Book Description

A thoroughly entertaining and yet profoundly affecting account of the life of the author's uncle, a respected small-town doctor who, from the 1930s through the 1970s, experienced a wide range of spiritual phenomena: regularly journeying out of body and channeling his spirit guide, George. Through the records and journals of Dr. Riblet B. Hout, or "Rib" as he was known, we are made privy to what he learned about the connection between the healer and the healed, our individual missions on earth, free will, and our relationship with God. He also paints a vivid picture of the afterlife and provides a beautifully graphic first-person account of the actual moment of death, as the soul transitions away from physical life.

A Psychic in the Heartland goes a long way in dispelling our fears about the process of dying and of what happens after death. It also offers history and insight into Spiritualism and the "spiritualist camps" of the day (as Dr. Hout was a frequent visitor and sought-after speaker). ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A Charming and Lovely Book!
I just loved this book!! Not only was it interesting, but it made me feel like part of their family as I was reading it. Lovely, charming, and amazing. The part when his aunt was dying was incredible, and so touching, but not sad. Well, maybe a good sad. Powerful and sweet book. I don't think you'll be disappointed!

F. P. Dorchak (Author of Sleepwalkers, 2001)
"I couldn't put this book down-period! A Psychic in the Heartland engaged me, captured me, fascinated me. Bettilu Stein Faulkner's writing is not only straightforward and heartfelt, but also cozy and welcoming-magically transporting me to a seemingly simpler time. I can truly say, after finishing this book, that I miss Rib, and his guide, George, for I feel in Riblet...a kindred spirit. Ausgezeichnet, Bettilu! I'm going to have to read A Psychic in the Heartland again and again!"

A Soulful World of Dr. Riblet B. Hout.
This book tells a story of a doctor who traveled out of body, saw spirits, and talked to the dead. But this is not why I recommend this book to you. Most of the books on spirit communication preach what you have to believe and how you have to live your life. A Psychic in the Heartland fascinated me because of lack of aggressiveness. Bettilu Faulkner is not on a shepherd who is recruiting sheep to her flock, and she has no intention to turn you into a follower. Bettilu Faulkner's only concern is to relate her story in the best possible way. It results in soulful writing that makes you fall in love with the world of Dr.Riblet B. Hout. You will believe every word you read, and your shattered faith in humanness will be healed. You will enjoy the fine storytelling that has become a rarity in New Age books that are busy selling you concepts of love and forgiveness. The world of "A Psychic in the Heartland" comes from love and soulfulness. This is why I want you to read this book and receive your share of this heart-warming experience.

Psychic in the Heartland.
Amazing reading for those who believe and those who don't believe that this life is just part of a long and wonderful journey. The experiences of "Rib" confirmed for me the belief that there is indeed more to us then the here and now. Written in a sincere and open style, the tone of the book, as well as its content, lends the atmosphere of credibility often sought for by readers of metaphysical publications and those just beginning the journey of inner exploration. Important reading for anyone who has ever wondered "where do we go from here?". Bravo!

A Fascinating Peek Into a Courageous & Mobile Mind
Many human experiences remain unexplained by science, but that does not make them any less legitimate. As a scientist, I found the story of Riblet Hout to be a fascinating exploration of human consciousness and beyond. The book is at once a delightful spiritual journey, a philosophical enticement, and an intellectual mouthful. I enjoyed it tremendously. ... Read more

Book Description

Almost 70 million Americans believe it is possible to communicate with the dead, and 42% of the population have even reported contact with the deceased, according to a CNN/USA Today/Gallup Poll and the National Opinion Research Council. Denice Jones is certainly convinced it's true--her youngest son, Michael, is tormented by demons and ghosts.

In The Other Side: The True Story of the Boy Who Sees Ghosts (New Horizon Press, October 2000), Denice Jones recounts her true-life nightmare of how both good and demonic spirits visit her son and how the evil ones caused the terrified clan to move from house to house--only to be followed by the menacing specters. ... Read more

Reviews (52)

Ouija board and a church in the basement, hmmm....
I read the hard cover version of this book. I borrowed it from the library.

Dad abandons family to hook up with a girlfriend who has a church in her basement. Dad then goes to basement to pray.
Such a upstanding guy, abandons his family and prays - something doesn't jive here.

On page 32 there is reference to a church in the basement of dad's girlfriend's house. There is also mention that the boys played with the Ouija board while at this house.

hmmm.... so religious to have a church in the basement of your house yet there is a(n) Ouija board lying around upstairs for people to play with.

Makes you wonder what type of church is this... I see 'Red Flags,' do you ?

pg. 306- author doesn't believe that people invite spirits into their lives. I think we do play a part in inviting spirits (good or evil) into our lives.

I wonder if the Ouija board play mentioned on pg. 32 has any connection to inviting evil spirits into the lives of the Jones.

Something to think about. And do read up on the dangers of the Ouija board and occults.

I believe
It's hard for me to believe these type of things without experiencing it first-hand (as it is for most people.) Denice Jones had me believing her story after the first chapter. It is excellently writen and will have you on the edge of your seat eager to find out what happens next!

GREAT BOOK!
Who are you people kidding this book was great reading and a lot better then all the other true story books!
Go back to school. Go Denise and Mike! Bless you both

I met Michael
To know Michael is to love him. A Sweet but yet scared boy. Looking around a lot. I do not ask him what is around the corner nor will he say (unless I ask) he keeps it to himselk. But when really scared he will go to him mother who will help him and get out the Holy water. They seem very close and live normal at times.
Some of the stuff in the book was put in by the publishers they had no choice there were three things. But it did not need that and Mike said it made him mom mad about it and she is writing a second book and this time with attorney in tow only the truth with backup pictures and video will be on hand. I saw some and it is scary! I bet Holllywood would love this stuff. Its in their vault.
Mike is cool

This Book
Being I have studied in this field for 22 years, I do not see these events feasible to actually had taken place. On a mortal episode, this would make ambrosial fiction. ... Read more

Book Description

Bjorn Ortenheim is an award-winning scientist who is in contact with Spirit. In his autobiographical tale Power of the Light, Bjorn calls up information from Spirit to help your spirit become friends with technology. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Patrick Reynolds is the best
I love Patrick Reynolds who helped write this book he is so multi-talented.Before he helped with this book he was a civil enginer.
I dont care that people dont know him he is one of the best writes in the u.k.And i love his work if you ever read this Patrick you are the best and i will be telling everyone to read your books good luck in the future.
I heared you just had a baby bay called paul(congrats).
love your biggest fan
NICHOLAS

Must Read!
Readers of Ruth Montgomery's books on walk-ins were introduced to this Inventor-Scientist and his drive to create a polution free technology. Pattents for electric cars, hybrids, energy recovery devices and water purification are only a hint of his efforts to bring us into the 21st Century. This humanistic biography reads like an adventure novel- but its all true. A remarkable life! A necessary follow up to Ruth's final book, "The World To Come". Read and change!

Bjorn also wrote a novel, the Crystal City, just published, and has a children's book in the works. Use a search engine to find more!

A Thought Provoking Book About Life And Spirituality
The true life story of Bjorn Ortenheim has enough rich material to span several books and whilst some of the detail of his spiritual encounters with the 'Power of Light' were too far removed from my own beliefs, the message was as striking as it was stark. I can't recommend this book enough, it completely engrossed me and after finishing it in one sitting, I know I'll read it again. It hasn't changed my life, but it has made me sit up and take a good look around me at the world and my place in it. Utterly fascinating.

Amazing insights into the nature of the creator.
A fantastic and very inspiring book that deals with the
underlying forces of nature. Bjorns guide "Power of Light"
gives us so many clues of why nature acts as it does and why
"the creator" probably will have to shake us up a bit in order
to get our priorities right.
As far as I can understand, we don't have very much time left
to change direction if mother earth is to survive.
-And of course the creator won't let the planet die, so guess
who will have to take the blow...

Obviously those who created the mess which we're in, we ourselves.

So maybe we should stop fighting for oil and gas, like now in
the middle east and focus our attention on alternative energy
solutions, as one example. Something Bjorn has spent many years
on with new inventions and good results. But with very poor
backup from the industry.

Albert Einstein once said something like that humankind won't
really gain anything from the modern western science until it
meets with the eastern spirituality and wisdom.

"POL" puts it very simply.
-Enter a dark room, light one small match, and the darkness
is gone.

-A must read for all interested in our very near future!!! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

An amazing story by an amazing woman
Catherine Ponder is absolutely one of my most favorite New Thought writers. Her books are uplifting, affirming and she instills such hope and confidence in oneself that one does come away feeling that one "can do it"!

Ponder's life story is amazing on many levels and she never seemed to give up when life handed her yet another challenge. With her faith and trust in God, she embraced each and every challenge and kept going, climbing even higher in the process.

Meeting Kelly Ponder in her first assigned Unity church in Alabama, it would be another ten years or so before they would fall in love and marry. Their relationship was truly a soul mate union and they fostered each other's growth in tremendous ways, leading Catherine to develop and grow another Unity Church in Austin, Texas. Kelly's unexpected and untimely death was a shock to read, but through the rest of the book, one feels the love and guidance from Kelly to Catherine from the other side throughout her life. Catherine went on to establish more Unity Churches and each one of them has grown and prospered and still continues to this day.

Catherine's life story is so uplifting, so amazing and so lived with faith and trust. Her example to us is quite incredible. I have read 4 of her other books and am thirsting for all the other ones! She writes to the reader and provides so many examples of others putting her affirmations and suggestions into action and experiencing life changing results. Her words of encouragement, her examples of affirming prosperity, as well as her unwavering trust and faith in God are constant reminders to us all that we can do it all as well.

This is truly a prosperity love story on many levels. Catherine Ponder is one amazing lady, and she has blessed us with her many books on achieving all that we want to achieve. Our fear is our limitation to our achieving our success. Catherine lovingly shows us how to get rid of that fear.

A wonderful book from a most wonderful lady! The reader is also treated to pictures of Catherine and Kelly as well as her son. I highly recommend this book to all who are searching. One cannot help but be uplifted after reading a Ponder book! I so eagerly look forward to the next one! Keep them coming, Ms. Ponder, they are so needed!!!

Stars Fell on Alabama
For Catherine Ponder fans, this is pure gold! Though we have seen the widom, kindness, and faith of Catherine Ponder in her other works, this book is our first glimpse into her personal life. As usual, Rev. Ponder omits "personal" details--including her maiden name! But we see the development of her gifts as a writer, minister, and pioneer through her eyes -- from a "government girl" in WWII to the founder of her global ministry in Palm Desert.
In her memoir, Rev. Ponder shows her determination, gentleness, and Southern heritage most openly in her recollections of her romance and marriage to Kelly Ponder, now deceased. After she asked for guidance from God, she decided to take her first ministerial assignment in a Unity church in Birmingham, Alabama, where Kelly Ponder lived. "I knew for sure I was on my way into a new life," she says, when she heard the song "Stars Fell on Alabama." It was love at first sight for them both, though it would be 10 years before they married since both were building careers.
"A Prosperity Love Story" will make you laugh, cry, and go to work, all at once. ... Read more

Book Description

Join a tough, streetwise Brooklyn kid on his journey from the nightmare of drug addiction, through the vivid horror of Vietnam, to his sudden spiritual awakening.

Eighteen years old, hooked on drugs, his buddy recently dead from an overdose, Eric Karlson joins the Army hoping to kick his habit. Two months later, he finds himself stationed in Vietnam, smuggling heroin and opium from villagers to GIs on his base. After witnessing incredible brutalities by some American forces towards innocent peasants, something snaps inside Eric. He throws down his M-16 rifle and goes AWOL. Villagers hide and protect him as he learns their simple ways of compassion. A prostitute in Hue City falls in love with him, and a Vietnamese nurse befriends him.

Eric discovers an inner voice telling him to resist the strident U.S. military presence. He convinces some GIs to go AWOL and join him, but others try to murder him. The resisters are hunted by the Military Police, but are mysteriously protected. At Eric's greatest time of need, an angelic Being of Light reveals itself to him.

Guided by a higher presence, Eric's efforts to persuade other GIs to join the resistance effort lead us to a stunning conclusion, one which offers a remarkable vision and hope for the future. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Truth is stranger (and much better than) fiction
A friend gave me a copy of Fall to Grace about a year ago, and I remember thinking "catchy title." But in the days that followed I was spellbound by this fascinating true story by Eric Karlson, so much so that when I was finished I went to my local bookstore and bought four more copies to give to friends. I'm sure that many eyes have read those copies. For those of you who seek a deeper understanding of the Vietnam War from a completely unique point of view, this book is a must. For those of you who seek a deeper understanding of the path(s) to enlightenment, this book is a must. Kudos to the author.

Fall To Grace
If you like war stories, history or human interest stories you will love this book. I couldn't put it down. Knowing this was a true story made it even more compelling. It opened my eyes to what really went on in Vietnam and also gave me a new perspective on how one's soul knows all the answers-if you just know how to listen to it.
I brought this book with me on a vacation cruise-and just read the whole book until I was done...and I have never done that before.

Enemy within!
Fall To Grace awakened my soul to the healing that unconditional love can bring to all humanity if we will choose to give up our wars and recognize that the enemy is within us.

"The Best of the Best - 'FALL TO GRACE' should be a movie!
I am a woman, and can't imagine what it would be like to be in the Vietnam War. Karlson puts you there, right in the heart of the heart of it all! Dark and Light, Beauty and Truth, Tears and Fears. It is All here. You will be touched by the courage it took Karlson to act from what is right and the influence that those actions had. This book will touch you deeply to the Light of your Being. I promise!

Page turner
Fall to Grace is absolutely riveting in its intensity. I have not been able to put it down. I give it six thumbs up. Congratulations on a vividly crafted work! ... Read more

Book Description

Sherry Binkelman began suffering from depression as a teenager and spent 25 years concealing her disease behind a smiling façade.Despite the country club lifestyle she led with her husband, she felt empty and worthless.She wondered, Is this all there is?Am I doomed to a life of depression?Blindsided by Destiny is the story of the author’s triumph over her illness; her spiritual awakening, and subsequent spiritual journey led to the discovery of her Divine Purpose.She writes candidly about her self-loathing, divorce, depression, and therapy.Readers will learn what she discovered about working with Divine Guidance and Divine Energy, and the steps that they, too, can take to discover their own Divine Purposes. ... Read more

Book Description

"Narrated with the psychological subtlety and drama of a good novel, Enlightenment Blues is a precise, profound dissection of the guru-devotee relationship."_John Horgan, author of Rational Mysticism

Enlightenment Blues is Andre van der Braak_s compelling account of his relationship with a prominent spiritual teacher. It chronicles both the author_s spiritual journey and disenchantment as well the development of a missionary and controversial community around the teacher. It powerfully exposes the problems and necessities of disentanglement from a spiritual path.

Andre van der Braak lived in Andrew Cohen_s spiritual community for eleven years, and was an editor for its magazine What Is Enlightenment? Currently, he lives in Amsterdam, where he teaches philosophy at the University of Amsterdam and at Luzac College in Alkmaar.

Reviews (32)

on the rudeness of gurus and reviewers
I suppose it would be rude to mention that the previous review was not written by Mr. Wilber himself but only appears to be. Or to question whether Mr. Wilber was consulted before submitting this review. And it would certainly be even ruder to remind our readers that the last time Mr. Wilber touted a rude boy guru he had to later withdrawal his endorsement when the guru's behavior became too nasty for even Mr. Wilber. I think we should let poor Mr. Wilber speak for himself.

The fact that Mr. Cohen has been able to procure endorsements from some of the leading spiritual lights of our time only highlights the significance of this book. One of the $60,000 questions is whether any of those endorsers were aware just how brutally Mr. Cohen treats his students. I can't help but wonder how some of them must feel upon reading Enlightenment Blues-or do they just ignore the book existence? Perhaps for some, it would be preferable to keep the emperor's clothes on just a little longer. Of course one can point to many spiritual leaders whose behavior is less than exemplorary but in Mr. Cohen's case there is the complete absence of any offsetting service that Mr. Cohen and his community provides to the world at large. No starving babies are getting feed around this place. They are not even mentioned. Nor have any of his students been declared enlightened by Mr. Cohen and sent off to teach as in the case of the previously mentioned zen masters. The only concern that Mr. Cohen seems to have is build his own community of free labor and infatuated admirers to do his bidding. It wouldn't be so bad if he didn't insist it had something to do with spiritual enlightenment.

Cult alert
Customers beware of the previous review claiming to be from an ex-student of Mr. Cohen who has "gone his own way". The statements contained there are precisely the sort of lines that Andrew's inner circle of defenders use to justify any criticism of him and his "teaching" methods. Please consider wisely before taking it at face value. Who, but Andrew and his students would compare him to the great Marpa? People who leave his company after years don't tend to speak in such glowing terms of Andrew. (Otherwise, why would they have left?) This book has its shortcoming in perhaps shading with doubt the possibility of there being authentic and awakened spiritual teachers left who are not egomaniacs...but it is an experiential account that needs to considered, if you haven't yet given up looking.

Arrogant Self Delusion
Friends of mine who are teachers visited the mansion that Andrew owns. They asked a student there, "What do you do when someone disagrees with the Teacher or the Teaching?" The response appalled them: " Oh we take care of that quick. We don't allow disagreement.." Or this: Andrew at a talk, constantly saying "Am I right? Am I right?" This eliciting an automatic response from the audience, " Yes, you're right." The one person who disagrees, "No, I think you're wrong"; is singled out as "that kind of person" and held to ridicule. This book will help you to think for yourself when exposed to charismatic teachers. The story told is important. Do you want to be told what to do, like a child? Someone like Andrew can take all responsibility for your life away , while you serve "the School". His school... The man is a dangerous, self-deluded fool.

An Abuse Of Power
This book is an appalling tale of abuse. One of the sadder incidents, as told by van der Braak, occurred when Andrew Cohen and a couple of his students pressured a confused woman into giving $2 million (which was most of her money) so that Andrew could purchase his community center at Foxhollow. This resulted not only in a serious financial loss to the woman, but caused her to risk losing her family relationships as well. Van der Braak recounts how Andrew then broke a confidence with the woman, publicly revealing that she donated the money, and publicly ridiculing her for not being able to give up her "ego." In my opinion, such manipulation and abuse of power call into question what Andrew and his community are attempting to do today in the name of "enlightenment."

No laughing matter.
Although the author's book kept my attention and aroused in me a strong resentment towards the so-called spiritually elite, I was also intriqued by the many diverse opinions reflected in the book reviews. The numerous conflicting viewpoints that were shared by readers, and the quality of their opposing ideas surrounding this controversy is the true merit of a book of this kind. I have enjoyed reading and thinking about all of this immensely. But, the notion of relying on another person to give us the spiritual instruction that they think we need, just doesn't sit well with me. There seems to be an ironic parallel to this issue with that of one of the world's shortest jokes: Masochist to sadist - "Hurt me." "No!" ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Un-put-downable!!
I read this in one late-night sitting. What a life!!! I was fascinated by the subject, in turns horrified by the terrible trials of the author, uplifted by her resilience and humour, moved to tears at her ability to forgive her old abuser. Her handling of the deaths of her brother and son give hope. A great book that I plan to buy for at least three friends who are either interested in the subject or struggling with grief. I highly recommend it!

An Excellent Read
I loved this book - found it very personal and convinving about psychic ability and how it feels to suddenly receive this unusual "gift." Mia Dolan's insights into why we are here and how much influence we can have are thought-provoking and offered with simplicity and no preachiness. Her final words, that "we learn through suffering" are consoling to those who always wonder why life can be so difficult. Readers will wish for a little psychic ability after reading this book. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A glimpse of higher states of consciousness!
The book gets more and more interesting as one reads on. I envy Dr. Weldon since he had so many beautiful experiences! His account of these experiences, through his life story, sets an example to us that Self-realization is readily available to anyone since we all come from the same Source...in fact, *are* the source!

This book is especially useful for those of us who have started doing spiritual practices and occasionally feel "bogged down" in our spiritual journey. Reading this book will enthuse the Self-realization seeker.

Spiritually stimulating, well worth reading.
Dr. Weldon has demonstrated the sensitivity and willingness to explore the Higher Self fully and without restraint. He has good literary skills which make the book enjoyable to read as He delicately reveals the Higher possibilities for all that seek Devine Truth. A good book for the home library for All who are Seeking or have obtained Enlightenment.

On many levels a wonderful, great book of mystery discovery

METAPHYSICAL REVIEWS

THE REVELATIONS OF HO - An Adventure in Self Realization by Dr. James Weldon

"The Revelations of HO" is a wonderful book of love and fulfillment, on many levels...thus making it a great book. Certainly it is the very interesting autobiography of the author. It is also the poignant story of Dr Weldon's search for the Love and Grace of God. It is the wonderful story of a westerner embracing the wisdom of the East. All three levels are interwoven into an art form steeped in mystery, mysticism, discovery and truth.

From the very beginning of Dr Weldon's rebirth, his journey led him to strange and unusual experiences...and "The Revelations of HO", is the outpouring of those experiences...and the discoveries of their meaning, that brought him unrestricted love and serenity.

From a childhood where he was always looking for something (and not knowing what)...to the premature death of his dad ... to his drunken stepfather...to his entrapment in the drug culture.. to the discovery of Transcendental Meditation...His life is both exciting and just a bit more involved than most. His transformation began in Switzerland during an advanced meditation course at the university where he was taking his Masters degree. Suddenly, enlightenment was within reach...and his life was forever changed. He would never be alone again!

"The Revelations of HO", is Dr. Weldon's visceral story of enlightenment and achievement. It shares with the reader not only a story that reads like a novel...but an understanding of the religions of India and Tibet that brought salvation to the author. ... Read more

Book Description

The story of one of the world’s strangest psychic phenomena: a St. Louis housewife dictated seven books and thousands of poems purporting to come from the spirit of a 17th century Englishwoman. Literary critics and historians praised the work as the product of genius. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

It's A Classic !
SINGER IN THE SHADOWS is a most current account of the life of Pearl Curran, a woman living in St. Louis during the first part of the 20th century who channelled, originally through a Ouija board, the spirit of a 17th century woman named Patience Worth. The story of Pearl Curran and Patience Worth is an enigma, not easily explanable without an acceptance of spiritism or reincarnation. The case of Patience Worth and the poems, novels and conversations she left behind provide perhaps the best rock hard evidence of life after death. Mr. Litvag writes an easily readable comprehensive overview of this strange case begining in 1913 when Patience Worth first appeared at Pearl Curran's Ouija board and continuing through 1937 when Pearl Curran died. Perhaps the time is more appropriate now in the 21st century for the reissue of this classic book than when it was first published in 1972. Patience Worth's work requires serious attention by scientists, writers and spiritists alike. It would be a great loss to allow the writings of Patience Worth to fade over time. Anyone wishing to become informed about the evidence of life after death should start with this book by Irving Litvag. After reading Mr. Litvag's book one may find an irresistable urge to read every poem, novel and conversation that Patience Worth wrote. She's that good! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Just like Mom's stories
I read this book on the recommendation of a friend and I must say that I absolutely loved the book. My mother grew up in the hills of Appalachia and the book brought back memories and stories my mother used to tell. Ms. Rice's abilities and stories are fascinating. I now recommend the book to others.

If you haven't read this book you're missing out
Janet's book has two parts. First she remembers growing up in the hills. Several interesting stories and lessons. She has me smelling the air for rain and cucumbers. Her journey to a fortune teller I found very interesting. I am someone who would love to have her talents but I never knew the work she put into it. What determination!!

Second part has some very, very interesting stories about clients she has had over the years. They are stories that make you gasp, cry and laugh out loud.

Janet's book was very well written and easy to read. I was pleasantly surprised and entertained.

Takes Me Back To The Area Where I Grew Up
Janet lovingly describes her years of growing up in a small town environment. Her family roots gave the basis for her book. I could identify with a lot of the "superstitions" as I also heard them when I was growing up. The book flows very well and Janet did an excellent job in pulling it all together......Good Job!!

It felt like home
I absolutely loved the book. Being from the Appalachian area, I could relate to the book. The author tells of childhood memories and lessons which I heard much of as well. She shares experiences with religion, folklore, and magic. You see how she develops her gifts and feel like you are with her.

The book is very well written and I could not put it down. I would recommend this book to everyone!

Great book!!!
Great book. I loved it. Janet's journey is enjoyable. The stories of her clients are very moving. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

White Male Christian Fantasy to "Save the World"
Everyone is entitled to his or her fantasies about saving the world. This is Twyman's. Not only is the book not credible, all the characters talk alike. If Twyman really met such otherworldly beings, I think their accent would be a little different than his. Remember though, this is written by someone who calls himself, "The Peace Troubadour." Also, he claims (not in the book) to have had a private meeting with Saddam Hussein just days before Desert Storm. That gives you an indication of the enormity of his delusions of grandeur. I prefer grounded writings, such as that of His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama.

New Age Vision Quest
Don't get me wrong. I like the message in James Twyman's book and I do think much of it is divinely inspired. But I think much of the so-called plot of the book (which reminds me of the search for the Holy Grail) is either not reported or non-existent. The dialogue passages are too didactic and lengthy to be factually accurate protrayals of their actual occurrences (unless James was recording his sessions with the Emissaries, which I doubt since electrical equipment usually doesn't function near the frequencies that such energy transmissions as he describes occur) and also they ring profoundly of A Course In Miracles. So there is much here to make me believe that this is at best somewhat fictionalized. However, the message of the book and the methods that anyone could use to achieve inner peace are clear and useful. As with all mystics, the path to inner peace and oneness has been defined clearly as the inner road. There is nothing new here about that. Nor is there anything new about inner peace leading to outer peace. It is only new if you didn't already know it. For those who need to learn these truths, this is a powerful book. But study A Course in Miracles and the writings of mystics of all religions for yourself, and you will move far beyond the messages James brings in this "fictionalized autobiography".

Emissary of Light: A Vision of Peace
We have all been gifted with eternal moments, commonly sparked beneath the same mantle of sky -- moments when we felt suffused with God's peace, immersed in the certainty that all is as it should be and nothing can change the truth of things. Occasionally, our common sky holds out one star whose pulse ignites more peace-lit moments than its neighbors. Just such a star, ascendant on the New Age horizon, is Jimmy Twyman's book, "Emissary of Light."

It chronicles Peace Troubadour Twyman's unexplainable compulsion to bring his Peace Concert to war-ravaged Bosnia-Croatia, and the extraordinary events that unfold when he finally arrives. From the moment he leaves Italy, the synchronicities urging him on begin to accelerate at an alarming rate, until he finds himself secluded in a mountainous terrain, at the mercy of strangers, on the very border between Bosnia and Croatia. Into the thick of the fighting, staring straight in the face of the Bosnian Serb Army, Jimmy is led to a mythical, mystic community of peacemakers called The Emissaries of Light. For countless centuries, The Emissaries have secretly kept humanity from self-annihilation by extending Divine Light. Jimmy lives with The Emissaries, joins their intensive meditations, receives practical instruction and amazingly is entrusted with their peace-invoking secrets. It is time, they explain, for the world to learn of their work and Jimmy has been summoned as the one to reveal their story. Then suddenly, with the tumult of exploding bombs behind him, Jimmy is escorted to Rijeka and boarded on a plane bound for Chicago. But the saga does not end here, for he returns again, performs The Peace Concert in Sarajevo and narrowly escapes an assassination attempt. What follows remains for the reader to discover.

As a simple Indiana Jones-like adventure, "Emissary" comes out a winner with just the right blend of action and suspense to keep the reader wholly absorbed. But the content of this tale is so much larger than its wrappings. Framed within the adventure is a message that opens wide any light-seeker's understanding. The importance of releasing fear and stepping into the present's light, where no past or future casts a shadow on truth, is reinforced again and again in every chapter. Danger encroaches upon Jimmy and The Emissaries from all sides, but never grabs hold. As they stand firmly rooted in the light of truth, only truth can be seen, and approaching shadows melt shined away at their feet. The Emissaries remind Jimmy to stay presently receptive and demonstrate how Love's extension is accomplished through clear vision. Jimmy has come already supplied with the philosophy that Love is the only reality and The Emissaries clarify for him how to live that ideal daily. Behind the smokescreen of our judgements, the only thing we experience in truth is Love's Light. There is nothing else to be felt. By letting go of all distorting labels such as pain, anger, grief, consolation, pleasure and even happiness, we are freed to purely access the only energy there is and use it to create as we are in Love created. Thus do we peel away the last masks of illusion and return safely home where our real identity has always been known. What other path to peace could there be?

For all the light it sheds, "Emissary" is not a flashy book. Jimmy's homespun style includes the reader, invites all onlookers to join him on his journey, to sit back with him and enjoy the ride. "I'm no different than you," he tells us and we believe him. Therein flames the hope his words emblaze forever in our hearts. Twyman and his Emissaries gently restore us with a sense of purpose, a job to do and a function to fulfill. We come away from his book assured that each of us has a vital and indispensable contribution to make. He convinces us that peace is not the idle pipedream of mystics and poets, or a political game reserved for power players only, but the result of everyhuman's personal quest to uncover the impersonal already realized within his/her very core. Jimmy's passion for peace is contagious and leaves no one untouched by its transforming grace. If you are tempted to believe Author Twyman's offered blessings have run dry with the last page of his book, I recommend you find a copy of his Emissary of Light CD and listen to Troubadour Twyman sing. In his music swells a celestial certainty that his blessings, in union with ours, runneth over eternally.

Timely, compelling, enlightening, an exciting true story!!!
If you are of the mind - set to accept the fact that God truly does work in mysterious ways to bring His children Home this book is for you!! I guarantee you will never see Life quite the same again. Besides being so enlightening, it is a rivetting, compelling, and exciting story!! Enjoy!

Anyone who is searching for enlightenment will find it here.
I had the opportunity to meet James Twyman before I read "Emissary of Light". I know this really did occur and his mission is God inspired. This book should not be classified with "The Celestine Prophecy" book as "Emissary of Light" is a documentary of an actual event. Really let yourself become part of the experience - you will become a new person. If everyone experiences what he is trying to pass on in this book - there would really be peace on earth. May Peace Prevail on Earth. ... Read more

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Reviews (2)

A rare glimpse into the mind of a great 20th-century mystic
Have you ever wondered what it might be like to see inside the mind of a great psychic? To be able to access information about people and places that reaches far beyond the physical dimension? Edgar Cayce's biography, expertly compiled by a professional journalist and editor from Cayce's never-before-published autobiographical notes, a personal diary, and lecture records, allows us just such a rare glimpse. Cayce (1877-1945) is the world's best-documented psychic, with over 14,000 verbatim transcripts of 'readings' on topics ranging from health concerns, reincarnation, astrology, spiritual development, earth change predictions, and other metaphysical topics catalogued in the Library of the Association for Research Enlightenment in Virginia Beach, VA.

Edgar Cayce is also known as the "Father of Holistic Medicine," whose unorthodox naturopathic cures, while helping many regain their health who had been given up as hopeless by the medical establishment, once led to his arrest on grounds of practising medicine without a licence.

In "My Life As a Seer," we get to know the Edgar Cayce who struggled with self-doubts regarding his psychic gift, and with concerns about the impact which the information from his readings might have on those who sought his counsel. We meet Cayce the family man, a photographer by profession, whose deep faith sees him through a series of defeats, including the destruction by fire of his studio; the closure, for lack of funds, of the hospital he had spent years trying to build; an eviction from his home; and physical injuries suffered while being the target of a humiliating attempt to expose him as a fraud. Through it all, Cayce remained a sincere and humble man,who was motivated not by fame nor by riches (which eluded him all his life), but by an overwhelming desire to serve God and help his fellow human beings.

"My Life As a Seer," as grandson Charles Thomas Cayce says in the foreword, represents "the first account of Edgar Cayce's life told completely in his own words. He does not dwell on all of the personal aspects of his life, but focuses primarily on those experiences that marked him since childhood as decidedly different from anyone else in his world."

Reading this fascinating book is the closest most of us will come to talking with Edgar Cayce in this lifetime.

Ok, but I'd rather have it in paperback
Much of the Kirkus review was accurate, although, the point that New Agers will find little that resonates is probably the most compelling reason to buy this book. It isn't New Age mystical garbage---I wasn't levitating when I read this book.

Cayce is a fascinating character. Because of his deep faith, he wrestled with the concept of reincarnation and tries to reconcile a biblical explanation for what he experienced in the "life" readings. I found the final chapters of the book more interesting than much of the rest of the book. But it deserves better treatment overall than was given by Kirkus. ... Read more

Book Description

An outspoken thinker, a celebrated actress, a truly independent woman, Shirley MacLaine takes us on an intimate yet powerful journey into her personal life and inner self.

An intense, clandestine love affair with a prominent politician sparks Shirley MacLaine's quest of self-discovery. From Stockholm to Hawaii to the mountainous vastness of Peru, from disbelief to radiant affirmation, she at last discovers the roots of her very existence...and the infinite possibilities of life.

Shirley MacLaine opens her heart to explore the meaning of a great and enduring passion with her lover Gerry and the mystery of her soul's connection with her best friend David. And through it all, Shirley MacLaine's courage and candor opens new doors, new insights, new revelations -- and a luminous new world she invites us all to share. ... Read more

Reviews (45)

A significant voyage of self/discovery
Shirley Maclaine's books have all been bestsellers and rightly so. She bares her soul in her writing, besides displaying exemplary courage and honesty in her confrontations with the esoteric side of life.

So much has been said about Shirley Maclaine's books that anything more seems superfluous. However, this book could be of renewed interest to those new readers who have, or have had an interest in Sweden during the late seventies and early eighties. This is because the identity of the politician she had a love affair with, is revealed in her later book, 'The Camino'. That information makes this book and its sequel, 'It's All in the Playing' more significant and evocative of the times.

Shirley MacLaine as New Age Catalogue
After reading chapters 18 and 23 from Shirley MacLaine's 1983 Out on a Limb, I've come to the conclusion that Shirley's belief system is some sort of New Age stew. Her belief system appears to be a hearty mix of various philosophies and religious traditions. Within the chapter sampling, Shirley refers to UFOlogy, ancient Mayan religion, Christian apocalyptica, Buddhism, Indian epics, Tibetan writings, Eskimo mythology, and even the popularist science of Carl Sagan. She appears to use different belief systems as a spiritual shopping list.

After visiting her website, I see she embraces an numerous other New Age elements including Feng Shui, aromatherapy, chakras, ley lines, colour therapy, holism, astrology, angels, numerology, dream divination, etcetera. It looks like she has all her bases covered, and the end result looks like a big bunch of mumbojambalaya to me!

The direction Shirley MacLaine appears to be travelling in these excerpts seems awfully close to my understanding of Erich von Däniken's theories. He believes ancient Earth was visited by extraterrestrial astronauts, and so does Shirley.

The excerpts I read are thematically almost identical to the Castaneda excerpts I pored over not too long ago. A reluctant student is shown by a spiritual adept the ways in which that student's views on reality are blinkered. Then, by means of misadventure, knowledge is gained despite initial recalcitrance.

I guess this is a pretty common theme.

Shirley is a highly entertaining writer. Her prose is smooth and enjoyable to read, and she has a charismatic personality. This goes a long way toward explaining her immense popularity. Nevertheless, I still think she's a crackpot!

Tremendous courage to show this on US TV!
I've had OUT ON A LIMB on video tape since the original showing in 1987. Tonight for some reason I pulled it out to watch after an absence of at least 10 years (I have hundreds of video tapes so it was easy for this to recede into the darker corner of the closet).

I am most amazed at Shirley's incredible courage (others might call it arrogance or gall) to present material that is so antagonistic to the mainstream middle American mind set. After watching this excellent time capsule of New Age Thought from the mid 1980's, I felt a wee bit sad, since I realize this mini-series could never be shownon network TV today! After decades of Republican rule and the subtle but merciless pressure of right wing Christian religion in the US, the beliefs that Shirley presented in this film are much MORE controversial today than they were back in the benignn 1980's.How dare she have an affair with a married man? How dare she claim to be God? How dare she hobnob with channelers who are in the hands of Satan? I can hear all the babble on TV and right wing talk radio if that poor woman were to try this today!

Even if every concept presented in this film is false, it is a tremendously rewarding adventure.

However, I do have to state that after this film was made, Shirley admitted on a talk show that the book/film are NOT literally true! She created composite characters like David to represent her spiritual research. So it might come down to her NOT having any personal metaphysical adventures at all outside the confines of her book reading, but she created such adventures, e.g., having an invisible alien drive a truck in Peru that she and the make-believe David were in, to jazz up the topic a bit.I think a lot of people lost faith in Shirley when she made the confession that her books are NOT literally true!

Nonetheless, Kevin Ryerson is a trance channeler and is still out there charging $275 for a 90 minute consultation. Why go to law school when you can charge prices like that for your services?

I may seem like a skeptic. Well, I am skeptical of some of the more cartoonish aspects of the so-called New Age. We have grown more jaded since 1987. However, there are underlying spiritual truths within the film/book that make it worthwhile, although this film/book certainly contains no revelations that cannot also be found in a bounty of spiritual oriented books on the market today.

So in one sense, you may enjoy this film/book as a nostalgic throwback to a time when the New Age was "new", not the butt of comedians and the horror of fundamentalists. To call someone "new age" now is considered practically an insult, like calling someone a "liberal". That shows how reactionary and scared our culture has become since those heady times.

Take time from worrying about terrorism and the fact that George Bush believes that his fundamentalist Old Testament God is telling the US to invade other countries. Pop OUT ON A LIMB into your VCR or read a copy of the book. It may make you wish you could time travel back to those exuberant times!

Just great
This is one of those books that is so good that, when you finish it, you feel sad. Because you know you will be hard pressed to find a better one to follow. However Shirley wrote several books to follow this one, that if even if not as fabulous, are still great...so no need to be too sad: Shirley's adventures continue on.

The book is riveting because it describes in such an entertaining a gripping writing style, full of humour and insight, Shirley's exciting adventure of spiritual awakening. It is an autobiographic book of a very small but intense time of Shirley's life, in which, as many who have had an awakening will be able to relate to, life becomes brilliantly alive, full of synchronicities and magic. Shirley is lead from book, to teacher, to channel, to places across the globe as she follows the promtings of spirit that lead her to glimpse and explore realities that break down her previous belief structure about the world. And as she travels and learns, a completely new way of viewing life emerges for her- and a completely new Shirley!

Spiritual insights aside, just the way in which this book is written is superb - Shirley has a real giftfor bringing to life her experiences on the page and the book reads as an exilarating adventure novel. I loved it and re-read it occasionally when i want to recapture that feeling.

If you like metaphysics and new age writings, this book is quite a gem and well worth reading. You will cerish it, you will love it and probably read it again and again.

More Answers Than You Would Expect!
I read Out on a Limb when I was fourteen-years-old, and the book acknowledged every doubt and every idea that I had thought of growing up with Christian ideals:fate, the afterlife, the soul, etc.Shirley MacLaine introduces her personal faith from the beginning and systematically details her progression into the spiritual teacher that she is to this day.MacLaine also seems to possess a sixth sense as to the questions that her readers will encounter as they read her novel and answers them in a very clear and concise manner (if you're not careful, the material can be quite daunting).

My only outstanding complaint about this novel is that MacLaine had to account for every facet of her and Jerry's relationship.It proved to be quite distracting and I did not feel that Jerry's extra-marital affair with Shirley was necessary for a book of this nature. ... Read more

Book Description

This is an extraordinary story told by an ordinary woman. Eileen Caddy is known worldwide as one of the three founders of the Findhorn Foundation in the north of Scotland. The books that have flowed from her inspiration have drawn multitudes to the Findhorn Community.

In this new, expanded edition of her autobiography, Eileen updates her story to record the events -- and emotions -- of the past fifteen years. She emerges as a powerful elderwoman who frees herself from the aura of her charismatic ex-husband Peter whom she still loves. In doing so, she learns the true nature of forgiveness, overcoming the issues of jealousy, hatred and doubt involved in the break-up of a marriage for which she had, under God's guidance, sacrificed everything. Readers will be struck by the analogy with the biblical Job, how someone who has lost everything, wealth, position, family, can yet have them restored by God. In her own person, Eileen Caddy, divinely ordinary as she describes herself, has pushed the limits of the ordinary person's experience to the very borders of the Kingdom of God.

Eileen Caddy was recognized as one of the major spiritual teachers of our times on the TV programme "The God List". ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Important contribution to the literature of the movement.
I found the book fascinating, and appreciated the personal revelations Ms. Hamilton shares. I believe the book is invaluable to those seeking an insight into the attraction of these kinds of movements in general, and the Rajneesh movement in particular. I believe that Ms. Hamilton does take an apologist's tone regarding the Bhagwan's involvement or knowledge of the violent attacks on surrounding communities. Ms. Hamilton suggests that Ma Sheela and her security force were solely responsible for the attacks without the knowledge of surrounding community members or the Bhagwan. I believe that her idealization of the Bhagwan continues to affect her analysis, and causes her to cast the members of the movement as victims of an individual. I grew up in a small town, and know that secrets simply cannot be kept. BUT people can always refuse to look... ... Read more

Book Description

Eliseo Torres, known as "Cheo," grew up in the Corpus Christi area of Texas and knew, firsthand, the Mexican folk healing practiced in his home and neighborhood. Later in life, he wanted to know more about the plants and rituals of curanderismo.

Torres's story begins with his experiences in the Mexican town of Espinazo, the home of the great curandero El Niño Fidencio (1899-1939), where Torres underwent life-changing spiritual experiences. He introduces us to some of the major figures in the tradition, discusses some of the pitfalls of teaching curanderismo, and concludes with an account of a class he taught in which curanderos from Cuernavaca, Mexico, shared their knowledge with students.

Part personal pilgrimage, part compendium of medical knowledge, this moving book reveals curanderismo as both a contemplative and a medical practice that can offer new approaches to ancient problems.

From Curandero

". . . for centuries, rattlesnakes were eaten to prevent any number of conditions and illnesses, including arthritis and rheumatism. In Mexico and in other Latin American countries, rattlesnake meat is actually sold in capsule form to treat impotence and even to treat cancer. Rattlesnake meat is also dried and ground and sprinkled into open wounds and body sores to heal them, and a rattlesnake ointment is made that is applied to aches and pains as well." ... Read more

Book Description

When the Dutch psychic Peter Hurkos approached Norma Lee Browning to write his story, her reply was blunt: "You know better than to ask me … I'm the one who exposes people like you." Norma Lee Browning is a professional skeptic -- a journalist with a reputation for exposing frauds and charlatans.

Hurkos persisted. The result is this incredible book in which Browning, skeptic, proves beyond a reasonable doubt that Peter Hurkos is a man with phenomenal psychic powers -- a man who can conjure up the past, envision the future and describe people and places he has never seen. Hurkos has also participated in missing persons and murder investigations across the United States.

To fully describe a man like Peter Hurkos is not possible. Ms. Browning deals in facts -- in names and places and dates -- and these facts speak for themselves.

Reviews (1)

HE'S THE REAL DEAL...
This book is not really about Peter Hurkos. It is about Peter Hurkos, the psychic. If one measures this book by whether or not Peter Hurkos is revealed as a charlatan or a true psychic, then it succeeds admirably, as it leaves little doubt that Peter Hurkos was an individual with a highly unusual gift. If you measure the book by whether or not you get to know Peter Hurkos, the person, then it has not succeeded, because the reader comes away with very little feeling as to who Peter Hurkos was. The book, while interesting, suffers from being somewhat one dimensional. Notwithstanding this limitation, it is still a thought provoking read.

Peter Hurkos is the famous Dutch psychic who enthralled the world during the nineteen fifties and sixties with his psychic gifts. Uncannily clairvoyant, he was not always so. Born in Holland to a working class Dutch family of simple means, his youth was relatively uneventful. Interestingly enough, however, he was born with the caul which is often taken to mean by those who are superstitious that the individual may have been born with the gift of telepathy or clairvoyance.

Though his youth was relatively uneventful, this changed in 1941 when he fell off a ladder and fell four stories, landing on his head. He miraculously survived, but as his friends and family put it, the old Peter had died, and a new one seemed to have taken his place: one who could foretell the future, as well as describe past events, with uncanny accuracy. In the nineteen fifties, he left Holland and came to the United States, where he prospered as a well known psychic.

Peter used his gifts commercially, for which he received much criticism. He also became known as a psychic detective for helping the police solve numerous cases. Some of the cases in which he assisted were high profile cases, such as that of the Boston Strangler. For many years, Peter Hurkos astonished the world with his psychic gifts. He performed best through the process of psychometry, the divination of information by touching an object belonging to the subject of the reading.

I have to admit that some of the documented stories are truly amazing. So amazing that the author, an investigative reporter with a reputation for exposing frauds, became a believer. I do not doubt that the reader will likewise succumb and join the legions of those who believe that Peter Hurkos was, indeed, psychic. ... Read more