Here’s how I decide what to read:
I don’t have a lot of time. I can give a poem a couple of lines, a short story a paragraph, and a novel a few pages, then if I can stop reading without a sense of loss, I do, and I go on to something else. — Flannery O’Connor
I love this.
This section of the New Buddhist Methodist Church is where we will share what we’ve been reading recently. As Senior Librarian, I encourage readers to contribute something (anything) of their own. Hopefully, this list will grow.Here are some of my Amazon Reviews. Let me know if you have some books you would like to include here. (Click on the link to read my review.)
Born Trump: Inside America’s First Family, by Emily Jane Fox
Sometimes I feel guilty for reading these types of books. But this one inspired more compassion for Trump’s kids, which is a good thing. (More compassion is always a good thing, because it leads to more clarity, more confidence, and more willingness to act when/where insightful action is needed. ) Maybe I read this type of book because Sun Tzu advised, “Know Thy Enemy,” and Jesus took it to the next level by challenging us to, “Love Thy Enemy.” After reading this book, these kids no longer feel like enemies. They feel more like kids, which is a good thing.
Dying to Wake Up: A Doctor’s Voyage into the Afterlife and the Wisdom He Brought Back A fellow monk friend recommended this book to me. We’ve been sharing a wonderful adventure of exploring the literature around Near Death Experiences. My monk buddy liked this more than I did, even though I liked it a lot. A worthy read with some truly unique revelations of the Near Death Experience.
Glimpses of Eternity: Sharing a Loved One’s Passage from This Life to the Next, by Raymond Moody As mentioned below, I’ve been on a kick lately reading nd researching Near Death Experiences (NDE’s.) Back in 1975 Raymond Moody made such research respectable. This book takes it to the next level.
Glimpsing Heaven: The Stories and Science of Life After Death, by Judy Bachrach I’ve been on somewhat of a “life after death” kick lately (and for like 40 years or so)– and a life before life and a life between life kick. This is a “quickie” I picked up at the Portland Library to read while on vacation. It’s a three star book. If you’re new to the field, or doubt the veracity of these experiences, this can act as an introduction. If you’re looking for better recommendations, send me an email!
Paranormal: My Life in Pursuit of the Afterlife, by Raymond Moody I loved this book. Love Raymond Moody and his work. This is his autobiography.
Status Anxiety, by Alain DuButton This book was a real surprise for me. I read it straight through, which is quite rare for me.
Pilgrimage: My Search for the Real Pope Francis, by Mark Shriver I was going to just flip through this book. Then I got caught…
The Marijuana Addiction Cure, by Kino Dee We need more insight into addictions in our time. Alas, this is a baby step…
Why We Write: 20 Acclaimed Authors… Meridith Maran As a writer, I needed this.
How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia, by Mohsin Hamid A good buddy said this was the best novel he’d ever read. It’s fiction. And good.
European Masters, Blueprints for Awakening, by Premananda
An amazing and wonderful work.. interviews with contemporary wise guys and gals.
The Open Secret, by Tony Parsons Tony Parsons is a good fueling station, along the Way…
Incarnational Spirituality, by David Spangler David Spangler is a long time hero of mine… swimming against the tide. We need such swimmers!
Systemantics: How Systems Work, and Especially How They Fail, by John Gall An old classic… worth rereading.
The Mandala of Being, by Richard Moss This man is very earnest.
Tarot Beginner’s Guide, by Olivia Miller This lady is in a bit over her head.
Botany for the Artist, by Sarah Simblet My wife Suzy, a gifted botanical artist, loved this book. What more to say?
The Art of Sexual Ecstasy: The Path of Sacred Sexuality for Western Lovers, by Margot Ananad Alas, this book places too much faith that we will find lasting peace and contentment through sexual activity. Nothing wrong with sexual activity, of course, but it is not the end of the path, contrary to what some recent idiots have believed.
Glimpsing Heaven: The Stories and Science of Life After Death, by Judy Bachrach I’ve been on somewhat of a “life after death” kick lately (and for like 40 years or so)– and a life before life and a life between life kick. This is a “quickie” I picked up at the Portland Library to read while on vacation. It’s a three star book. If you’re new to the field, or doubt the veracity of these experiences, this can act as an introduction. If you’re looking for better recommendations, send me an email!
Paranormal: My Life in Pursuit of the Afterlife, by Raymond Moody I loved this book. Love Raymond Moody and his work. This is his autobiography.
Status Anxiety, by Alain DuButton This book was a real surprise for me. I read it straight through, which is quite rare for me.
Pilgrimage: My Search for the Real Pope Francis, by Mark Shriver I was going to just flip through this book. Then I got caught…
The Marijuana Addiction Cure, by Kino Dee We need more insight into addictions in our time. Alas, this is a baby step…
Why We Write: 20 Acclaimed Authors… Meridith Maran As a writer, I needed this.
How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia, by Mohsin Hamid A good buddy said this was the best novel he’d ever read. It’s fiction. And good.
European Masters, Blueprints for Awakening, by Premananda
An amazing and wonderful work.. interviews with contemporary wise guys and gals.
The Open Secret, by Tony Parsons Tony Parsons is a good fueling station, along the Way…
Incarnational Spirituality, by David Spangler David Spangler is a long time hero of mine… swimming against the tide. We need such swimmers!
Systemantics: How Systems Work, and Especially How They Fail, by John Gall An old classic… worth rereading.
The Mandala of Being, by Richard Moss This man is very earnest.
Tarot Beginner’s Guide, by Olivia Miller This lady is in a bit over her head.
Botany for the Artist, by Sarah Simblet My wife Suzy, a gifted botanical artist, loved this book. What more to say?
The Art of Sexual Ecstasy: The Path of Sacred Sexuality for Western Lovers, by Margot Ananad Alas, this book places too much faith that we will find lasting peace and contentment through sexual activity. Nothing wrong with sexual activity, of course, but it is not the end of the path, contrary to what some recent idiots have believed.
