Moments in Time

Name: Moments in Time
Author: Neil Anthes
ISBN: 978-1460239209

REFLECTIONS ON PERSONAL MYSTICAL EXPERIENCES

by Neil Anthes ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 23, 2014

bookshelf

Awards & Accolades

Our Verdict

GET IT

An exploration of the author’s spiritually transformative experiences and the worldview he’s developed from them.
Part memoir, part roundup of metaphysical and New Age philosophies, Anthes’ debut begins with an important spiritual moment he had as a teenager in Canada at the Bay of Fundy that began a lifelong interest in connecting with what he calls the Divine Universal Energy. He recounts the various experiences he’s had with Kundalini, premonitions, sensitivities to energies and following his instincts. He surrounds these experiences with the thoughts and views of numerous thinkers regarding the relationships among the spiritual and corporeal, the nature of the soul, and how New Age philosophies relate to Western religions, especially Christianity, in which he was raised. He also provides guidance and insight into how to interact with spiritual energy and live a more spiritual life—e.g., looking for God in daily things, being generous, forgiving and focusing on the spiritual in order to heal physical ailments. His look into the effects and challenges of spiritually transformative experiences could prove helpful for readers struggling to make sense of and adjust to their own experiences; the wisdom he draws from his life could certainly help readers in similar situations feel less alone. He often finds deep spiritual meaning in seemingly mundane facets of daily life, which, while interesting, can feel a bit overblown. Anthes’ personal story jumps around in time, with the author presenting various aspects of his life without much context, which may make his journey difficult to appreciate, since readers will struggle to get a sense of his spiritual progression. Numerous references to other authors and an in-depth bibliography make this book a useful jumping-off point for readers looking to get a broad sense of the New Age landscape.
Far-reaching and generous if somewhat scattered, but Anthes is a kindred spirit for readers on a similar journey.

Pub Date: May 23, 2014

ISBN: 978-1460239209

Page Count: 176

Publisher: FriesenPress

Review Posted Online: July 30, 2014

Review Program: Kirkus Indie

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

bookshelf

NUTCRACKER

by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996

bookshelf

This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)

Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996

ISBN: 0-15-100227-4

Page Count: 136

Publisher: Harcourt

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING
by E.T.A. Hoffmann ; adapted by Natalie Andrewson ; illustrated by Natalie Andrewson

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER
by E.T.A. Hoffmann & illustrated by Julie Paschkis

bookshelf

TO THE ONE I LOVE THE BEST

EPISODES FROM THE LIFE OF LADY MENDL (ELSIE DE WOLFE)

by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955

bookshelf

An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.