'Explore the strength of "uncertainty" as a gift through which the magic of Wisdom and Truth might enter our life.'
In the form of a letter addressed "Dear Dad", Neil Hanson allows us into some very personal and very spiritual moments as he 'journeys to the edge of death with his father', and remains behind as his father carries on over that edge.
What impressed me most about this book was Mr. Hanson's ability to lay bare some very personal emotions and experiences without apology. As I read, I wondered to myself why it was so easy for me to simply accept the experiences I was reading about. The conclusion I reached was that in not asking me to believe what he was saying, Neil Hanson allowed me to see the truth in what he experienced. He writes in a way that is open and non-judgemental which allows the reader to be the same.
The experiences Neil went through as his father lay in the ICU dying, and the realizations he came to over the following fifteen years, make for an intense spiritual story. More than that, however, they open the door to the exploration of long held beliefs as well as new spiritual ideas.
In exploring the events of, and surrounding, his father's death, the author manages to explore the spiritual without spilling over into the religious. He does this by not spelling out the name of Deity but instead using 'G-d' and terms such as 'Spirit'; 'Presence'; 'Something Divine', and by alternating between male and female pronouns when writing about this Power. Also, in the 'Notes to the Reader' at the beginning of the book the reader is invited to:
'Make no assumptions or pre-judgements about what I might mean by the word, and instead, paint the word with your own beliefs.'This inspirational treatise has given me a lot to think about and has refocused my spiritual lens. It is a book I know I will return to and reread as I travel my own path of new experiences and uncertainties. Definitely one I would recommend to anyone with a spiritual - not just Christian - bent.
How's this for the most amazing givaway? The very generous Neil Hanson is offering an e-copy to everyone who comments with an e-mail address. That's right - everyone who comments with an email address!! Because he is being so very generous, the time frame is short. The giveaway closes Sunday, July 24.
Very generous, but not entering. I am trying to not get too many ebooks before I have a reader :)
ReplyDeleteBut sounds like a good story
This sounds like a lovely read and I am grateful to the author for giving copies away. Many thanks.
ReplyDeletespeduzzi(at)gmail(dot)com
This one sounds quite beautiful.
ReplyDeleteLovely review. I love when a book touches me like this did you. How generous of the author :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for these truly kind comments Dana - I appreciate it. I've come to realize in recent years how much joy I get when something I write touches a reader or moves them in some way, so your enjoyment of the book and your comments bring me that joy.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to sharing the eBook with your readers!
Neil Hanson
http://neilhanson.com
You've never steered me wrong on any of your recommendations. Who wouldn't want a spiritual boost in todays rat race? Looking forward to what sounds like an impactful, and uplifting read.
ReplyDeleteThanks again for sharing.
Cindy Behr
wcbehr@shaw.ca
July 21/2011
This sounds like an awesome read. Would be glad to have it. Donna
ReplyDeletemylife.onestoryatatime@yahoo.com
or dkmtheriot@yahoo.com