India (Hardcover)
by Michael Wood

Holy Cow: An Indian Adventure
by Sarah Macdonald

How Starbucks Saved My Life: A Son of Privilege Learns to Live Like Everyone Else (Hardcover)

Here is a review by John Leighton:  (I have edited it to fit our space...)
This is the story of a wealthy ad executive who is laid off (in a case of blatant ageism). He has the classic rich Manhattanite life trajectory: private schools, Yale, big ad agency job with lots of income. He does spend a lot of time away from family, which prefigures events to come later. He is one of those New Yorkers who has never really met middle-class people. It's a sheltered life, but comfortable.

Gill tells his own story well and doesn't hold back on the self-deprecation.  Mysterious enough for you? So, intrigued and feeling emotionally unmoored with no job, he has an affair and fathers a child. His family is understandably devastated, and these scenes in his memoir are gut wrenching.

Thrown out of the house with no job, his money runs out and he must learn to be middle-class (or worse, working class) from nearly scratch. He decides Starbucks would work when he reflects how much time he spends there.  Then the manager and he have one of those conversations blacks and whites have that sound mistrustful, but are actually seeking closeness and racial harmony.

From there, Gill confronts all that he'd never learned to do...like the simple self-satisfaction of work, independent living, handling solitude, and getting to know people unlike himself. Time and again, Gill points out his pre-fall opinions and how wrong he was!  His post-fall new, more mature appreciation of them helps him shed his feelings of entitlement that have alienated him from strangers all his life. He allows for the sizable resentment some readers may feel at hearing someone used to limos talk about not wanting to walk on 96th Street.  For all the talk about how great Starbucks is, you never really hear about how the place works. You may not know that Starbucks baristas are supposed to talk to customers and make conversation...but now you know they may be hiding some secrets about their pasts, too. 

Ruth Says:  Saw Michael on CBS Sunday Morning and found his story engaging because so many people want the life he had and lost...not realizing now barren and empty it really is for many living it now. 

The spiritual reawakening of the Great Smoky Mountains (Unknown Binding) by Page Bryant

The Looming Tower: Al Qaeda and the Road to 9/11
by Lawrence Wright

From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. Wright, a New Yorker writer, brings exhaustive research and delightful prose to one of the best books yet on the history of terrorism. He begins with the observation that, despite an impressive record of terror and assassination, post–WWarII, Islamic militants failed to establish theocracies in any Arab country. Many helped Afghanistan resist the Russian invasion of 1979 before their unemployed warriors stepped up efforts at home. Al-Qaeda, formed in Afghanistan in 1988 and led by Osama bin Laden, pursued a different agenda, blaming America for Islam's problems. Less wealthy than believed, bin Laden's talents lay in organization and PR, Wright asserts. Ten years later, bin Laden blew up U.S. embassies in Africa and the destroyer Cole, opening the floodgates of money and recruits. Wright's step-by-step description of these attacks reveals that planning terror is a sloppy business, leaving a trail of clues that, in the case of 9/11, raised many suspicions among individuals in the FBI, CIA and NSA. Wright shows that 9/11 could have been prevented if those agencies had worked together. As a fugitive, bin Ladin's days as a terror mastermind may be past, but his success has spawned swarms of imitators. This is an important, gripping and profoundly disheartening book.

Ruth Says: I have not yet read this book, but watched an interview with the writer and was very impressed by his work and believe that this message needs to go forward asap. Ben Ladin mentioned this book in his most recent rantings about The West and our need to convert to Islam. This powerful book won The Pullitzer Prize and the writer knows more about Ben Ladin and Al Qaeda than many inside our intelligence community.

"The Siege"

DVD with Denzel Washington, Bruce Willis, Annette Bening, etc.

Ruth Says: See Blog entry dated 9-9-07;

Amore: Romantic Italian Love Songs
by Luciano Pavarotti

From Calaf's "Nessun dorma" from Turandot, in which the singer exclaims his love for the ice princess and the victory he will have over her, through Lionel's realization that he will have a new life and be happy with Lady Harriet in Martha ("M'appari"), and on to Rodolfo's falling in love with Mimi in La Bohème when he touches her hand ("Che gelida manina"): here we have some of opera's most beautiful love songs, sung by Pavarotti when he was in his golden-voiced prime. His "Una furtiva lagrima" is touching and gentle, while his rendition of the Neapolitan song "Core 'ngrato"--a diatribe against his lover's rejection of him--is heartbreaking. Radames's hymn to Aida ("Celeste Aida") in which he sees Aida as "the splendor of [his] life," is glorious, and all of the other selections are equally fine. For lovers and others, this is a handsome collection. --Robert Levine

Ruth Says: May i recommend my very favorite eclectic selection of Pararotti arias from various operas... Pavarotti "Amore" Romantic Italian Love Songs...put out by London in 1992. (see Blog entry dated 9-9-07)

The Art of Dreaming
by Carlos Castaneda

In bestsellers like 'A Separate Reality' and 'Journey to Ixtlan' , Castaneda recounted his adventures with Mexican Yaqui Indian sorcerer don Juan Matus. Here he tells how, under don Juan's tutelage, he gained control over his dreams and used dreaming as a launching pad to a pervasive but unseen realm of ancestral spiritual forces, both good and evil. He goes through tunnels, enters into the consciousness of trees, meets scouts, emissaries, and form-changing blobs of energy. Aided by don Juan's companions and fellow apprentices, Castaneda penetrates a realm of "inorganic beings" who set traps for him and attack him, as if to illustrate don Juan's teaching that consciousness is compelled to grow through life-or-death confrontations. For many, Castaneda's quest offers a tantalizing glimpse of alternate worlds beyond the rational parameters of our mundane reality.

Ruth Lee says:  "This book is for seekers who grow beyond the need for the usual dream workbooks and such, like many of you reading this now. I would like to quote from one such reader who compares 'The Art of Dreaming' to Book Five of The Books of Wisdom from The Teachers of the Higher Planes, "World of Tomorrow".

   "...I have had an extremely close connection to The Teachers,but some of the questions in "World of Tomorrow" made me ask myself, for example, while contemplating what The Teachers meant by work.

      I randomly pulled 'Art of Dreaming' by Carlos Cast. and after rereading 'Art of Dreaming' [fifteen years later] and witnessing years of dedication that he put into mastering dreaming, I knew what I needed to do. I dusted off my dream journal and recommitted to my lucid dreaming practices and was then able to continue the next chapter in "World of Tomorrow".

     I could tell as I continued reading that the exercise was necessary in order to assimilate the material correctly. The best way I could describe it is it like there are hidden exercises within '"The World of Tomorrow."  It's more complex than first meets the eye. It's a tuff call, but I would have to say its my favorite (of The Books of Wisdom).'

Joe, Ft.Myers, FL

He Walked the Americas

He Walked the Americas (Hardcover)
by L. Taylor Hansen

Anthropologist L. Taylor Hansen, long fascinated with Indian history and legends, traces legends of Indians of the Pacific and American continent which all seem to include an account of a white bearded healer who visited them in ancient times (probably during the 1st century) taught each group a philosophy of love, performed miraculous healings, curiously controlled forces of nature, and established a Priesthood of 12 elders. After traveling throughout the Americas, he departed by sea from the ancient city of Tula on the Yucatan peninsula with the promise that he would return in the future. Hansen never claims this legendary healer was Christ, but the similarities are remarkable. The Book of Mormon reports that Christ also visited the American continent. It is reported that Hansen never heard of the Book of Mormon when he wrote his account. Interesting read, particularly for those wondering if Christ visited other lands.

Ruth Lee Says: Open your mind and broaden your spiritual horizons with a wonderful read that makes sense of so many legends, belief systems, and opens you to looking for even more. A wonderful book that you will want to share with others.

The Celestine Prophecy (Paperback)
by James Redfield

A fast-paced adventure novel that plays like a cross between Raiders of the Lost Ark and Moses's trek up Mt. Sinai. Originally self-published, the book sold phenomenally--sparked by word of mouth. The saga begins when the unnamed middle-aged male narrator whimsically quits his nondescript life to track down an ancient Peruvian manuscript containing nine Insights that prophesy the modern emergence of New Age spirituality. South of the border he encounters resistance from the Peruvian government and church authorities, who believe the document will undermine traditional family values. While dodging evil soldiers, paranoid priests, and pseudoscientific researchers, our hero sequentially discovers all nine Insights during a series of chance encounters. Redfield has a real talent for page-turning action, and his lightweight quest employs auras, energy transfers and other psychic phenomena.

Read more about this book on the blog: The Celestine Prophecy Notes

Ruth Lee Says:  If you love "Within The Veil: An Adventure in Time," you will enjoy this novel as well...or vice versa.  Much alike, each seeking an informal way to teach deep concepts that are not easily conveyed in writing.

The Matrix and Meaning of Character: An Archetypal and Developmental Approach
by Nancy J. Dougherty, PHD, and Jacqueline J. West

A survey-type work created to inform and educate the average person about personality disorders and character flaws in order to better understand the people who surround us all at all times.

Ruth Lee Says: Nancy is a very down-to-earth Jungian analyst whom I have studied dreams and various archetypal subject matter in a very loosely structured way. I support her in creating this encyclopedic work that attempts to define all the various illnesses and nuances of the mind and personality.

Indaba, My Children
by Credo Vusa'Mazulu Mutwa and Vusamazulu Credo Mutwa (Paperback - Mar 1999)

Written by a Sanusi (high shaman) so modern European and African consciousness alike might eventually gain an understanding of old Africa's heritage and its inherent wisdom. Credo Mutwa is world renowned for his wisdom of the indigenous peoples of the Earth. He is the Guardian of Umlando, Guardian of ancient African knowledge, which is an oral tradition. A tradition that has been fiercely guarded throughout the ages and which remains intact within an elite band of initiates. To follow his shamanic calling was the first agonizing decision of his life, a spiritual route he had resisted on pain of death. The second decision, to share this knowledge with the world, has caused even more pain... Writing this book resulted in Credo Mutwa being cast out by other shamanic priests and branded a traitor by his own people for revealing Africa's secrets.

Ruth Lee Says: It is my desire to support in this small way The Credo Mutwa Clinic in their on-going, self-less battle against AIDS in Africa.

Art & Physics: Parallel Visions in Space, Time, and Light (P.S.)
by Leonard Shlain

Art interprets the visible world, physics charts its unseen workings—making these two realms seem in complete opposition. But in Art & Physics, Leonard Shlain tracks their development side by side throughout the centuries to reveal an astonishing correlation of visions.

From the classical Greek sculptors to Andy Warhol and Jasper Johns, and from Aristotle to Einstein, artists have often foreshadowed the theories and discoveries of scientists.

In this lively and colorful narrative, Leonard Shlain explores how major artistic breakthroughs have prefigured the visionary insights of physicists throughout history.

Provocative and original, Art & Physics is a seamless integration of the romance of art and the drama of science—an exhilarating history of ideas.

Ruth Lee Says: While researching the web relative to quantum wave theory, an ad for this book arrived in the in-box!!! Too amazing a coincidence not to select it for inclusion in my list of Recommended Books!

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Our Dreaming Mind ~ A Sweeping Exploration of the Role That Dreams Have Played in Politics, Art, Religion, and Psychology, From Ancient Civilizations to the Present Day”

by Robert L. Van de Castle, Ph.D.

Van de Castle, former director of the Sleep and Dream Laboratory at the University of Virginia, presents the scientific facts surrounding dreams as well as some of the more prophetic, paranormal associations. He begins his well-organized text with a history of dreams, using such anecdotes as the revelation in a dream of the location of Kuwait's great oil reserves to a British political official. Van de Castle proceeds to describe modern dream theories of the 20th century with a particular emphasis on Freud and Jung. He continues with the current state of dream research and ends with the paranormal qualities of dreams. While books concerning dreams abound, this broad and intelligent work is highly recommended.

-Jennifer Amador, Central State Hosp. Medical Lib., Petersburg, Va.

Ruth Lee Says:  “I know of no other book that covers the entire scope of dreams better than this encyclopedic work by Dr. Van De Castle.  Every serious student of dreams needs to read and keep a copy of this book handy.”

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Women Who Run With the Wolves ~ Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype”  by Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Ph.D.

Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes is a Jungian analyst and ‘cantadora’ (storyteller) who searches the female unconscious via multicultural myths, fairy tales, folk tales, and even research she conducted in order to help women reconnect with the healthy, instinctual, visionary attributes of the Wild Woman archetype.

Dr. Estes demonstrates how woman's vitality and creativity can be restored through what she calls "psychic archeological digs" into the ruinds of the female unconscious.  She retrieves the Wild Woman and examines, loves, and understands her...as one who is both magic and medicine.

Ruth Lee Says:  “I was introduced to her work by a colleague of Dr. Estes.  This book has been an international best seller for more than a decade with very good reason. Using Jungian principles to explore myths and fairy tales and the work of indigenous shamans, Dr. Estes established herself at the forefront of women's studies and archetypal discoveries.

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“The Portable Problem Solver: Coping with Life’s Stressors”

by Susanna McMahon, Ph.D.

An empowering, compassionate guide to achieving inner peace by triumphing over negative stressors.

 Ruth Lee Says:  I met Dr. Susanna McMahon in the mountains of Mexico at Rio Caliente Health Resort and Spa where I was conducting two week long spiritual retreats.  She is a friend of our work and author of several other books.   I was impressed by Susanna's sincerity and hard work dedicated to teaching the basics of spirituality and social psychology...both attributes are necessary for healing work.

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“Animal Speak ~ The Spiritual & Magical Powers of Creatures Great & Small”

by Ted Andrews

Includes a comprehensive dictionary of animal, bird & reptile symbolism.

Ruth Lee Says:  “I met Ted years ago when he first introduced the world to his work on animal totems.  I was impressed by his sincerity and humility, as well as his dedication to doing whatever it takes to get out the word as he believes it to be.”

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“Feet First ~ A Guide to Foot Reflexology”

by Laura Norman

Bernie Siegel, MS, describes it best!  “Wow!  A total healing experience for the whole person.   If you can’t have the experience of Laura Norman’s healing touch, as I have, the next best thing is to learn the techniques in this book and apply them to yourself, youor family and friends.  It will alter your life in a profound way.”

Ruth Lee Says:  “I met Laura at a health & wellness fair in Florida where we ‘by chance’ had adjoining booths separate from all others.  I appreciate her work as well as ‘share a common goal of empowerment of the soul/self,’ as Laura wrote about our meeting.

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“Web Wonder Women ~ Give Me a Keyboard Along With My Cape” 

by Lynne Klippel

26 Successful Businesswomen Share what it takes to make big money on the internet.

Web Wonder Women…takes you behind the scenes of pioneering women who cracked the code to internet business success.  Based on ground breaking, original research, this book goes byond the hype and tells the truth about what it takes to start and succeed with a web based business.

Ruth Lee Says:  I became aware of Lynne’s work through our Prosperity teleclasses, and we cemented our relationship at Catch The Wave 2 in Mexico. Lynne and her partners are publishing my next book at virtually no cost to me...Wow!  That about says it all!  ”