The Stations of Solitude

Rating:
Summary: the animal connection
Review: I totally disagree with the reader from Munich who was disgusted by Koller's deep commitment to her animals. In my opinion, it's the strongest element of her book. She's an extremely intelligent person who's bravely and totally dedicated to the rights and welfare of animals, as well as being able to relate to the natural world all around her.

I picked up the book attracted by its title, because I'm a practitioner of solitude and serenity myself, but I was pleasantly surprised by her emphasis on the importance of animals and on respecting their integrity in her daily life. The story of Logos was heartbreaking. I could relate to that strongly, as the guardian of a number of dogs and cats. I believe that anyone who can feel so connected to our co-species is an extremely fortunate person. Sadly, too few people feel that connection, in our post-modern, over-busy world.

Rating:
Summary: Pleased to have read it
Review: I'm was getting ready to list this book for sale and something about it--of over a thousand books I've listed--drew my attention. I am very glad I read it and will be looking for her other works to read. I won't bother describing the book since that has been done. I will say that this book speaks to the part of me that is sick of living in a city surrounded by people and feeling alone. The part of me that yearns to give up my material possessions and live a life free of grasping, looking for beauty and open space, wildlife and people willing to open up to a stranger. It touches the part of me that others do not understand, the introspective part that searches for itself, that questions, that lights up at the sound of bird song or thrills at the opening of a flower bud.

As an animal lover I found her writing about her dogs exceptional, and I understood her need to understand her dog's death. I live with cats and when circumstance permit I will seek out a dog companion.

I imagine you would have to be an introvert, someone who lives in and values their thoughts, to enjoy this book as opposed to an extrovert, a person needing the stimulation of others and outward activity. It stimulates the longing in me to leave my current life and search out another.

Rating:
Summary: Does anyone know this author's address or her life story?
Review: LIke so many,I have been strangely touched by her honest reflections. Does anyone know what happened to her? She deserves recognition for her wonderful contribution. Alice wherever you are, thank you.