Book Nook

This page serves as a place where I have come across meaningful books that have made a profound impact on my life. I will add to this list over time, so check back for more.

The Way of Gratitude by Galen Guengerich
Buddhist Boot Camp by Timber Hawkeye
Lessons in Truth by Emilie Cady
Man's Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl
The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy
Be Here Now by Ram Dass
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Aspire: Discovering Your Purpose Through The Power of Words by Kevin L. Hall

The Way of Gratitude by Galen Guengerich

The practice of Gratitude is a wondrous way shower for the miracle, beauty, and bounty of this life privilege. The author of this book was a former Mennonite in the bucolic farming range of Pennsylvania. He left this rigorous religious way of life in his mid-twenties, because he “didn’t want to live with my eyes closed and my mind made up.” He sensed a greater realization of life’s wonders, mysteries, and choices awaited his openness and willingness to live the Dream of a more enriching and joyful life.

Galen profoundly illustrates how our openness to whatever life delivers for us is integral to discovering how all our choices, mistakes, successes, surprises, strengths, and weaknesses are the perfect building blocks for our evolution as an integral contribution for the community and the planet. When we choose to see all that unfolds as an opportunity for gratitude, life’s lessons are worthy of humble thanks, which wondrously open the door to a depth of ever-evolving fulfillment and connection with others.

The Way of Gratitude Full Review

Buddhist Boot Camp by Timber Hawkeye

Buddhist Boot Camp is crisply on point as an ancient, yet timeless reminder of the quintessential values of simplicity, clarity, and conscious action.

Timber Hawkeye previously was ensconced in the corporate arena, when an epiphany unfolded, whereby he realized that life is not about accumulating, accomplishing, striving, and expecting. Instead, he was opened to the wonder, breadth, clarity, and gift of existence, which revealed a deeper level of discernment for what is truly worthy of attention through this brief interlude of our life privilege.

Buddhist Boot Camp Full Review

Lessons in Truth by Emilie Cady

Regardless of the first printing of this Wisdom Collection in 1903, the Truth it unabashedly delivers is wholly relevant and on target today, as it was yesterday.

What you will find in the treatise of authentic spirituality is a forthright reminder of our inherent connection to the Divine and unequivocal Values of a Conscious Life, which are open to all for our integration. Emilie Cady provides a user-friendly understanding of our divinity, power, and connection to all that is.

Click here to read my full review for Lessons in Truth by Emilie Cady

Man's Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl

Thank you, Victor Frankl, for the exceptional courage and depth of Heart you chose to embrace through an exceedingly painful chapter of your life. For a man, who lost his family, home, assets, and lifework, and struggled through three years of Nazi death camps, Victor held on to his dignity, compassion, faith in the Divine, and a resolute picture of life’s uplifted Possibilities.

Click here to read my full review for Man's Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl

The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy

Life is so exquisitely wondrous with the simple truths it unveils. Listen to the messages “between the lines” of life. Honor the precious connection with oneself and others, as a privileged step forward in our journey to discover life’s treasury of enlightenment.

To read this book inherently magnetizes an immersion of self and soul. Drink the sumptuous nectar of clarity this gentle and quieting story pours for our delight and endearment.

Tune into a quiet and comfy niche to momentarily release--and rediscover who you actually may be. As the Boy wisely states, “Isn’t it odd we can only see outsides, but nearly everything happens on the inside.”

Click here to read my full review for The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy.

Be Here Now by Ram Dass

In a modern globally conscious society this is a unique introduction to spirituality and religion. Ram Dass strikes a balance of being inclusive of many spiritual traditions, and he has a gift for presenting it in a way that honors all beings. Due to its graphics and "comic book" style, it is child friendly as well.

The book is actually quite practical for contemporary life. In addition, I have found that I can open up to any page for an inspiration or meditation in the moment. I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking spiritual expansion or a way to simply open their eyes to different perspectives.

Click here to read my full review for Be Here Now by Ram Dass.

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

The Four Agreements Book Review Don Miguel Ruiz

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom is a self-help book by bestselling author Don Miguel Ruiz with Janet Mills. The book offers a code of conduct based on ancient Toltec wisdom that advocates freedom from self-limiting beliefs that may cause suffering and limitation in a person's life.

Much like Aspire, this illuminating teaching skillfully guides the reader in honoring oneself and realizing skills that can be implemented right away to change the trajectory of how they experience life.

The Four Agreements are simple in nature, yet profound if practiced with sincerity:

Be Impeccable With Your Words
Don't Take Anything Personally
Don't Make Assumptions
Always Do Your Best

Click here to read my full review for The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz.

Aspire: Discovering Your Purpose Through The Power of Words by Kevin L. Hall

Aspire Book Review - Discovering Your Purpose Through The Power of Words

This is a summary of my experiences from reading this book. Click here to read the full review for Aspire by Kevin L. Hall.

Firstly, I would like to share that Kevin Hall has become a good friend and brother of mine over the years. When I first read his book, I did not know him in person.

He takes us on a journey that he embarks upon himself out of his pure desire to learn and uncover the depths of meaning through words.

His mastery of weaving together life experience, quotes and messages from his personal mentors and readings is a unique and rare gift I have not seen in many.

One of the foundational words he teaches is Genshai. This word is an ancient Hindi word which means the following, "Never treat anyone in a manner that would make them feel small, including yourself." He teaches that I we were to walk by a beggar in the street and casually toss him a coin, this would not be practicing Genshai. However, if I knelt down on my knees and looked him in the eye when I placed that coin in his hand, that coin becomes love. Then and only then, after I had exhibited pure, unconditional brotherly love, would I become a true practitioner of Genshai.

Other key expressions developed are: Pathfinder (leader), Namaste, Passion, Sapere Vedere, Humility, Inspire, Empathy, Coach, Ollin, and Integrity, among others.

This book reverberates with enthusiasm for living a consciously-intentioned life.

"Originating with the Greeks, 'enthusiasm' means God within or God's gifts within. Enthusiasm, he went on to explain, is the fuel of happiness and bliss. It refers to the divine light that shines within each of us."

Understanding the origin of the words, which grace our language, inherently enhances connection with ourselves and others.

Click here to read my full review for Aspire by Kevin L. Hall.