Journals Books

How very wonderful to read a book that from the moment you start reading, you relive along with the author her transition from wife to widow. I have felt many emotions in my life but her gentle praise of her husband, her innate intellectual assessment of her present life gave me food for thought. How would I handle a loss? The author talks about her everyday musings, her parents, her childhood and her friends. Each of her stories are like a brush stroke on a canvas and slowly the picture evolves, a portrait of a woman coming to terms with as she writes "coming face to face with the dying time". From the first story "I See Red", I find myself seeing all the colors of the rainbow which is somehow integrated into the book. Maybe this is because her cat, Finian, named after the character in Finian's Rainbow is significant in many of her stories. Everybody who reads this book will no doubt leave with other impressions but I guarantee all will be lasting. This is a book to be cherished for a woman allowing us to look into her soul and heart.

How very wonderful to read a book that from the moment you start reading, you relive along with the author her transition from wife to widow. I have felt many emotions in my life but her gentle praise of her husband, her innate intellectual assessment of her present life gave me food for thought. How would I handle a loss? The author talks about her everyday musings, her parents, her childhood and her friends. Each of her stories are like a brush stroke on a canvas and slowly the picture evolves, a portrait of a woman coming to terms with as she writes "coming face to face with the dying time". From the first story "I See Red", I find myself seeing all the colors of the rainbow which is somehow integrated into the book. Maybe this is because her cat, Finian, named after the character in Finian's Rainbow is significant in many of her stories. Everybody who reads this book will no doubt leave with other impressions but I guarantee all will be lasting. This is a book to be cherished for a woman allowing us to look into her soul and heart.

This is truly an unbelievable book. Each day is started with a title, when followed takes you into the mind of a woman searching for a resolution to the torment churning within every fiber of her being. The one titled "Death the Great Liberator" is so profound and yet so heart warming. She mixes emotions with laughter and loss with independence. I love her titles, The Gregarious Recluse, Waiting for Godot and other Stories, Eternal Standard Time and the Cat's Meow. Her poems are deep and dark; and then she finds time to write a funny ode to Chinese food. I find myself following her pilgrimage through time. After reading the one titled "Is Anyone Listening?", I want to respond and say I am listening, all who read this book are listening....you are not isolated or alone. We care, all of us care. And another title "Attention Must be Paid". This is so very, very true....attention must be paid to our friends and loved ones. I am truly overwhelmed by the unaffectedness of the writing. Being an animal lover myself, I find her cat Finian a great asset in the book. He is obviously a well loved cat and in his own cat way returns this affection.

Excellent little notebook; covers are made of the same material used on the trailer outside walls, some vintage photos inside, and lots of space to document the things you've seen and done while enjoying your Airstream!

This super-cool journal has a sturdy aluminum cover, just like the camper that inspired it. The sheets are lined and unobtrusively decorated with a subtle-yet-hip 60s motif. The introductory and dividing pages feature photos from Airstream caravans of days gone by. Through these photos, Airstream travel is presented in the same glamorous, adventurous way air travel was presented before the Jet Set had jets to jet on. Very road-trippy romantic. It's perfect for those of us who do a lot of our traveling on the road, and due to the journal's compact size, it's also good for those who aren't too terribly long-winded. There is also a section at the end for addresses, should you want to share your travels with others in the form of a postcard from the road. The thick, smooth paper is a joy to write on, and the aluminum cover will prevent it from getting too beat up as you "see what's over the next hill, and the next."

Great journal. Perfect ot place in your retro trailer. Keep close. Great phots inside and nice alumiunm outside binding. Wonderful!!

Two authors of the 20th century whose letters go beyond fascination are James Joyce and Ernest Hemingway. This volume is an excellent example of just how committed Hemingway was not only to writing, but to getting as close to the action of his writing. Once the reader emerses themselves into his letters, one sees the true Hemingway, not the mythological one created by critics (mostly those who were not fans of the writer).

It is almost unimaginable that someone in his time or any other could be so well connected and intimate with other artist: Joyce, Pound, McLeish, Fitzgerald, Picaso, and so on. If you're a writer this collection is wonderful. It shows the day to day dealings with drafting, editing, publishing, and the intimate relationships between writer and publisher, though this relationship is almost non-existent today.

I found Hemingway through his letters to be someone who is passionate about life and equally compassionate about friends. He tells it the way it is, not the way politically correct messengers do. It is an education in itself to read this collection.

This collection of letters serves as the closest thing to a Hemingway autobiography we have. It is certainly must reading for the student or researcher, and I would highly recommend it for even the casual Hemingway fan.

Hemingway often wrote letters to either warm up for a day of writing or cool off afterward, and in these letters you see him at his unguarded, intellectual, humorous best. The style of his letter writing is often much freer than the tightly crafted prose style of his fiction...it's almost like watching a classical musician break into some improvisational jazz.

A great book to just dip into wherever you want, and this new edition is long overdue.

I miss old fashioned letters, now that we live in the age of email. Frotunately, I still have 'real' letters saved that have now collected dust from my parent's generation, and from a time gone by.

Occasionally I stumble over published letters of famous writers in antique bookstores: Last time, it was a 800 page volume of some of Ernest Hemingway's personal letters; the first edition of this Amazon edition. They were published posthumeously, and not intended by EH for publication.
We get a peek behind the curtain, and learn among other things that Ernest Hemingway was addicted to letters, wrote lots and lots, starting in his teens; and that he was really depressed when he didn't receive replies; or when there were days when the postman brought no letters. Waiting for transatlantic mail added to his sense of loneliness. Letters were a lifelong passion of his, continuing up to the day when he took his own life. These private letters weren't meant to be published, and they are raw, but very honest.
When you read them, you are in no doubt that the writer is a true artist, and an original!
They stretch over the span of his productive life, and they are varied: addressed to family (his parents, his children), his ex, to friends, including famous contemporaries, such as Marlene Dietrich (just one of them), his agent(s), his publishers, and many more.

I have a hunch EH must have been hard to keep up with, but his letters are fun to read; even though, in my view, his novels are mixed: Some great, and some I don't care for.

Guess, EH's life was bizare too. The private letters are consistent with that. And yet, they exude a special warmth; both gentelness and passion.
Reviewed by Palle Jorgensen. December 2004.

I enjoyed this book. It is written for kids of youth book age, but the warm happiness it exudes made it a pleasure for me to read myself. Parents and teachers of religious education will want to recommend the book because they'll see it as a way for kids of religious background to develop a closer relationship with God. The story is told by young characters, who are writing in their teen diaries, sharing their thoughts with God. I wish my own children had read this book in their teens, learning to bring their worries, hopes, and their new self-understanding into a conversation with God.

Signs and Wonders from Our Journals is a rare gem geared to the pre-teen engulfed in that "who am I? - doesn't anybody understand?" stage. Through the journals of a diverse group of middle-school students, young readers discover that nobody has it easy, and that they are not alone. While Buckman's book appeals to these kids, perhaps more importantly, it offers a unique and profound insight to adult readers.

Signs & Wonders from our Journals is a powerful testament to the value of journal writing both as a coping mechanism and as a personal and spiritual growth tool. As we read their journal entries, we recognize milestones in the lives of each character, and tag along as they discover the lessons of life.

The real value of this book for the adult reader is in Buckman's ability to transport us back to the awkward and often painful world of adolescence, and to help reacquaint us with the emotional roller coaster of growing up. Any adult struggling to understand the seemingly random and irrational behavior and thought processes of a middle-school child will appreciate the insightful quality of this book.

Adults and pre-teens alike will enjoy this book. I highly recommend it as an important resource for counselors, religious education instructors, and other youth leaders using journal writing as a personal growth tool for kids.

Author Carole Buckman has done an amazing thing-- she has entered the scary place of the young adult's experience and invited her readers in for some quality time. In her new novel, Signs and Wonders From Our Journals, readers get to invade the lives of several middle school-aged kids by reading their secret journals. As one reads these journal entries, stereotypes and preconceptions about pre-teens fade away, leaving only real human beings with real problems. The challenges these students survive (obese parents, fear of being dumb, the results of cruel practical jokes on other people) are not contrived, but reminders of the universal (and ageless) human struggle. Instead of focusing exclusively on what we think pre-teens worry about (being popular, making cheerleader), Buckman focuses on deeper questions that concern every human (who am I? where do I fit in this world? how do I know God?). Mostly, this book will engage readers because it tells wonderful and hopeful stories about people helping people and learning to survive in an imperfect world. Although this book could be used wonderfully in Sunday School classes as a fun teaching tool, don't be afraid to give it to any non-religious middle schooler, boy or girl. Not only will they (and their parents) find it a delightful read, they'll also feel, perhaps, a little less alone after meeting the characters. A fabulous investment that gives me hope for our childrens' futures.

Susannah Indigo has put together the highest quality of literary writing in Slow Trains on the web. This book confirms it in print, with stories and poems worthy of any of the older established print lit journals. Excellent writing.

I enjoyed almost everything in this book, and particularly the essay about "Entering the Monastery" and a couple of essays about music. Overall quality here is definitely five star literary writing.

Excellent stories, some great writing. Sometimes funny, sometimes deep, sometimes sexy or sad, this book has it all. I've pinned the first poem, "Art" up on my wall for everyone around to consider!

I received this journal as a present and I am incredibly pleased with it. It is not leather, but it is very realistic looking, and beautiful. It is inlaid with an elaborate gold hand tooled pattern around the edges. It is also embossed both front and back with a similar pattern which is not gold laid. The quality of the pages inside of the book is quite exceptional. They are thick, and won't stain through. They are lined with a very light grey, that will not be greatly noticeable after you've written in it. It also has a beautiful red ribbon to keep your place as you write your way through it. In the back there is a really nice cloth pouch for keeping paper or maybe a photograph or two. In all it is an exceptional book, which I would highly recommend.

Paper Blanks really makes the greatest writing journals and this one is no exception. I love the quality of the old world look and feel. The pages are great for writing, thick enough so the ink doesn't show on the other side, which is great for me as I bring through my books in longhand first. The journal has a fully protective closure.

I recommend the Paper Blanks Journals for anyone who is looking for a great writing journal. One thing tough, when you see they are "in stock" buy it, because I've noticed that when the stock runs out, they are no longer available.

I can't pass up on the opportunity to sing the praises of PaperBlanks journals. I have not found a more beautiful, practical, or durable journal out there for the low price. With the classic old leather look and the sturdy, crisp paper, these journals look and feel like they should cost much more than they do. The magnetic closure and the inside pouch are nice extras. I love my journal! Every time I open it I feel like I am writing words that will be treasured for generations to come. I imagine a future decendant of mine reading this journal 100 years from now and they are taking a step back in time to pay a visit to me. They will probably think I was a rich man to be able to afford such a beautiful journal. I first started keeping a journal when we learned that we were pregnant with our son. So far in the past 2 & a half years I have filled 2 PaperBlanks journals and I am going to buy a third. My hope is that I will be able to present my children with an entire collection of these journals to keep and cherish. As for the "Faux Leather" complaints... All I can say is, learn a little French. It means fake. Honestly, you can't expect real leather for this price. So study your French and read the reviews before you purchase these journals. Please don't give this journal a poor rating because of your own ignorance. If you want a genuine leather journal be willing to pay the $35+ for one. These journals deserve 6 stars!!!

These "Super size" journals made by this company (Paper Blanks) are my absolute favorite for bringing through my books in longhand.

I ordered several of another "super Size" journal, as Amazon gives a great discount on these. Now, they are not available anymore. They do have them in book stores but for full list price. Amazon ALWAYS has the BEST prices for books anywhere - usually around 32% discount.

The magnetic close clasp clicks this journal in place, protecting the pages. I have many of these in different sizes. The "super size" gives the most for the $. If you notice they are "in stock" order them while you can. It seems that once they run out of stock they are no longer available.

The quality of the paper, the old world look, everything about this journal is fantastic. After using so many different types of writing journals, this line is my favorite. I believe you'll be as delighted with the quality as I am.

My husband is an artist. He must have a hundred sketch books. Each has a few sketches in them. He seems to love to collect sketchbooks and pens. They are all over the house and he is always getting a new one. Anyway, I got this one for him as a gift and he really likes it. Says the cover is good quality, and it does look pretty. He also commented that the paper is a good weight and smoothness for both pencil and ink sketching. So, I did well!

This is the first review I have written on anything, ever. But, as an artist, I am telling you that this is the best sketchbook you will ever find...I carry it around with me everywhere...the more distressed it gets, the better it looks. I also love the way it closes (it folds over with a slightly magnetic clasp that is not visible). That attention to detail is wonderful!

That's my mom!!!I'm so glad she got to write this book, and got to enjoy the world travels that she has done, and the others that she will be doing. She is a great mentor to me. She raised me and my sister the best she could, we got to travel alot, going to motorcycle races, etc. I hope everyone reads this book, it is really great, and proves that dreams can become reality.

This book was very inspiring, a single woman, who raised 2 daughters on her own, and still had time to fulfil her dreams (without a man, no doubt). To race motorcycles, you go girl!!! I am really looking forward to your next book, keep on writing, and keep your dreams alive.

This book is great. How a young single woman with 2 daughters, who did everything she always wanted in her life,(without a man, no doubt) I truly admire her in her accomplishments, and to race motorcycles, you go girl! Keep on writing, looking forward to your next book.......

I loved this book and have used it to assist with stimulating teens who are stymied in self-expression. The material presented in this book is comprehensive and includes more themes and open-ended questions for journaling than I can chronicle. In addition, quotes of famous people are inserted to support the themes of each chapter. The book is an excellent tool to be used for assisting teen to till the soil of their lives and unearth blocked feelings that they have been unable to express or were unaware even existed. In addition, the material is presented with a multi-cultural format that honors our global connectedness. Gift someone with this book or use it as a teaching tool with groups. Adults looking for a way to embark upon a desire to journal their feelings would also benefit from its use.

Though Ms. Johnson's most recent books have been aimed at teens (an those adults who are in relationship in some way with teens), this book (though it has a teen on the cover and several writing entries by teens and young adults) is for spiritual seekers of all ages. Neither is it necessary to be extremely comfortable with the process of writing in general, nor journaling in particular, in order to make use of this book's wisdom. It is so accessible, so rich with visual stimulants, quotes, suggestions, and examples that I would defy anyone to open it to any page and not be inspired to move deeper into themselves, be that through writing, "dreaming," ritual, movement, or seeking connection with others, nature, or All That Is. I have personally used and professionally recommended many spiritual journaling books over the years, and this one brings fresh energy and new life to a rather staid genre. Bravo! Kudos to Ms. Johnson and all of her contributors.

If you wish to find ways to express individuality without being judged, SPIRITUAL JOURNALING is for you: SPIRITUAL JOURNALING: WRITING YOUR WAY TO INDEPENDENCE is written with the young adult in mind - but it's reviewed here because many an adult won't want to miss its message. Its inventive, different journaling techniques use meditations, oracle consultation, visualization rituals and more to aid the writing process, providing a satisfying mix of new age technique and writing advice.

Diane C. Donovan, Editor
California Bookwatch

Terrapsychology is an emerging field that looks at the relationship between psyche and place. It is a natural outgrowth of tranpersonal psychology, ecology, systems theory and to some extent quantum theory.

This field basically looks at the relationship between the psyche and a place. This is not something we are used to thinking about, but did you ever notice how you feel differently or more yourself in certain environments? How being in nature can have an effect on you? How their can be correspondences between internal events and the outside world? This book examines these questions and more from the perspective of depth psychology and deep ecology.

The idea that there is relatioship between psyche and land is not a new one. Jung talked about this and the phenomenon was often explained in terms of our projection of our psyche on to the land. In contrast, indigenous shamanistic cultures tend to believe a place is somehow alive. The theory put forth in this book falls somewhere in the middle, honoring the fact that we are somehow deeply connected to the land and have complex interrelationships and interdependencies with various places that can be interpreted symbolically.

This is NOT new age hype and Dr. Chalquist is a serious scholar who explores this territory from an objective and scholarly viewpoint. If you are completely unfamiliar with this field you can do a web search online for more information. However, you will be fascinated and captivated by this extremely provocative book whether you are psychologist, interested in psychology or just a layperson who find this area interest. It is certainly a must read for anyone interested in native cultures, shaminism and the future welfare of our planet.

Dr. Chalquist is an erudite scholar with a broad and deep knowledge of world history and prehistory, anthropology, indigenous cultures, shamanism and other ancient religions, the Goddess, Jungian and depth psychology, health, neurology, quantum physics, ecology and myth (I'm certain I forgot some field he is an expert in...) as well as a lyrical and passionate writer on the topic of "terrapschology". That is, how the Earth and our human psyche are interrelated, and how we humans need Nature and the Earth in its undeveloped form and all its beings to thrive psychically and physically. I love his work, love his writing, love this book. It is urgent that we humans take the ideas of terrapsychology to heart.
By Lesley Thomas, author of Flight of the Goose

For too long we have forgotten that the human relationship to nature and to place is at the core of our psychology! Craig Chalquist's excellent book reminds us that our planet isn't just "dead" matter but a living being in whom we dwell. He helps us understand Terra's psychology -- and our own psyches as well. Everyone who is interested in the growing fields of ecopsychology and ecotherapy will love this book.

Linda Buzzell-Saltzman, M.A, M.F.T.
Founder
International Association for Ecotherapy
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