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AQUAPISCES

Name: AQUAPISCES
Author: Dev Bhattacharyya
ISBN: 978-0-9978887-1-3

REACH FOR THE BALANCE

by Dev Bhattacharyya ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 27, 2017

A wordy overview of complex concepts that’s not for the casual reader.

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A voluminous, detailed text on ayurvedic alternative medicine, astrology, yoga, and other related subjects.

In his latest book, herbalist and astrologer Bhattacharyya (Tepid Blue, 2016, etc.) asserts that “astrology, herbal wellness,” and other alternative practices “can narrow down [health] predictions accurately, confirm a diagnosis and offer supplements to a cure prescribed by a registered-practitioner on a multitude of mind and health problems.” The author bases his approach on the ideas of the “ancestors,” referring to those who studied and practiced astrology, ayurveda, and Chinese medicine in the past. He describes a holistic approach to wellness that takes into account not only physical well-being, but also emotional and mental health, diet, and even the seasons. Much of the book is devoted to astrology, which the author frames as “an extra pair of eyes” that can help one evaluate a malady and inform caregiving decisions. (The titular term “AquaPisces” refers to a “changeover” from the astrological Pisces era to the Aquarius era.) The book also includes many remedies, including massage, the consumption of herbs and other foods, and music therapy. Explanatory text makes use of colorful stories and occasional, useful metaphors (“Mantras mention the secret depths where medicines are found in the oceans. Metaphor of knowledge as ocean is a common occurrence in the [ancient Indian] Vedas”). Unfortunately, the presentation of information isn’t always reader-friendly. For example, the book is filled with terms that will likely be unfamiliar to most Western readers, including the various types of “dosha” (biological humors) and their numerous subtypes. At one point, the author notes in a story that “the intrigued students felt lost in the labyrinth of words and wellness verbiages”—a phrase that aptly describes the experience of readers of this book, as well, who may need to employ lengthy, intense study to fully comprehend and digest all of its information. There are quite a few tables and diagrams, but a glossary would have been helpful.

A wordy overview of complex concepts that’s not for the casual reader.

Pub Date: July 27, 2017

ISBN: 978-0-9978887-1-3

Page Count: 494

Publisher: Devb Inc

Review Posted Online: Oct. 30, 2017

Review Program: Kirkus Indie

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
Tepid Blue
by Dev Bhattacharyya

- BOOK REVIEW
God Never Laughed
by Dev Bhattacharyya

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NUTCRACKER

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

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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

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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

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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.