Since our last Book Nuts article in July, I have read/listened to a few more books that I'd like to share with you.
- Tides of the Dark Crystal (J.M. Lee)
- Songs of the Seven Gelfling Clans (J.M. Lee)
As a Dark Crystal enthusiast, these books were a real joy to read. Tides of the Dark Crystal is part 3 of The Dark Crystal novels and did not disappoint. Telling the continuation of the story from yet another character's perspective gives you, little by little, the impression to understand each character in the main party, one book at a time. J.M. Lee's style is impeccable, poetic, clear and addictive. You just do not want to put this book down and finishing it is hard too. There is currently only one novel left from this series after this one. As Netflix decided recently to cancel Season 2 of the series Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, I expect a lot more books and comics to be created in order to continue the story. It just cannot stop there.
The second book, Songs of the Seven Gelfing Clans, is a guidebook of each of the clans, with its rituals, beliefs, society organisation and traditional songs and poems. You would expect this type of book to be written in the manner of a reference book, with facts, figures, almost sterile, but, in the great tradition of J.M. Lee's literary style, the information is told through the eyes of a Gelfing songteller and traveller, telling about his experiences while visiting these worlds. Illustrated by beautiful drawings, this book is an absolute treat to the eyes and the soul of every Dark Crystal lover out there. - Facilitating SoulCollage in Groups (Seena B. Frost) (iTunes audiobook)
- Writing Down Your Soul (Janet Conner)
This book is a fantastic book about journaling in a very intuitive, soulful and meaningful way, as opposed to record-keeping journaling. It is the next step in the evolution of your journaling practice - and mine. It has literally transformed my journaling practice in the way that, now, I include, mostly unconsciously - which is the point - some kind of an internal "dialogue" into my writing, helping me to make sense of what is going on (or not) in my life, my feelings, when I'm stuck. Through this book, Janet Conner tells her journaling story, how it has supported her in her life journey, and shares many ideas, concepts, techniques and exercises that you can easily try in your own journaling practice, whatever style you are faithful to. Loved this book. It has become a classics for me. If you want to go further, the author also has written a companion book called My Soul Pages, which I haven't bought (yet!) - Awaken The Giant Within (Tony Robbins)
I started this book last year and was taking notes, which made the reading process very lengthy. I stopped reading it to pause and "mix it up". After about a year or so, I decided to pick it up. I also picked up my note-taking practice that came with it.
The reason why I take notes is that, apart from the fact that it has been written by the great, inspirational Tony Robbins who made coaching more widely known to the world - and whatever Tony Robbins says or writes is always gold wisdom to remember -, the other reason is that this book is literally a guide to having your most purposeful and happiest life. All aspects of your life are covered and many exercises help you integrate the principles. Anyone interested in improving the quality of their life, this is one of your books to have on your bookshelves. - Think Like A Monk (Jay Shetty) (Audible audiobook, narrated by the author)
This new book by famous coach Jay Shetty has shot to Amazon's best selling books on its first week of release, and it totally deserves it.
Jay tells his story with such honesty and humour that, even if you're not spiritual, you would still enjoy this book. Jay Shetty is one of these genuinely nice people - go to his Facebook page or Instagram account and you'll see - and it shines through his story and generosity to share his spiritual knowledge and teachings. Jay used to be a Buddhist monk and has practised many techniques of meditation and way of living. In this book, he's bringing all these teachings and makes them very accessible to the readers; even if you know nothing of spirituality, you will totally get this book. His chapter on Fear was an absolute game-changer for me. Highly recommend to every single human being on this planet. - A Guide to Shadow Work (Michelle Geldenhuys)
This little book is constructed as lessons with exercises at the end of each session. If you want to start exploring your shadow side (we all have one, it is very normal), this book is a good start. Simply written, the techniques and concepts are very accessible and I really enjoyed the content and exercises. The style of writing is very supportive and encouraging. I bought this book without any particular expectations but was VERY pleasantly surprised. - Do The Work (Steven Pressfield) (Audible audiobook)
For the last month or so, I have been exploring Fear, Resistance and Procrastination. Trying to understand them, to better tame them. Do The Work was THE resistance book mostly recommended in my research, so I decided to get the audiobook. Took notes, obviously! ;-) Although the book was originally designed to support writers, artists, the principles can be easily transfered to every person in the world (because, let's be honest, who doesn't experience resistance in their life), whatever their occupation or aspirations. It was a great guide to work through resistance and, obviously, it needs to lead to a certain practice to "do the work" and integrate the principles. I really enjoyed it, it is full of gold nuggets of wisdom and practical techniques, but I did find it, at times, rough, in the vein of "suck it up, buttercup" (in Jennibellie's words). I probably felt that way because I had just watched many Creative Dream Incubator videos on the subject, and Andrea Schroeder preaches a very soft, compassionate approach to resistance, fear and procrastination, encourages a dialogue. Nevertheless, many of my notes from this book have helped me understand (or start to, for it will be a long road, I know) a lot about my own fears and resistance. I still would recommend it as a first MUST read to start with on this quest. - Le Petit Prince (Antoine de Saint Exupery)
Despite being a French national, and The Little Prince being such a major classics of French literature, I had never read it - Boohh you!!!
The deed is now done, so I can be forgiven!
This book was so refreshing. A fantasy story, a simple story, told from an adult's point of view but in a childlike way. I can't tell about the story, it would spoil it for you, but needless to say, you laugh, you cry, you understand, you sympathise, you feel you are not alone in this, you love. A simple lesson of life. Simply beautiful and touching.
The author's original illustrations are also included and add fantastically to the mood of this book. - The Bhagavad Gita
This little book is one of the staples of Hinduism literature. It recounts the dialogue between the god Krishna and the warrior Arjuna before the eve of a battle for a divided kingdom, dividing families, teachers, students, friends. This book is considered a must read for the teachings of yoga, the way to live.
I really enjoyed it but was glad it was a short book (86 pages). The style of writing (a dialogue) reminded me of Vasistha's Yoga (one of the biggest books ever written in terms of pages), which I gave up on as, although truly beautiful to read, was just too dense for me. The Bhagavad Gita is a lot more "bitesized" and more manageable. - Journal Intime d'un Touriste du Bonheur (Jonathan Lehmann) (Audible audiobook) (in French - it has not yet, as of today, been translated into English)
This book is the story of Jonathan Lehmann, a former lawyer in Wall Street and now a French meditation teacher, and his spiritual journey and travels to expand his spirituality.
A lot of humour, very sincere, honest, and great teachings. If you can understand French, highly recommended.
You can find Jonathan on the app Insight Timer by the way. That's how I discovered him, through a Live session. He has meditations and insights in French and English - also on his YouTube channel. His 10-minute morning meditation is just perfect for beginners.*********************************I hope these book reviews have inspired you to give them a try. I'd love to hear how you found these books.
Until next time in my reading adventures...
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