Books matching: impact of belief
72 result(s)
- #1
Save:'The Cottingley Secret' by Hazel Gaynor is a novel that weaves together the past and present, exploring the story behind the Cottingley fairy photographs taken by two young cousins in 1917. The book follows the lives of Frances and Elsie, the girls behind the fairy pictures, and Olivia, a modern-day protagonist who discovers a connection to the past through her late grandfather's bookstore. Through magical realism and historical fiction elements, the author brings to life the enchanting tale of the Cottingley fairies and the impact of belief in the extraordinary.
Olivia Kavanagh didn’t believe in happy endings. Life hadn’t worked out that way for her so far. At thirty-five, she had almost stopped believing it ever would. Almost, but not entirely, because there... - #2
Save:In the small town of Coldwater, Michigan, a mysterious phenomenon occurs where several residents start receiving phone calls from their deceased loved ones. This leads to a split in beliefs among the townspeople, with some embracing the calls as a blessing, some questioning their authenticity, and others suspecting an elaborate hoax. The story follows the lives of the characters as they grapple with the implications of these calls from heaven, intertwining themes of faith, miracles, and the afterlife. Through Mitch Albom's storytelling, the book explores the impact of these supernatural phone calls on the individuals involved and the community as a whole.
Mitch Albom's writing style in "The First Phone Call from Heaven" is described as thought-provoking, emotional, and engaging. He weaves together multiple narratives, incorporating elements of suspense, historical facts about Alexander Graham Bell, and reflections on life, death, and spirituality. The book delves into profound questions about faith, belief, and the human response to extraordinary events, inviting readers to contemplate the possibility of communication beyond the realms of the living.
Despite the chilly weather, Sullivan Harding was walking. He could have borrowed his father’s car, but after ten months of confinement, he preferred the open air. Wearing a ski cap and an old suede ja... - #3
Save:'Eye in the Sky' by Philip K. Dick explores the concept of multiverse through a group of visitors trapped in the subconscious wish fulfillment worlds of their unconscious companions after an accident at the Bevatron. The plot takes the readers through different distorted perspectives and realities of the characters, touching on political and social views while maintaining a humorous and entertaining narrative style.
The proton beam deflector of the Belmont Bevatron betrayed its inventors at four o'clock in the afternoon of October 2, 1959. What happened next happened instantly. No longer adequately deflected—and ... - #4
Save:'Shadows Fall' by Simon R. Green is a book that follows the story of James Hart, a character who is considered by some readers as lacking depth and compelling qualities. The plot revolves around magical elements, intricate concepts, and well-defined villains versus heroes. However, the book is criticized for its execution, with opinions mentioning inconsistencies in the storyline, unsatisfying endings, and abrupt conclusions. Despite the potential for exploring a diverse range of characters and settings, some readers feel that the book falls short in fully realizing its narrative and character development.
It was Carnival in Shadows Fall once again. A time of feasting and revelry, parades and fairs, conjurors and costumes and marvels. At the edge of town, tents and stalls had appeared all over Lumpkin H... - #5
Save:"Widdershins" by Charles de Lint is a novel set in the Newford series, where readers are introduced to a world filled with faeries, Native American spirits, and humans trying to coexist. The book follows the story of Jilly and Geordie as they navigate a budding relationship amidst escalating animosity between different supernatural beings. The narrative is told through multiple characters' points of view, blending elements of Native American folklore with traditional fairy tales. The writing style includes a mix of first-person present tense and third-person past tense, creating a unique and engaging reading experience.
If Lizzie Mahone had been superstitious, she might have been more nervous about her car breaking down as it had, here where two county roads crossed in the middle of nowhere with nothing to mark the s...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Newford ) - #6
Save:'Waco: A Survivor's Story' by David Thibodeau and Leon Whiteson provides a first-hand account of the tragic events that unfolded during the Waco siege. It delves into the actions of the ATF and FBI, portraying them as acting like fascists with poor intelligence and command, resulting in the deaths of innocent people, including children. The narrative offers an interesting testimony of life inside the compound and sheds light on the grossness of the authorities' actions as well as David Koresh's questionable leadership.
Thibodeau's narrative explores the complexities of life within the cult, showcasing both the good and the bad aspects. offers insights into the events leading up to the siege, the siege itself, and the aftermath, highlighting the impact of beliefs on individuals' worldviews and morality. It presents a raw and powerful account of survival, while also acknowledging the importance of consulting other sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Waco tragedy.
'A New Guide to Rational Living' by Robert A. Harper, Albert Ellis, Melvin Powers is a self-help book that challenges traditional psychoanalysis by emphasizing the importance of dealing with one's present philosophy rather than delving into the past. The book provides insights on identifying and altering irrational beliefs to improve one's thinking and emotional well-being. It discusses common thought patterns underlying distress and specific problems, offering tools and methods to address them effectively.
The writing style of 'A New Guide to Rational Living' reflects its 1961 publication date, with some readers finding it dated and the conversations somewhat alienating to modern readers. Despite this, the book is praised for its powerful and insightful tools that go beyond traditional cognitive behavioral therapy, offering readers a new perspective on managing their emotions and behaviors through rational thinking and self-reflection.
'The Nature of Personal Reality: A Seth Book' by Jane Roberts is a thought-provoking and life-changing read that delves into the concepts of personal reality, consciousness, and self-discovery. Through the teachings of Seth, the book challenges readers to examine their beliefs, question their perceptions of reality, and tap into their own intuition for self-discovery and personal growth. With engaging narration and insightful commentary, the book guides readers on a journey of exploring the power of the mind, the nature of beliefs, and the impact of individual and collective beliefs on shaping one's life experiences.
A number of events, foremost among them the death of Jane's mother after an illness of many years, caused us to lay these sessions aside after Seth finished his preface on April 10. Jane did manage to...- #9
Save:'Oriental Mythology' in the series 'The Masks of God' by author Joseph Campbell is a comprehensive exploration of mythology and religion, spanning from west to east. Campbell delves into the evolution of myths, comparing different religious traditions and highlighting the development of Eastern religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. He discusses the cultural differences between Eastern and Western mythologies, emphasizing the battle of good versus evil, the shift from polytheism to monotheism, and the impact of various belief systems on society. Despite some biases and dated research, Campbell's discursive style and keen perception make the book an engaging yet dense read.
Two mighty motives run through the mythologies and religions of the world. They are not the same. They have different histories. The first and the earlier to appear we may term wonder in one or anothe...
(Also, see 41 recommendations for the series The Masks of God ) Susan A. Clancy's book 'Abducted: How People Come to Believe They Were Kidnapped by Aliens' delves into the modern phenomenon of alien abduction, exploring the reasons why some individuals firmly believe they have been abducted by extraterrestrial beings. Clancy conducts rigorous research on the motivations behind these beliefs, shedding light on the role of false memory creation, sleep paralysis, and the influence of media in shaping abduction narratives. Through detailed interviews and studies, she presents a compelling argument that challenges the traditional notions of alien encounters, offering more plausible explanations for these experiences.
Clancy's writing style in 'Abducted' is characterized by clarity, humor, and a scientific approach to understanding the complexities of alien abduction claims. She navigates through the personal stories of abductees with sympathy and insight, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and objectivity when examining extraordinary experiences. By exploring the psychological underpinnings of belief systems and narratives, Clancy provides readers with a thought-provoking exploration of how individuals construct meaning and find solace in their perceived encounters with aliens.
