Customer Reviews

Anam Cara

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I know of no other offering in the genre of spiritual enlightenment that will leave you as content, and at peace, as this most precious "Anam Cara" Audio presentation from the late John O'Donohue. It is not a how-to approach. It is not a paste it with a smiley face embrace. It is the truest reflection of the man himself, who found a way to transcend a world of pain, and alienation, into a deep well of grace, love, mercy and courage. It matters not - what is your particular faith-or-no-faith at all. Indeed, when I first encountered this audiobook, my husband and I needed help on a variety of levels for navigating not only marriage; but our individual quests for fulfillment in the world and satisfaction beyond what this earth could offer. We listened together, and we listened separately. And having come to the conclusion that we did not "fit" (my husband's motto for life being "If there is more than one person involved, you're gonna have problems...."), John O'Donohue provided that intangible, mystical, yet down-to-earth piece of understanding that truly allowed us the space and place (without and within) to find joy in the midst of joy; joy in the mist of sorrow, as well as joy during that gray- in-between. I can't imagine anyone who would not greatly benefit from what I personally consider to be John O'Donohue's Masterpiece.

If you are seeking nourishment for your soul I would highly recommend this book - it will last you a lifetime, and you will be drawn back to it time and time again.
I moved to Ireland in 1991 and someone I worked with told me of a priest in Galway who was giving a series of talks that I had to go and listen to. I remember her saying - I often don't understand a word of what he is saying, but I could listen to him forever! I felt like that the first time that I heard him speak in a room with 20 other people in Galway. I was lucky enough to hear John speak on many occasions, as I live near him and sang in the choir he supported.
When Anam Cara came out in 1997, I bought a copy immediately and read it. Again - I found an immediate resonance with some of what John was writing about, but other parts eluded me. However, as in my initial experience, even I could not fully understand the meaning of the words, their beauty enchanted me. John's expression is wonderful and his use of language profound - I had never understand nor used the words "fecund" or "penumbral" until I heard and read John using them. Yet now, their richness adds great value to the way in which I see the landscape around me.
Anam Cara, Soul Friend, is a book that I am drawn back to time and time again. When I am troubled, I often let it fall open at a page, and it will always through out some words of solace to me. I read things differently each time I pick it up, as my understanding and awareness changes.

A beautiful book in so many ways. I've owned it for four years and I keep two copies accessible at home and in work because I often pick it up and read a random page. It always lifts my heart or touches me in some way. Everyone should own a copy. Fantastic Gift to give or receive. Applies to everyone. The Bantham Press Hardback Edition is the prettiest version. You probably won't find a brand new copy of that edition, but almost new is well worth having.

I have read John O'Donohue's work for many years, and finally decided I needed to "hear it from the master." I was never disappointed. This is a magical look at the world of the "soul friend" and how to approach your life with a focus that is love-filled and loving. I will listen to this again and again and recommend it to my soul friends.

I was first introduced to "Anam Cara" by a friend while on a trip to Ireland. I expected to love it, but at first I was a bit put off by the author's "poetic" (or perhaps "flowery," as it seemed to me at the time) style of writing... I'm used to reading more scholarly fare that follows a logical progression of thought, and this seemed more free-form and random. I put it aside, and fortunately picked it up again a year or so later. At that point I put aside my judgment and just "went with it", and found I was soon swept away. Very soon it became one of my all-time favorite spiritual books, one I return to again and again. So much comfort and wisdom is packed into these chapters, and the poetry is hauntingly beautiful. I especially liked the chapters on old age, memory, and death. Very comforting to view the spiritual world as being so near to "our" world, and our memories being held for us eternally. Especially if you are a Christian, but even if you're not, I would highly recommend this book.

It is always best to listen to this book first on audio. John O'Donohue's lilting Irish accent presented with 'caesura' allows you to be drawn into the message of Spirituality.

Fantastic as are all of his writings...and then there is John's voice...so mesmerizing...and it's actually in his own words rather than just a reading of his book Anam Cara.

I bought this book in Ireland, and liked it so much, I purchased one for my daughter from Amazon. The delivery was quick and the condition perfect.

This is a British published book by an Irish author, recently deceased. The British bookseller described it as in "Good" shape and that I would recieve it in 2 weeks or so.

Well, I recieved it in 6 days and it looked like it had never been opened. This is service and quality way above and beyond average,

I am extremely pleased.