Chanticleer Book Reviews

Tag: Spirituality

The YOU BEYOND YOU The Knowledge of the Willing by Ramzi Najjar – Personal Transformation, Motivational, Spiritual Growth Self-Help

In The YOU beyond you – The knowledge of the willing, Ramzi Najjar addresses his audience with the contemplative calm of a mystic guru and the fervor of an old-time evangelist, in a how-to guide to good health, happiness, and inner peace as a personal philosophic treatise addressing the physical and spiritual quality of life in the 21^st century.

In the Preface, Najjar quickly captures readers’ attention with the question, “In a chaotic world, and a life of prevalent restlessness, how can we make sense of the non-sensical [sic]?”

Who doesn’t relate to that?

In seeking an answer to that question, rather than asking the who, what, when and whys of traditional philosophy, Najjar accepts that negative and “nonsensical” life conditions are a given and asks the question how.

How can one change the negative impacts of these conditions upon one’s own being?

Najjar contends, “… you become what you perceive … and what you permit to enter your body…,” and this is the underlying premise upon which the book is based.

The author developed the rationale for his guide from personal experience, learning, observations, and understandings, along with widely accepted, common-sense information, uncited hypotheses, and research from various disciplines. In addition to ideas borrowed from areas of psychology, metaphysics, and epistemology, the author includes some concepts found in Eastern religions. The author weaves these bits and pieces together to create a new paradigm for 21st-century spiritual enlightenment.

At 137 pages, The YOU beyond you is not a long book or a difficult read.

Ramzi Najjar provides detailed explanations, relevant metaphors, and personal anecdotes to support his conclusions. Along with a preface, lengthy forward, and conclusion, he presents his ideas in six chapters: “Body Pollution; Mind Pollution; Restoring our body and mind; Getting imprinted with the correct memory; The Source and how to access it; and, Letting the right Memory run our life.”

The first three chapters are relatively short and provide a fairly comprehensive review of the benefits of common-sense behaviors and choices, and of proven healthy practices that can pave the way to personal transformation. The latter chapters dip into metaphysics and spiritualism integrated with historical and current scientific thought regarding genetic memory found in contemporary neuroscience, energy medicine, and integrative physiology. If one follows the suggestions in Najjar’s latest guide, there is no doubt the outcome will lead to motivational and spiritual growth.

The YOU beyond you may appeal to a varied audience. While at times verbose and loquacious, the intensity of Najjar’s arguments keeps the reader engaged. Many readers will relate to his friendly sometimes pedagogical, first-person voice and will find the book motivating and inspirational. All in all, The YOU beyond you is an interesting and provocative read.

March 15, 2021
COCOON of CANCER: an INVITATION to LOVE DEEPLY by Abbe Rolnick & Jim Wiggins – Spiritual & Mental Healing, Personal Transformation, Living with Cancer

When author Abbe Rolnick’s husband Jim Wiggins slipped off a ladder in 2013, he was told he had osteopenia and would need to rest his back. He and Abbe went to Africa, but the pain persisted, in fact, got worse. Finally, the author “…got the call, the one every person dreads.” Jim had cancer, a rare, aggressive form called Multiple Myeloma. The plasma in his bone marrow had increased, taking over the normal cells, causing anemia and acidity that began to eat away at his spine. Life for Abbe and Jim would never be the same. What followed was a total disruption: for Jim it involved chemo, radiation, stem cell implants, pain, weight loss, and even height loss; for Abbe, an exploration of basic fears, and, of course, the deepest terror of loss of a loved one.

Rolnick’s book is told for the most part in a series of emails among friends and family. Since she is a fiction writer (River of Angels, Color of Lies) she was able to express her feelings to others, especially to Jim, in a manner both poignant and poetic. She recounts the couple’s simple acceptance, the moments of despair, and the daily activities and routines they shared despite the discouraging limitations of Jim’s medical necessities. Whenever possible, the couple cuddled at night, exchanged kisses, watched funny, upbeat fare on television. The memoir is remarkable for these moments, balanced by the necessary, at times dreadful and dire medical information that impinged on their lives every day for a year. The couple had to live away from home, ask family for help, including cells donated by a brother, and rely on the kindness and expertise of strangers. As Rolnick puts it, “Cancer explodes with ramifications.” Jim’s round-robin emails form an especially touching piece of the narrative as he attempts to apply logic, masculine bravado and a mild sense of humor to the horrors he is experiencing.

The author offers advice on keeping up with insurance issues, dealing with the caregiver role, with fears, and with the ultimate uncertainty. She doesn’t know, nor does anyone, how long remission might last. She advises being honest with doctors and with oneself, and notes that her viewpoint was often the most helpful, especially when Jim would deny he had pain while she observed how much pain he really felt from his overt reactions like groans and grimaces. At one point, the cancer clinic lab made a massive mistake; handling it judiciously but firmly was a learning experience. Two people, the author believes, can perhaps take in the totality of the problems. She describes the year as like being in a cocoon—dominated by the disease, yet growing and changing within.

Leaving us saddened but cautiously relieved by the end of her account, with Jim at home, forming a new life around continued treatments, Rolnick has taken us on a journey, tough and full of dangers, but with a quiet resting place for now—and now is all that matters.

October 4, 2017
NARADA’S CHILDREN: A Visionary Tale of Two Cities by Woody Carter – exploring universal values

A colorful fable resonates with contrasting modalities of mysticism and social action, exploring how culture and religion can separate us or bind us together.

Narada is a traveler and a stranger when he first meets the lovely Hohete and her people in the ancient city of Ja’Usu. Given water, food, and shelter by Hohete’s family, Narada is sharply questioned by village elders who are stymied by his forthright statement that he is a representative of a deity named The Great Mystery. So they conspire to remake him as a storyteller, to reduce his power and profit from his talent for spinning yarns by selling refreshments to his audience.

Narada hoodwinks them, though. He gathers all the people, even the despised Oromo beggars, and arranges for the poor to be given food instead of buying it. He then weaves a wondrous story of another city, Oakland, California, in the early twenty-first century; there, Arthur Renfro, a community activist, is trying to improve conditions for his fellow African Americans.

The people of Ja’Usu are magically able to “see” the story as Narada tells it, becoming immersed in the strange ways of a civilization where women have power, and rejected groups like the Oromo may be objects of social concern, not disapprobation.

Narada subtly constructs his parable, measuring the relative power of religion, psychiatry, and social change to improve individual lives and using Ja’Usu and Oakland as contrasting examples. In Oakland, Arthur Renfro proposes meditation as a radical method to resolve the deep inner conflict within the spirits of his people. In Ja’Usu, the tale of Arthur’s quest for equality and aid for minorities will gradually break down ancient taboos, presenting the potential of liberation for women like Hohete and for the oppressed Oromo.

Narrative theologian and author Woody Carter has worked with organizations concerned with the welfare of African Americans like those he depicts in Narada’s Children.

Carter’s use of language is enchanting and emotive, evoking folk memory like a tribal griot. Like his audience in the fire-lit square of Ja’Usu, readers will be lulled and lured into his tale and see, perhaps, how their own perceptions accord with “the imperishable records of celestial light” from which the Narada draws his wisdom.

Through the interactions of people in two great cities—one ancient, one modern—Narada’s Children explores the universal value of genuine fairness and equality. Masterfully written, this uplifting and encouraging work is a spiritually transporting tale that is much needed by those of all races and creeds—especially in today’s turbulent times.

September 7, 2016
DECODING the BUTTERFLY PROMISE: Regaining Our Sacred Power by Gail Siler, PhD. — a spiritual journey

People who feel a pull to go beyond what Dr. Siler calls “Normalville” will find treasures in this book. Devotees of Carlos Castenados will find this work particularly interesting. Followers of different paths can find gems to enjoy. I admire the author for sharing her extraordinary life with us.

During intense seeking and searching for two decades during her unique spiritual journey, Dr. Siler strives to trust the process and not just the results. She feels a knowing pulsing within her and a compulsion to deliver a message, but before she can pass along the information, she feels that she must increase her spiritual energy. Fear and self-doubt block her, swinging her between the positive and the negative. Her supernatural mentors help her forge ahead through periods of deep devastation by easing her journey with intermittent gifts of joy, augmented by physical clues beyond coincidence—clues holding deep meaning for the Dr. Siler.

The author includes a handy road-map to help navigate the book that is divided into four parts. Siler reminds us that this is not a work of fiction, but is an account of her personal experiences. She also warns her readers that at times they may be confused or find that the information meanders and wanders. However, she advises to keep reading as that was her intent so that the information she presents “will percolate” and will make sense as the readers’ minds awaken to flashes of insight.

Dr. Siler tells us that her guides (spiritual and in the flesh) withhold enlightenment from her until she re-energizes her spiritual maturity and is ready to receive their wisdom. Clarity might come to readers like clarity came to the author, at the end of a stage in their spiritual journeys.

Dr. Siler believes the time is at hand for the feminine energy, the right brain creative side in both men and women, to reach its fullness. She states that the attitude of inequality that lingers in some men and women must cease. And moreover, unequal treatment in the world at large must stop.

Decoding the Butterfly Promise: Regaining Our Sacred Power by Gail Siler, PhD (an international consultant and social scientist) invites us to witness her unique spiritual journey. Our journeys are destined to take humankind from the negative to the positive—the power of love is the lesson that Dr. Siler imparts to her readers. Overall, this work will raise questions and open doors to different perspectives, and the satisfying ending promises more to come in the next of Dr. Siler’s series The Godmother Chronicles.

September 6, 2016
The LIGHT of GRACE: Journeys of an Angel by Kasey Claytor – an epic spiritual journey

“The Light of Grace” by Kasey Claytor begins at the end of Grace’s final material/physical life on earth. She transcends into her angelic form and following a life review, Sophia, her former guardian angel, introduces Grace to the new charges she is to guide.

During her new role as guard and guide for people assigned to her, Grace continues to evolve. Her charges each live during vastly different time periods on earth. Mumbie, a woman, lives in primitive earth times. Garth, a Christian male, lives in the middle ages. Arnina lives in the technological age of the twenty-first century. Alistair lives in the twenty-ninth century, described as the salubrious Light Age.

In a surprising twist, the omnipotent narrator introduces himself by writing “And of course there is me. I am not a physical being, but I have been…”. The story teller describes the lives of each of these characters, from birth through life’s experiences until death, including their relationships and sufferings amidst supernatural guidance from Grace. To provide each character with visible and palpable loyalty and unconditional love, a canine spirit takes a physical form and stays by each one’s side.

Edifying dissertations give readers a smorgasbord of spiritual precepts combining multiple teachings and explanations from both Biblical and Eastern sages. Readers who enjoy the writings of Deepak Chopra or Wayne Dyer will find Grace’s metaphysical journey enlightening as it spans thousands of years both into the past and into the future.

The characters’ universal life situations trigger recognition of universal truths as they struggle to deal with war, death, love, hate, loss, drug use, jealousy, lust for power, success, failure, self- incrimination, torment, deep love, compassion, peace, and joy. Sufferings are portrayed as necessary stepping stones for the evolution of souls with the spiritual guidance of angels whose main tools are unconditional love and the absence of judgment, trusting that everything is what it must be.

You may want to gather with others to explore and discuss your observations as you accompany Grace and her special emissary, Aelfraed, on Grace’s spiritual journey crossing planes of existence and enduring trials and tribulations revealed through each character’s telling. The characters’ lives are vividly portrayed via the settings, lifestyles, and beliefs of the eras in which they live.

The Light of Grace: Journeys of an Angel by Kasey Claytor will make an excellent selection for book clubs interested in reading and discussing works that are spiritually and metaphysically oriented. It also will be a compelling read for anyone seeking answers to the mysteries of life, death, and what lies beyond.

June 7, 2016
An Editorial Review of “Tree: One Life that Made a Difference by Norman E. Kjono

It is clear that Norman E. Kjono, author of Tree: One Life That Made a Difference, cares deeply for the interconnected nature of all living things. In his book, he takes us on a journey to a small valley in the Pacific Northwest where the “lifes” of this sacred place are in trouble—the inhabitants of this valley consider themselves to be lifes.

“In the valley they thought of themselves together as “lifes.” This preserved their individual identity yet acknowledged the plural sense of them together as more than one.”

The core message in Tree: One Life that Made a Difference, is thought provoking. That all lifes would work toward being the best they can be, and helping others without thought of reward, is ideal. This is a story that mixes form—interspersing prose, poetry and songs; the poems dispersed through the story are to be read like proverbs.

Valley culture is built on the idea that all lifes are interdependent, and that by each individual doing his or her best, the purpose of the Cosmos and Creator will be best served. Few characters in this novel are human, and a few are even inanimate, like Stream and Rock. Owls, deer, beavers, mushrooms, frogs, raccoons, and other creatures including Tree and the Ancients (redwood trees) make up the cast of characters in this inspirational work that asserts that one life can make a difference. And that difference begins with one positive act that in turn inspires another and another.

The valley thrives and draws human visitors who leave their negative energy behind when they return home. All the lifes come together to try and figure out a way to deal with the negative energy produced by visitors to the valley. A toll plan is put forth by Elizabeth Jay and Harvey Crow. At first, this seems reasonable, but soon any life that disagrees with the plan is attacked and threatened by Jay and Crow, showing their intentions to be about controlling Life rather than helping it. The lifes of the valley quickly decide the toll plan is not for them, and the rest of the book takes place largely in dialogue over the best possible way to exist.

Most of the book deals with examples of why interdependence works best. The tale that best shows this is about Randolph Raccoon, an ambitious life who almost destroyed his people and caused a war. Randolph’s tale shows how greed and the desire for power can destroy a life’s internal spirit and their community as well.

Kjono shares his core belief of interdependence based on love and compassion with more than 300 pages of philosophical debate that extends from the local lifes of the valley to Arthurian legend told to them by the Ancients to a brief introduction of other-worldly aliens to the valley lifes. What begins as an interesting thought experiment quickly becomes a homily. However, Kjono’s supposition of doing your best to support not only yourself, but others around you, without regard for how you benefit, is a noble one.

Norman E. Kjono has put forth a beautiful philosophy that if one of aspires to do what is best for one’s world, that others will follow suit. And, as Tree said, “If we start out thinking it can’t be done, the we’ve lost before we begin!”

November 12, 2014