Anderson Books

This is a charming and amusing mystery evoking the era of the old black and white British movies. It takes place in England during the 1930's and the Earl of Burford is hosting another zany, house party. The Earl of Burford is very house proud, or in this case country estate proud, so he is thrilled when he finds out someone wants to film a talking picture at his country estate starring one of his favorite movie heros. His wife, the Countess, isn't thrilled at all and on top of the film stars and film crew, she now has a long-lost cousin who arrives at the same time as the film people. Before long the country estate is overflowing with invited and uninvited guests. Then, inevitably, the house party leads to a murder, and Scotland Yard comes to solve the crime. This is the second Inspector Willkins case, and there are also some additional characters from James L. Anderson's first hilarious "The Affair of the Bloodstained Egg Cosy". Merryweather, the imperturbable family butler, Ins. Wilkins of the Westshire constabulary, Geraldine, the beautiful daughter of the Earl are all there to delight the reader.
My advice: unplug the phone, lock the door, and delve into this wonderful British caper.

Dear Mr. Anderson,

Please, sir, if we all ask very nicely, might you be persuaded to write more of these books? As with the Bloodstained Egg Cosy, this was pure delight, and I am sure I am not alone in wishing for more, more -- more!!

Once again, Lord Burford and his stately home, Alderly play a major role, this time because of the Earl's love for movies. He is especially fond of Rex Ransom, one of the talkies' first cowboy/action stars, and blithely offers Alderly as the setting for a proposed new movie about the English Civil War. The Countess is not quite so certain about all this, but would never bespeak her husband. Further, it provides their daughter, Lady Geraldine, the opportunity to invite her two most amorous, and possibly serious suitors, the Olympian track star, Paul Carter, and the rather Bohemian painter, Hugh Quartus, to come stay for a week or so.

The producer of the film company, Cyrus Haggermeir, is delighted at the prospect of such a visit, even if he does have to put up with the writer of the original screenplay, Arlington Gilbert. And here, he'd thought he could re-write at will. Then, of course, there are secretaries (the sly Maude Fry) involved, as well. And finally, a long-lost cousin of the Countess, Cecily Bradsaw (as was), now Everard, and her current husband, Sebastian, recently from Australia.

Well now, isn't this an interesting mix? And it is, too, but it gets far more interesting with the advent of the famous Italian actress, Laura Lorenzo, who has come to Alderly from London, because of a telegram she received from Cyrus-who doesn't recall having sent it. And finally, we have Miss Dove, Jemima, that is, who has been engaged to catalog the library, but gets her dates mixed up and arrives a week earlier than expected.

A blizzard, an auto that runs out of petrol, a stolen motorcycle (carefully separated from the side-car first, however), and a local talent show all combine to produce a murder. Thus we have not only the delightful Inspector Wilkins and his trusty Sergeant Leather to investigate, but -- (fanfare, please!) St. John Allgood of the Yard. One of the Three Great A's, the other two being John Appleby and Roderick Alleyn, no less!

Allgood is rather full of himself, and needs to be taken down a peg or so, and in spite of himself, Wilkins is just the man for the job. One after the other, Allgood makes a case for each of the inhabitants as first murderer, only to have the case crumble around him. Surprises tumble all over each other, presenting laughs galore before the final, final dénouement. Hardly anyone is quite who or what they seem, and my best advice is to not only read the book, but be sure to pay special attention to the prologue. Marvelous. More! More!

Takes place in England during the 1930's. It's the 2nd novel in the Inspector Wilkins series. The Earl of Burford has stars in his eyes when he finds out someone wants to film a talking picture at his country estate starring one of his favorite swash buckler heroes. His wife isn't thrilled at all and now a long-lost relative is arriving at the same time as the star and soon their home is inundated with invited and uninvited guests. Here we go again a house party that leads to the same extra curricular activities as the last one. But this time Inspector Wilkins boss wants Scotland Yard to help out.

The author as in his last title The Affair of the Bloodstained Egg Cozy just as masterfully weaves this mystery. I found myself following the leads closely to see if I could figure out whodunit before the end of the book, but I couldn't. I am honest in saying both Inspector Wilkins novels will go on my favorite mystery list.

The Case of the Mutilated Mink is a marvelous mystery that perfectly evokes the ambiance of the classic English country house mystery and at the same time spoofs it (with affectionate Wimsey, I mean wimsy). My only regret is that Mr. Anderson's corpus is not larger. I hope he's just getting warmed up!

In addition to writing his doctoral thesis on Santa, the author is a licensed psychologist, a professional storyteller and has worked as a Santa Claus for sixteen years. Also, some letters were gathered from US Post Offices. The collection is divided into five sections: What I Want for Christmas and Some Special Instructions; Wishes and Requests from the Heart; On Being Good, Appreciation and Affection; Odds and Ends; and, P.S. -- Just One More Thing. Some letters are reproduced and a few drawings are included. the letters are charming and a few are heartbreaking -- this is definitely a wonderful book about children's faith and hope. Part of the proceeds from the book are donated to Feed the Children. Buy this book! ho ho ho

This is the greatest book I have ever read. I wish there was other books like this. It help you to realize how fortuned we are with the little things we have. It is fun at the same time because you can see by this letters the great imagination the childrens have. IS A GREAT BOOK FOR ANY GIFT FOR ALL AGES. ...

A funny and caring book from childrens hearts. It reminds us all of the little child within. Great for all ages. See what kids really have to tell Santa!

this book is full of funny one page letters to santa, ranging of requests for everything from world peace to a red dragon. The letters are sweet and silly, that make you laugh out loud. So if you're in the mood for something to warm the heart and tickle the soul then this book is definitly for you!

As a storyteller I love to tell stories by Hans Christian Anderson and was thrilled to find out he was an accomplished cutter of paper. While his paper cuttings are much more intricate than the ones I do when I tell stories, the author helped me to understand that his ability to tell stories while cutting paper is a good way to keep the attention of small children. I found that "Grandma's Magic Scissors" by Linda S. Day was a good book to learn basic paper cutting skills and hope that someday I can learn to cut the intricate designs that this master storyteller cut, although I think I will carry my scissors in a bag and not my boot.

I'm a paper artist who also happens to be a Hans Christian Andersen fan. I bought the book for myself, although it would be a terrific selection for a child who likes to use scissors and glue or who might be interested in the person behind some of their favorite fairy tales. It's hard to find many printed examples outside of Denmark of Hans Christian Andersen's cut paper work. Beth Wagner Brust is a paper cutter herself and brings this enthusiasm to her book. She has performed a great service for Andersen fans and paper cutters of all ages.

Not only is the author great (I know her!) but this book explores an interesting topic. Those paper cuttings are unreal! I mean they are real, but they are so amazing!

Like so many Americans, I had no idea HC Andersen was a paper-cutting genius, until reading the series of articles by Ms. Brust in the LA Times. Not to mention that he cut these "amazing" intricate pieces while telling one of his stories to a roomful of listeners at the same time.

The book's a treasure in that I feel like I've discovered gold within. Not simply a children's book, it's so well written and full of surprises, I think it will appeal to readers of all ages, from the casually curious child or adult to the Andersen enthusiast like me.

The smoothly-written narrative sucked me in. I'm acquainted with the family, so knew how things turned out (not that the story is over). Nevertheless, I found myself staying up late to finish some chapters, needing to see the Anderson family through various phases of their family-building journey.

It's rare to get even a glimpse of how infertility impacts the male partner. This book gives more than a glimpse; it allows us a face-to-face encounter with this man's grief. Most impactful for me was his explanation of adoption as *the* way their sons entered their family. Not adoption as a last-choice option, but the means by which those kids came into this loving family.

Elliott's telling of the man's side of infertility, adoption, and parenthood is funny, realistic, and heart breaking all rolled into one. He takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions from the husband's perspective that is enlightening for me, as a woman, to see and read. I enjoyed the telling of his story, his openness to share his feelings, and God's answer for them. You will not believe how it turns out....

A wonderful and quick read. Highly recommended.

I discovered this book after having been connected with adoption for many years. What an incredible story Anderson shares with the adoption world.

I strongly suggest this book not only for those traveling the "adoption journey" but for all fathers and husbands. Anderson has a unique ability to write about the thoughts, feelings and emotions that we guys ALL feel, yet are too proud or not "in touch" enough to articulate -- including dealiing with a spouses' grief, a mother-in-law, and the curves life throws us from time to time.

I loved the way Anderson captured the male/father perspective in this book. His humility is evident throughout, and I especially loved the way he captured the way so many of us guys "do life" - silence, confusion, need for space ... followed by action and mixed in tightly with sports and food!

Nice to see a man seeking God's plan for himself and his family. The "God references" in the book come across as relatable and nonthreatening, which is refreshing.

Guys, do yourself, your wife, and your family a favor and pick up this book. It's a quick read and captivates from the start.

Prepare to be surprised, amazed, touched and captivated. The Anderson's story is so incredible, a novelist wouldn't dare to write it. No one would believe it.

But this isn't just a book about adoption. It doesn't matter if you are struggling with infertility, parenting adopted children, or been adopted yourself. It doesn't matter if you are a father, a parent or a Christian. Regardless of who you are, this book will delight and inspire you.

This book will be a blessing for anyone. If you have ever experienced extreme sadness or tremendous joy, this book is for you. If you have ever clung to hope or been paralyzed by fear, this book is for you. It is a story about pain and happiness, struggle and victory. It is a story about relationships and discovering what is truly important in life.

Just like a novelist, Anderson draws you in. At the end of each chapter, you can't wait to find out what happens next. And just when you think it's over, the story takes another unbelievable turn.

I read almost the entire book without taking a break. I couldn't put it down. If you get this book, you will not be disappointed.

I have read numerous books on Walter Anderson but this by far was the best. His wife gave a personal account of his as well as their lives. It has truth as well as compassion. His art is much easier to appreciate after reading this enlightening book.

Walter Anderson had the eyes of a child. His wonderment at the world around him, his passion for recording his love, and his driven personality -- all this makes for fascinating and inspirational and romantic reading. Anderson is being discovered as a true original -- his classical training in Europe and the Northeast is the foundation for his unusual work. I found this account to be as marvelous as the letters and life of Van Gogh. Sissy Anderson's writing is poetic and unpretentious. A classic.

This is a wonderful book that chronicals the life of the brilliant, yet disturbed Mississippi artist, Walter Anderson. Told by Anderson's wife, Sissy, the book tells of the passion Anderson had for the natural world around him, and the torture he endured because of this passion. The book tells of Anderson's life as a boy, and the love affair that he and Sissy shared. It chronicals the relationship he had with his children, his bouts with mental illness and depression, his long stays on Horn Island (Anderson's own personal paradise) and the discovery of the magnificent "Little Room", full of brilliant murals and paintings.

I first heard of Walter Anderson from an artist living in Mississippi when I was in high school, in 1963. She took me to the compound where Walter Anderson lived with his wife, brother and extended family. Anderson had become a recluse by this time, and I never met him. I got to see the pottery work he did and became fascinated with his art. As a sixteen-year-old, I was impressed with the colors and designs. I have aged, become an artist myself, and seen more of his work, I have come to appreciate the mystic quality, the blending of earth, sky, animals,plants, air, being and emotion into a whole expression.

That this passionate expression was tied in with madness has fascinated me in understanding the edge between creativity, altered states of consciousness and mental illness. Understanding the complex persona of a person who has collapsed his entire life into his art is the challenge here. This is the person who tied himself to a tree on an island in the path of a hurricane to stay at work, after all. The relationship of this creative genius to his family and his struggle to bring forth the body of work we gratefully have today is the story of this book. It is honestly and well told. The unstated story is that without the tolerance, understanding, even suffering of Agnes Grinstead Anderson (the artist's wife), neither the man nor his work might have survived. In a time when people are less willingly to sacrifice for each other, This woman's story looks at the complications of a real life beyond the reach of easy pop psychology solutions.

Simply put this tasteful, well designed compilation of words and images is as beautiful as a full moon rising over Lake Superior (or wherever your favorite place may be).

A perfect gift for someone you care deeply about (including yourself).

A delightfull book to relax with. Beautifully done, and makes one appreciate the nature around us. When I look at the Moon I now have a more complete awarness of it and the beauty the Moon presents. Ellen Anderson puts warmth on each page.

. As long As The Moon Shall Rise is a very personal selection of quotations, images, and mystic concepts. Without exception each of these short selections leads the reader to recall calming feelings: hope, peace, beauty, the universe. And the editor has added a unifying theme in urging the pleasures of giving to others. Each reader will have an individual reaction; but even a short browse is like a moment of shade on a hot day. In these times of quick changes of topic and scene, this book is a welcome tonic. Give it to yourself.

Editor Ellen Moore Anderson used an artist's touch to select creative expressions of man's studies of the moon. Paintings, poems, song lyrics, nursery rhymes and lithographs all offer testament to a most mysterious gift of nature, the moon. Through skillful editing and thoughtful choice, Moore Anderson offers beauty and wit to young and seasoned readers alike. Journal spaces offer the reader the opportunity to record gifts made on the occasion of a full moon as a full moon gift is an expression of love. The keepsake book will be a treasure for any one of any age who loves the moon and appreciates its mystery and magic.

As a hospice worker, I have carried this book with me since it was released. I also recommend it to all new hospice volunteers, it is essential information and a great companion book to "Sacred Dying".

Attending the Dying, A Handbook of Practical Guidelines, Megory Anderson, Morehouse, ISBN 0-8192-2108-2. pp. 109. $9.95

Anderson writes that "death is more than just a monitor going off or the last breath. The place of death is still a sacred space. Witnessing a death is a profound experience for family members as well s health professionals. When you have sat vigil with a dying soul, you are forever changed. You have experienced a great mystery. Dying is like being born. It is a miracle in its own right." The author is the director of the Sacred Dying Foundation in San Francisco and trains others in the art of being present with the dying. This is a very practical and concise handbook of what to expect, how to respond to the dying, and how to support the dying person so that the process is as sacred as possible. The book can be used by people of any faith tradition and would be helpful to chaplains, social workers, hospital personnel, as well as friends and family of the dying.

Rev. Joanna J. Seibert M.D.
Little Rock, Arkansas

This small volume, so sensitively written, offers a clear understanding of how to be present and support someone through the dying process. More importantly, it helps to bring the sacred back into this time in a person's life. Written especially for those who attend the dying, chaplains and pastoral caregivers, it is nonetheless easy for anyone to read, to understand, and to put into practice. It is small enough to tuck into a purse or pocket, for easy review in the moment of need. A practical companion to Megory Anderson's beautiful work called "Sacred Dying," it is a priceless pearl.

As a former hospital chaplain, a pastoral caregiver and a hospice volunteer I have used Megory Anderson's "Sacred Dying: Creating Rituals for Embracing the End of Life" as a valuable resource. I ordered "Attending the Dying: A Handbook of Practical Guidelines" with high expectations and am not disapointed. Having read it, I enthusiastically recommend this information-packed little book to all who have occasion to care for or visit the dying, especially clergy who visit terminally ill parishioners. I have recommended this book as required reading for those who will attend vigilling training with the hospice I serve.

Nora Wilson, Deaconess

I am a pastor and I first came into contact with this book when planning my own wedding. I found the book invaluable in negotiating the sometimes-confusing territory involved in getting married. Since then I have used it as a resource in helping other couples plan meaningful weddings and prepare for marriage. It is the best book of its kind I have found.

This is the most helpful book on marriage I've ever read. Using Biblical and theological insights along with basic principles of family systems thinking, Anderson and Fite not only changed my understanding of my own marriage but they also helped me to be more effective in my work as a parish pastor. The section on pre-wedding meetings and the chapter on "Planning a meaningful wedding" provided a new way to do pre-marriage work with couples that was a vast improvement over past frustrations. I highly recommend it for clergy and anyone else who is interested in understanding the ongoing process of "becoming married."

I own Anderson's entire Family Living in Pastoral Perspective series (Leaving Home, Becoming Married, Regarding Children, Promising Again, and Living Alone), and I refer to them frequently.

Each book focuses on a different transitional event and the family tasks that event brings into focus. Anderson and his co-authors deal sensitively with the pastoral issues involved.

Becoming Married explores the process of becoming married as more than just a wedding ceremony. Chapter one discusses how relationships must begin to be reordered before the wedding so that the couple's bond takes primacy over relationships with parents and friends. Chapter two introduces the genogram as a tool for exploring each person's family history in premarital counseling. Chapter three examines the wedding liturgy and ways to plan a meaningful wedding.

Chapter four covers several situations which can make the process of becoming married more complicated: interfaith marriages, interracial marriages, leftover or buried grief, living together before the wedding, and second marriages. Chapter five discusses post-wedding work and the nature of the marital bond. Finally, in chapter six the authors develop their theology of marriage.

All of the books are well-written and easy to read--no convoluted prose to parse here. The works have added texture from the many personal examples shared by the authors (both their own and examples others have shared with them).

Every book in the series deserves an honored place on any religious professional's shelf. Except, you may find them so valuable they rarely make it back to your shelf.

Herbert Anderson has some great approaches to pastoral ministry to those who intend on marrying! I am engaged and have learned so much about what it means to become married. I have given a copy to my pastor, and also to my mother! It is a book all should read. Anderson has some great pastoral excercises for pre-marriage work all pastors should read. It is a quick, easy to understand read!

I had picked this book up in a bookstore and it fell to a page which had a question regarding sexuality and the answer given by the Delhi Lama. I later bought this book thinking it had a certain degree of information regarding exoteric beliefs and practices of the Buddhists. It does contain some information to this end but not to the degree that I had anticipated. Anyways, this was the question that was asked:

"What are improper sexual attitudes? What do you think of homosexuality, for example?"

"Something may be considered improper in terms of organs, time and place-where sexual relations involve inappropriate parts of the body or when they occur at an unsuitable time or place. These are the terms Buddhists use to describe sexual misconduct. The inappropriate parts of the body are the mouth and the anus, and sexual intercourse involving those parts of the body, whether with a man or a woman, is considered sexual misconduct; masturbation as well. As for when sexual intercourse takes place, if it is during the day, it is also held to be a form of misconduct, as is having intercourse with a partner who professes to certain principles such a sexual abstinence or celibacy, even if those vows are only temporary. To force someone to have intercourse also comes under the category of improper time. Inappropriate locations include temples, places of devotion, or positions where one partner is uncomfortable. A sexual act is deemed proper when the couple uses the organs created for sexual intercourse and nothing else. To have sexual relations with a prostitute paid by you and not by a third person does not, on the other hand, constitute improper behaviour. All these examples define what is and what is not proper sexual behaviour according to Buddhist morality. Homosexuality, whether it is between men or between women, is not improper in itself. What is improper is the use of organs already defined as inappropriate for sexual contact. Is this clear?" Pg 46.

As you read on into this book, you discover that there are those Buddhist monks of the same sex who would have sexual contact involving copulation between the thighs of the partner; a sexual action that avoided committing an expellable offence, since it did not involve penetration of the mouth or anus of the partner. It is however mentioned that this practice is shunned ultimately within the monasteries. Having sex with a person of the same sex utilising their thighs, still falls into the same basket of homosexual masturbation as far as I'm concerned. Hey, the Delhi Lama said it, not me. The comments above by the Delhi Lama apparently created quite a storm with the homosexual community in the USA. Interesting how the above comments by the Delhi Lama are formulated, sounds like condoning to me. Still sometimes with masters (?) they will teach one thing to the masses and another to those who have gone deeper. Yeah this is a bit of a stretch, but if you want a spiritual philosophy that says it's okay to pay for hookers, you've come to the right place. I'm not knocking Buddhism in total; I use it for a greater understanding regarding meditation. I'm not one for chucking the baby out with the bath water; what the Delhi Lama has said above is just tickling me at the present moment.

A lot of this book goes into the plight of the Tibetan people. Some the things that the Delhi Lama mentions regarding the atrocities inflicted upon the Tibetan people via the Chinese made me quite nauseous. This book was originally published in French in 1994. Back then the Delhi Lama gave Tibet 15 years maximum before irreparable damage would be achieved, you do the maths. This book also looked at the connection with Buddhism and science, `what the bleep' stuff. Some highly intellectual questions put to the Delhi Lama with equally good responses in return.

For those of you with any Gnostic understanding, this next stuff is wonderfully profound:

"Albert Einstein, the father of relativity, once remarked "I determine the authentic worth of a man according to one rule alone: to what degree the and with what purpose a man has freed himself from his ego" pg 181
"we must reflect and meditate on the non-self of the individual, on the fact that all phenomena are empty, devoid of independent existence. The false apprehension of self grows weaker as the mind gradually becomes used to the view of the non-self of the individual.

All the ancient Eastern philosophies devote an important place to the analysis of the agent-self. According to ancient non-Buddhist Indian philosophies, there exists a self called atman which is separate and different from the aggregates. According to Buddhist texts, on the other hand, there is no self that is different from the aggregates or sperate to them. That is why we speak of the non-self, anatman. The existence of a permanent, single, independent self, different from the aggregates, is refuted. However, the existence of an agent-self is not refuted. The ego which exists, the conventional self, is designated on the basis of the aggregates. All systems of Buddhist philosophy agree in recognizing the existence of the ego in relation to the aggregates, but not all interpret the nature of the ego in the same manner.

First of all, one Buddhist philosophical school affirms the each of the five aggregates which make up a sentient being is the self. Another school posits that the ego is the aggregate of consciousness. A third affirms that the ego is what we call the innermost consciousness, or "Storehouse consciousness" (Sanskrit: alayavijnana). According to one of the views of the Madhyamika-Pasangika school, the ego surely exists in relation to the aggregates, but we would not be able to find it among them. It is affirmed that the ego exists simply as a label or simple designation on the basis of the five aggregates which make up the individual. When we use the expression "simple designation," this does not mean that the ego simply does not exist, but eliminates the notion that the ego exists by virtue of its own nature. There exists, nonetheless, an imputed self which is dependant.

And here we meet up with what Einstein said: according to Buddhist tradition, great importance is given to the absence of an absolute existence of the ego, for it is indeed thanks to the understanding of the non-self that we can weaken the various and very powerful mental factors, such as pride and jealousy, with which we are afflicted. In Buddhism not only does the individual entity exist, it progresses from the ordinary state of being into Buddhahood. Does this reply correspond to what you expected?

Yes, it does.

If you do not understand my answer to a question, I can go on until it is clearer. And if that it is still not clear, I will persevere to make it even clearer!" pg 182

You can see in how the Delhi Lama ends this question, there is something profound here. Assuming that this conversation was not edited, the person asking the questions just went onto another topic and never grasped the depth of what the Delhi Lama had spoken, neither did he consider that the Delhi Lama had a great deal more to teach on this topic, inclusive of an eagerness to do so `for those with ears to hear'.

There are 4 Buddhist schools, of these the best, according to this book, is the school of Madhyamika. According to the Delhi Lama this includes 2 sub-schools of which the higher is Prasangika.

This book has given me a lot more to think about and created new avenues to continue my personal studies with. On the whole I'm glad I read this book.

Cavemen at one time had no religion but mere observations about their world with which to determine how they would treat each other, their world, and the other animals on earth with them. They had no benefit of religious interpretation, from any sect, no corporate guidance, or training, and no organized government to determine the sense of justice, or how to increase it. Yet, they survived! We know they survived because we live today. If we cannot improve on the efforts cave men used to define their world, we would be more ignorant than we think they were. In fact, they may have been smarter, or lived in a less complex world, for now the complexity we have does not assure a good result, nor one humane for today's world. To prevent going backwards rather than forwards, it may be necessary to contain religious ritual and dogma in a place reserved for personal belief, which we go beyond religion, or transcend it, to deal with the many different groups that man up the world, some religious, some not. Only government can do that, based upon personal responsibility simpy by recognizing that man is alive and is a part of the entire human race alive during his life. Conscientious development is the only reality and logic that makes sense to be all inclusive. Choosing the humanity of life, rather than the scorekeeping of religious dogma is required to maintain both order and morality since morality is uniquely clannish arising as it does from whichever religious sect imposes it. The doctrine of fairness and recognition requires that we reach beyond the narrow confines of different religions to see the world that exits around it in a mission of world survival, undaunted by tribal concerns and secular groups that are the unique styles of those particular groups. Ignoring religion may be much more important than ignoring humanity.

Browsing through a bookshelf with only the most vague notion of what I was looking for, my eyes were caught by the simple and yet powerful title of this book. At the time, I had little idea of what Buddhism was, and yet the title itself conveyed to me everything that seemed wrong with the religon of my upbringing.

Beyond Dogma is an inciteful and well-written treatise. It is one of my favorites written by the Dalai Lama, and the translation provides great clarity to his words. The autobiographical background of the Dalai Lama and the last fifty years in Tibet is in excellent context with the nature of Tibetan Buddhism. An excellent and easy read that is light on the complex theory and heavy on warmth and understanding.

After reading two books by the Dalai Lama, I can honestly say I would rather meet this one person more than anyone else alive today. He is an incredible man who has gone through many hardships but continues to have a positive outlook on humanity and even the men who occupy his country to this day.

You do not have to be Buddhist or even religious at all to gain a lot of insight from Beyond Dogma. As the title of the book implies, he really is the prime example of tolerance. He suggests it might be better for some people not to get stuck up on ceremonies or tradition and focus on what is important instead. Most religions at the heart are found on kindness, generosity, and humility. In fact, he speaks of several priests who took Buddhist vows but remained Christians because in essence, these virtues do not conflict. So he reaches out to people of all backgrounds. Part of this tolerance is because much of Buddhism does not require the same leaps of faith as other religions. You can reason through most of his discussions; you do not have to immerse yourself in scripture to understand what he says. He describes Buddhism as the Middle Way - between faith-based religion and secular philosophy - making it accessible to everyone.

His most recent book, the Art of Happiness, was very popular for its life-changing aspects. In addition to his sagely advice, this work also deals with international relations amongst differing religions and governments. Not surprising since it was written shortly after the Dalai Lama won the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize and consists of interviews while visiting France in addition to narratives. He embraces the idea of a 'New World Order' like few other modern leaders have had the bravery to do.

The Dalai Lama is not a religious icon hidden away from the world; he discusses real-life problems in a modern society that is far removed from the mystical city of Lhasa. Meanwhile, he can still apply a wealth of knowledge from a vast amount of information from many fields. If you are anxious to learn more about Buddhism, Tibet, the East, or the Dalai Lama himself, this is a great book to own yourself or to give to curious friends.

This is a really great story; I had a tough time putting it down and wanted to read it again when I finished !

Mark Anderson has a gift; a writing style that feels so real- I could easily visualize his characters and surroundings. His descriptions and wording just flow and keep you thoroughly absorbed.

What is truly amazing, though, is his candor and bravery in telling of his life experience; this is a true story. We think that we are unique in the way our families function (or disfunction!) and that terrible things happen to us alone, which sets us apart from the rest of the world. But we are all connected; some of us more than others can truly relate. The knowledge that forgiveness is possible and a blessing- even in the face of unbelievable cruelty, is truly healing and inspiring.

A very fine and engrossing story- I cannot recommend it highly enough!

This is a really great story; I had a tough time putting it down and wanted to read it again when I finished !

Mark Anderson has a gift; a writing style that feels so real- I could easily visualize his characters and surroundings. His descriptions and wording just flow and keep you thoroughly absorbed.

What is truly amazing, though, is his candor and bravery in telling of his life experience; this is a true story. We think that we are unique in the way our families function (or disfunction!) and that terrible things happen to us alone, which sets us apart from the rest of the world. But we are all connected; some of us more than others can truly relate. The knowledge that forgiveness is possible and a blessing- even in the face of unbelievable cruelty, is truly healing and inspiring.

A very fine and engrossing story- I cannot recommend it highly enough!

As a psychotherapist and author, I have been telling clients and workshop participants for years about the power of writing. "Keeping a journal while in psychotherapy is an excellent way to deepen and accelerate your progress," I tell them. No doubt the author, Mark Anderson, benefited greatly from writing this engaging memoir (slightly disguised as a novel), but the magic of Black Cloud is in its therapeutic value for readers. Anderson's story is felt at multiple levels --- ranging from simple "good reading" to a poignant testimony that our families' "craziness" does not have to do us in. This book entertains while it instills hope. Black Cloud delivers what its back cover promises: simple lessons of love and the miracle of the human spirit.

I don't know how he got away with telling those touchy details about the abuse and incest in the main character's story (based on a true story?). Yet he does it with no blame or judgment. At some times this family seems very warm and normal, then the unexpected happens. When it was all over I felt very moved and hopeful for the human condition. I highly recommend it!