Customer Reviews

The Ethiopian Tattoo Shop

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Ed Hays has a rare and unusual gift for story telling. Trained by Benedictine monks, he has lived his adult life in Kansas thought travel ling extensively in the near and far East. The Ethiopian Tattoo Shop is a collection of 12 stories worked round a wonderful frame story which begins and ends in jerusalem . These stories, which are best read one at a time and savored, mix the ordinary and fantasy in delightful and life enhancing way. This is no simple parable book where the message is telegraphed long before the end of the story. It continually intrigues, challenges and surprises the reader. Some of the stories, truly can be life changing. Get the book and find out why it has such an unusual title. These are not just great stories but may be helpful for teacher and educators and preachers in giving a fresh and lively insight to the age old issues of what it means to fully and playfully alive. As a bonus the book is illuminated by Ed Hays in his own inimitable style. If you love stories and story telling don't miss out on this rare treat.

Inspiration and solace for the foot sore pilgrim,
this book provides needed nourishment for travelers
of all flavors on the path to enlightenment.
Delightful!

Sweet stories that inspire. Short, simple stories that allow you to search for a moral lesson. As suggested by another teacher, I have been reading the short stories to my classes (sophomores) & they write various reflections. Yes, it is possible to hook high schoolers with "story time".

This book was a wonderful venture outside the conventional christian inspiration literature genre. It returns to the basic idea of humanity and compassion that the religion is built upon without becoming boring or repetitive. It asks the questions we all ask ourselves but for every person that reads this book a different outcome is present. The art is also unique and motivational in its symbolism. I recommend The Ethiopian Tattoo Shop for christians and theologians of all types.

Edward Hays was the guest speaker at a gathering in Willmar, Minnesota many years ago. He appeared before his audience at St. Mary's wearing an apron and explaining to his audience that it was the role of all to be of service. Many, especially the women in attendance, were scandalized by his appearance, and said that it was beneath the dignity of a prist to wear an apron. It was his insight of service that drew me to his teaching. I bought The Ethiopian Tattoo Shop that day. It is one of the most remarkable books I have read. Just as the parables of the New Testament provided teaching lessons, the wonderful stories of the tattoo shop provide insight in a delightful way.

I had this book read to me at an advent retreat back in 1988. Loved hearing the parables. I now read it every advent but it can be read any time of the year.

By far one of my favorite books. This is Edward Hayes at his best and he takes you on a spiritual journey like no other