Rating: Summary: well-written and uplifting Review: Dan Millman's latest book DIVINE INTERVENTIONS is perhaps the most immediately readable book he has ever done and is very well written. I read most of it in one sitting. It is the kind of book that holds your interest from the beginning and inspires you to just keep reading until you are finished. On the other hand, since it consists of many short chapters expertly woven together, it is also an ideal book for those busy readers who prefer to read a book in segments at those moments when their time permits.When writing a dissertation that develops and supports its thesis by means of short biographical essays, It is difficult to do justice to each biographical segment you have researched and yet keep all these well researched biographical elements readable and succinct. The biographical essays must harmonize together so as to as to be on point and work together as a whole to achieve the larger purposes of the book. In this, Dan has succeeded beautifully. This book is the most immediately readable book Dan has ever written and the prose seems to me almost seamlessly perfect for its purpose. (I will hazard a guess that the first draft was longer than the final draft and that the editing was not always easy.) Dan and Doug Childers have done some really good writing here. Since the writing is so immediately readable and the potential appeal is so wide, I predict that this book will be very widely popular and that many readers will be inspired and helped by it. The people in this book and their true stories are so interesting you just don't want to put the book down. Those readers who may have found some of Dan's other books enlightening and empowering (but also perhaps requiring some focused attention on the reader's part) will love this book because it is in many respects an easier read. I say this because it teaches by a series of true short biographical narratives (each of which is highly interesting reading in its own right) rather than through the more demanding (for some readers) writing styles of straightforward philosophical exposition or philosophical exposition through imaginative parable. My personal favorite was the segment on Bucky Fuller. I had always admired what I knew of his work but did not know anything of his personal struggle until I had read this book. I also liked the stories of the preserved bodies of the saints and the documentation about Paramahansa Yogananda. But every story in this compelling book is fascinating and well worth reading both for its own sake and for the contribution it makes to the thesis of the book as a whole which seeks to demonstrate, through carefully researched biographical evidence, the likelihood that we can all draw from resources beyond that which are generally considered to be natural and normal--especially in times of great personal need. I strongly recommend this book to everyone and especially to those who have enjoyed other books by Dan Millman or Doug Childers.
Rating: Summary: Many will be helped by this fine book. Review: Dan Millman's latest book DIVINE INTERVENTIONS is perhaps the most immediately readable book he has ever done and is very well written. I read most of it in one sitting. It is the kind of book that holds your interest from the beginning and inspires you to just keep reading until you are finished. On the other hand, since it consists of many short chapters expertly woven together, it is also an ideal book for those busy readers who prefer to read a book in segments at those moments when their time permits. When writing a dissertation that develops and supports its thesis by means of short biographical essays, It is difficult to do justice to each biographical segment you have researched and yet keep all these well researched biographical elements readable and succinct. The biographical essays must harmonize together so as to as to be on point and work together as a whole to achieve the larger purposes of the book. In this, Dan has succeeded beautifully. This book is the most immediately readable book Dan has ever written and the prose seems to me almost seamlessly perfect for its purpose. (I will hazard a guess that the first draft was longer than the final draft and that the editing was not always easy.) Dan and Doug Childers have done some really good writing here. Since the writing is so immediately readable and the potential appeal is so wide, I predict that this book will be very widely popular and that many readers will be inspired and helped by it. The people in this book and their true stories are so interesting you just don't want to put the book down. Those readers who may have found some of Dan's other books enlightening and empowering (but also perhaps requiring some focused attention on the reader's part) will love this book because it is in many respects an easier read. I say this because it teaches by a series of true short biographical narratives (each of which is highly interesting reading in its own right) rather than through the more demanding (for some readers) writing styles of straightforward philosophical exposition or philosophical exposition through imaginative parable. My personal favorite was the segment on Bucky Fuller. I had always admired what I knew of his work but did not know anything of his personal struggle until I had read this book. I also liked the stories of the preserved bodies of the saints and the documentation about Paramahansa Yogananda. But every story in this compelling book is fascinating and well worth reading both for its own sake and for the contribution it makes to the thesis of the book as a whole which seeks to demonstrate, through carefully researched biographical evidence, the likelihood that we can all draw from resources beyond that which are generally considered to be natural and normal--especially in times of great personal need. I strongly recommend this book to everyone and especially to those who have enjoyed other books by Dan Millman or Doug Childers.
Rating: Summary: A spritual "fix" Review: I've never considered myself a religious person but a spirtual person. Dan Millman has written that I'm not alone in this search. And like many people we are shown this in our darkest hours and daily tribulations. I found great comfort in this reading.
Rating: Summary: Remembering the magic in the mystery is Dan's great ability. Review: Of course I was honored that Dan and Doug asked me if they could tell about my near-death awakening in Copper Canyon (which is told in detail in my book, PRIMAL AWARENESS). But the honor relates, not to having my story included, but in being a part of Dan Millman's wonderful sharing of the joy that surrounds us all. Dan walks his talk and the stories he has selected reflect his deep passion for all that is magical.
Rating: Summary: The Story Behind "Divine Interventions" Review: One afternoon in 1998, my writer-editor friend Doug Childers asked me if I would like to collaborate with him on a book. Having written nine popular books on my own, and preparing to write my next novel, I was ready to gracefully decline when he said, "Dan, I'd like to call the book 'Divine Interventions' -- I've already researched about twenty well-documented stories..." Almost immediately, I accepted his offer. Because all my previous books and teachings had emphasized a kind of "do-it-yourself" approach to spirituality in everyday life. I had never really addressed the possibility of grace and miracles. There's an Arabic proverb, "Trust in God...but tie your camel." I had focused on "tying the camel" but not enough on the transcendental truths. Nowadays, after completing our divine collaboration -- neither of us could have created this book as well on our own -- when asked if I believe in miracles, I can only respond: "I don't just believe in them; I rely on them." In this "spiritual X-Files" of inexplicable transformations, readers will find not only inspiration, but a profound reminder that life is more mysterious than we usually notice. There's another proverb that goes, "There's God -- then there's not paying attention." We hope these stories will get your attention and open new doors to see and appreciate the miracles and interventions in everyday life.
Rating: Summary: Mystery and Miracles Can Still Happen! Review: Open to any page; after reading a paragraph you're hooked on the fantastic experience another has had in the out-of-the-ordinary. Dan Millman and Doug Childers have included 50 stories in 50 short chapters about real experiences that inspire the reader to realize there is more to understand than science currently knows. These life-changing events happened to people of all ages, including those as young as 8 year old Lucia dos Santos, one of the 3 children of Fatima, Portugal, in 1915. This 5-star book reinforced my value on virtues, while giving me a boost of energy!
Rating: Summary: Excellent Book!! Review: This collection of people and their life transforming experiences is simply excellent! Each chapter, which summarizes the experience of a different individual, is just the right length (not too long, not too short, and very well written). My favorites here are the very interesting stories of Byron Katie, Valerie Vener, and Peace Pilgrim.
Rating: Summary: Excellent Book!! Review: This collection of people and their life transforming experiences is simply excellent! Each chapter, which summarizes the experience of a different individual, is just the right length (not too long, not too short, and very well written). My favorites here are the very interesting stories of Byron Katie, Valerie Vener, and Peace Pilgrim.
Rating: Summary: well-written and uplifting Review: This is the best book I've read since Heading Toward Omega By Ring. There are stories from many traditions, representing 6 continents. I never really knew the details behind many of these stories. Some of the manifestations discussed are surprising in their form or nature, yet the text makes them quite believable. This book will affirm anyone's faith or bring faith to anyone lost and seeking. There is enough diversity here that anyone should be able to find something. Susan Blackmore and Paul Edwards should read this book. I most enjoyed reading about Joan of Arc. I never knew any of that about her.
Rating: Summary: Uplifting and thought-provoking Review: While I have not read Doug Childers previous work, I am very familiar with Dan Millman's books. I was surprised to hear that Divine Interventions was coming out, as Dan's approach to spirituality is more down-to-earth and that it "starts on the ground." In his previous writings he has likened spiritual practice to a springboard, a ladder, and a staircase. Through such metaphors he has made it clear that spiritual life is pretty tough work, that there are no shortcuts, and that you need an adequate map, vehicle and fuel to make the journey. Divine Interventions is a refreshingly different book that looks more at the mystery many call God. It is similar to Richard Heckler's "Crossings", only there are 50 stories in this book and they are not limited to the United States, reminding us that Spirit pervades life in all cultures across the globe.
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