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Aug 26

C. S. Lewis: "Prince Caspian" – Book Review

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If you recently watched the movie “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”, you might be aware that C. S. Lewis wrote a total of seven books about Narnia:

The Magician’s Nephew

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

The Horse and His Boy

Prince Caspian

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

The Silver Chair

The Last Battle

“Prince Caspian” begins one year after the events in “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” on a railroad platform where Peter, Edmund, Susan and Lucy are waiting for trains that will take them to their boarding schools. Suddenly they are transported into another world, and after a few adventures they realize that it is Narnia, where many centuries have passed in the meantime.

The second plot line involves young Prince Caspian, heir to the throne of Narnia, who has to flee from his usurping uncle Miraz. Deep in a forest he discovers some of the “Old Narnians” – talking beasts and dwarfs – and eventually decides to challenge his uncle for the kingship.

Things turn out bad for Caspian and his small army, and they end up besieged on Aslan’s How, a hill built over the site of the ancient stone table that played such a crucial role in “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”. In dire need, Caspian uses his most precious object, Queen Susan’s Horn, to summon help.

This review does not want to give away too much more of the plot and spoil the reader’s enjoyment, so let me just say that the two plot lines intertwine, there are thrilling battle scenes (including a formal duel) and a wonderful celebration at the end.

Lewis does a great job of showing the gradual re-transformation of the four children, who once again turn from being English schoolchildren to becoming Kings and Queens of Narnia.

To me, “Prince Caspian” is one of the three best books in the Narnia series, together with “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” and “The Magician’s Nephew”. In many ways, it repeats themes from “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”, but adds an interesting perspective by having the events of the earlier book become the stuff of legend.

Aug 20

Book Review – 'Power Versus Force' By David R Hawkins

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Summary

Dr. Hawkins marvelously achieves explaining the anatomy of consciousness itself in a way that even though your conscious mind might be confused at times, another part is delighted with its discovery. As it says in the foreword to the book: ‘For the first time in our Western intellectual record, he shows that the cold light of science is confirming what mystics and saints have always said about the self, God, and the very nature of reality.’

More in details

Using Kinesiology, a method to get an accurate answer to any question with a yes or a no, true or false answer, Dr. Hawkins created a logarithmic scale of the different levels of human consciousness ranging from 1 to 1,000. On this scale, which is used throughout the book to reference various emotional states, religions etc. the book ‘Power versus Force’ calibrates at 850.

The book is divided into 3 parts:

In Part 1 he describes the tools and the process of moving towards one’s ultimate potential. The author explains in detail the different stages of his scale of human consciousness, based on his 20 years of research, which, in essence, charts one’s spiritual growth.

Part 2 delves into various areas of human life and the difference between power and force. This provides insights into the quality of human interactions and relationships in various areas of life: in the marketplace, politics, sports, arts, physical health, well-being and creativity.

Part 3 emphasizes the current state of man’s consciousness and its evolution. He suggests that our level of consciousness can be increased through greater integrity, understanding and compassion. This part was truly inspiring for me and it’s interesting that these chapters rank the highest on the scale compared with the others.

About the author

Dr. Hawkins is an inspiring human being, innovative and internationally known as a spiritual teacher, author and speaker. He covers the subject of advanced spiritual states, levels of consciousness, and the realization of the presence of God as self.

He has published numerous scientific papers and videotapes and a series of books on the transition from normal ego state of mind to its elimination. ‘Power versus Force’ is the first book in a trilogy, followed by ‘The Eye of the I’ and ‘I: Reality and Subjectivity.

Recommendation

This book has done something to my consciousness, which I cannot explain with my rational mind. I have felt that specific chapters had an intense effect on me, experiencing intense states of joy and happiness for no apparent reason.

You might find yourself challenged by certain aspects of his method or intrigued by others as Dr. Hawkins relates the world of spirituality to the hidden dimensions of humanity and their behavior.

It is not an easy book to read but it is definitely well worth the effort and will leave you with a higher level of consciousness than when you started.

Jul 18

Libya is an Important Country in International Affairs Due to Location – Book Review

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Libya is a very important country in North Africa, and what happens there does affect the region, much more than you might believe. If you’ve watched the UN meetings on TV you can immediately see there is a bit of animosity between the Western World and Libya. And at one time, not in the long ago distant past, Libya was practically considered a terrorist state, actually and officially – it was by the US State Department.

In fact, not much credit has been given to the President Bush for his handling of Libya, but they came clean, after they saw President Bush meant business when he went into Iraq. But before you consider all the modern day issues, perhaps you might like to read a little history on this nation-state. Yes, that would be wise. Well, then there is a very good book that I believe you should read, and it is a book I own myself. You can read this in one-day, between your other duties or employment. The name of the book is;

“Libya” (Modern Nations of the World Series) by Debra A. Miller, Lucent Book Publishers, New York, NY, (2005), 112 pages, ISBN: 1-59018-443-2.

The author of this book is a writer and a personal historian, she is also a lawyer. Interestingly enough she has a passion for current political events. This book is very well footnoted, and very much up to date as of its publishing. In the introduction Debra Miller explains that Libya was a former terrorist state, and she also goes into the challenges and hardships of living in desert land. There are many different cultures and Libya, and things have really changed since Qaddafi came into power.

In one chapter she explains the traditional land, and how society and lifestyle has changed over many years. She also explains where Libya is going into the future, and in hindsight she was exactly correct. It is interesting to read this book written in 2005, in 2011, to see how accurate Debra was, therefore much kudos goes to her observations, and knowledge at the time.

The reference section is full of excellent articles, and recommended future reading for the reader. There is also a timeline of chronological events, which puts everything into perspective for you. The book also has lots of great pictures to give you a sense and a feel of what it’s like to live amongst the Libyans. And yes there is a section on the 1988 Lockerbie bombing of the 747, one of the worst terrorist aircraft bombings in history. Indeed I hope you will please consider this.

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