November/December 2009 Conscious Media
Reader's Choice
by Vicky Thompson
Frequency: The Power of Personal Vibration, Penney Peirce, Beyond Words Publishing, 2009, $24
Penny Peirce reminds us that we are more than just a combination of our thoughts, emotions and bodies. We are in fact energy beings that vibrate in frequency: We are “a collection of energies penetrating and being penetrated by millions of other energies.” We can move into our highest personal vibration where new talents, improved relationships and personal growth wait patiently for us. By making a simple shift in frequency, we have the ability to change depression to peace, anger to stillness, and fear to enthusiasm. Frequency takes ideas from quantum physics and proven intuitive techniques to demonstrate new knowledge and skills that were only hinted at in The Secret. It’s a positive, uplifting message for today’s readers.
— Jelina Vance
Oh My God?, Peter Rodger, Mitropoulos Films, 2009
Frustrated with religious turmoil, fanaticism and fundamentalism, filmmaker Peter Rodger set out on a global quest to understand God by asking the complex question: What is God? In his provocative and moving documentary film Oh My God?, rabbis, Christian fundamentalists, Catholic priests, Buddhist llamas, Hindu swamis, Zen masters, Muslim radicals, shamans, celebrities, and everyday people across the globe share their unique perspectives and understanding of God. The film uncovers the hypocrisy of religion while at the same time revealing the genuine love and desire people hold in their hearts for a glimpse of God. Faith is the real star of the film — the simple belief that if you are kind and good, you will become the face of God for a neighbor in need. OMG restores faith in the inherent goodness of humanity. The film debuts on Nov. 27 at the Fox Tower theaters in Portland and at the Varsity Theatre in Seattle. Visit www.omgmovie.com.
— Vicky Thompson
Writing Down Your Soul , Janet Conner, Conari Press, 2008, $16.95
Many books have been published on journaling in the past, so I wondered what new information this book could provide. Was I in for an amazing journey — not only does Janet Conner give you something great to read, she also provides you with a road map on how to talk with your soul. Connor says everyone has direct and immediate access to their inner voice, and she provides four steps for accessing it. “Telling your story is not its purpose — receiving wisdom, guidance and grace is. … Writing can’t change the story, but it can change how you think about it. It can change how you feel about. It can change what it means to you. It can expose little nuggets of truth buried in the sand of your story.” What an amazing gift. A must read for those who want to touch and converse with their soul.
— Vicki Burr
The Twelve: A Novel , William Gladstone, Vanguard Press, 2009, $19.95
Max Doff is an unusual person. Not speaking until age six, his world is filled with numbers and colors. At age 15, he has a near-death experience during which he sees 12 names, yet he can’t remember them when he awakes. Eight years later, while on location in Peru for a film production company, Max meets Maria Magdelena Ramirez. It then hits him in a flash: Maria was one of the 12 names he saw in his near-death vision, people he is destined to meet. The Twelve is the story of Max’s journey, from birth through Dec. 21, 2012, the date that Mayan prophecy predicts the world will end. Like The Celestine Prophecy, The Twelve combines universal spiritual teachings with an engaging story to create a compelling adventure into the world of the 2012 prophecy. We all hold a Max within, an inner hero who longs to follow his chosen path to inner wisdom to create outer peace in the world.
— Vicky Thompson
Dead Lucky: Life After Death on Mt. Everest , Lincoln Hall, Tarcher/Penquin Group, 2009, $24.95
“A chill went down my spine when I learned that after lying totally motionless in the snow at 28,000 feet for over two hours, I had been pronounced dead with the probable cause of death being cerebral edema,” Lincoln Hall wrote about his life changing ordeal climbing and returning from the peak of Mt. Everest. Hall, an experienced Australian climber, wanted to fulfill his dream of climbing Everest. In 2006, Hall set off with a group of friends, fellow climbers and sherpas to make the ascent. Readers become armchair mountaineers as Hall intricately describes the climbing equipment used, the set up of camps, the treacherous trails and climbs, the many deaths that happened while his party camped on the mountain, and the relationships that were established between the climbers and the sherpas. Dead Lucky is a true memorial to the dedication and perseverance of mountain climbers.
— Jelina Vance
Buddha: His Life and His Teaching, Walter Henry Nelson, Tarcher/Penguin Group, 2008, $13.95
Walter Henry Nelson offers wonderful insight into the life and teachings of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, better known as Buddha. This biography begins with his birth more than 2,500 years ago, and covers the span of his 80-plus years. After reaching enlightenment, Buddha established the basic guiding principles of Buddhism. There are four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, which help us to understand his teachings. Each of these truths must be individually tested and confirmed so that they make good sense to each follower. Buddha believed that we must serve as our own teacher and no other priest, guru or outside teacher is ever needed. A fascinating read about the search for the true meaning of life.
— Jelina Vance