Customer Reviews

Circles in the Sand

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Women everywhere will applaud the writings found within Whitehouse's Circles in the Sand. There is a little bit of every woman's story in her story. There are some parts of her story that some women will never experience. But the one universal truth in Whitehouse's story is that women who take necessary risks to search their souls and define themselves reach a point of being keenly aware of who they are.

From the Dedication page: "To my family - this is who I am." With that one powerful statement, Whitehouse drew me in and didn't let me go until I reached the final word of this powerful book.

Circles in the Sand is Whitehouse's very personal memoir of her quest to understand the events of her past and to move beyond them. Daring to do what few women would dare to do, Whitehouse travels through the Middle East on an emotional and spiritual journey to "find herself." What she found by the time she had completed her journey was the window into her soul and a degree of self-love, self-acceptance and confidence that allowed her to share her journey with others.

From the About the Author page: "Edna Whitehouse now goes by the name 'Samadhi,' which means 'Being one with the Divine and being in the moment.'" "A writer who has never forgotten what it feels like to be young and be silenced, Samadhi's messages are: Break the cycle of dysfunction. Be heard. Take back your own power. Go girls!"

The author's work deals with a number of very painful topics, including incest, homophobia and the brutal devaluing of women in the cultures of the Middle East. Through such specific topics and through some very common threads in the lives of all women, readers come to know not only Whitehouse, but the Middle East through her eyes and the beauty in women basking in the midst of other women to claim or re-claim their power.

Whitehouse is currently working on a second book titled Separated at Birth. With her comfortable writing style and her depth of character and substance, I will be eagerly awaiting this book's release!

by Lee Ambrose
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women

Dear Samadhi:

Hope all is well. I am finally at the library, and have the time to share my thoughts with you about your book. I manage to get here only once or twice a week. I am getting ready for a trip to England next week, something that is adding to the busyness of my lifestyle.

We met and chatted at your booth during the Body, Soul, & Spirit Expo in Calgary in April 2006.. It was just after I retired from the Alberta Government as a social worker in the child protection field. I read about half the book, and {personal life issues arose}. Your book remained untouched until recently when I managed to finish it.

I am part of two spiritual groups in Calgary and they are a good stabilizing influence. Both teachers are women who are connected to a current that I resonate with at the present time.

When I finished your book, I felt deep appreciation that I had been exposed to your journey, but traumatized over what you experienced, as a child and a woman. Though I encountered a lot of child sexual, physical and mental abuse in my profession, the job itself was highly rigid and bureaucratic, leaving me with little quality time to spend with the children.

I was a case manager and arranged for therapists to work with the children. I knew the big picture about each child, and in general terms the emotional and behavioural consequences, but I never had the chance to get into such a detailed exposé of the personal side of what the child experienced. Hence, your sharing about what you experienced as a youth and adult was highly relevant, and served to round out my understanding of what this kind of suffering is all about, including the deep emotional and mental scars it leaves.

Circumstances took you to lands where male brutality to women, both psychological and physical, not only prevailed but was culturally sanctioned. I cannot help but wonder whether you were guided to what you experienced simply in order to exacerbate your personal issues and bring the whole thing to a head, where psychological release from your attachments and inner turmoil was the only alternative for a harmonious inner life to prevail.

You came out of the other end a whole person with a lot of understanding of the letting go process, something that can help many people you encounter, if they are receptive to hearing you.

I hope your present life is fulfilling and that you encounter ongoing growth and happiness. When I settle down somewhere, which only the universe knows where and when it will be, I will extend an invitation to you and your partner to visit and enjoy our beautiful Rocky Mountains and turquoise lakes.

Best Wishes,
Doug Christou, Calgary

Turning the pages as you unravel each layer of the veil takes you beyond religions, borders or sexual orientation, into the core of the human Spirit. Your heart travels along the edges of your own insecurities and fears as you explore life through someone else's eyes. Samadhi's amazing journey makes you want to do something, anything, to give your higher self a chance to come into the light, release those butterflies, who in turn will give wings to every Soul they touch along the way. As the circles widen and open up, the little flutters of the voice of LOVE are heard.

This book touched my heart and gave me hope that women can survive abuse in all areas and find the strength to heal and move forward in ones life. I have worked as a counselor in the area of trauma and abuse, for over twenty years. Themes of healing from trauma and discovering ones sexuality only empower and strengthen ones soul from the inside out. I could relate to the family of origin wounds for all individuals and the ability for Samadhi to discover, heal, and forgive are truly the answers to finding peace and serenity within. I was touched by each page of absolute honesty and willingness to share her story. Samadhi, you have changed my life because of this book and reminded me one more time that love does prevail. Thank you.

Linda Mackenzie
Social Worker
BSW, RSW.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Samadhi's Circles in the Sand is a thought provoking read that I couldn't wait to finish. It is well written and the story flows from start to finish. This is not one woman's struggle; it is every woman's struggle for equality, self respect and self love. I recommend it to everybody.
My only suggestion would be to include maps of the Middle East at the beginning to get a better understanding of Samadhi's travels.
Way to go, Samadhi!

When Janice gave me your book to read, she did so with such high expectations for the reader. I am delighted to say that I was not disappointed. Janice did say that our stories are parallel in some instances and I really enjoyed how similar our lives were and how aligned with spirit they are for both of us now.

I could not put your book down and it took me less than 2 days to complete it. Upon completion all I could think of was the many people I know personally whom could and would benefit from your story, what obstacles you've overcome and how you went about achieving it.

Thank you. It was heart pounding, shattering and rejuvenating all at once. I will be strongly recommending your book to many in Australia.

Love and light to you.
MF, Queensland Australia

I have finished the book.... Oh my God! There is so much I want to say.
Firstly that I'm so sorry for what you've been through-the agony of reading about your family.
Secondly, and most important, how proud I am of you for many reasons-what you've turned your life experience into is an inspiration.
Third, what a prolific and audience-capturing writer you are. My God, I really couldn't put your book down and everything except being a necessary mum went down the toilet so I could finish it.
I felt all of the emotions that went with each chapter-and all of the peace from the rooftop of Tawam.
You are such a talented writer. Honestly, I was spell bound and the manner in which you delivered your story is prolific. Look up that word and all that it means because it is you--and your talents.

JS - Australia

I voraciously read this book. This story is amazing and poignant in describing the author's experiences of "coming out", growing up in an abusive home, and her experience as a North American woman living in the Middle East.
This book captures the author's spiritual journey and how she has learned to grow as a person and find inner peace. I was pleased to read about the step-by-step process she took to gain some knowledge and acceptance, and the sense of wholeness that she was able to transmit in the final chapters. The feeling of peace that she gained, and the "global" realization of being connected to the world is an important lesson. I am very thankful that Samadhi Whitehouse was able to share it in such a way that is accessible to all.

This is a courageous memoir of emotional and spiritual healing from self-hatred and self-abuse to self-affirmation. Samadhi explores painful themes dominating her early life - emotional abuse, incest, religious oppression, and homophobia - and through her story we watch her grow from naïveté and victimization to strength and self-awareness. An intrepid explorer of both inner and outer worlds, Samadhi searches through other countries and cultures for the deeper reality of the people she meets and for meaningful connection with them, at the same time as she celebrates the precious quality of the short time they share together. Her empathy embraces a broad mix of races, cultures, classes and religions. Of particular interest are her reflections on the Middle East, where she spent several years. She shares her first hand experience with religious dogma and extremism, and she takes a hard look at gender relations. She confronts oppressive authorities throughout her life and her travels, but she comes to realize that her biggest challenge is to confront her own self-oppression. Her book is both a testament to and a celebration of her success in finding her own voice. With its intimate style, it offers a map of the heart for others on their own inner journey.

Very moving and touching book. This journey should inspire many people. Especialy young women or women who are searching for their truth. It was a page turner. I wanted to know she was going to make it. Circles in the Sand touched my heart and is a must read book if for nothing else but inspiration that we can survive.