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REFLECTIONS

Name: REFLECTIONS
Author: Tom Ferguson
ISBN: 978-1500157883

by Tom Ferguson ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 27, 2014

A clear, well-intentioned and thoughtful religious compilation.

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A debut collection of essays about the nature of faith.

In this book, Ferguson takes a look at some of the essential aspects of spirituality, including faith, suffering, love and eternal life. Although the book purports to present an interfaith perspective, it’s largely focused on Christianity, quoting liberally from the New Testament and stemming from Ferguson’s own beliefs as a Catholic. That said, it also draws on beliefs from other faiths, particularly Buddhism, in its exploration of modern living, and the idea that people suffer based on their desires, their clinging ways and their refusal to see the world plainly. The author believes that faith calls people to be open to what is: “Ultimately the question is not whether we are a believer or a non-believer, but rather whether we will cling to the comfort and security of our beliefs or dare to embrace the vast uncertainty that comes from living a life of faith.” The book also examines in detail the nature of love, and in particular, the soul’s natural disposition toward wholly loving others—which, in turn, is largely a reflection of the love of God. The author then explores how such love plays out in people’s daily lives. He presents his series of essays in no particular order, but each one expands, to various degrees, on the lessons of the others, creating a comprehensive whole. Ultimately, this collection will give readers plenty of ideas on which to reflect and meditate. Although the ideas here aren’t necessarily new, Ferguson offers them up in a readable, good-hearted way. Readers of all faiths are likely to find something that will expand their understanding of the role that spirituality plays in their lives.

A clear, well-intentioned and thoughtful religious compilation.

Pub Date: Aug. 27, 2014

ISBN: 978-1500157883

Page Count: 98

Publisher: CreateSpace

Review Posted Online: Oct. 21, 2014

Review Program: Kirkus Indie

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
NO DEADLY DRUG
by Tom Ferguson & Joe Graedon

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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.