Messages In This Digest (2 Messages)
- 1.
- BOOK REVIEW - The Returned (Novel) (OT) From: gleason.mike@comcast.net
- 2.
- MUSIC REVIEW - Wild Earth Child From: gleason.mike@comcast.net
Messages
- 1.
-
BOOK REVIEW - The Returned (Novel) (OT)
Posted by: "gleason.mike@comcast.net" gleason.mike@comcast.net gleasonm01915
Thu Jan 19, 2012 7:28 am (PST)
The Returned (Novel) by Dr. Laurence Brown © 2011 CreateSpace ISBN: 978-1466227477 366 pages Paperback $15.99 (U.S.) www.DrLuarenceBrown.com
This is one of those books which either grabs you by the lapels and draws you in, or leaves you scratching your head wonder "Huh?" It is not particularly fast-paced, nor is there an abundance of action. It is set in a time when racism was slowly falling into disrepute (Malcolm X was dead, but Dr. King was still alive), so that forms a part of the tension. It happens in an exotic locale (you really can't get much more exotic than the Amazonian rainforest), so it is different enough to stimulate your senses.
Perhaps it was just me, but I found myself having a great deal of trouble putting this book down. I normally plan on a week to ten days to read and review any book I decide to review, but less than 24 hours after starting The Returned I was better than half way through it. It helps that the type is relatively large and some pages sport generous amounts of white space, but still 366 pages is not something to blow through in normal circumstances,
There are characters in this book that definitely come across as the type you love to hate, while others are an enigma to a large degree. The disposable characters (there are always a few of them populating any novel) are dealt with summarily while those at the center of events reveal often unexpected depths and nuances.
Are the events true to life? I don't know, I've never trekked through the Amazon basin. Are the characters true to life? Oh yeah, I've run into many of them on the streets and in the malls (come to think of it, the malls do kind of resemble the rainforest...).
The book is basically an oral history of Nathan's life told in two parts. The first part is when he was a young man on his first field trip, with his fraternal twin and the terrors which he encountered and overcame. The second part is when he returned to the same village and encountered even worse horrors – an insane shaman (who happens to be his own son) with delusions of godhood. These horrors are also overcome, although from an unexpected source.
Throughout the story you can feel the emotions playing themselves out in his psyche. Decisions are made (and in some cases, forced upon him) which trigger regrets and fears which continue to haunt Nathan to the very end of the story.
Except for the occasional mention of the shamanistic beliefs of the tribes encountered, there is nothing to tie this to "traditional Pagan beliefs." Yet, through the course of the story the reader can see examples of lifestyles which differ significantly from those with which we are familiar. For this reason alone, I can honestly say that it was an enlightening book. Add to that the fact that it is well-written and you a have book which is worth picking up and reading.
- 2.
-
MUSIC REVIEW - Wild Earth Child
Posted by: "gleason.mike@comcast.net" gleason.mike@comcast.net gleasonm01915
Thu Jan 19, 2012 7:35 am (PST)
Wild Earth Child CD by Jenna Greene © 2011 10 Tracks Total Running Time: 43:18
Music Download $10.00
Affirmation 03:02 Samhain Night 03:33
Green Man (Wild Earth Child) 04:11 Chapel of the Wood 04:51
Phoenix 03:57 Dance of the Goddess 04:06
Brighid 05:14 Enchantress 05:19
Muse 03:34 Land of the Sidhe 03:11
This CD started off with a joyful sound which perfectly captured the title of the track ("Affirmation"). Since a number of the albums I have been listening to lately have been pleasant but not necessarily happy/joyful this was a good way to kick off this listening experience. Of course, there was no guarantee that the happy theme would carry through, but I was treated to a light-hearted album.
Lest you take the wrong idea from the preceding statement, while the album conveyed a lightness in approach it was in no way a light-weight effort. The music simply came across as the sort you would encounter during the brightness of the day as opposed to those liminal times (dawn and dusk) or during the hours of darkness. It seems more suited, for the most part, for late Spring through early Autumn than for other times of the year.
I reviewed another CD by her ("Crossroads" back in 2007) and my opinion hasn't changed significantly since then. Her voice and instrumentation are well suited to the selection she has chosen for this album. They call the listener to a place and a time when and where it is pleasant to just sit back and enjoy the music. Sometimes that is justification enough.
I said back in 2007 that " I know that producing music is a joy for the average musician (and putting out a CD can be a major pain). I am hoping that, for Jenna, the joy outweighs the pain. I sincerely hope that she receives enough encouragement to follow this CD up with more." It appears that my hopes have been realized. Now if only she continues to follow up (but maybe a bit more quickly – 4 years is waaayyy too long to wait for the next release)
Don't get this CD because I am recommending it whole-heartedly. Get it because, once you take the time to put it into your CD player, you will find yourself losing track of time and forgetting about the rude people and lousy situations you have encountered. It may not cure all that ails you, but it certainly will make the travails of daily life more bearable.
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Located in the beautiful Hunter Valley where we hold sacred rituals, workshops, social events and outings, for more information see our calendar of events at Witches Meetup
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Astarte also works full time as a Psychic Counsellor, Medium,
Clairvoyant, Healer and Teacher.
If she can be of assistance to you, please see her home page at
www.earthwise.net.au
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ARE YOU CREATIVE?
Astarte is always sourcing new suppliers of quality pagan
related items, to purchase wholesale or even put on consignment,
she willing to purchase worldwide items for the Earthwise Store.
If you have something of interest please contact Astarte
earthwise@bigpond.com
___________________________________________________________________________
�` Earthwise �`
<:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::]]======0
The Worldwide Spirit of Paganism
in Australia, America & Worldwide!
Take a Look at Our Huge EBay Store
For all your Magickal & Ritual Supplies
http://stores.ebay.com.au/Astarte-Earthwise
___________________________________________________________________________
This Earthwise Book of Shadows group holds the expectation
that a tolerant, mature and respectful dialogue be strived
for in our communications with each other. Members are
encouraged to challenge anyone not adhering to these
principles and to notify the list owner Astarte if you are
offended by a posting, write to me at
earthwise@bigpond.com
Thank you.
___________________________________________________________________________
Earthwise is a world wide group.
We are based in Bolwarra, NSW. Australia.
Located in the beautiful Hunter Valley where we hold sacred rituals, workshops, social events and outings, for more information see our calendar of events at Witches Meetup
http://www.meetup.com/earthwise/
___________________________________________________________________________
Astarte also works full time as a Psychic Counsellor, Medium,
Clairvoyant, Healer and Teacher.
If she can be of assistance to you, please see her home page at
www.earthwise.net.au
___________________________________________________________________________
ARE YOU CREATIVE?
Astarte is always sourcing new suppliers of quality pagan
related items, to purchase wholesale or even put on consignment,
she willing to purchase worldwide items for the Earthwise Store.
If you have something of interest please contact Astarte
earthwise@bigpond.com
___________________________________________________________________________
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