Book of the Monk

Rating:
Summary: Excellent. A book to remember
Review: D. K. Kirts pulls no punches in his nitty-gritty, down-in-the-trenches description of life in the hellhole he calls Pleura Prison, a place only a little more grim than the vortexes of poverty in America described by Jonathan Kozol. In the BOOK OF THE MONK, we learn that shortly after Z, the monk, arrives in the decaying streets of Pleura, a drooling madman lurches toward him with an ax handle in his hand and a demonic glint in his eye: "Not breaking stride, Z drove four fingers into the attacker's throat and ripped out his windpipe"-- all the while aware of the karmic burden imposed by such an act. Kirts' knowledge of Taoism along with his personal experiences in Vietnam give us a thoroughly believable protagonist, along with a host of lively and colorful characters, including the Girl. This young woman, Laila, is an extraordinarily beautiful mutant with magical electrical powers and a sweetness that makes the Monk remember he is also a man.

Kirts' tale of transcendence begins in Pleura Prison and continues outside in a society that has clearly reached its spiritual nadir, and is ready for something more elevated. Z finds himself positioned to lead the way into a new age where spirit, light, truthfulness, beauty, wisdom and love are valued over the greed, lust, violence and power-mongering characteristic of the scientific-military complex currently in charge.

For those of us who have studied Oriental martial arts, meditation and medicine, recognizing their intrinsic value even while questioning their practical application in today's world, Z is a true hero and friend. We can relate to his sense of impeccability, integrity, courage, compassion, wisdom and vision. He has practiced the Taoist arts of dual cultivation. Working on both essence and life, he has mastered the martial arts applications of Tai Chi Chuan as well as the body/mind healing methods of qigong, meditation, acupressure, herbs, poultices and massage. He can and does heal the sick and wounded, but is also capable of sublime ruthlessness when circumstances call for it.

Kirts' neatly constructed story moves along by leaps and bounds -- the adventure doesn't stop for a moment. It is full of humor, wisdom, revolting details of combat, and the subtle tendernesses of an incipient love affair. All of which is held together by the uplifting theme that the spiritual path is valuable -- indeed, it is the key to our creation of a more sane, humane and free society.

Dr. Gloria Garvin Sun, Director, Complete Reality School of Taoism, Santa Monica, California

Rating:
Summary: So cool, don't mess with the Monk!
Review: Wow! The Ibian serpent warrior with six arms like some kind of hindu deity is invincible due to his other-planetary sword fighting skills and imperceptible alien movements. But within minutes of meeting the Monk he is on the the threshold of death and the question is gently posed, Join me or die! The Monk is the Bruce Lee of the galaxy! And not only that, he has an amazing knowledge of esoteric healing techniques that are so effective he seems to be capable of magic. Within days he restores the Ibian serpent warrior to his prime, and with a handful of other powerful mutants and warriors they become the most dangerous and violent fighting force that ever tried to change the world through education.