"I DO BELIEVE SOMETHING VERY MAGICAL CAN HAPPEN WHEN YOU READ A GOOD BOOK" J.K. ROWLING
Books for Enchanted Living
The wonder of real books made of paper and ink, with "that" smell, and feel, have been an important part of my life since I was a very small child. Reading was a way to journey into realms of wonder, learn many things and find temporary respite from my troubles. By the age of 10, I had read most of the books in the children's section of our little branch library, and my mother signed me up for an adult library card! One of my greatest joys was walking the 1/2 mile to the library, spending time looking through the books, and checking out a stack, all I could carry, to bring home and READ.
As an adult, regular trips to the Library continued to be times I looked forward to. How to, gardening, craft books, classics, fantasy, cook books, spirituality and self help books, were among my favs. Our local Sedona Library, a town of artists, new agers, intellects and generally interesting people, had book sales twice a year. The books were one dollar each. Twice a year, I would spend between $50-100 dollars there. Over the years, with the addition of books I purchased in used book stores, I had over 3,000 books.( I sold all but about 400 books when I was downsizing about 15 years ago.)
Times have changed
I do not buy books like I once did, and my trips to the library are fewer. Audio books, e-books and buying books on amazon have become the norm for me. But, I still cherish my book collection, and add to it carefully, when something special comes along.
Why I am reviewing books for my Blog
Part of the Simply Enchanted Living lifestyle, is doing things you love that bring more enchantment into your life. If you can combine what enchants you with making a contribution to others in your work, relationships and so forth, that is optimal. Writing these short reviews of books enchants my life is a number of ways:
1. I get to revisit books I have loved and rekindle the magic they bring, and am motivated to find new books to read or listen to.
2. I get to connect with Authors that I know or would like to know, and expand my circle of enchanting friends, with the possibility of speaking with them or even interviewing them! How fun.( If you are an Author with an enchanting book, please get in touch with me for a possible review)
3. I get to share something with you that I feel will enchant and enrich your life.
The first books that came to "Heart" to share
I have chosen 4 books to share about. They are the ones that just came to me intuitively when I started writing this post. Of course, there are thousands to choose from, but one must start somewhere! What I love about this group is that not only are they unique, entertaining, helpful and inspiring, but the women and man who have written them inspire me as well. I encourage you to read one or more of them if what I write speaks to you, you will not be sorry. Each one of these books are gems that I treasure. Please feel free to comment and share about books you love and why, sign up for our offers and newsletter, and enjoy all the gifts I have created for you.
I am curious and delighted to receive your comments and will reply within a few days. Comment below article.
The Re-Enchantment of Everyday Life by Thomas Moore
"This is a book written by a scholar and mystic who believes that Enchantment is a necessary element of a well lived life."
I am a devoted fan of Thomas Moore who has written some wonderful books, among them, Care of The Soul, Soul Mates and this one, The Re-Enchantment of Everyday Life which was published in 1996. I feel it is even more timely now than when he wrote it. This book might take some time to read, for it to truly be understood, as Enchantment is not something we speak about very much in our culture.
When I read his books, it is a home coming for me in many ways. I can relate to him, and feel he offers great wisdom both in defining what our current issues are in this mostly disfunctional society we are living in, and solutions to our travails that are profound and simple, a favorite combination of mine. Moore speaks of Enchantment as being a necessity for our personal and collective survival. He speaks of finding enchantment in everyday things when we engage with Life and the beauty, craft, nature and art found there. As a learned psychologist, he feels that dis-enchantment with life is at the center of most of the despair he sees in millions world wide. I have read this book many times, and listened to the audio as well. I have not had the pleasure of meeting him in person, but look forward to doing so one day. https://www.amazon.com/Re-Enchantment-Everyday-Moore-Thomas-Hardcover/dp/B00ZT1YOMK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1533957931&sr=8-2&keywords=the+re-enchantment+of+everyday+life
The Gaia Codex by a beloved Sacred Sister, Sarah Drew
"Gaia Codex is a transmission in the guise of a creation story about the re-emergence of the sacred feminine to help birth a new world"-Nina Simons
“Both an ancient ‘found’ wisdom text and a sumptuous epic novel, GAIA CODEX reveals the hidden histories and teachings of a world long forgotten, the secret wisdom of an ancient lineage of women through the ages.
Set in a near future of impending societal and environmental collapse, the novel is a tale of hope and remembrance an inspired vision of humanity’s origins and the potential we hold for conscious evolutionAlthough written as fiction, Gaia Codex speaks to urgent truths of our times for many feel humanity is at a critical turning point and we must change our relationship to our Mother Earth, transform the cultures we live in and redefine what it is to be human. With exponentially growing numbers of international readers, Gaia Codex is a flourishing phenomenon that is capturing the passionate Spirit of the Feminine Rising and our deepening reconnection to our Mother Earth.” from Sarah Drew
A book to call us home to our hearts
This is one of my favorite books of all times. For me, this book was nourishment for my hungry heart and soul. It is a feast in story, in word, in characters, and even more, in the underlying transmission that is so powerfully woven into it. It is a call of awakening, and a remembrance for our time, of the quest of the feminine to rise up and speak out, to bring enchantment , beauty and balance back to our world. Sarah is connected to a flow of deep wisdom that will activate your cells as well, to remember who you are. It is rare that I find a portal to enchanted realms that are as attractive and fulfilling to me as the ones that I create myself! As a result of reading this book, I contacted Sarah Drew who graciously opened her heart in friendship to me. She is a champion for creative women to share their work with the world, and I know that she holds a place in her heart for The Enchanted Heart Wisdom Council System. I have read this book twice, and listened to it on audio, on long trips, three times. I look forward to listening to it again. Give yourself the gift of a great adventure, one that could transform your life forever. I pray that there will be more books, and perhaps films and other beautiful offerings. Sarah has a gorgeous new website where you can order the book or audio, https://www.gaiacodex.com
Living on the Earth by Alicia Bay Laurel
"A book beloved by the Hippies and Flower Children, a record of how to live on the land and create community in simplicity and love"
In 1971, when this book was published, I was a Flower child, and this book, about how to live like a Hippie and go back to the land, was entrancing to me. While it made the idea of sewing your own clothing, growing your own food and building your own primitive shelter seem more glamorous than It is, I poured over it and went back time and time again. I do believe that it has practical, informative and valuable information that can be applied to modern living and to Simply Enchanted Living, for sure. The fact that it was hand written and drawn by a young woman only a few years older than myself, made it all the more attractive and relatable. I always kept my copy. Back then, it cost $3.95.
This book has been reprinted for 60 years, and Alicia is a has a devoted following in Japan, Spain and other countries. The information and style of her writing and art touches the younger generation of today. Not only do I love the book, but love what has come of her writing it. Her art is world wide. She has been able to promote her music and she continues speaking out about how to live more simply and gently on the Earth. Besides being a fun book, It is inspiring, to see what one creative woman can do to make the world a better place. I consider her a pioneer, and always wanted to meet her.
My dear friend and Soul Sister, Alicia Bay Laurel
And then, in 2010, I found out that Alicia lived in Arizona, just a few hours away. I wanted to show her my Enchanted Heart Wisdom Council Oracle & teaching system, and so, I contacted her. She graciously invited me to her home, where she read and discussed my entire project, offered me suggestions, and we recognized we were soul sisters and had much in common. She invited me to a delicious vegan dinner and to stay with her and her husband Joe, an amazing musician, for the night. We have been dear friends ever since. Two years ago, I even had the pleasure of hosting a story-telling and musical performance by Alicia in our home. Here is a link to her book-https://www.amazon.com/Living-Earth-Celebrations-Warnings-Harvested/dp/0394710568/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1533864372&sr=1-1&keywords=living+on+the+earth
Gwinna by Barbara Helen Berger
"It is a tale of classic enchantment and unforgettable beauty, a tale that speaks to the heart, inspiring the pure soul of the girl within us all to soar!
In 1990, while visiting Santa Fe New Mexico on business, I went into a beautiful bookstore. As I often did, I went to the section where the illustrated children's books were shelved. I was often inspired by the gifted artists on the pages of those books. That particular day, I discovered a treasure. As I leafed through the pages, an energy of such beauty, grace and depth radiated out to me, I did not hesitate to purchase the book . I actually hugged it to my chest, and knew it was important I had found it. I began reading it that day, and the story struck and cord in my heart, that helped me unravel a lifetime of unspoken pain from my childhood as well as encourage, lighten and empower me.
This is a story that is a rite of passage for girls and for women who still have an inner child that needs healing. This is a tale of a girl who only wants to use her own wings and to know her own song. I especially love that Barbara Helen Berger both wrote and illustrated this story.( and has written and illustrated other best selling books). It took her three years to complete all the luminous illustrations. Writing this book inspired her life, and certainly has and continues to inspire mine. I would recommend this to any adult woman who wants to be transported into her younger self, or simply take a magical journey. It is a perfect gift for your pre-teen or young teen age daughters, sisters, nieces, grand daughters, or any young girls or groups of girls.
I have contacted Barbara for a possible interview in the near future, stay tuned.
You can find copies here, https://www.amazon.com/Gwinna-Barbara-Helen-Berger/dp/039921738X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1533867243&sr=1-1&keywords=GWINNA
