Amazon.com
The Holy Man is a delightful pilgrim's tale set in the modern world. Written with wit and verve, it tells the story of a gentle-natured disciple who, in the space of a week, moves from fear and doubt to joyful enlightenment. Anna's teacher is Joe, a wise and patient sage who sees in her the acolyte he has long been seeking. As their relationship grows, she begins to assume his mantle, while he sees her become ever more sure-footed. Watching this relationship unfold is wonderful, and Susan Trott shows uncanny insight into the nature of friendship as well as the interplay between pupil and teacher.
But this novel isn't solely about Anna's progression towards enlightenment, since she doesn't come alone to the holy man's door--she is accompanied by her skeptical husband, Errol, and their two children. They, too, have spiritual journeys to make, and in so doing enrich and instruct both Anna and her mentor. The Holy Man is a charming read and an uplifting one that never veers into the sentimental or trite. --Lucas LoBlack, Amazon.co.uk
Customer Reviews:
A delightful story for all ages.......2007-02-09
I was very impressed with the wisdom shown in this small book. I wish Hollywood film writers would pick up on these nuances of behavior; they could change the world!
A Must Read!.......2007-01-19
I give this book to all my friends for their birthdays. It's an easy read and a must have for anyone on a spiritual path. I only wish the sequel, The Holy Man's Journey, were still in print!
Holy Man Surprises.......2006-10-18
Each month I write a short recommendation for our church newsletter. This book is my choice for November for it is one that will appeal to everyone. The answers from the holy man when I was sure he could not possibly come up with one for that person, delighted me. The best point about this great small book is that it does not focus on any particular religion, but is useful for all of us, including those considered "spiritual" for it leads the reader to recognize no matter how wise a person becomes, we still remain flawed and need such books to help us see this. I am about to purchased another copy for a gift.
Witty & Insightful Short Stories.......2006-04-05
First, I just have to say that I love this book!!!
"The Holy Man" is filled with wonderful, important insights, all woven into a series of witty short-stories that follow the paths of the visitors who have come to see the "holy man", the hermitage monks who live with him, and the "holy man" himself.
Each short-story revolves around a particular insight, and allows the reader to see how various traits & perceptions can play out in our own lives, as well as the lives of our loved ones, and even "strangers"...
A few of the insights I received/remembered from reading "The Holy Man" include:
*Much happiness can be gained by simply treating everyone we meet as a holy person - as we all are from the Divine
*Worry, anger, greed, resentfulness, etc... only eat us up inside, and no good can come from it
*How we view our lives & the events/experiences within it are based on our perceptions, and we can always choose to perceive things in a different way
*We can only control our own perceptions, beliefs, lives - we cannot control others
Overall, I found this book to be an insightful, interesting, fun read, and I would highly recommend it.
over a thousand kiddos can't be wrong..........2005-10-28
I have given this book as a gift more than 100 times now. I often give it to graduates - both high school and college. As a teacher, I've had the opportunity to read this book to over a thousand students. Of course there have been students who didn't get it or who did get it and simply didn't like the book, but most (possibly over 80%) have enjoyed the story and learned something from it. I have also sent this book to people in some sort of trouble - jail or rehab type situations - and the gift has always been received with great enthusiasm. Personally, the book changed my life, as trite as that sounds. I keep hoping Oprah will discover and share it.
Book Description
The most famous Native American book ever written, Black Elk Speaks is the acclaimed story of Lakota visionary and healer Nicholas Black Elk (1863–1950) and his people during the momentous, twilight years of the nineteenth century. Black Elk grew up in a time when white settlers were invading the Lakotas’ homeland, decimating buffalo herds and threatening to extinguish their way of life. Black Elk and other Lakotas fought back, a dogged resistance that resulted in a remarkable victory at the Little Bighorn and an unspeakable tragedy at Wounded Knee.
Beautifully told through the celebrated poet and writer John G. Neihardt, Black Elk Speaks offers much more than a life story. Black Elk’s profound and arresting religious visions of the unity of humanity and the world around him have transformed his account into a venerated spiritual classic. Whether appreciated as a collaborative autobiography, a history of a Native American nation, or an enduring spiritual testament for all humankind, Black Elk Speaks is unforgettable.
This special edition features all three prefaces to Black Elk Speaks that John G. Neihardt wrote at different points in his life, a map of Black Elk’s world, a reset text with Lakota words reproduced using the latest orthographic standards, and color paintings by Lakota artist Standing Bear that have not been widely available for decades.
Customer Reviews:
Native Respect.......2007-07-29
Both Thomas E.Mails and John Niehardt have brought to life the true nature of the Native American in their masterly renditions of their interviews with these Medicine (Holy) men, both Fools Crow and Black Elk. The result is an understanding of the simple honesty, good nature and trust that initially left them so open to exploitation. More importantly, they demonstrated a sincere belief in God that the 'White Man' was singularly lacking in the early pioneers. Their beliefs ran parallel with the Primitive Church as established by Jesus during his ministry in the Middle Ages.Fools Crow
A Great Vision.......2006-05-08
_Over the years I have read this book in the wilderness and in the wasteland. Every time that I have reread it I have come away renewed.
_There are just so many levels on which this account can be appreciated. It is one of the best first-hand accounts of plains life- from camp life, to the march, the hunt, courting, healing, etc. It is also one of the best first-hand accounts of historical events- the Fetterman Fight, the Wagon box Fight, Red Cloud's Treaty, the Custer Fight, Wounded Knee... It is also a first-rate autobiography of the deepest thoughts of a man who fears that he may not have lived up to his God-given destiny. But, above all, it is a legitimate Revelation from the world beyond.
_At times Black Elk seems to despair that he didn't live up to his great vision. Personally, I do not see this. He did what he was supposed to do. First, he brought his vision to his people in the form of the magnificent Horse Dance. Then, in his twilight years, he wisely brought the same vision to the outside world in the form of this book. This was too powerful and universal a vision to be confined to one people alone. Every part of it resonates with the Perennial Philosophy, the eternal religion that underlies all true Tradition- from the World Tree at the center of the people's hoop, to the certain knowledge that the things of this world are but a shadow of the true Reality of the next.
_As far as the sacred herb of four blossoms is concerned that he saw at the end of the forth ascent- that was the rebirth of the sacred tree from sacred seed. This book is that seed.
Wisdom and Inspiration Abound!.......2006-03-16
This is an exceptionally moving book for anyone yearning to know more about Native American spirituality. Black Elk was truly a man filled with the holy spirit. It reminds me of the book, Walking the Trail, One Man's Journey Along the Cherokee Trail of Tears. Both are highly recommended.
A Religious Classic?.......2006-01-11
It says on the jacket of this book that Black Elk Speaks belongs in the company of 'religious classics'. Maybe so, but even if you regard his visions as indicative of a religious experience, the parts of the book dedicated to the description of these visions make for rather tedious reading. The real meat of the book is his decriptions of the last of the major indian battles at Rosebud, Little Big Horn (Custer's Last Stand), and Wounded Knee. Black Elk and his friends were there, and lived through those harrowing days. A must-read book for anyone who wants to know how it really was.
Black Elk Speaks.......2005-09-20
I am really enjoying reading this book. It is the second time for me but it is as good as the first time. I know it is the kind of book that I will read over and over again!
Customer Reviews:
Holy Man: Father Damien of Molokai.......2005-08-13
Very interesting, and informative on the times that the event was occuring in the Hawaiian islands. The story kept focused, and was very easy to read and keep up with.
The Best Book on Fr Damien.......2005-06-25
I visited the leper colony on the island of Molokai, the villages of Kalawao and Kalaupapa last March and this book was recommended to me. I picked it up from a gift shop there as I went round visiting the sites of Fr Damien's enormous and extensive ministry. I also heard from the tour guides, stories of the zeal and dedication with which he ministered to the ill-fated leprosy patients. I also knew about him from other sources.
The book is a wonderful read. It brings to the light of the world a rather obscure life of a Catholic priest who belonged to the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts Fathers and worked in the mission of Hawaii. His devotion and dedication to the ministry in favor of the lepers and his eventual martyrdom as a leper seemed to have moved this non-Catholic writer to go into detailed research and strenuous investigation to bring out such a classic work on the subject. Gavan Daws does not idealize Fr Damien's life or make him a superman. According to him Fr Damien was an ordinary man, a priest with his own frailties and flaws, at the same time a hero and a martyr worthy to be called `holy.' The book in fact, is more than a mere biography of the leper priest. A lot of research and study has gone into the writing of this book which is a story of leprosy in the Hawaiian islands, a history of the Church in the second half of the nineteenth century, besides being the life of a saint-to-be. I hope that the book will inspire ordinary people to make deep personal commitments and fulfill them with extraordinary devotion and fervor.
Undoubtedly the most scholarly work yet on this topic........1998-06-18
"Holy Man" is undoubtedly the finest and most scholarly work to date on this topic. Prior to Daws' work, the overwhelming majority of books on this topic have been somewhat biased as they were produced by Catholic clergy and lay writers. Daws has brought the secular historian's skill to this subject and has produced a truly balanced account of the life and work of Father Joseph DeVeuster. Only a visit to the Molokai, Hawaii, settlements of Kalawao and Kalaupapa will provide the reader with a more detailed account of Father Damian's life and work among the lepers of Molokai. Father Daimian was beautified in 1993. A church inquiry is underway to determine whether or not this "Holy Man" should be made a Catholic saint. "Holy Man" is required reading for anyone even marginally interested in Hawaiian history. In the short period of time this work has been in print, it has become required reading for all students of Hawaiian History, American approaches to chronic and incurable disease and Catholic doctrine pertaining to leprosy and lepers. Daws has written a masterful account of the life and works of this important nineteenth century Catholic clergyman. "Holy Man" is the definitive work on Father Damian and is likely to remain so well into the next century. Father Damian was buried on the island of Molokai until earlier this century when his remains were exhumed and re-interred in his home of Louvain, Belgium. Today, only his hand remains buried on the island of Molokai. The hand is widely regarded as a religious relic.
Excellent Book!! Great history, very inspiring!.......1997-10-29
Gavan Daws does an excellent job writing an unbiased account of the life of Father Damien. The author shows great respect for all the characters that appear in this story. The history surrounding Damien's life is accurate and enjoyable. The book is very inspiring and eye-opening. A must-read if you are interested on the Hawaiian Islands.
Book Description
In 1931 John Neihardt traveled to Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota to interview Lakota elders who had witnessed the Ghost Dance and the Wounded Knee Massacre. He met Black Elk, and their two weeks of intense talks became Black Elk Speaks, one of the most important biographies of an American Indian ever published. Accompanying John Neihardt to help him observe and to take notes were his two daughters, Enid and Hilda. For the first time Hilda Neihardt presents her memories of those interviews. She celebrates the days and nights of storytelling, camping, feasting, and horseback riding with the fresh eyes of a bright fourteen year old. The volume includes never-before-published photographs and answers many questions about the collaboration between the Lakota holy man and her father, called Peta Wigamou-Gke, or Flaming Rainbow. Hilda Neihardt lives on the west bank of the Missouri River near Tekamah, Nebraska. For years a private attorney, she now devotes much of her time to presentations in schools and to service organizations.
Customer Reviews:
A must read.......2003-01-09
Anyone who has ever read "Black Elk Speaks" should put this book "Black Elk and Flaming Rainbow" on their must read list. Written by a woman who was there during the interviews, this book sheds much light on the arguement of whether "Black Elk Speaks" is fiction or non-fiction. It also explains why "Black Elk Speaks" could not have been written exactly as Black Elk had told his story to Neihardt. The book also touches lightly on interviews leading to the writing of "When the Tree Flowered" also by John Neihardt, as well as "The Sacred Pipe" by Joseph Epes Brown. This book is a must read for anyone interested in Lakota culture.
Book Description
The captivating and spiritually illuminating tales of the Holy Man continue in Susan Trott's wise and witty follow-up to her national bestseller. In The Holy Man's Journey, the beloved man on the mountain undertakes a pilgrimage of his own to find his old teacher. Accompanying him is his student successor, Anna, who learns life lessons along the way. Intimate and revealing, this is a tale of friendship and love that shows the human side of the holy man while never ceasing to instruct and enlighten the reader.
Customer Reviews:
I wouldn't have thought Susan could do it, but..........2005-10-28
she did! A sequel as good as the first. I've given THE HOLY MAN to many as a gift and those who responded with enthusiasm often get this book as a gift later. Many of these people like THE HOLY MAN'S JOURNEY better! I don't like it better, necessarily, because THE HOLY MAN came into my life in an unusual way at just the right moment and I don't think any book could compete with that. Still, ...JOURNEY further develops the story and has some great new characters. There are many lessons to learn in a simple, beautiful way.
Wonderment and joy........1998-10-06
If you haven't read these two books -- "Holy Man" and this one -- do it. Keep them if you can, because you will want everyone you know to read them and you will give them as special gifts. I gave these books as a birthday gift to a friend and she said -- "Oh my gosh, I've been looking for these!"....See what I mean. You'll love them.
It really is a C-L-A-S-S-I-C!.......1997-04-11
When I discovered that Susan Trott had written
more about The Holy Man I could hardly wait to
get "We've found the book" on my e-mail.
Thankfully ordering from Amazon was easy but
waiting for it's delivery was almost as frustrating
as the final weeks of a pregnancy. By the end of
41 short sections, Susan Trott again had this
reader's admiration of the way Joe's journey
increased Anna's capacity to become Joe's
successor. The changes in Anna's husband and
Joe's mentor reinforces one's belief that there
really are no coincidences. This book, along with
The Holy Man, deserves all the words of praise
on the book jacket and more. This is a classic
to be read again and again
Average customer rating:
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CCEL Classics CD: works by Saint Augustine, John Calvin, John Donne, Julian of Norwich, Brother Lawrence, Martin Luther, Saint Teresa of Avila, Thomas Aquinas, Thomas a Kempis, John Wesley, and more!
Dr. W. Harry Plantinga
Manufacturer: Christian Classics Ethereal Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: CD-ROM
 Mariology
| Catholicism
| Christianity
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Christianity
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
Luther, Martin
| ( L )
| People, A-Z
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Augustine, Saint
| ( A )
| People, A-Z
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1931848076
Release Date: 2006-12-15 |
Product Description
The most important spiritual writings of Christian history are available on this Classics CD by the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) at Calvin College. It contains 118 Christian classics, including three versions of the Bible, several commentaries, Bible dictionaries, readings, spiritual guides, sermons, poems and journals -- all in a convenient, searchable form. Books are available in HTML and PDF formats. The easy-to-use CCEL Desktop software powering the CD enables users to browse and print books and install additional books from the Web. The top-of-class search engine can search for words or phrases in books, in authors works or in the whole library. In addition, it can search for dictionary definitions of words and commentary or references to scripture passages. The interface is a Web browser. The CD is compatible with Windows 2000+, Macintosh 10.3+, and most Linux versions.
Customer Reviews:
The Sacred Pipe.......2007-01-10
Black Elk is and was sacred Elder. Through his life we are given this knowledge. He has helped many to understand the way of the Lakota; following the natural law. While not all Lakota follow the traditional ways as closely as they did before the arrival of the white man, they are still connected to these rites and inhierently understand these teachings. It's only to outside world that these things become suprising moments of clarity. Joseph Epes Brown took time before it was too late, to record these teachings, which is a blessing and a gift of knowledge to all who would read, understand and heed these words. If you wish to learn what dwells is in the hearts of Native American people, you would do well to open this book and your minds.
Profound and deeply rewarding. .......2006-07-27
I haven't actually finished this book yet but I'm looking forward to doing so. This spirituality is deeply sophisticated and elevated. I think the whole world is greatly indebted to the American Indian Nation. Furthermore, thank you for wonderful service.
Gain an understanding of the Sioux way of thinking.......2004-04-01
A beautiful book. You can learn about Siuox religious practie and beliefs. The reader will come away with a sense of how similar religios faiths can be. The Sioux it turns out are not so different from Christians, Hindus or any other group that uses faith to guide people through what is both difficult and beautiful in life.
Rituals Described in Great Detail.......2004-03-08
I recommend reading this book if you are interested in the rituals and culture of the Lakota. It provides clear and interesting discussions of major rituals that form important components of their way of life. The material is drawn largely from interviews with Black Elk, and the writing really explains significance of important details in the various practices. The book also provides a good basis for understanding how the cultural practices fit into Lakota history. This book is also a fine one to read in relation to "Black Elk Speaks," "The 6th Grandfather," and "When the Tree Flowered."
If you want peace, read this book.......2004-01-31
Joseph Epes Brown was fortunate in meeting men who possessed great human and spiritual qualities, especially Black Elk who had a unique quality of power, kindliness and sense of mission. Born in 1862, Black Elk grew up when his people had the freedom of the plains, hunted bison; he fought at Little Bighorn and at Wounded Knee Creek and knew Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull, Red Cloud, and American Horse. He traveled with Buffalo Bill to Italy, France and England. During his youth Black Elk was instructed in the sacred love of his people by Whirlwind Chaser, Black Road and Elk Head from whom he learned the history and deep meanings of his people's spiritual heritage. Through prayer, fasting and deep understanding of his heritage, Black Elk became a wise man, receiving visions and acquiring special powers to be used for the good of his nation. Because of his sense of mission Black Elk wanted this book to be written so that the reader could gain a better understanding of the truths of the Indian traditions.
In his foreword Black Elk tells us: "There is much talk of peace among the Christians, yet this is just talk. Perhaps it may be, and this is my prayer, through our sacred pipe, and through this book in which I shall explain what our pipe really is, peace may come to those people who can understand, an understanding which must be of the heart and not of the head alone. Then they will realize that we Indians know the One true God, and that we pray to Him continually. I have wished to make this book through no other desire than to help my people in understanding the greatness and truth of our own tradition, and also to help in bringing peace upon the earth, not only among men, but within men and between the whole of creation."
The wisdom of the Indians is based on such concepts as "The Earth is your Grandmother and Mother, and She is sacred. Every step that is taken upon her should be as a prayer" and "Every dawn as it comes is a holy event, every day is holy." The Indians developed their own religion based on the gift of the sacred pipe given by a very beautiful woman who approached two Lakota Indians out hunting. One of them had bad intentions and he and the mysterious woman were wrapped in a cloud. When the cloud lifted the sacred woman was standing there and at her feet was the man who was nothing but bones and terrible snakes were eating him. Black Elk interpreted this as an eternal truth: "Any man who is attached to the senses and to the things of this world, is one who lives in ignorance and is being consumed by snakes which represent his own passions." The mysterious woman presented the tribe with a pipe and stone, explaining the significance of the gift. On her departure she said to the Standing Hollow Horn: "Behold this pipe! Always remember how sacred it is, and treat it as such, for it will take you to the end. Remember, in me there are four ages. I am leaving now, but I shall look back upon your people in every age, and at the end I shall return." These four ages find a parallel in the Hindu tradition during which true spirituality becomes increasingly obscured until the cycle closes with catastrophe, after which the primordial spirituality is restored and the cycle begins once again.
Through the rite of the keeping of the soul, the Indians purified the souls of the dead and increased love for one another. This rite is followed by the rite of purification, known to us as the sacred lodge. The ritual of "Crying for a Vision" was used long before the coming of the sacred pipe. Crazy Horse received most of his power through "lamenting" or crying for a vision for some great event or ordeal such as going on the war path. "But perhaps the most important reason for 'lamenting' is that it helps us to realize our oneness with all things, to know that all things are our relatives; and then in behalf of all things we pray to Wakan-Tanka that He may give to us knowledge of Him who is the source of all things, yet greater than all things." Chapters are devoted to the Sun dance - one of the greatest rites; to "The making of Relatives" reflecting the relationship between man and Wakan-Tanka; preparing a girl for womanhood; and the rite of "The Throwing of the ball." Through these ceremonies we learn how the Sioux have come to terms with God, nature and their fellow man.
If you question the superiority and validity of the goals of western society; if you are conducting a self-examination; if you are re-evaluating the premises and orientations of our society; if you are concerned about our environmental crisis; if you are concerned about the problems created by highly developed technology; if you are questioning our basic values concerning life, nature and the destiny of man; if you are open to look at the models represented by the American Indians; if you want talk about peace to become action about peace you will find something of value in this book.
Book Description
Out of the traditions of healers, shamans, and other leaders of complementary medicine, the healing ways of renowned Lakota Sioux medicine man Gary Holy Bull are featured in this profile of his life and teachings. Using Holy Bull's own words and writings, the traditional ways of the Lakota Sioux are evoked through texts, contemporary and historical photographs, quotations, profiles, and first-person accounts. His descriptions of the Yuwipi ceremony, the Sun Dance, and other healing rituals illustrate his emergence as a respected elder and as the embodiment of Lakota beliefs. Also included is a CD of stories, actual dances, chants, and prayers that capture Holy Bull's teachings of the four basic values: kindness, honesty, sharing, and courage.
Customer Reviews:
please save your money.......2002-10-26
I read this book again, again , and wander where he got his teachings. I really wish he would be honest and tell the Truth that he is not a Yuwipi man. I want to know more of the Yuwipi men but this isn't appealing Please save your money and buy Black Elk Speaks Thanks
Its A Shame.......2002-02-21
I have never heard of Gary Holy Bull Nor has he ever practice among the Lakota People on the Pine Ridge Reservation, I know there are many who say they are yuwipi Medicine men but I do like to think that this book can be honest atleast to say that Mr Holy Bull is not a Yuwipi Man. I do not tear this man down but the book and what is written about the ceremonies...Will the Truth ever come out?
Lakota Indian Spirituality.......2000-05-08
The subject of Native American healing and spirituality is one that is not easily approached in a world of juried scientific reviews and instant computer data analysis. The topic refuses to be measured, quantified or otherwise put into the boxes we humans like to safely file out own biases into.
As a Native American physician, I am faced with this dilemma every day: how to walk in two worlds with one spirit.
I met Gary and Rita Holy Bull several years ago and heard a number of these stories first hand. I had never repeated them to anyone as they are their stories and not mine to share. I was always impressed by his intimate and personal way of sharing his life and beliefs. I was quite surprised and pleased to see them in print and hear them on the accompanying CD.
This is no ordinary "New Age" second person book about Lakota spirituality: it is in the first person from the source itself. I wonder how long it will take those in search of Lakota Indian spirituality to discover his words. They are given great power as they are spoken from his heart. He discloses as much as he can. Much more cannot be written. Yet the well done art work from the Sun Dance Arbor to that of Gary and Rita at their home in South Dakota make this more of a personal letter and message to the reader rather than yet another opus on Indian spirituality.
Let the reader beware that Indian spirituality themes overlap each other but keep in mind that this work is specifically Lakota Indian in its focus.
Many Tribes and New Age Practitioners have adopted parts of the Lakota/Dakota/Nakota culture both in dress and ceremony. The reader should remember that just as there are many different Indian tribes, likewise Indians take many different paths to ceremonies and practices that ultimately lead them to their own paths and relationships to Creator. This is but one of many.
The serious reader searching for his own path would do well to add "Lakota Yuwipi Man" to their library.
Lakota Indian Spirituality.......2000-05-08
The subject of Native American healing and spirituality is one that is not easily approached in a world of juried scientific reviews and instant computer data analysis. The topic refuses to be measured, quantified or otherwise put into the boxes we humans like to safely file out own biases into.
As a Native American physician, I am faced with this dilemma every day: how to walk in two worlds with one spirit.
I met Gary and Rita Holy Bull several years ago and heard a number of these stories first hand. I had never repeated them to anyone as they are their stories and not mine to share. I was always impressed by his intimate and personal way of sharing his life and beliefs. I was quite surprised and pleased to see them in print and hear them on the accompanying CD.
This is no ordinary "New Age" second person book about Lakota spirituality: it is in the first person from the source itself. I wonder how long it will take those in search of Lakota Indian spirituality to discover his words. They are given great power as they are spoken from his heart. He discloses as much as he can. Much more cannot be written. Yet the well done art work from the Sun Dance Arbor to that of Gary and Rita at their home in South Dakota make this more of a personal letter and message to the reader rather than yet another opus on Indian spirituality.
Let the reader beware that Indian spirituality themes overlap each other but keep in mind that this work is specifically Lakota Indian in its focus.
Many Tribes and New Age Practitioners have adopted parts of the Lakota/Dakota/Nakota culture both in dress and ceremony. The reader should remember that just as there are many different Indian tribes, likewise Indians take many different paths to ceremonies and practices that ultimately lead them to their own paths and relationships to Creator. This is but one of many.
The serious reader searching for his own path would do well to add "Lakota Yuwipi Man" to their library.
Book Description
Rabbi Mark Borovitz was a mobster, gangster, con man, gambler, thief, and drunk. He has seen it all. Now, in this inspiring memoir, he takes you on a journey from the streets to discovering his soul in a ten-by-twelve-foot prison cell.
When Mark was fourteen, his father died and his world came crashing down. Within months, he was selling stolen goods for the mob out of his high school locker, beginning a twenty-year life of crime that ran the gamut from bar hustles and con games to check-cashing scams.
Mark stole and gambled and drank, all the while trying to be the good son, the good brother, the good boy, but his life only spun more out of control until the mob put a hit out on him. From Cleveland he moved to Los Angeles, virgin territory, and amped up his hustles, schemes, and cons. Then came prison, but it only served to increase his legend, and he played every angle and then some in the prison yard.
After his release, the drinking and thieving continued unabated until, at the edge of oblivion, Mark experienced a moment of true divine intervention, a startling revelation that both saved his life and sent him back to prison, where he actually wanted to be. There he found the keys to saving his soul.
Mark Borovitz proves that you can change your life -- profoundly. He is now the rabbi at Beit T'Shuvah in Los Angeles, the House of Return, a rehabilitation facility for addicts of all kinds. Mark knows what these people feel and who they are because he was one of them. He is now, as he says, an advocate for the soul.
The Holy Thief is the remarkable memoir of an amazing man. It is a true-life gangster story, a passionate love story, and a case study in redemption. Regardless of your faith, you will find Mark's story tragic, funny, uplifting, and inspirational.
Customer Reviews:
Jewish Spirituality Works its Wonders .......2007-09-16
One of the most remarkable stories I have read, as the other reviewers have noted, it is truly inspirational.
Borovitz grew up in a warm family, but when his Dad died, his world fell apart. Unfortunately, he was also somewhat influenced by an Uncle who was, in reality, a Jewish mobster. Rootless, Borovitz quickly gravitated to a criminal lifestyle, undertaking increasingly more serious criminal acts. Eventually, he is forced to move from Cleveland, his birthplace, to Los Angeles. Once there, he continues his cons, and eventually lands in prison.
This memoir is well-written. In particular, it describes that one important constant that Borovitz had in his life while growing up was Judaism. His going to Synagogue, the family holiday gatherings - all are described so that the reader feels the deep reverance that Borovitz had, despite his criminal life, for his religion.
He also writes so well concerning his Change - when he began to turn away from his life of crime, and toward something far more worthy of his abilities - that of Jewish spirituality. I especially commend his description of how this took place; other authors who have undergone similar "revelations" often depict it as sudden and earth-shaking, and that from that 'moment on' each was immediately transfored from a
low-life loser to a 'saint'! Thankfully, and far more realistically, in my opinion, Borovitz explains that he was changing, but that it was gradual.
After his transformation, Borovitz completed college and then Rabbinical School. Realistically he hesitated even applying, declaring that they would not accept an ex-con gonif (thief) into their program. However, with the support of his friends, and the fact that G-d often works in mysterious ways, he was accepted with open arms.
Today he is a Rabbi for a community of people who were like him once, but also like him, are committing to changing their lives.
If you ever feel like cons, addicts, etc., can't transform their lives - just pick up this book. You will be amazed.
I'm Already Imagining Myself Crying Watching the Movie.......2005-06-27
Next to the word inspiration in the dictionary should be a picture of Rabbi Mark Borovitz. This is the story of a man whom God chose to send to the deep valley of dispair and addiction so that he would have the experience and wisdom to encourage others to turn their lives around.
Anyone in trouble or who knows someone in trouble should read(no-devour) this book.
Couldn't put it down!.......2005-01-30
Like another reviewer, I don't typically take the time to write a review of books I read. As the wife of an inmate who is changing his life for the better while incarcerated, I seek out inspirational stories of people who have hit rock bottom and have used that experience to reach out to others. I read a short review of this story in Reader's Digest and decided to seek it out.
I read it cover to cover in a Saturday afternoon. The author is so frank, honest, and REAL. His story gives me hope for my husband's future, and proves that good can come after a life of mistakes.
Amazing and inspirational story.......2004-10-26
I never take time to post reviews about books, but I had to comment on this one. I couldn't put this book down. I was especially moved by Rabbi Borovitz's definition of love, which you'll have to wait until near the end to discover. But it's so worth the wait. What an amazing story!
Can't wait for the movie!.......2004-08-25
As a film producer, I get to read many books in galley form. This was one of the most enjoyable reads I've had in years. The story continues to surprise throughout the book. I loved it.
Books:
- The Imitation Of Christ (Hendrickson Christian Classics)
- The Irresistible Offer: How to Sell Your Product or Service in 3 Seconds or Less
- The Journals Of Rachel Scott A Journey Of Faith At Columbine High
- The Joy Luck Club
- The Key to The Name of the Rose: Including Translations of All Non-English Passages (Ann Arbor Paperbacks)
- The Kitchen Boy: A Novel of the Last Tsar
- The Last Tycoons: The Secret History of Lazard Frères & Co.
- The Mammoth Book of Sudoku: 400 New Puzzles - The Biggest and Best Collection of Sudoku Ever
- The Mom Inventors Handbook: How to Turn Your Great Idea into the Next Big Thing
- The Price of Admission: How America's Ruling Class Buys Its Way into Elite Colleges -- and Who Gets Left Outside the Gates
Books Index
Books Home
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The Holy Man's Journey
Crane Spreads Wing: A Bigamist's Story
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The Gift to Listen, the Courage to Hear
Crane Spread Wings
