by C. Paul Schroeder ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 3, 2017
An engaging and valuable book about living a more loving and purposeful life.
Schroeder (On Social Justice: St. Basil the Great, 2009) offers a guide to a spiritually vibrant existence.
The author draws on his own past as a former Greek Orthodox priest in this enlightening instructional volume. Six spiritual practices form the bedrock of his teachings: “Compassionate Seeing,” “Heartfelt Listening,” “Intentional Welcoming,” “Joyful Sharing,” “Grateful Receiving,” and “Cooperative Building.” Regarding the first practice, he urges readers to be more curious about others: “Compassionate Seeing allows us to view the world in sharp definition, without the distorted lenses of our judgments.” To develop heartfelt listening, Schroeder recommends using the phrase, “Please tell me more.” Acknowledging people’s feelings, he says, is another form of heartfelt listening. He introduces the Greek term “acedia,” defined as “numbness, a state of unfeeling, disconnection from our deepest self.” This condition can be dangerous, he says, as some people will do anything, even if it’s self-destructive, to feel alive. Tuning in to one’s emotions, he asserts, can allow one to find more peace and joy. In the section on intentional welcoming, Schroeder demonstrates healthy boundary-setting and saying “yes” only to things that matter most. To share joyfully, he says, one must give gifts of time, energy, and attention without obligation. He advocates focusing on intentions rather than expectations and on accepting failure as part of the process. The final section about cooperative building focuses on community: “Strength…is inviting others to help us improve on our ideas,” he writes. Schroeder’s writing is clear, tight, and comprehensive. He illustrates each principle with parables and examples, though many of the scenarios involve parenting (“Say, for instance, I have a young son who is playing on a softball team, but is afraid of being hit by the ball”) or take place in office environments, which may not resonate with all readers. His simple, effective mantras, however, allow readers to immediately apply the book’s principles to their lives (such as “I accept everything I see” or “I receive the gift that is offered”). He recognizes the challenges of change but he effectively reminds his audience that this book contains ongoing practices—not pinnacles to be reached.
An engaging and valuable book about living a more loving and purposeful life.Pub Date: June 3, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-692-83087-1
Page Count: 210
Publisher: Hexad Publishing
Review Posted Online: July 28, 2017
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996
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
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by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955
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.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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