Chasing Life: New Discoveries in the Search for Immortality to Help You Age Less Today

Book Description

For centuries, adventurers and scientists have believed that not only could we delay death but that "practical immortality" was within our reach.Today, many well-respected researchers would be inclined to agree.In a book that is not about anti-aging, but about functional aging--extending your healthy, active life--Dr. Sanjay Gupta blends together compelling stories of the most up-to-date scientific breakthroughs from around the world, with cutting-edge research and advice on achieving practical immortality in this lifetime. Gupta's advice is often counterintuitive: longevity is not about eating well, but about eating less; nutritional supplements are a waste of your money; eating chocolate and drinking coffee can make you healthier.CHASING LIFE tells the stories behind the breakthroughs while also revealing the practical steps readers can take to help extend youth and life far longer than ever thought possible.

Customer Reviews:

Disappointed.......2007-10-09

I was disappointed by this book, particularly because of Dr. Gupta's excellent television work. The astonishing breakthroughs to help you live forever are: get some exercise, try not to eat too much, and keep an upbeat attitude towards life. Ta-da!

The bibliography is the only part truly interesting enough to study, since it does point in some promising directions for more in-depth reading on the subject of longevity and healthful living.

Not enough substance.......2007-08-28

I was not impressed by Chasing Life. Within the topics it covers (exercise, eating, supplements, memory, attitude, and the future) the practical information and suggestions offered were quite basic. The book focused more time than I would have prefered on how future technologies could extend life. This book is not for people wanting an in depth look into physiology of aging, or a comprehensive approach on how to combat it.
Stylistically ideas and sentances throughout the book seem fragmented. It's an easy read that touches on a few ways to improve your health, with a light conversational tone and lots of stories about the people Dr. Gupta meet during his research of this book.

A Basic Primer for Longevity.......2007-08-22

I found this book a somewhat frustrating read. At times it seems as if it were written strictly for a tv audience, with the content skirting over issues in a glib and lackadaisical tone. It does mention early on that a companion tv series is in the works, and I got the impression that the book is a sort of script for the tv program. There is also some very poor writing, which at times made me feel that Dr. Gupta should have spent more time chasing editors instead of chasing life.

There is a lot of good basic longevity information but nothing that has not been revealed elsewhere. There are some gems in here, like the very clear explanation on what happens in cells to promote the aging process. At the same time, Gupta covers a lot areas that are still very speculative but doesn't tell you that until after you've read the few paragraphs or pages on that topic. This habit starts with the introduction, where he talks extensively about stem cell injections currently occuring in Russia, only to end the section by saying, essentially, "we're not there yet but there's a lot of other good stuff in my book you can follow".

The meat in this book is located at the end of each chapter where Gupta lists the top tips for that section to promote longevity. Again, most of these are not anything new, but each page could be a handy reference (for the rest of us) to help us establish new, longevity promoting habits.

In sum, the book is a good primer on longevity but takes too many detours in speculative areas and can sometimes jar you with its poor writing.

Too New Agey and Vapid.......2007-08-05

This book really disappointed me. I thought Gupta would stick to more hardcore empirical science. Instead, this book covers a lot of questionable territory. In several chapters, Gupta sounds more like Ram Das than an actual physician. Other parts of the book, like his discourse on stress and immunity are just plain factually incorrect. Gupta leaves out whole areas of research and new discoveries, especially those at MIT. If you like this topic, stick with the other new age authors. Gupta is a weak imitator of those before him.

Not for Physicians.......2007-07-11

This book is more suited for lay persons than physicians, although the occasional medical insight was informative.

Average customer rating:

A Wonderful Story for Teenagers and Adults
What's your favorite kind of book? by Nagrom
Disturbing and beautiful
This will give you something to talk about
just mediocre

Tuck Everlasting
Natalie Babbitt
Manufacturer: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0374480095

Product Description

Natalie Babbitt. In this ALA Notable Book, 10-year-old Winnie Foster discovers the magic spring that has given the Tuck family eternal life. She is faced not only with the difficult decision of whether or not to drink from it, but whether to tell all when a stranger wants to know the secret in order to sell the water. Paperback.

Amazon.com

Imagine coming upon a fountain of youth in a forest. To live forever--isn't that everyone's ideal? For the Tuck family, eternal life is a reality, but their reaction to their fate is surprising. Award winner Natalie Babbitt (Knee-Knock Rise, The Search for Delicious) outdoes herself in this sensitive, moving adventure in which 10-year-old Winnie Foster is kidnapped, finds herself helping a murderer out of jail, and is eventually offered the ultimate gift--but doesn't know whether to accept it. Babbitt asks profound questions about the meaning of life and death, and leaves the reader with a greater appreciation for the perfect cycle of nature. Intense and powerful, exciting and poignant, Tuck Everlasting will last forever--in the reader's imagination. An ALA Notable Book. (Ages 9 to 12) --Emilie Coulter

Customer Reviews:

A Wonderful Story for Teenagers and Adults.......2007-10-04

Note: There are a couple Mormons who are angry over my reviews of books written in defense of the Book of Mormon, and they have been slamming my reviews. Your "helpful" votes are appreciated. Thanks.

My review for "Tuck Everlasting" is not long, but it is to the point. I didn't want to tell everything. The person who has been giving me "not helpful" votes is probably not a reader.

On "Tuck Everlasting":

This is a great story about a fountain of youth, and the terrible consequences of drinking from it. There is a lot to think about in this beautifully written story. What if you never grew old, but everyone around you did? Would you drink from the fountain?

It's a short easy read, and I highly recommend it.

What's your favorite kind of book? by Nagrom.......2007-09-10

Hey! Do you love romance and suspension? If you do you will love Tuck Everlasting by Natallie Babbit. Tuck Everlasting by Natallie Babbit describes the love story between Jesse Tuck and Winnie Foster and how they help each other. Initially, Winnie wants to run away, so she won't be bossed around anymore. She has a great desire to be in the wide open spaces. After that, she finds Jesse Tuck and meets his family. The Tucks take her away. Not against her will though. She wanted to go. Last, she helps the Tucks in their time of need. She helps them make a very important decision. This book was top notch in my opinion. Read it! I dare you!

Disturbing and beautiful.......2007-08-27

I read this 30 years ago. The details are gone but the central dilemma still haunts me: what would it be like to live long enough to watch everyone you know die? It's a strange, deeply sad book that stays with you.

This will give you something to talk about.......2007-08-21

I was first introduced to this enchanting story in a children's literature course, and truly believe it should be required reading for all middle school students (as well as their parents). The theme is living forever. Everyone has an opinion about this, but after reading this mesmerizing tale about 10-year-old Winnie and the Tuck family, there will be plenty to ponder upon. It is a breathtaking fantasy, unfolding like a gorgeous summer sunset. I hope that all lovers of literature will take the time to check out this gem of a book.

just mediocre.......2007-07-26

This book was a requirement for me to read in an education class. If it was not required, I would have put it down at chapter 4 if not earlier, but having read the entire book the overall story is pretty good. My biggest problem is that Babbitt gets so hung up in the details that it takes forever to get to the realness and excitement of what is going on.

The Stairway to Heaven (Earth Chronicles, No. 2)

Average customer rating:

Very Good, a mind mover
The stairway to heaven
The Stairway to Heaven (Earth Chronicles, No. 2)
Not such a stretch if you Think!
Shame on Avon and Amazon.com

The Stairway to Heaven (Earth Chronicles, No. 2)
Zecharia Sitchin
Manufacturer: Harper
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0380633396

Book Description

Since earliest times, humanity has pondered the incomprehensible mysteries of the universe, life...and the afterlife. Was there somewhere on Earth where, after death, mortal man could join the immortal Gods? Where was this place? By whom was it established? And does it still exist today?

After years of painstaking research -- combining recent archaeological discoveries with ancient texts and artifacts -- noted scholar Zecharia Sitchin has identified the legendary Land of the Gods...and provided astounding new revelations about the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx, and other mysterious monuments whose true meanings and purposes have been lost for eons.

Customer Reviews:

Very Good, a mind mover.......2007-08-31

I have read Sitchin's first work, the 12th planet, which lead me to this one. And it is an amazing read. Sitchin presents evidence one by one, tells you various stories and myths, and in light of the scientific knowledge we now have, provides the reader with a new "perhaps it was" explanation.

Recommended it to everyone I know

The stairway to heaven.......2007-03-09

Sitchin's works are my mantra of meaning to this life. I have readed everything he has written and await his newest as I paid for it three months before it's release

The Stairway to Heaven (Earth Chronicles, No. 2).......2007-01-12

Another great book by Zachariah Sitchen, I have read all eight books of his Earth chronicles and they are all very mind boggling.

Not such a stretch if you Think!.......2004-07-15

Mr. Sitchin has nothing to gain by espousing pseudoscience or pseudohistory. He would only stand to lose. Ancient History as a discipline has been proclaimed true to a great extent by proclamation that the "ancients"told us all. This is all well and good as a baseline. I have no quarrel with Herodotus or Tacitus.
Read the bibliographies in this series. These ARE NOT the idle ramblings of a 'crank". If you truly pay attention, you will see the obvious scholarly work that has been done. Only the intellectually insecure will be intimidated and resort to common mockery.

If nothing else, this should send you into deeper studies of the ancient Near East. You won't be sorry. This is thought provoking at the very least and definitely entertaining to the casual reader and the more imaginative history buffs.

Look at and think about civilization, pre-Egyptian, pre-Indus Valley(?) and you will learn quite a bit. Better yet, you will be driven to learn more by yourself!

Shame on Avon and Amazon.com.......2004-02-08

Do not buy the mass market edition. Shame on Avon Publishing!!! The type is so small that it is virtually unreadable, and any graphics, maps or diagrams cannot be distinguished. Pay the extra money to buy the edition published for Earthlings, not for Lilliputians.
Most people will be drawn to the cheaper version offered by this on-line retailer, so shame on the on-line retailer for even carrying this edition. I am not exaggerating. The book is UNREADABLE.

Forever Ours: Real Stories of Immortality and Living From A Forensic Pathologist

Average customer rating:

Forever Ours
Yawn
A comfort
Profoundly moving book about what it means to live life
I really liked this book and wanted more...

Forever Ours: Real Stories of Immortality and Living From A Forensic Pathologist
Janis Amatuzio
Manufacturer: New World Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1577314816

Book Description

Forensic pathologist Janis Amatuzio first began recording the stories told to her by patients, police officers, and other doctors because she felt that no one spoke for the dead. She believed the real experience of death - namely, the spiritual and otherworldly experiences of those near death and their loved ones - was ignored by the medical professionals, who thought of death as simply the cessation of breath. She knew there was more. From the first experience of a patient in her care dying to the miraculous "appearances" of loved ones after death, she began recording these experiences, knowing that they would bring comfort to anyone who has suffered the loss of someone they love. Written by a scientist in approachable, nonjudgmental language for anyone who has lost someone they love, this book offers stories that can't be explained in purely physical terms.

Customer Reviews:

Forever Ours.......2007-09-14

As soon as we are born, we are all on a path towards death. It's the one great certainty. We don't know for sure if we are going to find love, get a great job, or have children but we know unequivocally that we all will die. With that said, death is generally something that both fascinates us and causes great anxiety. Despite that everyone has an opinion, no one knows for sure what happens after this life is over. Death is probably the world's greatest mystery.

Forever Ours looks at death from an interesting perspective. The author is a forensic pathologist. Part of her job is to talk to the deceased person's relatives and give them information about the cause of death. The author seems like a very caring, empathetic individual who realizes that how she handles each situation is far more important that simply getting a job done. I think it is for this reason that so many patients, relatives, and colleagues have opened up to her about their experiences: about living, about death, about life after death, and about life after the death of a loved one.

Forever Ours is a very insightful book that I would highly recommend to everyone.

Yawn.......2007-06-28

Both books of hers are OK, I guess. It seemed to me that both books pretty much stated the same stuff, nothing different. I was looking forward to more on the scene stories.....oh well, she was great on CTC....

A comfort.......2007-01-30

This book was so comforting to read. I bought it for myself, but I think it would be a great gift for someone going through a loss of someone close to them. The book doesn't make judgements, it just talks about real life people experiencing life and beyond.

Profoundly moving book about what it means to live life.......2006-09-23

This is a profoundly moving book by a sensitive and caring author that will definitely bring tears to your eyes. It's a beautifully written book that provides true stories of love, compassion, and enduring love through living and dying; an inspiring read not to be missed!

I really liked this book and wanted more..........2006-07-07

The short chapters make this an easy book to pick up and read. It was also a quick read. It is a book I will return to again and again. I have met Dr. Janis Amatuzio and she is a captivating speaker. The subject matter was very interesting and also personally comforting. The only reason I did not give it 5 stars, is that I wish it was longer.

On a Pale Horse (Incarnations of Immortality, Bk. 1)

Average customer rating:

Not Free SF Reader
One of my favorites
The best Anthony has ever been, but that's not saying much
Best one of the series
PICK IT UP, READ IT, BE AMAZED

On a Pale Horse (Incarnations of Immortality, Bk. 1)
Piers Anthony
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0345338588
Release Date: 1986-09-12

Book Description

When Zane shot Death, he learned, too late, that he would have to assume his place, speeding over the world riding his pale horse, and ending the lives of others. Sooner than he would have thought possible, Zane found himself being drawn to Satan's plot. Already the Prince of Evil was forging a trap in which Zane must act to destroy Luna, the woman he loved...unless he could discover the only way out....
The first novel of the INCARNATIONS OF IMMORATLITY series.

Customer Reviews:

Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03

This one is played straight. The premise being that being an Incarnation is a career, and your average people get to do it. The book is surprisingly good, as it delves into the theme. This, of course, is Death, (with a capital D) for those not familiar with the quotation the title alludes to.

Cloak, grim reaper, scythe, that sort of thing.

One of my favorites.......2007-07-11

This is one of my top 5 books of all time. I read it when I was in college and re-read it several years ago. I thought the concept of a person becoming death itself and going around dealing with dying people to be an intriguing idea and the type of thing that sci-fi handles extremely well. I highly recommend it.

The best Anthony has ever been, but that's not saying much.......2007-05-03

This first book in the Incarnations of Immortality is surprisingly good, almost despite itself. There are some interesting ideas here, and the story is surprisingly compelling for something so fantastic. Unfortunately, Piers Anthony still writes like Piers Anthony. The characters are one-dimensional, the story stops for pages at a time while he introduces new gadgetry that doesn't serve any purpose, and I swear he uses the word "balk" every third sentence. In the hands of a competent writer (or even a competent editor), this book would've been a classic. As it stands, it's still surprisingly good for how bad it is.

Best one of the series.......2007-04-09

I read this book many years ago and have recommended it to many friends. I read the previous reviewer's ideas and I understand, however, I'm not sure this bunch of books should be taken very seriously. I think that On a Pale Horse is a very clever intersting take on death, love and life, and anything more than that should probably be left to more wieghtly non-fiction books. Anthony write a compelling tale about a man thrust into a strange situation with no previous knowledge, and he muddles though making mistakes and fixing what he can. I loved this book, I found it thought provoking and intelligent.

PICK IT UP, READ IT, BE AMAZED.......2007-03-23

oh my freaking gosh
last week was testing week and my being a gifted student always finish before my fellow classmates so i asked my friend to lend me a book to read. I had recently finished "The Fountainhead" which i loved as well. I had nothing to read. My friend gave me "On a Pale Horse" and i devoured it. I finished it in two days. All i did all of those two days was read. I was facinated by the character of death and it intrigued me that an author could put heaven and hell down on paper so literally and frankly. In the relm he had created everything was i guess one could say clear and sharp. In the book everyone knew they were either going to hell or heaven and it scared them. Now a days everyone is so ignorant about their fate and it was refreshing to read such and interesting and straightforward account.

i recommend this to everyone who likes sci fi and read it even if you do read it if death has ever intrigued you or if you've ever asked why read it regardless if you do not like my review i found this book fantastic amazing and definitely one of my favorite books

:]

For Love of Evil: Book Six of Incarnations of Immortality

Average customer rating:

Not Free SF Reader
The Glue That Holds Them All Together!
Evil's best and brightest [no spoilers]
For the Love of...
A fun and different read

For Love of Evil: Book Six of Incarnations of Immortality
Piers Anthony , and Piers A. Jacob
Manufacturer: Eos
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0380752859

Book Description

The Man Who Would Be Satan

Parry was a gifted musician and an apprentice in the arts of White Magic. But his life of sweet promise went disastrously awry following the sudden, violent death of his beloved Jolie.

Led down the twisted path of wickedness and depravity by Lilah the harlot demoness, Parry thrived -- first as a sorceror, then as a monk, and finally as a feared inquisitor.

But it wasn't until his mortal flame was extinguished that Parry found his true calling -- as the Incarnation of Evil. And, at the gates of Hell, he prepared to wage war on the master himself -- Lucifer, the dark lord -- with dominion over the infernal realms the ultimate prize!

Customer Reviews:

Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03

White magician turned, or, baby, Lilith would SO corrupt you too.

Happily minding their own business, a magical family is attacked by violent chr1stian nuts. His father and wife killed, tortured and killed, respectively, he is easy prety for a demoness.

However, he rebels against Lucifer and saves said woman from the head evil dude's final attack. As a consequence, there is an Incarnation opening and rather than have someone much worse take it up, he agrees to do it.

Bit of a problem with this office, though, or, as The Animals ask: "Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood."

The Glue That Holds Them All Together!.......2007-04-11

Throughout the entire series, the main characters of each book try their best to defeat the devil with all his evil influences. And just like all the other books, this regular guy gets thrust into a messed up situation be becoming the incarnation of evil. He tries to make it right but the other incarnations are having none of it. Everyone believes the hype. This book makes all the others coherent. Read this tale! Great book!

Evil's best and brightest [no spoilers].......2006-06-22

"For Love Of Evil" continues the "Incarnations of Immortality" series around the year 1205 as apprentice sorcerer Parry contacts a young village maiden to offer her a brighter future. A touching romance with outstanding character development and plotline organization without the logic-laced discussions and customary vocabulary (historically observed in the Piers Anthony series) presents what the preceding volumes should have accomplished.

Where the earlier stories relate the struggles of the primary Incarnation on the initial acceptance at office, the author addresses the entire career of all the prior novels' nemesis, Satan. After assuming the Office of Evil, the immediate choices and duties of the Incarnation introduces a captivating domain mingled with the previous office holder's intriguing circumstances. The Incarnation of Evil's control over the realm of Hell is blatantly obvious to the position itself as to be laughingly applauded.

Although all of the confrontations have been resolved beforehand to the reader (even if all of the books are considered stand alone), Satan's perspective provides fascinating insight why He made those choices and in retrospect improves the storyline of the weaker tales albeit too late. Satan's rationale to perpetuate evil on Earth might appear improbable nonetheless consistent as the Incarnation of Evil even if well rationalized.

I recommend this series to any fan of the fantasy genre. However those of a highly inflexible religious background or intolerant attitude towards religion might want to avoid the selection.

Thank you.

For the Love of..........2006-01-05

Out of the seven books in this series, this has to be the most interesting. "With a Tangled Skein" is by far my favorite, but this book ties together all the previous book and helps bring more sense to them than you could grasp had this book not been written. Much like "Weilding a Red Sword," a new view of Satan is uncovered, leading the reader to a deeper understanding of the natures of good and evil, which only grows with the final book. Anthony is not preaching to his readers, allowing us to follow and learn where we will. As much as I hate to admit it, being such a great fan of Book 3, this is the best of the series.

While this is a stand-alone novel, much like Anthony's other series books, I highly suggest reading this one begining to end--it will help with understanding some of the later books, as this is one series that is incredibly interwoven.

A fun and different read.......2004-08-20

Piers Anthony must have had quite the task to write this book. He had to take Satan that he had written about in the five previous books and give him a history and make sense of what it was that he was trying to achieve.

What is given to us is not only a Satan with a clear understanding of Evil, but a Satan who actually cares about others. A Satan who actually cares for humanity. A Satan who is misunderstood by others.

A lot of the mysteries of the previous five books are uncovered as a bet is made between Satan and Enoch on the fate of humanity. This also explains why everything happens to Luna and her decendants the way they do. At the end of the book, only one question is left open which is answered by the final book. But this work of fiction was fun and thought-provoking. If you've read the other five, you can't stop before reading this one. If you haven't read the other five, read them first. It makes this book more interesting.

And Eternity (Incarnations of Immortality)

Average customer rating:

This book has it all!
Not Free SF Reader
Somewhat enjoyable ending to the series
Not even one star
Good but not great [no spoilers]

And Eternity (Incarnations of Immortality)
Piers Anthony , and Piers A. Jacob
Manufacturer: Eos
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0380752867

Book Description

In Pursuit of the Ultimate Good

After an overwhelming succession of tragedies, life has finally, mercifully ended for Orlene, once-mortal daughter of Gaea.

Joined in Afterlife by Jolie -- her protector and the sometime consort of Satan himself -- together they seek out a third: Vita, a very contemporary mortal with troubles, attractions, and an unsettling moral code uniquely her own.

An extraordinary triumvirate, they embark on a great quest to reawaken the Incarnation of Good in a world where evil reigns -- facing challenges that will test the very fiber of their beings with trials as numerous, as mysterious, and as devastating as the Incarnations themselves.

Customer Reviews:

This book has it all!.......2007-09-30

Subtle racism, a completely predictable "twist" ending, and a supposed reconciliation between evolution and creationism that somehow manages to be equally ignorant of, and insulting to, both sides. While it does finally wrap up the plot line established in the other books, it does so with Anthony's typically terrible writing and a plot that is as convoluted and yet as boring as it could possibly be. Someone should write a Cliff Notes version of this book to spare the other poor suckers out there the necessity of having to read through it to obtain some closure.

Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03

God is bloody slack.

It appears that the Incarnation of Good is not doing his job properly. When a descendant of one of the other characters in the series finds out her kid is on a trip to Hell, she decides the whole thing is flawed.

With a few others, she decides to do something about it.

Easily the worst of this series, as the Incarnation basically is non-existent. He also appears to be doing sweet FA, so a movement starts for impeachment to get rid of him.

Somewhat enjoyable ending to the series.......2007-03-02

Gods help me, but I love Piers Anthony. I'm even willing to put up with his at times over-the-top dialogue. It's a bit like reading a first-draft Kevin Smith screenplay: everything everyone says is just incredibly clever, but seriously.. not everyone is that amazingly erudite.

The heart of the story and series? I love. I've loved this concept of his for years, and even though I've had somewhat harsh words for a few of the individual books in the series, I still own them, and still re-read them. The setting, concept, and characters are just wonderful, and on those merits alone, I'd recommend the books.

Not even one star.......2007-01-10

I've had a suspicion about Piers Anthony for a while now. Somehow or other in alot of his works he's got an older male character having a sexual attraction or getting sexually involved with a girl of middle teen years. That's the case in this book, and it came up again in his Man(Series where he reincarnates a family throughout human history) Series.
I also didn't like the line where he states "she has just a little bit of the "negroid" in her."
Call me prudish, but somebody has to draw the line even on bestsellers.

Good but not great [no spoilers].......2006-06-24

The "Incarnations of Immortality" series concludes with "And Eternity" as the ghost Jolie senses someone familiar dying. Reduced character maturity diminishes the normal vocabulary and extensive logical investigation. An emotional struggle versus Satan and the prevailing influence of Good could have generated an enormously astonishing novel.

A peculiar beginning, especially for those who treat the other books as independent stories, becomes stranger as three confusing individuals (one dreadfully annoying and two of identical behavior) embark on a convoluted mission. Unfortunately the dialogue between the three is not expressed as well as with the Aspects of Fate. Other than Good, the remaining six major Incarnations and the Incarnation of Night, Nox, possess important roles by helping conclude the series.

In spite of convention, a soul's destination suddenly depends not only on whether it is good or evil but also if the soul believes it is Hell bound. The eeriness of Chapter 9 and especially Chapter 11 significantly contrast the successful writing of the prior novel. The disturbing fascination with the male sex drive is repeatedly overstated as offensively overwhelming and uncontrollable.

I recommend this series to any fan of the fantasy genre. However those of a highly inflexible religious background or intolerant attitude towards religion might want to avoid the selection.

Thank you.

Being a Green Mother (Incarnations of Immortality, Book Five)

Average customer rating:

Other Books
Who can love Evil?
Pretty good in the series
Nature's meandering landscape [no spoilers]
Lossy and glossy.

Being a Green Mother (Incarnations of Immortality, Book Five)
Piers Anthony
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0345322231
Release Date: 1988-09-12

Book Description

Orb had a rare gift--the magic which manifested whenever she sang or played her harp. No one could resist her music. But she knew that greater magic lay in the Llano, the mystic music that controlled all things. The quest for the Llano occupied Orb's life. Until she met Natasha, handsome and charming, and an even finer musician. But her mother Niobe came as an Aspect of Fire, with the news that Orb had been chosen for the role of Incarnation of Nature--The Green Mother. But she also warned of a prophecy that Orb was to marry Evil. Could she be sure that Natasha was not really Satan, the Master of Illusion, laying a trap for her...?

Customer Reviews:

Other Books.......2007-09-03

Moon daughter rock chick has unfair advantage.

Orb, the daughter of Luna, joins a band. Handy to have the supernatural singing voice for times like these. The two aforementioned characters appear in other book in this series.

As per usual, Satan gets involved with some scheming, and this time it is of the magical music variety. In over her head, she asks for help from Chronos.

Eventually Gaea power turns the head of the Lord of Evil.

Who can love Evil?.......2007-06-19

What if death, time, fate, war, nature, evil and good were not mere concepts but offices held by actual people, like any other occupation?

Orb knew there was something special, something otherworldly, about her musical ability. When singing and playing her harp, she senses a gathering of power she can never quite grasp fully, but dedicates her life in search of the llano, the true song of nature. Her quest leads her around the world, finding and losing love, and ultimately she assumes the role of the Incarnation of Nature. But what about the fortuneteller who, when she was still a little girl, prophesied that Orb would marry Evil?

I remember being blown away at this book's climax the first time I read it in high school. This time around it wasn't quite as impressive, as some aspects of Anthony's writing style have become irritating to the more experienced reader in me. There is no natural progression to any of the relationships, and as a result they are hardly believable. The spoken dialogue is awkward, written in a style that seems far too formal, even accounting for an alternate reality. Despite its flaws, I'm still going to finish re-reading the series.

Pretty good in the series.......2007-04-09

This book wasn't my favorite, but it certainly wan't the worst one in the Incarnations of Immortality line. I enjoyed all of these books and found the overall idea clever and inspired. There is mirth and irony ruinning through all of this authors books that I really enjoy. This was a lovely read and a great continuance of the whole series.

Nature's meandering landscape [no spoilers].......2006-06-19

A magically gifted Orb quests for the Llano, an omnipotent musical score, in "Being A Green Mother", the fifth installment of the "Incarnations of Immortality" series. The bizarre final chapters undervalue the beginning's remarkable character development as the storyline is filled with the standard vocabulary and considerable logical breakdowns throughout the series. An arousing crusade opposing Satan and the powerful energy of Nature could have built a tremendously amazing novel.

Minor Incarnations appear as Gaea's assistants, however as with the other novels the primary character reveals more unusual associations with the other Incarnations and connections with the earlier storylines. Satan's ultimate interest in fulfilling the Orb prophecy is a huge revelation. The last pages present a major cliffhanger, which exceeds any prior ending in the series.

Orb's confusing behavior conflicts between a sweet and innocent young woman to an impulsive and occasionally naughty vixen. Even though the Incarnation of Nature's appearance is unseen until near the end (offering further depth than the earlier novels), she ambiguously assumes the office unlike the other exacting methods as found with Death or Fate. Satan's continuous illusions eventually become very confusing and frustrating as a reader.

I recommend this series to any fan of the fantasy genre. However those of a highly inflexible religious background or intolerant attitude towards religion might want to avoid the selection.

Thank you.

Lossy and glossy........2006-03-30

Being a huge fan overall of the entire Incarnations series, that means that Being a Green Mother is lumped in there as well. While I do thoroughly appreciate and enjoy the idea that Piers Anthony has put forth with this series, this book just does not do that idea justice, as far as I'm concerned.

It's as though the author was rushed to get to 'the interesting parts', and glossed over some areas that I really would have liked to seen more depth to. I felt like I was being told, "Yadda yadda yadda, I had the lobster."

This book could have been so much more, and while I do enjoy repeat readings of it, each time I go back to it I'm struck more and more with how much -isn't- there, rather than what is.

With a Tangled Skein (Book Three of Incarnations of Immortality)

Average customer rating:

Not Free SF Reader
Not the most enjoyable in the series, but worth a read
Fated to greatness [no spoilers]
Absolutely Wonderful
Lots of fun, Packed with Twists & Turns

With a Tangled Skein (Book Three of Incarnations of Immortality)
Piers Anthony
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0345318854
Release Date: 1986-09-12

Book Description

When the man Niobe loved was shot, she learned that she had been the target, in a devious plot of the Devil's. Hoping for revenge, she discovered, too late, how intricate his scheming was, and that he had managed to trap her son and her granddaughter, Luna. Niobe's only chance to save them was to accept a challenge by the Prince of Deceit--a challenge to be decided in Hell and in a maze of Satan's devising!

Customer Reviews:

Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-24

Husband stands in on wife's killing, she becomes part of Fate.

A woman's husband learns that she will die, and arranges that he will instead. She discovers later that this is a plot of that evil Satan bloke.

The Fates are a tripartite entity, and she gives up the first job, and is invited to the next after spending some time as a mortal again. This repeats, as she gets involved with stopping S*tan plots.

Not the most enjoyable in the series, but worth a read.......2007-05-04

What if death, time, fate, war, nature, evil and good were not mere concepts but offices held by actual people, like any other occupation?

Although initially opposed to her arranged marriage to a 16-year old, 21-year-old Niobe accepts and eventually grows to love her husband Cedric. When Cedric sacrifices his life in place of a death that was meant for her, Niobe, heartbroken, accepts an invitation to become Clotho, the youngest aspect of the immortal incarnation of Fate, whose responsibility it is to weave the threads in the great tapestry of life. While learning her new role, Niobe also learns that she herself has become entangled in the insidious plots of Satan, the incarnation of Evil.

I haven't enjoyed books 2 and 3 nearly as well as On a Pale Horse, the first in the series.

Fated to greatness [no spoilers].......2006-06-16

"With A Tangled Skein" continues the "Incarnations of Immortality" series as Niobe confronts her father about an arranged marriage to Cedric Kaftan. A charming romance and improved character development advance the series satisfactorily surrounded by cheap behavior of regularly narrow-minded male and silly female figures. In addition, one finds the characteristic vocabulary and extended logical reasoning as in most fast-paced Piers Anthony narratives. An unrelenting confrontation against Satan's designs and the ingenious influence of Fate could have weaved an exceptionally interwoven novel.

As with the prior novel, a separate Incarnation (combining the three Aspects of Fate - Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos) propels the action while interfacing among the additional primary Incarnations. Chronos changing office reveals an enlightening experience, conducted in a captivating approach. A few smart yet outrageous situated puzzles challenge the reader preceding the solution.

Meanwhile other chapters appear quite ridiculous, approaching Gaea's residence and the maze in the final chapters. Living people interact among the Incarnations as a part of normal life with little surprise. And the youngest Aspect of Fate, Clotho, debases herself too casually.

I recommend this series to any fan of the fantasy genre. However those of a highly inflexible religious background or intolerant attitude towards religion might want to avoid the selection.

Thank you.

Absolutely Wonderful.......2006-01-05

This was the first of the Incarnations books that I read, and fell in love with the series within the first couple of chapters. I was already a Piers Anthony fan, loving the Xanth series, but this series is much more mature and has deeper plots and characters than the light Xanth books do. You feel for the characters, come to love them, and this is what happened when I began reading about Niobe and her life. Honestly, this book has changed and influenced my life in a many ways, and silly as that may sound.

While this is a stand-alone novel, much like Anthony's other series books, I highly suggest reading this one begining to end--it will help with understanding some of the later books, as this is one series that is incredibly interwoven.

Lots of fun, Packed with Twists & Turns.......2005-05-19

After "Bearing an Hourglass" I just wasn't sure if I wanted to continue with Anthony's Incarnations of Immortality series, but was convinced by the reviews here on Amazon to give the third book a shot. I have to say that I enjoyed Fate's story almost as much as Death's story "On a Pale Horse". "Skein" is packed with great characters that you really cheer for. I don't even want to give away a hint of the story, but I felt that "Skein"'s plot has been the best of the series so far, and really makes you want to read the next book of the series. Anthony's unique writing style is so much fun. And the story of Fate is just so imaginative and engrossing you won't be able to put this book down once started. With Summer almost upon us, I would highly recommend you throw a copy of "Tangles Skein" into your beach-bag with you tanning lotion, as this almost a perfect summer read.

Physics of the Soul: The Quantum Book of Living, Dying, Reincarnation and Immortality

Average customer rating:

Banish your fear of Death!
excellent food for thought
Paradigm of The Quantum Monad, Jivaman, Eternal Soul
On the right track, but...
The esoteric made understandable

Physics of the Soul: The Quantum Book of Living, Dying, Reincarnation and Immortality
Amit Goswami
Manufacturer: Hampton Roads Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1571743324

Customer Reviews:

Banish your fear of Death!.......2007-08-24

Physics of the Soul: The Quantum Book of Living, Dying, Reincarnation and Immortality by Amit Goswami was for me a look at the possibility that life continues on. I am a believer in God, so what was I worried about? Because not much is said about our state of existence in the scriptures, except for resurrection, then heaven. But where is heaven, our personality? Our soul. If there is no such thing as communicating with the deceased, then why do we as Christian profess the "communion with Saints"? I got a clear picture of some of these things in Mr. Goswami's book. By the way you will want to read all of his books!

excellent food for thought.......2007-04-04

As a student of Dr. Goswami, i very much enjoyed his thoughts and the models that he proposes. While so many in hte west have been taught since childhood that we have a 'soul', we're never given much of a context within which to hold that concept. Dr. Goswami provides some interesting models, based on The Upanishads, that i am still thinking about and applying months after first reading this book. If you are a student of consciousness, metaphysics, or just curious about the possibilities, Physics of the Soul is a must read.

Paradigm of The Quantum Monad, Jivaman, Eternal Soul.......2005-05-14

Interesting book. Here Amit Goswami attempts to validate the paradigm of a soul that survives the body eternally based on quantum physics. In this "monistic idealism" he equates the soul with the quantum monad and the Jivaman of Sri Aurobindo and the Atman in Hindu Vedic philosophy. This book is another paradigm that supposedly contains the answers to the surviving soul or quantum monad, the subtle body which enters a nonlocality (a connection of potentialities connecting every point in space an time) and carries our tendencies and phobias with us to our next reincarnation. How the purpose of life is a play or battle of two forces, creativity and entropy

Some of the book is on quantum mechanics, how matter gets bogged down in stubborn paradoxes and quantum measurement paradox, and so his science, as in Sri Aurobindo's, is the subtle, the supramental, mental and vital experiences, a science of consciousness and nonlocality where the quantum jumps take place in webs of interdependent connections.

Thought is conveyed of the six bardos found in the Tibetan Book of the Dead and their relation to the human memory of information that dies with us at death and the quantum monad & quantum memory, which he believes carries the tendencies and habitual patterns in each reincarnation. This of course takes us to angels and higher beings of consciousness, death yoga, karma, maya Akashic memory, techniques of meditation, creative thought verses thought, potentiality and the range of choices of actuality.And the idea of the self is all - solipsism, the ideas of how our consciousness collapses the potentialities, turning it into the reality.

I enjoyed the suggestion of three Tibetan practices of one: the death prayer or the Hindu bhakti yoga of devotion to a deity. This is usually done with a private and personal mantra. Two: living a life of service and sacrifice, the attitude that is, is one of service and applied positive meaning. "Instead of looking at pain and suffering and recoiling from the, we embrace pain and suffering to relieve not any pain but the pain of humanity." p. 194. In this, we mentally visualize ourselves containing all consciousness - solipsism, and the power to heal and extend love to all beings. We sacrifice ourselves in this mental capacity and breathing techniques. And Three: Jnana yoga of effortless contemplation, that of concentrating without concentrating or focusing without concentrating, the paradox of concentrative energy while relaxing your mind and this allows you to enter beyond the discursive thought processes to the silent consciousness of the observer self..

I particularly enjoyed a 4 page thought on Involution and Evolution. While in evolution we expand and raise ourselves to the whole, in involution we contract and lower to separate fragmentation in grosser levels, forgetting itself, and decreasing freedom. It is a play of consciousness where there really is no separation but rather consciousness forgets itself for the sake of play, it pretends to forget.

The last chapter of the book gives a good summary on nine interpretations of the soul and its survival and journey.

On the right track, but..........2004-04-21

Mr Goswami appears to be on the right track with this research, however where the book falls down is that the sources he cites in support of his argument seem to be taken at such face value. I find this lack of 'scientific' methodology quite surprising since he has taught physics for 32 years. Certainly I agree with Mr Goswami that the standard 'proofs' are not available for this work, but even so, he needs to find a middle road, so that it doesn't just end up as just another 'new age' book. And that would be a shame! Somewhat different, but a good example would be 'Old Souls : Compelling Evidence from Children Who Remember Past Lives' by Thomas Shroder. In addition, chatty idea's sessions with his wife, limit one's ability to take his writing seriously. Finally, Mr Goswami should pick up the phone and call his publisher, who just-so-happens to publish 'Astral Dynamics: A New Approach to Out-of-Body Experiences' by Robert Bruce. Goswami will have many questions answered by reading this book. And, in the case of Bruce, I was willing to ignore any lack of scientific method, because from the moment you pick up the book, you KNOW that he knows what he is talking about. By comparison, Bruce's book is a groundbreaker.

The esoteric made understandable.......2002-01-04

When death occurs in the family, our rational minds cry out to know more about life after death. Religions offer consolation that God is love and there is heaven beyond, but we wonder if there are any confirmations from studies of human minds which open doors to the after-life. Accordingly we have eagerly picked up books promising answers only to be quickly disappointed. Too many scientific words such as collective unconscious, determinism, morphogenetic fields, non-locality, etc., at best leave our minds only dimly grasping the author's intent. Reading into other cultures about dharma, maya, moksha, jivanmukta and vedanta, will cause us to send another promising book back to the library, or our lower book shelves, unread.
Aware of this too often encountered problem, the author of Physics of the Soul, has included a thirteen page glossary explaining the meaning and purpose of the lesser known words he has used. To those attempting to become adequate in reading this and similar books, such a service is a godsend. Using Goswami's glossary, we can not only understand his Physics of the Soul, but also, find light from numerous books previously beyond our comprehension.
Amit Goswami, along with other writers who have given many lectures and workshops, is aware of certain frequently asked questions. These he thoughtfully answers in chapter eleven. Here again, Physics of the Soul should draw, and hold, a much wider circle of readers than most books on similar esoteric concerns.

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