit. This is about the how
in the now in a world that no longer cares.
I've been an
advocate of Pearce's research ever since the early 1970s
and can assure the reader that this is his magnum opus and
perhaps our chance to finally live life as nature intended.
Robert A. Weiler recommends:
The Stranger from Paradise: A Biography of William Blake
by G. E. Bentley Jr.
2001 - B BLAKE
This is a winter book. Take large chunks of its 446-plus pages
and absorb them late at night or early in the morning when you
have the time that only the colder season quietly affords. This
William Blake (1757 - 1827) is not the college icon of the 1960s
or the appropriated mystical visionary of the New Agers. Under
Bentley's skilled hand Blake emerges as a very human being only
one rung above the rest of us. Now we finally have the definitive
account of one of the greatest artists, poets, and religious seers
of the past two and a half centuries.
The 66 glossy pages of stunning color plates and photos come deliciously
close to being nearly a complete monograph of his widely known
images and much more not heretofore seen by the general public.
His reputation as one of the best line engravers that England
ever produced and the indifference and poverty he endured in spite
of this wonderful talent is also explored in depth. Nor is Catherine,
his lifelong helpmate, neglected here as in other tomes. A woman
of incredible skill and lasting love that continued long after
her husband had slipped away to that brighter place he had so
vividly described in his legendary visions. A plethora of footnotes
and rather technical explanations in some places may seem somewhat
burdensome, but read on while this fine author blends them into
a sweet entrée fit for any discriminating reader. Here you will
learn as well as enjoy.
When you finish, do not replace this book on the shelf tightly
wedged between others with only the spine visible. But prop it
up so that the cover portrait of Blake by Thomas Phillips stares
out at you and perhaps you will also see wonderful things.
Robert A. Weiler also recommends:
Windswept House: A Vatican Novel by Malachi Martin
1996 - F MART
Far from being just another Vatican novel, this story is consistent
with today's headlines and tomorrow's hopes. It's my favorite
of the year.
Father Gladstone and his secular brother eventually team up
with a beleaguered Pope and other various good guys to thwart
a takeover of the church. In-house cabals, international politics
of the more sordid kind, grisly murders, and a heroine you won't
soon forget make this a real page-turner of superbly written
prose by a master.
This vivid excursion into our religious underbelly coupled with
a thinking person's ending will make you its most ardent advocate.
Jesse recommends:
The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley
1982 - F BRAD
This book is an in-depth portrayal of the reign of King Arthur
and things surrounding it. Merlin and his life are also in this
fantastic look into ancient times. It's the best book printed
as yet.
Emily Turner recommends:
Seventh Heaven by Alice Hoffman
1990 - F HOFF
What can be said about the main character, Nora Silk? Certainly,
she was well ahead of her 1950s suburban neighborhood. She's
the type of woman many of us even today strive to be like. She's
courageous, follows her heart, and is a risk-taker. She holds
a secret about life that many of us have yet to discover - happiness
and even unhappiness is a better existence than trying to make
yourself fit into the "American Dream" when it is just not you!
All in all, a fast read that discusses a heavy issue.
Lois Schroeder recommends:
Ghost Country by Sara Paretsky
1982 - M PARE, TC M PARE
The four main female characters become homeless street people,
coming from various backgrounds. This haunting story makes clear
how many of us live on the edge of such a fate, how the homeless
are invisible to most of us, how a religious fervor can take
over, and how mindless a mob can be. This is a radical departure
from her V. I. Warshawski mysteries. A must-read.
Lois Schroeder also recommends:
Personal History by Katharine Graham
1997 - B GRAHAM, TC B GRAHAM
This detailed book shows how a woman born before 1920 and conventionally
raised, with a successful father and a rather domineering husband,
could overcome her basic shyness and lack of security. When
faced with the necessity of taking over the Washington Post,
she became one of the most successful women in Washington D.
C. and the country.
Submit your own review
For more recommendations, go to:
Staff,
Board, & Volunteer Favorites 2002
Staff, Board, & Volunteer Favorites
2001 * Staff & Board Favorites 2000
Staff Favorites 1999 * Staff Favorites 1998 * Staff Favorites 1997
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