The Enlightened Gardener: A Novel

Rating:
Summary: Sheds new light on the subject of mental wellbeing
Review: In the novel The Enlightened Gardner we are whisked away to the charm and beauty of the English countryside, while being offered a chance to catch glimpses of our true spiritual nature. Through the words of the main character, in his conversations with a small group of professionals, we are given the opportunity to experience peace and contentment beyond what we thought possible. This book will draw you back for more than one reading, and have you continually looking at life from a fresher and more positive perspective.

Rating:
Summary: Simple Wisdom, Hidden Treasures
Review: In this little book, a wise and humorous old gardener converses with four psychologists about the nature of life. In spite of the fact that his views go against all their training and beliefs, the therapists find themselves intrigued and captivated.
Reading these conversations, I am often stopped in my tracks by a sentence or a phrase that suddenly brings a profound feeling or a deep insight. At that point, there is no need to read further; I put the book aside for a time, feeling full and grateful.
I recommend The Enlightened Gardener to anyone looking for a deeper understanding of the connection between spirit and psychology, or anyone just hoping to find a deeper understanding of life. Beneath the simplicity of style lie hidden treasures, appearing when you may least expect them.

Rating:
Summary: Simple Wisdom, Hidden Treasures
Review: Wow!

The first chapter or two are a bit on the fluffy side, but when you get to the discussions with "the gardner," things get philosophically deep, real deep. What a refreshing take on how the mind and our thoughts interplay to make who we are. I've read Banks's other books, and this is by far the best and most successful attempt that Sydney has made in relating his understanding of how mind, consciousness, and thought affect and direct our lives. I also enjoyed his previous book "The Missing Link," but a couple of my colleagues that read it found it to be like popcorn...it tastes great while your eating it, but it doesn't fill you up. I disagree with their opinion on "The Missing Link" to a certain extent, and also agree with them to a certain extent, but I can honestly say that the enlightened gardner isn't popcorn--this is a full pint of Ben and Jerry's ice cream (Double Chocolate Fudge Brownie flavor). Banks has clearly gone to another level of conveying his unique perspective on life through analogies that are simply perfect (Ugh!, I can't stand using that word, but I can't think of a better synonym right now). For those who may have had trouble grasping the paradox of the concurrent simplicity and complexity of his message in the past, this book is hard to argue with--it's that convincing. I'm already passing this around the office, but enough sugar...

Rating:
Summary: Wow!
Review: Wow!

The first chapter or two are a bit on the fluffy side, but when you get to the discussions with "the gardner," things get philosophically deep, real deep. What a refreshing take on how the mind and our thoughts interplay to make who we are. I've read Banks's other books, and this is by far the best and most successful attempt that Sydney has made in relating his understanding of how mind, consciousness, and thought affect and direct our lives. I also enjoyed his previous book "The Missing Link," but a couple of my colleagues that read it found it to be like popcorn...it tastes great while your eating it, but it doesn't fill you up. I disagree with their opinion on "The Missing Link" to a certain extent, and also agree with them to a certain extent, but I can honestly say that the enlightened gardner isn't popcorn--this is a full pint of Ben and Jerry's ice cream (Double Chocolate Fudge Brownie flavor). Banks has clearly gone to another level of conveying his unique perspective on life through analogies that are simply perfect (Ugh!, I can't stand using that word, but I can't think of a better synonym right now). For those who may have had trouble grasping the paradox of the concurrent simplicity and complexity of his message in the past, this book is hard to argue with--it's that convincing. I'm already passing this around the office, but enough sugar...