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True Stories of the Philosophical Theater
S. Yerucham
2024 Finalist
792 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Religion/Philosophy
Reviewed by Rich Follett for Readers' Favorite
True Stories of the Philosophical Theater by S. Yerucham chronicles one man’s quest for meaning in a world seemingly defined by contradiction. Yerucham’s sweeping narrative conveys readers across the globe, from Indiana to India, Israel, Thailand (to name a few), and, ultimately, to post-hippie San Francisco, where he at last reconciles his restless questioning mind and his wanderlust with his longing for home and family. This memoir is deeply personal and yet truly universal, with familiar themes such as fatherhood, homesickness, and the struggle inherent in adhering to one’s religious practices and beliefs while immersed in foreign cultures. These are all woven into the narrative with deft precision for clarity, purpose, and reader engagement.
S. Yerucham is a kind of modern-day Everyman, posing eternal questions and finding possible answers in the most unlikely of places. Add into the mix Yerucham’s masterfully inventive use of language and prodigious vocabulary and the result is a rare and singularly appealing literary memoir. Readers will be astonished at how quickly its pages breeze by, with every new horizon offering pure delights and new mysteries to ponder. Yerucham has a marvelously wry, self-deprecating sense of humor which adds a wonderful tongue-in-cheek quality to the text, making the reader feel part of the epic goings-on as the author transitions from a wide-eyed eighteen-year-old self-professed chameleonic shape-shifter to a homeowner and family man. Along the way, Yerucham quotes many of the world’s greatest books and takes us on an armchair tour of a number of the most appealing and exotic locales. It is hard to imagine a literary memoir with more to offer readers than S. Yerucham’s True Stories of the Philosophical Theater.
True Stories of the Philosophical Theater by S. Yerucham chronicles one man’s quest for meaning in a world seemingly defined by contradiction. Yerucham’s sweeping narrative conveys readers across the globe, from Indiana to India, Israel, Thailand (to name a few), and, ultimately, to post-hippie San Francisco, where he at last reconciles his restless questioning mind and his wanderlust with his longing for home and family. This memoir is deeply personal and yet truly universal, with familiar themes such as fatherhood, homesickness, and the struggle inherent in adhering to one’s religious practices and beliefs while immersed in foreign cultures. These are all woven into the narrative with deft precision for clarity, purpose, and reader engagement.
S. Yerucham is a kind of modern-day Everyman, posing eternal questions and finding possible answers in the most unlikely of places. Add into the mix Yerucham’s masterfully inventive use of language and prodigious vocabulary and the result is a rare and singularly appealing literary memoir. Readers will be astonished at how quickly its pages breeze by, with every new horizon offering pure delights and new mysteries to ponder. Yerucham has a marvelously wry, self-deprecating sense of humor which adds a wonderful tongue-in-cheek quality to the text, making the reader feel part of the epic goings-on as the author transitions from a wide-eyed eighteen-year-old self-professed chameleonic shape-shifter to a homeowner and family man. Along the way, Yerucham quotes many of the world’s greatest books and takes us on an armchair tour of a number of the most appealing and exotic locales. It is hard to imagine a literary memoir with more to offer readers than S. Yerucham’s True Stories of the Philosophical Theater.
Recommend this book:
The Secret Practice
Eighteen Years on the Dark Side of Yoga
Joelle Tamraz
2024 Honorable Mention
332 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Religion/Philosophy
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
The Secret Practice: Eighteen Years on the Dark Side of Yoga by Joelle Tamraz is an intriguing and harrowing memoir that sheds light on the darker aspects of spiritual pursuit and manipulation. Tamraz's candid narrative takes readers on a journey from vulnerability to empowerment, offering a gripping exposé of the dangers lurking behind the facade of enlightenment. Tamraz's story begins innocently enough, with a quest for spiritual enlightenment leading her to Rishikesh, the renowned home of yoga. However, her encounter with Swami Arun, an enigmatic and manipulative figure, sets off a chain of events defining the next eighteen years of her life. Through Tamraz's vivid storytelling, readers are immersed in the world of deception, control, and abuse orchestrated by Arun. On the surface, Tamraz’s spiritual guide is lovable, but his intentions are far from pure. For how long will she allow him to manipulate her?
The Secret Practice: Eighteen Years on the Dark Side of Yoga is told with unflinching honesty. From the opening chapters, readers learn about the author’s clandestine marriage, juxtaposed with her initial hopes and dreams of a lifetime of love and companionship. The secrecy in her relationship already hints at trouble. The contrast between her longing for familial approval and her mother's unexpected melancholy underscores the challenges of navigating cultural expectations and familial dynamics. The unease is palpable, and readers see someone longing for inner freedom. Her spiritual journey toward freedom thrust her into a form of spiritual slavery, and despite the warning signs, it takes a long time for her to break the cycle. While this is an enthralling memoir, it is also a cautionary tale showing readers how pseudo-spiritual leaders can prey on people and exploit their longing for enlightenment for personal gain. The book offers valuable lessons for readers.
The Secret Practice: Eighteen Years on the Dark Side of Yoga by Joelle Tamraz is an intriguing and harrowing memoir that sheds light on the darker aspects of spiritual pursuit and manipulation. Tamraz's candid narrative takes readers on a journey from vulnerability to empowerment, offering a gripping exposé of the dangers lurking behind the facade of enlightenment. Tamraz's story begins innocently enough, with a quest for spiritual enlightenment leading her to Rishikesh, the renowned home of yoga. However, her encounter with Swami Arun, an enigmatic and manipulative figure, sets off a chain of events defining the next eighteen years of her life. Through Tamraz's vivid storytelling, readers are immersed in the world of deception, control, and abuse orchestrated by Arun. On the surface, Tamraz’s spiritual guide is lovable, but his intentions are far from pure. For how long will she allow him to manipulate her?
The Secret Practice: Eighteen Years on the Dark Side of Yoga is told with unflinching honesty. From the opening chapters, readers learn about the author’s clandestine marriage, juxtaposed with her initial hopes and dreams of a lifetime of love and companionship. The secrecy in her relationship already hints at trouble. The contrast between her longing for familial approval and her mother's unexpected melancholy underscores the challenges of navigating cultural expectations and familial dynamics. The unease is palpable, and readers see someone longing for inner freedom. Her spiritual journey toward freedom thrust her into a form of spiritual slavery, and despite the warning signs, it takes a long time for her to break the cycle. While this is an enthralling memoir, it is also a cautionary tale showing readers how pseudo-spiritual leaders can prey on people and exploit their longing for enlightenment for personal gain. The book offers valuable lessons for readers.
Recommend this book:
Code of Conduct
Tales of the Roller Coaster of Life
Scott Freidheim
2024 Bronze Medal
176 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Religion/Philosophy
Reviewed by Samantha Dewitt (Rivera) for Readers' Favorite
In 1992, British record holder Derek Redmond showed a relentless drive and refused to give up. On 9/11/2001, New York's finest stood strong in the face of the worst terrorist attack most of us have ever known. The 2010 Arab Spring cost tens of thousands of lives. Each of these major world events showcased a value that can be applied in life to help anyone make the most of it. These are only a few of the events and situations that Scott Freidheim has experienced throughout his life. In Code of Conduct, readers will be pulled directly into the varied situations that have shaped who he is and helped him create his own personal code of conduct.
Scott Freidheim has 32 principles and values that he finds most important in life, which make up his personal code of conduct. He encourages the reader to create their own code of conduct by sharing where his code comes from. Each story in Code of Conduct paints a picture that places the reader right in the middle of a specific situation with action and characters. The fact that those characters are real people who lived through real events makes many of the stories themselves seem even more astounding. For example, reading about the way Freidheim experienced 9/11 and some of the effects of the Holocaust firsthand really makes the reader think hard about their own life and experiences. Each story moves along at a brisk pace, getting to the point quickly and sharing the most relevant details. The themes throughout Code of Conduct are varied, including those related to human nature, self-improvement, and helping others and the world around us. Code of Conduct helps the reader decide what’s important to them and what values and principles have shaped their own life.
In 1992, British record holder Derek Redmond showed a relentless drive and refused to give up. On 9/11/2001, New York's finest stood strong in the face of the worst terrorist attack most of us have ever known. The 2010 Arab Spring cost tens of thousands of lives. Each of these major world events showcased a value that can be applied in life to help anyone make the most of it. These are only a few of the events and situations that Scott Freidheim has experienced throughout his life. In Code of Conduct, readers will be pulled directly into the varied situations that have shaped who he is and helped him create his own personal code of conduct.
Scott Freidheim has 32 principles and values that he finds most important in life, which make up his personal code of conduct. He encourages the reader to create their own code of conduct by sharing where his code comes from. Each story in Code of Conduct paints a picture that places the reader right in the middle of a specific situation with action and characters. The fact that those characters are real people who lived through real events makes many of the stories themselves seem even more astounding. For example, reading about the way Freidheim experienced 9/11 and some of the effects of the Holocaust firsthand really makes the reader think hard about their own life and experiences. Each story moves along at a brisk pace, getting to the point quickly and sharing the most relevant details. The themes throughout Code of Conduct are varied, including those related to human nature, self-improvement, and helping others and the world around us. Code of Conduct helps the reader decide what’s important to them and what values and principles have shaped their own life.
Recommend this book:
A Crisis Is a Terrible Thing to Waste
The Art of Transforming the Tragic into Magic
Kelly Sullivan Walden
2024 Silver Medal
288 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Religion/Philosophy
Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite
A Crisis Is a Terrible Thing to Waste by Kelly Sullivan Walden starts with a humorous modern adaptation of the myth of Persephone, the goddess of the underworld. Despite the contemporary twist, the meaning of the myth is still the same: we are not insured against encounters with the dark side of life. Kelly offers a doable strategy that allows us to turn our mistakes into a valuable experience. OGLE is a formula and a tool that helps us look at our missteps and traumas from different perspectives, analyze them, and make them work on our spiritual behalf. The author supports this method with real-life examples. Kelly and her husband, Dana, miss their station while traveling in Italy. A scary-looking stranger offers them help. The tired couple takes a risk and makes a surprising discovery. Kelly wants to adopt a beautiful girl whose parents rejected her. Then tragedy strikes hard. A neighbor asks Kelly to analyze dreams about her missing daughter. The investigation leads to fascinating revelations.
A Crisis Is a Terrible Thing to Waste is a very positive book. Kelly Sullivan Walden openly speaks about her past hardships. At the same time, the book is a humorous page-turner. The tales about Kelly's attempt to conquer the summit of a volcano just to be scolded or the awkward situation she found herself in during her friend's biopsy procedure are hilarious and thought-provoking. Yet, the author breaks our hearts with the story of little Tendral and makes us gasp in awe while narrating about the fearless teen named Claire and her battle with cystic fibrosis. I like that every essay has an unexpected twist and a breakdown according to the OGLE formula at the end. Kelly believes that "pain is guaranteed—suffering, however, is optional." She motivates us to make an effort to overcome pain, negativity, and even grief and grow up spiritually. A Crisis Is a Terrible Thing to Waste inspires us to become more open-minded, compassionate, and braver versions of ourselves. I highly recommend this book to fans of inspirational and humorous non-fiction books, memoirs, and self-help literature.
A Crisis Is a Terrible Thing to Waste by Kelly Sullivan Walden starts with a humorous modern adaptation of the myth of Persephone, the goddess of the underworld. Despite the contemporary twist, the meaning of the myth is still the same: we are not insured against encounters with the dark side of life. Kelly offers a doable strategy that allows us to turn our mistakes into a valuable experience. OGLE is a formula and a tool that helps us look at our missteps and traumas from different perspectives, analyze them, and make them work on our spiritual behalf. The author supports this method with real-life examples. Kelly and her husband, Dana, miss their station while traveling in Italy. A scary-looking stranger offers them help. The tired couple takes a risk and makes a surprising discovery. Kelly wants to adopt a beautiful girl whose parents rejected her. Then tragedy strikes hard. A neighbor asks Kelly to analyze dreams about her missing daughter. The investigation leads to fascinating revelations.
A Crisis Is a Terrible Thing to Waste is a very positive book. Kelly Sullivan Walden openly speaks about her past hardships. At the same time, the book is a humorous page-turner. The tales about Kelly's attempt to conquer the summit of a volcano just to be scolded or the awkward situation she found herself in during her friend's biopsy procedure are hilarious and thought-provoking. Yet, the author breaks our hearts with the story of little Tendral and makes us gasp in awe while narrating about the fearless teen named Claire and her battle with cystic fibrosis. I like that every essay has an unexpected twist and a breakdown according to the OGLE formula at the end. Kelly believes that "pain is guaranteed—suffering, however, is optional." She motivates us to make an effort to overcome pain, negativity, and even grief and grow up spiritually. A Crisis Is a Terrible Thing to Waste inspires us to become more open-minded, compassionate, and braver versions of ourselves. I highly recommend this book to fans of inspirational and humorous non-fiction books, memoirs, and self-help literature.
Recommend this book:
Mary's Life Journey & Her Amazing Yes!
Denise Mercado
2024 Gold Medal
214 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Religion/Philosophy
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Mary's Life Journey & Her Amazing Yes! is a work of non-fiction in the Christian writing, contemplation, and inspirational writing subgenres. It is suitable for the general adult reading audience and was penned by author Denise Mercado. The work explores the depth of being Catholic by delving into the foundational elements and traditions of the faith. Raised Catholic but later questioning her beliefs, Denise embarks on a quest for truth, exploring Protestantism and spiritual writings. Ultimately, she returns to her Catholic roots, finding solace in understanding the history of her upbringing. Her research leads her to delve deeply into the Rosary, the life of Mary in the Bible, Infancy Gospels, and apocryphal writings, granting her the inner peace she sought.
Author Denise Mercado has lovingly crafted an intimate portrayal of her own personal faith journey and offers readers a chance to delve into the traditions of the Catholic faith for themselves. It provides not only a spiritual exploration but also an opportunity to gain a richer appreciation for Catholic traditions and beliefs whether you’re someone who’s already familiar with them or not. As an agnostic reader, I found this book to be a profound exploration of faith, combining personal experiences with historical and theological insights. Denise's journey is relatable whether you’re especially religious or not, and her exploration of Catholicism is informative and thought-provoking thanks to her tender yet confident narrative skill. Overall, Mary's Life Journey & Her Amazing Yes! offers a well-written and heartfelt perspective on Catholicism that can resonate with believers seeking a deeper connection to their faith, and I’d certainly recommend it to one and all.
Mary's Life Journey & Her Amazing Yes! is a work of non-fiction in the Christian writing, contemplation, and inspirational writing subgenres. It is suitable for the general adult reading audience and was penned by author Denise Mercado. The work explores the depth of being Catholic by delving into the foundational elements and traditions of the faith. Raised Catholic but later questioning her beliefs, Denise embarks on a quest for truth, exploring Protestantism and spiritual writings. Ultimately, she returns to her Catholic roots, finding solace in understanding the history of her upbringing. Her research leads her to delve deeply into the Rosary, the life of Mary in the Bible, Infancy Gospels, and apocryphal writings, granting her the inner peace she sought.
Author Denise Mercado has lovingly crafted an intimate portrayal of her own personal faith journey and offers readers a chance to delve into the traditions of the Catholic faith for themselves. It provides not only a spiritual exploration but also an opportunity to gain a richer appreciation for Catholic traditions and beliefs whether you’re someone who’s already familiar with them or not. As an agnostic reader, I found this book to be a profound exploration of faith, combining personal experiences with historical and theological insights. Denise's journey is relatable whether you’re especially religious or not, and her exploration of Catholicism is informative and thought-provoking thanks to her tender yet confident narrative skill. Overall, Mary's Life Journey & Her Amazing Yes! offers a well-written and heartfelt perspective on Catholicism that can resonate with believers seeking a deeper connection to their faith, and I’d certainly recommend it to one and all.
Recommend this book:
A Sky of Infinite Blue
A Japanese Immigrant's Search for Home and Self
Kyomi O'Connor
2023 Finalist
312 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Religion/Philosophy
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
A Sky of Infinite Blue: A Japanese Immigrant’s Search for Home and Self is a work of non-fiction in the autobiography subgenre. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author Kyomi O’Connor. The book follows the author's journey relocating from Japan in the early 1990s, taking a job as a researcher to escape from the turbulent family life she’d known in her youth. Falling in love with the kind and supportive Patrick, she began to heal from the wounds of her past, only for cancer to claim Patrick after years of happy marriage. Now writing to explore her past and heal her wounds, the author presents her search for inner strength in this volume.
There is a beautiful sense of introspection throughout this work that makes it feel like a spiritual reflection on the author's journey and the growth she undertook along the way. It is a deeply meditative memoir made possible by author Kyomi O’Connor’s willingness to be emotionally vulnerable and her graceful wisdom in reflecting on the events of her life with the benefit of hindsight. Her prose effortlessly encourages readers to invest emotionally in the author's life, and there are many lessons imparted throughout the journey that readers can – and should – take away and implement in their own lives. Overall, A Sky of Infinite Blue is a book written with no small degree of bravery, but the risk taken has paid out handsomely as it has resulted in a moving and insightful memoir. I cannot imagine someone reading it from cover to cover without feeling moved and enlightened by the experience.
A Sky of Infinite Blue: A Japanese Immigrant’s Search for Home and Self is a work of non-fiction in the autobiography subgenre. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author Kyomi O’Connor. The book follows the author's journey relocating from Japan in the early 1990s, taking a job as a researcher to escape from the turbulent family life she’d known in her youth. Falling in love with the kind and supportive Patrick, she began to heal from the wounds of her past, only for cancer to claim Patrick after years of happy marriage. Now writing to explore her past and heal her wounds, the author presents her search for inner strength in this volume.
There is a beautiful sense of introspection throughout this work that makes it feel like a spiritual reflection on the author's journey and the growth she undertook along the way. It is a deeply meditative memoir made possible by author Kyomi O’Connor’s willingness to be emotionally vulnerable and her graceful wisdom in reflecting on the events of her life with the benefit of hindsight. Her prose effortlessly encourages readers to invest emotionally in the author's life, and there are many lessons imparted throughout the journey that readers can – and should – take away and implement in their own lives. Overall, A Sky of Infinite Blue is a book written with no small degree of bravery, but the risk taken has paid out handsomely as it has resulted in a moving and insightful memoir. I cannot imagine someone reading it from cover to cover without feeling moved and enlightened by the experience.
Recommend this book:
A Daughter's Kaddish
My Year of Grief, Devotion, and Healing
Sarah Birnbach
2023 Honorable Mention
304 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Religion/Philosophy
Reviewed by Tawny Molina for Readers' Favorite
A Daughter’s Kaddish: My Year of Grief, Devotion, and Healing by Sarah Birnbach is a heartwarming and eye-opening look at a woman’s attempt to fulfill a religious obligation for her father but seems to run into every issue imaginable to prevent it, be it traditionalists telling her that women do not say Kaddish to simply bad timing of locations choosing not to hold services during certain times of the year. Despite these complications, many of which would have disheartened anyone in her situation, Sarah managed to adjust and find ways to fulfill her duty to her father’s soul, God, and just as importantly, find the healing she needed for herself.
I picked up A Daughter’s Kaddish not only in the hope of reading a beautiful memoir but also for its possible educational possibilities. As a woman born of a Jewish mother but never raised in the faith, I could not help but find a deep appeal in this book. I had no idea there were so many complicated and beautiful rituals connected to the passing of a loved one. Sarah Birnbach's journey is explained in easy-to-follow terms. She has done a wonderful job of allowing those of us uneducated in her faith to understand the need and reasoning for the Kaddish as well as the other aspects of Jewish life that are described in this book. This memoir not only gives us a glance at a daughter’s healing but a look at the faith that is so important to her and her late father.
A Daughter’s Kaddish: My Year of Grief, Devotion, and Healing by Sarah Birnbach is a heartwarming and eye-opening look at a woman’s attempt to fulfill a religious obligation for her father but seems to run into every issue imaginable to prevent it, be it traditionalists telling her that women do not say Kaddish to simply bad timing of locations choosing not to hold services during certain times of the year. Despite these complications, many of which would have disheartened anyone in her situation, Sarah managed to adjust and find ways to fulfill her duty to her father’s soul, God, and just as importantly, find the healing she needed for herself.
I picked up A Daughter’s Kaddish not only in the hope of reading a beautiful memoir but also for its possible educational possibilities. As a woman born of a Jewish mother but never raised in the faith, I could not help but find a deep appeal in this book. I had no idea there were so many complicated and beautiful rituals connected to the passing of a loved one. Sarah Birnbach's journey is explained in easy-to-follow terms. She has done a wonderful job of allowing those of us uneducated in her faith to understand the need and reasoning for the Kaddish as well as the other aspects of Jewish life that are described in this book. This memoir not only gives us a glance at a daughter’s healing but a look at the faith that is so important to her and her late father.
Recommend this book:
Embracing God In The Right Perspective With The Right Foundation Of Faith In Him
Every Living Soul In The History Of Mankind Is A Child Of God
Chris Tham
2023 Bronze Medal
524 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Religion/Philosophy
Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite
Embracing God In The Right Perspective With The Right Foundation Of Faith In Him by Chris Tham is a faith-based work of non-fiction that serves as a companion piece or study guide to the Bible, also known as The Word of God. The author seeks to share the words and meaning of Jesus Christ, also called in this book The Gospel of Light. The author explains how truth, power, and wisdom can only be achieved by realizing and understanding that people have a purpose in life, and it is to know who Jesus is and what He wants for them--salvation. The author explains that he doesn't want to disrespect other religions, but wants only to show how much more fulfilled they will be if they follow Jesus.
Tham encourages readers to find out their true identity, which is shaped by God and the gifts He gives them. When one fully realizes his or her purpose, according to the author, things like faith, power, peace, and love, can enter that life, as it has been ordained by destiny--God Himself. The author likens God's relationship with us as a father-and-child relationship, as He is the Master and Creator of all. Tham reasons that it is logical to find out what God wants for your life, instead of trying to figure it out on your own, or going in a direction that isn't meant to be. Whether or not you agree with all of the author's ideas, he does succeed in getting his points across. The Bible can be interpreted by those who read it, and if they read it for themselves, they can decide if they line up with Tham's book. I do like how the author places emphasis on self-study, faith, healing, and compassion toward others, regardless of their religion. If you've been looking for a book to help bring you back into the Word of God, or help lead you to it for the first time, put Embracing God In The Right Perspective With The Right Foundation Of Faith In Him by Chris Tham on your reading list.
Embracing God In The Right Perspective With The Right Foundation Of Faith In Him by Chris Tham is a faith-based work of non-fiction that serves as a companion piece or study guide to the Bible, also known as The Word of God. The author seeks to share the words and meaning of Jesus Christ, also called in this book The Gospel of Light. The author explains how truth, power, and wisdom can only be achieved by realizing and understanding that people have a purpose in life, and it is to know who Jesus is and what He wants for them--salvation. The author explains that he doesn't want to disrespect other religions, but wants only to show how much more fulfilled they will be if they follow Jesus.
Tham encourages readers to find out their true identity, which is shaped by God and the gifts He gives them. When one fully realizes his or her purpose, according to the author, things like faith, power, peace, and love, can enter that life, as it has been ordained by destiny--God Himself. The author likens God's relationship with us as a father-and-child relationship, as He is the Master and Creator of all. Tham reasons that it is logical to find out what God wants for your life, instead of trying to figure it out on your own, or going in a direction that isn't meant to be. Whether or not you agree with all of the author's ideas, he does succeed in getting his points across. The Bible can be interpreted by those who read it, and if they read it for themselves, they can decide if they line up with Tham's book. I do like how the author places emphasis on self-study, faith, healing, and compassion toward others, regardless of their religion. If you've been looking for a book to help bring you back into the Word of God, or help lead you to it for the first time, put Embracing God In The Right Perspective With The Right Foundation Of Faith In Him by Chris Tham on your reading list.
Recommend this book:
Welcome to Our Real Matrix
One with No Escape
Tom Arant
2023 Silver Medal
354 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Religion/Philosophy
Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite
What exactly is reality? How do we interpret the world around us? Are we perceiving the world accurately, or are we viewing it through faulty lenses? If you've ever experienced these thoughts, this book is for you. Welcome to Our Real Matrix is Tom Arant's attempt to make sense of reality and how we view it, and to identify the contrasts and parallels between the actual matrix and the fictitious matrix from the movie: The Matrix. He also investigates the interconnected ways in which all living organisms perceive and respond to reality, as well as the signals received by different organisms' sensory receptors while attempting to simplify evolution, biology, philosophy, genetics, and abiogenesis. The book also includes such topics as superstition, ancient Greek civilization, repetitive allostasis, Zen Buddhism, cognitive maps and sensorimotor integration, consciousness, free will, and much more.
Welcome to Our Real Matrix is exceptionally eye-opening! I felt my view on the world change as I went through each scientific notion regarding living things and their sensory receptors, clearly summarized in this book. Although it primarily consists of contents on science, abiogenesis, and evolution, the succinct, to-the-point section about why and how to live life contains some deep, philosophical ideas that are useful and insightful enough to stand alone and spark the reader's change in perspectives. I seriously enjoyed the carefully chosen passages from pioneers and influencers of Existentialism, Stoicism, Buddhism, and other philosophical manifestations. With its skillful blending of challenging concepts and questions, empirical data, and philosophical quotations, Tom Arant's book would do readers who are willing to evaluate their worldview a lot of good. You'll be utterly amazed by this one!
What exactly is reality? How do we interpret the world around us? Are we perceiving the world accurately, or are we viewing it through faulty lenses? If you've ever experienced these thoughts, this book is for you. Welcome to Our Real Matrix is Tom Arant's attempt to make sense of reality and how we view it, and to identify the contrasts and parallels between the actual matrix and the fictitious matrix from the movie: The Matrix. He also investigates the interconnected ways in which all living organisms perceive and respond to reality, as well as the signals received by different organisms' sensory receptors while attempting to simplify evolution, biology, philosophy, genetics, and abiogenesis. The book also includes such topics as superstition, ancient Greek civilization, repetitive allostasis, Zen Buddhism, cognitive maps and sensorimotor integration, consciousness, free will, and much more.
Welcome to Our Real Matrix is exceptionally eye-opening! I felt my view on the world change as I went through each scientific notion regarding living things and their sensory receptors, clearly summarized in this book. Although it primarily consists of contents on science, abiogenesis, and evolution, the succinct, to-the-point section about why and how to live life contains some deep, philosophical ideas that are useful and insightful enough to stand alone and spark the reader's change in perspectives. I seriously enjoyed the carefully chosen passages from pioneers and influencers of Existentialism, Stoicism, Buddhism, and other philosophical manifestations. With its skillful blending of challenging concepts and questions, empirical data, and philosophical quotations, Tom Arant's book would do readers who are willing to evaluate their worldview a lot of good. You'll be utterly amazed by this one!
Recommend this book:
Hollywood to the Himalayas
A Journey of Healing and Transformation
Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati
2023 Gold Medal
368 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Religion/Philosophy
Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
Hollywood to the Himalayas: A Journey of Healing and Transformation by Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati is a real-life story of one woman’s courage as she embarks on a journey to a new place, a new language, new people, and a new culture. Getting out of one’s comfort zone is not always easy for some, as was the case of this Stanford-educated spiritual teacher who came from a well-to-do Jewish family and was raised in California. The author explains her experiences in a down-to-earth and relatable manner, opening up without hesitation as she talks about her life in India and how her husband became a fundamental part of her journey. She talks about the travails of her marriage and how she found enlightenment in Rishikesh.
Hollywood to the Himalayas is a deeply personal and honest book about being a spiritual woman in a progressive, spiritual land cleansing itself on social, economic, and political levels. Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati writes in such a profound way that you immediately feel a connection as if she is right in front of you. In a world filled with stress, pressure, and anxiety, this book encourages you to take the road to spirituality to find answers. Women will find plenty of common ground with Saraswati as she talks about her marriage, wanting to have a child, menopause, and empowerment. This book has no boundaries. It not only caters to spiritual seekers but also to those who want to read about practical self-help. This book will leave you inspired long after putting it down.
Hollywood to the Himalayas: A Journey of Healing and Transformation by Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati is a real-life story of one woman’s courage as she embarks on a journey to a new place, a new language, new people, and a new culture. Getting out of one’s comfort zone is not always easy for some, as was the case of this Stanford-educated spiritual teacher who came from a well-to-do Jewish family and was raised in California. The author explains her experiences in a down-to-earth and relatable manner, opening up without hesitation as she talks about her life in India and how her husband became a fundamental part of her journey. She talks about the travails of her marriage and how she found enlightenment in Rishikesh.
Hollywood to the Himalayas is a deeply personal and honest book about being a spiritual woman in a progressive, spiritual land cleansing itself on social, economic, and political levels. Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati writes in such a profound way that you immediately feel a connection as if she is right in front of you. In a world filled with stress, pressure, and anxiety, this book encourages you to take the road to spirituality to find answers. Women will find plenty of common ground with Saraswati as she talks about her marriage, wanting to have a child, menopause, and empowerment. This book has no boundaries. It not only caters to spiritual seekers but also to those who want to read about practical self-help. This book will leave you inspired long after putting it down.
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