Tuesday, Quote it Time

From the book The Recovery of Ecstasy:

I breathe-and it means, I love
I love---and it means, I live.
(Vladimir Vysotsky, Ballad of Love)

The Recovery of Ecstasy, by Sandy Krolick, Ph.D.

The Recovery of Ecstasy: Notebooks from Siberia
by Sandy Krolick, Ph.D.
Book Surge Publishing
February 2009, 162p.
978-1439227367

As I read this book I was spellbound at times thinking the author was telepathic, since often something he said would have such personal relevance. His words reached out and touched my own life and further, the impact of this book on my thinking has been a personal journey of discovery. I am so grateful I met the ebullient author Dr. Sandy Krolick. Through his writing and subsequent email conversations I realized he has a spark of energy that is infectious. I hope after reading this review you will place The Recovery of Ecstasy on the top of your TBR pile. It is a gift from a talented author. Wisteria

REVIEW

The Recovery of Ecstasy is phenomenally empowering: empowering if you engage with it through introspective reflection on your own life; empowering when it succeeds in awakening your own meta-cognitions as you read. It is empowering if you remain receptive to the multi-layered journey of self-discovery offered here by Sandy Krolick. In part, the book attempts to answer the question, “What is the meaning of life?” As a result of Sandy’s personal pilgrimage, the book looks at this question from three distinct perspectives - historically, philosophically and introspectively - through a series of anecdotal Tetrads (Chapters) that are both entertaining and contemplative. In the preface, the author asks the reader to join him on a journey of self-discovery when he writes,

“My intention is that the reader examine his or her own direction in life and ask comparable questions of his or her own personal journey-how to live, and to what end!”

The book is, in key respects, a contrast between the cultures and philosophies of the people of Siberia and America. For example, there is a marked difference in what constitutes the experience of time among Siberians. Where they are more focused on the present and not obsessively planning the future, Americans plan everything from vacations to play dates, from after-school recreation to dinner parties and other appointments with calendars, personal planners and any of the latest trendy tools to ‘keep us’ organized. Krolick makes the point that Americans are not really free because they are constantly over-scheduled, ‘on-the-clock’, and tied to their plans; this in itself prevents an experience of true freedom. How often is an impromptu disruption to your routine a cause for total panic and a rush to reshuffle the schedule?

Sandy Krolick’s journey helped him realize his own key to living a life of ecstasy. Whatever you discover on your own journey from reading The Recovery of Ecstasy, I guarantee you will not regret the ride. Sandy Krolick has insight and a genuine love of life that is evident on every page; and he has the gift to communicate it passionately. This is a positive journey that examines the treadmill we are on, and will force you to question how much faster you want to go? Or, to take a phrase from the book, maybe it is time to consider “a new path in the midst of the confusion and helter-skelter of modern civilized life?” Instead of planning your retirement or your next vacation, perhaps find some time to read The Recovery of Ecstasy so that you won’t miss living life!

Highly Recommended.

Wisteria Leigh

Mailbox Monday March 30, 2009

A lucky week for me in my mailbox...



1)Two Brothers, Jones
2)Lace Makers of Glenmara by, heather Barbieri
3)The Contractor, Charles Holdefer
4)The Free Negress Elisabeth, by Cynthia Macleod
5)Eight Hours for What We Will, by Rosenweig
6)Stones Fall, Ian Pears
7)Shanghai Girls, Lisa See
8)Four Freedoms, John Crowley
9)Mysterious Magical Circus Family and Kids, R. Hawk Starkey
10)Crazy for the Storm, Norman Ollestad
11)Don't Bargain with the Devil, Sabrina Jeffries

Sunday Salon-Review-Jake Ransom and the Skull King's Shadow

Jake Ransom and the Skull King’s Shadow
by James Rollins
Harper Collins
9780061473791
April 28, 2009,416 pages





James Rollins, writer and New York Times best selling author of adult books has written a young adult book of extraordinary excitement on every page. I read it this weekend in one day, a quick read although about 400 pages. It is his pacing and clever combination of writing action to drive the text. You can't stop, he won't let you. Anyway, if you have a 5th grader, middle school student who likes adventure, with some fantasy. Maybe a Macguiver meets Indiana Jones then this book is for him/her.

Review:

Jake Ransom and his older sister Kady receive a mysterious invitation to an opening exhibit of Mayan Treasures at The British Museum in London. Three years ago their parents disappeared on an archeology exhibition. Jake, having a penchant for studies and strong desire to follow in his parent’s footsteps is thrilled. Kady, diva and social butterfly is reluctant to go, but ultimately agrees when she realizes cameras will be everywhere. How could she possibly miss this fashion and social opportunity.

Unfortunately their trip to London takes them farther than they expected as they find themselves in another place. It’s definitely not London as they immediately face a carnivorous dinosaur. Ultimately they meet the inhabitants who are people from multiple ancient civilizations all living together in a place called Calypso.

Rollins has set the scene for the perfect action adventure story for middle grade students. They are lost in a strange place. They are alone are among strangers. They
are immediately faced with their first life or death challenge.

Your heart will beat with the cadence of his poetic prose. Fast moving drama pushes you forward with a driving beat through his use of lyrical text. Rollins is a master of momentum and tension. A barrage of sound effects will come alive as you are compelled to turn each page no just reading but hearing the story.

Students will beg to stay up late to read this book and it will fly off the library shelves. Let’s hope the sequel is not far behind. This well written series will fill the holes in many library collections. Rollins is a natural fit for the young adult fantasy adventure drama.

Wisteria Leigh
New Milford, CT

Review-Salem Witch Judge, by Eve LaPlante

SALEM WITCH JUDGE: The Life and Repentance of Samuel Sewall, Eve LaPlante, Harper One, 2008,$14.95/C$16.25, pb, 352pp. 978-0-06-085960-2








In 1692 Samuel Sewall, 44, was one of the nine judges presiding over the Salem Witch Trials. Eve Laplante, a direct descendent of Sewall, states her purpose in writing this biography was to uncover the truths and restore Sewall to the hero she believes he was.
Her bibliography shows extensive research including Sewall’s daily journals. He was devoutly religious and struggled with his sense of right versus wrong during and after the trial. After five years he was compelled to repent for his role in condemning twenty witches to death by hanging based on spectral evidence.
Sewall was the only judge to ever take any responsibility. His admission was just the beginning of what would be a lifetime of self-mortification and praying to God for his restoration to good grace. Sewall spent his life working for the rights of women, blacks and Native Americans. His actions demonstrated his courageous nature and sense of morality. His relationship with God that would be the most important part of his life.
LaPlante tells her history in a fluid narrative style. This is a gripping account of a conflicted man; an essential biography for understanding the allure of the Salem Witch Trials.


Wisteria Leigh

Last Chance to Win at Cheryl's Book Nook

Cheryl is hosting a fabulous giveaway...but you must act fast.
Check out the detail here. Cheryl's Book Nook.

Here is a list of the books you could win!!!

1. The American Journey of Barack Obama By The Editors of Life Magazine ISBN: 0316045608
2. Fledgling By Octavia Butler ISBN: 0446696161
3. Stand the Storm By Breena Clarke ISBN: 0316007056
4. Red River By Lalita Tademy ISBN: 0446696994
5. Keep the Faith: A Memoir By Faith Evans ISBN: 0446199508
6. Say You're One of ThemBy Uwem Akpan ISBN: 0316113786
7. The Shack By William Young ISBN: 0964729237
8. The Bishop's Daughter By Tiffany Warren ISBN: 0446195146

Review-Crown in Candlelight

CROWN IN CANDLELIGHT, Rosemary Hawley Jarman, Trafalgar Square Publishing, 2008, $12.95/C$13.95/ £6.99, pb, 414pp,








Originally published in 1978, Crown in Candlelight covers a tumultuous period of English and French history from 1405 to 1461. This is the story of Katherine of Valois, the strikingly beautiful, yet demure daughter of King Charles VI, told through her eyes. Parented by a father who was mentally unstable, The Mad King, and a mother, Queen Isabeau, who was more interested in her own concupiscent behavior then attending a sick child.
When the ambitious and handsome, King Henry V conquers France, he later strengthens the joining of the countries by making Katherine his wife and Queen. King Henry adores his sweet Katherine, but tragically their life together is short lived when Henry dies of sickness, not before giving life to an heir. This leaves Katherine alone, in a hostile and dangerous court where deceptive trust and treachery is teeming at every turn.
When Owen Tudor returns two of Katherine’s repaired harps, their eyes meet. With that fleeting moment Katherine feels lonely no longer. Feeling “re-baptized” she meets him clandestinely. They agree to meet in one week, leaving each of them feeling a mutual sensual sensitivity of unbearable anticipation.
Jarman has compiled extensive research to write this expertly detailed novel. I felt her strength was in the development of her main characters and the descriptive setting and ambiance of the period. I really felt close to Katherine and could empathize with her plight. This is a richly complex historical novel with a profusion of characters making it difficult to follow at times. A romantic historical fiction tale to get caught up in. With elaborate details and plot entanglements, Jarman, a master of her craft, will command your focus.

Wisteria Leigh

I'm So Excited!!! A Surprise Award Arrived This Morning.

While I was sleeping, a little fairy graced me with this beautiful award. What an awesome way to start the day. Thank you so much to my new friend at The Book Resort!! Check out her page it is really amazing!!

Award description:This blog invests and believes in the PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement! Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this clever-written text into the body of their award.

Here is my list....Congratulations to my friends and new friends!!


Lesa's Book Critiques
Musings by a Bookish Kitty
The Burton Review
At Home with Books
Small World Reads
Kittling: Books
The Bookworm

Mailbox Monday

This sketch is of a mail wagon from 1858. I received a lot of mail this week that would be easily carried in this coach. Some of these mail coaches were designed to carry up to 600 pounds of mail.

[The Butterfield Overland Mail transferred passengers and mail to light, durable vehicles for travel over rough roads.
From Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, October 23, 1858.]
From:http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=25449

1) Tone Deaf in Bangkok, by Janet Brown ...all the way from Hong Kong!
2) Sally Hemings, by Barbara Chase-Riboud
3) The Calligrapher's Daughter, by Eugenia Kim
4) The Music Room, by Namita Devidayal
5) Harry Truman's Excellent Adventure, by Matthew Algeo
6) All Other Nights, by Dara Horn
7) Morning in a Different Place, by Mary Ann McGuigan
8) A Tale of Two Cities, Dickens
9) Born Among the Dolphins by Patrick Lagraw

Sunday Salon....Just a little late!

Well, it's been a rough week with grad school work. I had to read Uncle Tom's Cabin in a week and prepare for class. I finished three books and reviews that were due. Fortunately, it is Spring Break this week and no grad class. I still teach the kids and do my other reading, but it's nice to breath a little.

Random thoughts~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1) The first day of Spring brought snow instead of sunshine. Darn that groundhog!!!
2) It takes a long time to get rid of smoke in your house after a fire. It lands everywhere!!
3) Do you read the Introduction in a book? I always do now. Years ago I didn't, but I find that most of the time I do, unless they are too wordy and I'm getting nothing out of it. What are your thoughts?
4) I like to smell the inside of new books, I bet you do too.
5) Pretty bookmarks are important to me, but if I have to I'll use a piece of paper or anything that won't break the binding.
6) I like talking to other reading/writing bloggers...we're special!!
7) Muffins and coffee with flavored cream on a Saturday morning reading a good book is heaven to me.



Have a great week.

Sweeping Up Glass, by Carolyn D. Wall

SWEEPING UP GLASS, Carolyn D. Wall, Poisened Pen Press, 2008, $24.95 US/C, £15.95 UK, hb, 278pp, 978-1-59058-512-2


After reading Sweeping Up Glass, by debut author Carolyn D. Wall I could not move. This book is terrifyingly real and haunting of racial bias imagery of the past.


It is 1938, some say the coldest winter ever in Kentucky. Olivia Harker and her grandson Will’m discover that someone is killing silver faced wolves on their property. Olivia has an idea who is responsible, but doesn’t know why they are targeting them.
Olivia and Will'm live behind Harker’s Grocery, yet her ma’am Ida, lives in a tar paper shack out back. Olivia had her husband Saul settle her there many years ago unable to forgive her for the years of neglect and physical abuse while growing up. On the other hand she is very close to her pap, Tate Harker, a self made veterinarian.
One day with Olivia is driving with her father when they have a horrible accident. This becomes life altering for Olivia. After a long recovery she learns her pap is buried in an unmarked grave next to the outhouse, but she always yearns to move him someday.
During a time of shameless segregation, Olivia befriends Junk, Love Alice and other members of the black community. One night, Olivia stumbles upon a covert gathering of white men. Hidden from view, she listens to the conversations from community leaders who emote racial hatred and bigotry. The disappearance of young black men in the community has raised fear and an acute awareness of racial boundaries.
This significant historical mystery offers a twisted tale with a shocking secret, betrayal and mistrust with a bit of romance. Ms. Wall has a talent for shaping distinctively original southern characters with unique personality traits, some quirky, some hated, some loved, but all memorable. I guarantee they all will stand the test of time.

Wisteria Leigh

Big Boy Rules, by Steve Fainaru

From Internet Review of Books:

Commuting to war

BIG BOY RULES:
America’s Mercenaries Fighting in Iraq
By Steve Fainaru
288 pp. Da Capo Press $26.00

Reviewed by Wisteria Leigh

The cover of Big Boy Rules displays a bald, brawny soldier, biceps bulging, wrapped in a belt of bullets clutching his weapon while standing lookout through the sunroof of an SUV. Not exactly a picture to bring tears to anyone’s eyes. When you read Big Boy Rules, keep that vision in mind, but remember, I foretold your tears.

Steve Fainaru makes clear his position that the United States government’s use of private companies to replace and support US military is “an ugly business ... perhaps the ugliest business ...” Of the mercenaries, he says, “You didn’t have to draft them, or count them, or run them through Congress. You didn’t even have to know they were there.” Read more.....

Not just another war book-far from it! Discover what you don't know about mercenaries in the Iraq War. Steve Fainaru is a courageous reporter who investigated the War in Iraq from the inside. His Pulitzer Prize winning writing shouldn't be missed.