 Enlightening and worth reading in any phase of life.
Blurb: “Paulo Coelho's enchanting novel has inspired a devoted following around the world. This story, dazzling in its powerful simplicity and soul-stirring wisdom, is about an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure buried near the Pyramids. Along the way he meets a Gypsy woman, a man who calls himself king, and an alchemist, all of whom point Santiago in the direction of his quest. No one knows what the treasure is, or if Santiago will be able to surmount the obstacles in his path. But what starts out as a journey to find worldly goods turns into a discovery of the treasure found within. Lush, evocative, and deeply humane, the story of Santiago is an eternal testament to the transforming power of our dreams and the importance of listening to our hearts.” I am sure that many people have heard or read this book. At first glance, it seems like something easy to read. I loved the simplicity and yet the depth of the messages it contains. It’s the kind of book that works on many levels. Jakob goes on an adventure. He meets different people that are an essential part of his journey, especially the Alchemist. The more he gets to know himself better, the more he understands the world around him. Jakob is searching for his treasure, and his pilgrimage is his Personal Legend. Did he find it? Yes. Was it at the end of his journey? No. Why? Because his true treasure was in himself all along, but he was yet to realize this. Looking deeper, this is much more than a great read. Filled with a positive essence that goes deep into spirituality, it reveals something that many of us may have forgotten: we must live our life on our terms to be happy. It is an individual journey. No matter what anyone says, we know what makes us happy and that the power for a fulfilled life comes from within us. I found it to be one of the most influential books I have read, and for me, it holds the same place as “The Little Prince.” I would most definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for answers and explanations throughout their life journey. Quotes: “It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting, he thought, as he looked again at the position of the sun, and hurried his pace.” “People learn, early in their lives, what is their reason for being,” said the old man, with a certain bitterness. “Maybe that’s why they give up on it so early, too. But that's the way it is.” “In alchemy, it’s called the Soul of the World. When you want something with all your heart, that’s when you are closest to the Soul of the World. It’s always a positive force.” “Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself.” My rating: 5/5. Find it on Goodreads Follow the author on Amazon
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  Gaudí's work was influenced by his passions in life: architecture, nature, and religion. Gaudí's work enjoys global popularity and continuing admiration and study by architects. His masterpiece, the still-incomplete Sagrada Família, is the most-visited monument in Spain. Barcelona would never be what it is without Gaudi. Visiting Barcelona and the beautiful creations of Gaudi, I came across this book in a gift shop in Parc Guell. The more I walked around the streets of the Catalonian capital, the more impressed I was by Gaudi’s creations. I wanted to know more also about the man who created such unique architectural designs. This book is short and offers little information. Still, I know more after reading it. Like many great people, Gaudi was a simple man with a vision, as says the subtitle of the book. He knew what he wanted, he had the talent. Despite all the barriers that life itself put in his way and his poor health, he managed to create ad leave such majestic works. Gaudí is usually considered the great master of Catalan Modernism, but his works go beyond any one style or classification. They are imaginative works that find their main inspiration in nature. “For Gaudi, the theory of architecture was inseparable from the analysis of the laws of nature and religious symbolism,” says the author. My rating: 4/5. Find it on Goodreads   An interesting read with a promising ending.
Could you travel inside your soul? What if you get trapped in there? Was this a real journey or was it all in Ben's head? After a painful divorce and a cruel desire to leave his ex-wife without any money, Ben went to sleep and due to a strange happening, he woke up in another place. He wasn't in his bedroom anymore but as strange as it may seem he woke up inside his soul. He is told that it's not easy to get out. At first, he doesn't believe a thing but he has no other choice than to continue experiencing what lays in front of him. He even enjoys some gambling at a casino that exists there as it was one of his greatest desire in the real life. The journey contains lots of labyrinths, long corridors, lots of boxes and other more or less interesting stuff, all having their role. The book’s narrative is from three points of views: Ben, Raines, and Leo. Ben is not a character you would love. Arrogant, full of himself, money-oriented kind of person and not at all a pleasant family member. Still, during this process, he has learned a lot and chances are that the change for the better will only continue. His wife, Raines, started a new life after the divorce, moving to another place with her son Leo. It wasn't easy and what I felt crucial in her part of the story was when she learned to forgive her father, hence made forgiveness a part of her mindset. Later on, she will manage to forgive Ben too. From Leo’s part of the story, we see the life of a teenager that faces typical issues including bullying, drugs and the easiness of being able to get a gun and even think of using it. Luckily for all, everything turns out to a happy ending. Each one of them learned its own lessons and their life would be much better in the future. It is an interesting concept with the inside-of-soul traveling with a nice character description. Type of reader: Readers of inspirational contemporary fiction with a touch of paranormal. My favorite quotes from this book: “I am in heaven. My soul is on fire. Nothing could be better than this very moment of time. Swirls of emotion start to rise up through my stomach and into my chest. It kinda feels like opening a million Christmas presents all at once.” “And I realize that life is a cycle of love and forgiveness. In small ways and big. Every day, the sun sets only to rise again. And every day, the ocean tides come in and then out, bringing the ocean waves closer and pushing it backwards, time and again. It’s reconciliation that mends a soul. It keeps us together.” “I have faced the truth. I have endured these last two weeks of my cruel fate with only one thought in mind, I don’t know how much longer I have left to live. And my biggest regret is not that I wish I hadn’t been a smoker, it’s that I should’ve walked into my soul a lot sooner than I did. If only I had known, what I know now.” My rating: 4/5. Find it on Goodreads Follow the author on Amazon  Full title: Who Are You? What Are You Doing Here? Where Are You Going: Discover Your Life Purpose, Fuel Your Inner Fire, and Light Up Your Life
A Must Read! I perceived this book as motivational, informative and useful. Motivation comes from the author’s life experience privately or professional. Informative regarding the numerology system that she uses. Useful as this book can help the reader to find out the answer to the main question that one asks in life. This is a book you wish to have and not only check if your life purpose is in harmony with the way you live it but also as a guide to see if what should be eventually changed. I did all the calculations and read carefully what the numbers were saying. I find it easy to understand, and I was amazed by the accuracy of the details that described me. I shall certainly pick up this book every once in a while to make sure I stay on the path. If you are at a crossroads or just curious finding out more about yourself this is a must-have book. I encourage you to pick up this book and let the author’s words guide you through the process of self-discovery, with powerful thoughts, messages, and advice. Type of reader: This book could interest anyone trying to find his life purpose and how to achieve it with the help of the author’s system based on Chaldean numerology. My rating: 5/5. Find it on Goodreads Follow the author on Amazon  It is now official. 'How to be You!' is the third book I've read by the author and I can say with certainty that he is now among my favorites. While the first two books I’ve read were novels (‘Angelika’ and ‘Eustacia’s Secret’), this one was different. ‘A winner’s guide’ it says in the title. Be prepared to experience something totally different. Through dialogue and comments, the author is talking to you, the reader, in a smart, witty, interesting eye-breaker kind of way. You aren't even realizing when the author's message is implanting slowly into your mind. Why? Not only he did his researches but he really used the same way of thinking that empowered him. Believe me, he knows what he is talking about. And what is the end result? You become YOU. Maybe not over night but if you were listening carefully the change will take place and your life will be where you want it to be.
Though it is a short reading I confess I read it slowly as I was enjoying it too much. I want to underline that in my opinion this guide should be read by many. The world would be a much better place and the individuals happier and content. Consistency is the key. I invite you to discover on your own what do I mean by that. Type of reader: Readers interested in personal growth, and self-empowering, but practically I think everyone could read it from the age of 16+. My favorite quotes from this book: “You take care of yourself first so you're strong, positive, satisfied, and happy, and then you are not only in a better position to take care of those who depend on you, but you also present to them an image of strength and genuineness that will allow them to feel like they want to grow up to be strong, confident, and happy adults, just like you.” “You are a dynamically perfect, deserving, and empowered child of a bountiful, benevolent, and provident Universe, and as long as you can keep your own ego from reacting to those in whose interest it is to deny you that God-given status, you can use the powerful connection between your subconscious mind and the Universal Subconscious to actualize any desire you may have that is both respectful of others and consistent with Universal Harmony.” My rating: 5/5 Find it on Goodreads Follow the author on Amazon  When are we too old to read bedtime stories? My answer is: Never. As long we keep our inner-child alive. How often do we read bedtime stories to our children or grandchildren? With the progress of the technology nowadays and the lack of time I am afraid that too many children fall asleep in front of the TV or playing a computer game instead of reading or being read some pleasant story.
In this collection of bedtime stories and poems, the author has succeeded in giving the readers, both young and old, an invitation to fall asleep peacefully. In addition to that offering food for their thought process. The stories contain shrewdly thoughtful messages for all of its readers to sleep on. While some stories will enable children to learn more about taking care of animals, making friends and instilling family values, others will help the reader relate to certain life situation as moving to a new city or a new school. And there is a ghost story too. Children love ghosts, don’t they? Especially the good and kind will make no harm. The poems are expertly crafted to put the reader in a peaceful, contented state of mind. Sweet dreams will be guaranteed. Throughout the whole book, I could sense that every word was written with a lot of love and joy and it’s clear that not only the talent but also the author’s good heart helped in the creation of such wonderful stories. Captivating and engaging from start to finish. I warmly recommend. Type of reader: I think these delightful and charming stories and poems are suitable for everyone: children, teenagers, and adults that will always keep a young heart and mind. My favorite quotes from this book: “A gentle breeze passed by my face, I closed my eyes to feel it more. A tender touch from nature's grace, Days like this I do adore.” “Softly and gently off we go, To lands far away only our mind will know. The sweetest dreams we’ll have tonight, And wake tomorrow with delight.” My rating: 5/5. Find it on Goodreads Follow the author on Amazon  This is such a great fantasy novel with a really nice flowing narrative, well-done descriptions of characters and places, and deep messages. Sienna, the main character, at the age of 5 was left without her parents and she never ceased to hope that one day she will find them. She is currently living with her adoptive parents and just about to graduate. Her life wasn’t easy and after, constantly placing her in difficult situations. For the past two years, she was forced to stay in a relationship with Jedd, a really dangerous and controlling abusive young man. At the begging, it wasn't clear why does she stay with Jedd and plays his game pretending that everything is fine when she detested him. Later on, everything became clear and made great sense. Sienna is native American but not at all a regular person. She is a “human dreamcatcher”. That is right. She perceives dreams differently than ordinary people. Was she from another planet? Does Earth have a sister planet called Navaeh? She was soon about to discover the answer to that question plus lots of other mind-blowing things and events. Even though she didn’t think she could love someone, the moment she managed to heal from the past, her heart was opened for someone that hopefully deserved her love. No matter how cliché it may sound, while on Neveah, Sienna fell in love with the prince of her dreams, the prince of Feardawn. Will she choose him or rather the good guy Darius? Did she manage to find her parents? You will have to discover on your own. The author surely has a buoyant imagination and gives enough details and explanations, nothing is too much, nothing is missed, just a perfect reading in the world of dreams with the message: "Believe in your dreams!"
Type of reader: Fantasy, fairy tale genre with the warning that the text contains certain elements of abuse and rape. My favorite quotes from this book (there were so many and it was so hard to choose): “As I wander further into the forest, twigs crunch beneath my bare feet and refreshing, cool air fills my lungs. I can always find peace when I am embraced by the mother of mothers: Nature.” “Let me start with saying that dreams are not mere dreams. They are an alternative reality, taking place in another dimension. This dimension, to be exact.” “Just as the grass, trees and flowers need rain to grow, we need sorrow to grow. Our tears are the very raindrops that transform our pain into sunflowers. Suffering is not a punishment, but a lesson to learn from.” “All of us hide behind walls,” Darius says, “whether they are mental, emotional, physical, or otherwise. But there is no wall that can keep you from attaining your greatness, Sienna." My rating: 5/5. Find it on Goodreads Follow the author on Amazon  The writing style of the author is simply beautiful; honest, poetic and full of emotions. I could feel his love for his dear cat, Marcel, and it made me think that some humans aren't capable to feel the same for another human being. And it is really a pity. I knew from the beginning that it will be an emotional, heartbreaking story, but I was impressed with how the author managed to transmit some of his thoughts and I do applaud him for the strong messages. Yes, it is a sad novella and I could feel tears in the corner of my eyes quite often. I felt lucky I never got to experience the tragic past days, months of pain, the loss of a pet, but I also felt admiration for what the author stands for. I am sure that Marcel was the happiest cat in the world. If only all the animals would face the same destiny. Or humans? We can do much more to make this world a better place. What is stopping us?
Type of reader: Lovers of animals, readers of memoirs and anyone else that searches for an emotional read. My favorite quotes from this book: “But we, humans, have a choice: the choice between good and evil, compassion and cruelty, empathy and ignoring, and we do not use it. We do not use common sense because our stomach blinds our mind and everything flows through it. At least most of us.” “There are the days when I feel like one of them—a hypocrite—when I am not persistent enough, stubborn and determined enough...” “I challenge death to the last duel. Defying it with the strength, I wish to believe, of not-wasted life. My actions will speak for or against me. And one monument I built.” My rating: 5/5. Find it on Goodreads Follow the author on Amazon Author’s website  The main character of this novel is Jackie, a young attractive woman. She is married but has her husband’s approval to pursue her inclination for being with women as long as he remains the only man in her life. After a car accident, Jackie suffers a concussion that causes her something impossible to understand and accept, at first. Her world is turned upside down and only when she tries finding out more about what had happened she is starting to understand. Initially, Jackie’s reaction is normal as everything is strange and hard to accept. In a course of events and with the help of her friends she makes slow steps forward. A new woman starts being part of her life that plays the role of a lover and offers her a tremendous support. Looking at the name of the book it was normal to expect an awakening.
Even though this book has a paranormal element I loved that the author created real-life characters and happenings. Jackie was a heavy drinker and she didn't acknowledge her problem, despite her husband’s comments and certain events. Her husband was not perfect either, he had his alcohol and gambling issues and didn’t seem to be the best partner. Jackie hasn’t been in the past very close to her family but during her transformation, she managed to solve this issue. With her sister’s big help she started her alcohol-free period. I didn't have to resonate fully with the main character to let myself withdrawn in the story and I loved it. I followed carefully her journey and I found myself inspired by the way she was developing her spiritual side. The more she evolved in that area the more she was making the other parts of her life right. I enjoyed everything related to spirituality, Reiki, meditation, grounding exercises that inspired me to dig further in this area. I liked the ending too, which answered some questions and left me feeling eager to know what is going to be next. I loved the Lawler’s writing style. I felt it sincere and very comforting and I am looking forward to reading other works by this author. Type of reader: Although this novel falls under lesbian paranormal fiction I recommend it to a wider audience with love for a strong female lead facing personal transformation. My favorite quotes from this book: “As she lay there, she thought about her day. It had been a very spiritual experience. There were times that she’d felt at one with the trees, and she understood their language.” “Let go and open up and allow the good things to manifest.” “If you want change, then you need to be that change.” My rating: 5/5. Find it on Goodreads Follow the author on Amazon Author’s website  I have read this book so many times already and the more I read it the more I love it. Each time it surprises me with its never-losing charm. It tells the story of a little boy who leaves the safety of his own tiny planet where he has a fragile rose to take care of. He travels the universe and finds, learns and sees things of adult behavior through a series of interesting encounters. No matter of age, it makes the reader reflect upon many things. It is also sweet seeing the point of view of a little boy with such a pure heart.
I love the simplicity and yet the complexity that it creates in one's mind. I believe we would all be a bit happier if we would remember, at least from time to time. We should never forget how was it when we were kids before our opinions were inevitably influenced by the norms of the society. Type of reader: I think this novella is suitable for everyone, children, teenagers, adults. I recommend it to be read many times in life. My favorite quotes from this book: “All grown-ups were once children... but only few of them remember it.” “It is the time you have wasted for your rose that makes your rose so important.” “Grown-ups never understand anything by themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them.” My rating: 5/5. Find it on Goodreads Follow the author on Amazon |
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Message to you:In order to be a good writer, one has to read a lot. And I do and I love it....and I chose to share my readings with you. Feel free to share with me any of the books you have read or wrote, if I find them interesting I will add them to my list. I'll post my reviews on Goodreads, Amazon and all my social accounts. |
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