Customer Reviews

First Class Ticket: A Novel

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

A WARM, ENGAGING AND WONDERFUL READ! This is one that will stay with you long after you read it. I am generally wary of stories with a message, but the same person who recommended that I read The Alchemist - one of my all-time favorite novels - recommended I read First Class Ticket, and I was not disappointed. Indeed, Ann Marie Zakos herself has clearly been touched by Paulo Coelho's fable of self-discovery, as have many before her been. I found deep spiritual meaning in both stories, but Zakos' compelling tale is much more timely and relative to the world we all know. It is one of those rare books I have found myself unable to read it without a highlighter in hand - an indication for me that I found much to be worth remembering, and reading again and again.

At any given point in our lives we are all quite secure in the confidence that we know who we are and where we're at, what is best for us, and what is both right and wrong with our lives and the world around us. Nonetheless, at each subsequent future point in our lives we are able to look back and chuckle (hopefully) at our previous ignorance and lack of perception. This may be no more evident than when we look back at what we thought was right, and what we valued most, when we were 18 years old and leaving home to make our way in the world - but this amazing transition continues to happen throughout our lives. Life is indeed a journey, not a destination, and as long as one's mind is open, it is a constant evolution of perceptions, beliefs and values. It is as inevitable as age, because one cannot help but grow, and thereby change, as time and life's experiences work their magic on our souls. All we need to carry us through the journey is to look within.

Zakos' inspiring story introduces us to three readily-identifiable young collegians at just that point in their lives, each with their own values, dreams and internal conflicts, involuntarily thrust together in a philosophy class none wanted to take. As different from each other as they are, we can relate to each of them as people we have known - or have been ourselves - and each, like us, thinks they know all they need to know about themselves and about life. The lead is Madison, and the last thing in the world she either wants or needs is an early morning philosophy class, or to be forced to spend a week on an assignment with two such unlikely partners as Diana and Brian. So certain is she that she nearly drops the course immediately.

Instead, for reasons she does not know, she decides to give it some time, and over the course of a week the three of them take a remarkable journey of self-discovery in which they meet their initial assignment and uncover what their professor calls the nine truths of life. In doing so, they encounter a cast of unique and insightful characters who help them discover things that were always inside of them - nine simple ideals which are at once self-evident and at the same time hidden to most of us. At first, the entrance of the people who come into their lives seems almost contrived, as if somehow set up by the professor, but it soon becomes clear that these personalities, those who are able to help each of us on our own personal passages towards self-discovery, are always around us if we would only be open to them, and in fact it was the students' open-mindedness and seeking of these opportunities that presented these characters to them. In the end, it does not matter that their minds were opened by an assignment, because it really matters not how we get there. What matters most is our willingness to have our perceptions and values challenged, and to be willing to change them.

Perhaps the most significant of these is the Santiago-like Nathan. As he describes his own journey, one is reminded of the ordeals of the Andalusian shepherd boy who refused to let adversity or fear of failure get in the way of achieving his goals. Trials and tribulations presented themselves to Nathan, as they do to all of us, but instead of giving in to the fear of the unknown, he battled up the hill in search of that which he sought - and he was willing to pay any price to achieve what he desired. That was his test, and this, I believe, is the greatest lesson of First Class Ticket. "I tested you at that crucial point to see how much you wanted your vision to come true. I wanted to know how much you believed in your vision." It is human nature to be too concerned with what others may think of us or what we are doing - especially our parents (Diana) - or to be afraid that we are just not strong enough to handle the adversity that may accompany doing that which we know in our hearts would make us most happy. In essence, we convince ourselves that our inability to deal with those secondary elements would prevent us from ever being able to be truly happy, and so we look for happiness on an acceptable, secondary level, and in so doing we convince ourselves that it is either good enough or that it is the best that we can do (the glass merchant). The most disappointing element of humanity is not those who do not know - it is those who do know, and are afraid to follow what they know, afraid to follow their heart. The message is not complicated, except for those who are afraid to face the truth or unwilling to take the challenge. "Everything gets lost when we fail to recognize the coincidences that occur." Do we have it in us? Do we have the courage to recognize the coincidences and act on them? Are we willing to overcome our own selves to achieve that which we know makes us truly happy, or will we accept the sense that we are not good enough or strong enough, and give in?

Like Coelho's tale, Zakos' story moves swiftly - the pace is quick and the story never drags. What differs is that the setting, the cast and their experiences are those we can all relate to intimately. It is less a fable and more a real-world, real-time tale that is at once current and at the same moment timeless. It should appeal to all of us, because the characters represent all of us. They are either who we are, or who we were, and because our own personal growth never ends, it has great value for all of us. Those who are able to understand that their perceptions and what they value most will be different tomorrow than they are today are those most blessed, for their minds and hearts are truly open to the possibilities for true happiness. "Not everybody can experience these truths without being ready to alter their perceptions of life." In her insightful conclusion, Zakos' analysis of mankind's movement from the material age to an age of information and spirituality is unique, perceptive and thought-provoking, and her sagacious illustration of the violin and the bow as a metaphor for humanity and the world around us is brilliant. It is something that will resonate within me for a long, long time.

Such is the quality of her perception and her writing. Zakos has a rare gift for bringing spiritual symbolism to life in a way that we can all relate to. Moreover, she has an artful and eloquent flair for painting a picture with words. She describes scenes, and people, and particularly emotions with a vividness and a passion that makes them palpable, and makes the reader feel a part of the moment. The scent of a breeze, the sound of a sigh, feelings of disappointment and joy - all are articulated with such skill that you are moved to them, to feel them as your own. It is impossible not to be drawn into the characters and the changes they are experiencing as they make their journey. With caution, so as not to give anything away, I can say that Zakos' vibrant description of the baseball game which brings to Madison and her friends the ninth and final "truth" of the professor's assignment is as vivid and descriptive as that of any professional beat writer for a major daily newspaper or sports periodical. In two words, the account of the game and its effect on the students is both riveting and profound. In the end, the love that Madison discovers, a love that comes from within, is such that your own heart will swell with the joy that she feels.

Reading this book reminded me that life does not have to be a daily internal conflict. It can be simple, and joyful, and full of the love that Madison discovered, if we will only allow it. Are there indeed nine truths of life? Or are there 15, or but one? At the end of the day, the message is the same, and it applies to all of us, regardless of how you get there: Identify yourself, and who you are. Identify what matters most to you, and open yourself to the possibilities - and be willing to endure what you will face to reach them. Fill yourself with love, and do not be afraid of the perceptions of others or the difficulties you may encounter in the journey. Once you find that which truly makes you happy you must pursue it without fear - fear of societal norms, the opinions of friends and family, or your own weaknesses. That is the message of Ann Marie Zakos and First Class Ticket - in addition to being a thoroughly entertaining story in its own right. You will enjoy this one immensely -- I enthusiastically give it 5 stars.

First Class Ticket by Ann Marie Zakos is a thought provoking, intelligent, and insightful novel. From the moment I started reading I couldn't put it down. I was amazed by the characters-I felt like I've known them forever. I especially liked how the author used nine profound insights she called "truths" to convey life lessons. I learned a great deal from these "truths" and I am trying to incorporate them into my daily life. I loved this book. I highly recommend it.

Ann Marie Zakos's novel First Class Ticket is a must read! Because of its metaphysical insight on life and coming of age story, it really grabbed my attention. Instantly, I was drawn to Madison, the protagonist. Often times, I have felt like Madison, challenging life's "Why/How is this possible?" The friendship that Madison, Brian and Diana share is a rare, special relationship that Zakos depicts well. The culmination of the novel, however, is the climax- the baseball game- where everything comes together beautifully. Zakos's ideals, truths and insight are carefully mastered in this entertaining and often funny novel. I would recommend it anyone who is looking/open to self discovery/spiritual awareness. Thumbs up!

A simply wonderful read, First Class Ticket by Ann Marie Zakos is the story of three college students who gradually discover life's "nine truths". Delving deeply into an exploration of how to draw energy from near by to gain strength, use the third eye as a spiritual guide, learn how to change perspectives to see life in a magical way, observe culture within the proper historical context and learn life's ultimate purpose, and build inner strength through contemplation and meditation to bring about lifelong transformation, First Class Ticket is entertaining, thoughtful and thought-provoking recommended as an insightful and inherently fascinating narrative that intertwines seemingly inexplicable coincides with life enhancing discoveries and personal revelations that everyone of us possess the entire university within our own being, that our human bodies are mirror images of the earth, and there is an inner peace within us all, and also within us is the true key to loving and being loved.

Ann-Marie Zakos takes an inspirational approach to presenting a work of spiritual and philosophical questions in her novel "First Class Ticket". She presents nine truths of life, which she cleverly intermingled into a work of fiction; where three students are challenged by their philosophy professor with an assignment to unravel these nine truths.

The reader will follow these students as they realize, learn, ponder and grow. They are guided by various people into new epiphanies and a deeper understanding of their own individual being; making them look into themselves, and to reflect on their own choices.

These truths are discussed from various perspectives by the diverse characters, and the students use their personal experiences and perceptions to approach, digest and interpret each truth in their own way; at their own pace. The author was careful to give each character a distinct set of personality traits; and to bring them from various walks of life and belief systems to exhibit how each one might perceive each challenge. Any reader can find someone to relate to in these wonderful, three-dimensional characters.

Ann-Marie Zakos takes a collection of ideas and philosophies that would normally read as something dry and abstract by most standard presentations, and delivers them in a conversational, informal manner which makes these deeply relevant ideas easy to digest. She puts them into the context of real life, and fleshes these truths out into malleable ideas that are relevant to all of her readers.

This book is a refreshing change for its genre. The characters are fun and realistic, the challenges and ideas strong and meaningful, and the author's writing style is engaging and descriptive, mixing ideas of depth and significance with beautiful visuals through the eyes of her main character. It is an easy, yet enlightening read.

There are no coincidences. We come face to face with life lessons every day and can grow from them if only we choose to. Ann Marie Zakos reminds us of this in her fantastic work of fiction, "First Class Ticket." Philosophy should be this fun and enlightening for all of us!

Madison is upset when she learns that she has to squeeze a philosophy class into her busy college schedule. What's worse is that it ends up being an early morning class and she doesn't know anyone else who is taking it. The teacher is somewhat mysterious and on the first day he gives an assignment to learn nine truths within a week. These truths are printed on cards in an envelope, but are written in a way that is not truly understandable until a guide helps them to figure it out. The trick is that the students can't seek out their guides; the guides must come to them. The kids are grouped into experience partners and as luck would have it (no such thing...) Madison is grouped with two partners instead of one. Brian is a lighthearted happy young man, while Diana is somewhat his opposite. Together the three must uncover what these truths could possibly mean to them. Along the way, a remarkable thing occurs - friendship of the deepest kind.

The truths will affect these three friends in life changing ways and the process of discovering them is somewhat miraculous from their point of view. Strangers come up to them and engage in philosophical conversations, guiding them toward understanding. What's more is that you as the reader will come to these understandings too. Like Madison, you might learn to draw energy and give it back to those around you, change your perspective from negative to positive, and develop your inner strength through thought and meditation. Like Diana, you might learn to trust your instincts. And like Brian, you might learn that you are already on the right path.

This story is much like a fable, where characters learn a lesson and teach it to us as well. But it is some much more as a delightful work of fiction and is rich with many messages of growth. The cast is lovable and endearing, making you wish you could be at that campus and taking that class. The writing is tight and well executed. The descriptive imagery is nicely done and evokes the feel of the campus quad, freshly cut grass, sandy beach, and an energetic college baseball game. This book is for readers of all ages, from high school to grandparents, for we all could do to learn a thing or two and reading for enjoyment knows no age. I highly recommend "First Class Ticket," for, "adventure lights the path to spiritual development."

'First Class Ticket' is a story that delivers 9 real truths of life in such a way that anyone can relate to and apply these truths into there own lives. Ann Marie Zakos has written a story that weaves together a treasure of ancient and modern spiritual wisdom that is bound to create inner dialogue that leads to growth and self-improvement.
Working for a publication company I am constantly receiving self improvement books to review but 'First Class Ticket' was entirely different! I would highly recommend this book to anyone that is at a cross road in life or is just seeking to discover the deeper truths life has to offer. I would give it two thumbs up !

Joe Hart
Aspectarian Magazine

Reviewed by Tabytha Joy (age 15) for Reader Views (7/07)

"First Class Ticket" is a book about a girl in college who has to take a philosophy class in order to take the courses she needs for the occupation which she wants to study. Madison is not looking forward to taking this class. She said she has already taken it once, but with a different teacher. She meets two people in her class that she must work with to learn to see the world in a whole new way.

At the beginning, Madison is not happy with the people she gets paired with. She gets paired with Brian and Diana. Brian is a boy that has a decent outlook on life, but does not see the world as he will after this project. However, Diana has a bad outlook on life and cannot see the good side of anything. All she wants to do is drop the class all together and just forget about everything else. She will not let anyone convince her to change her mind.

Throughout this story Madison, Diana, and Brian work together to see things in a whole new light. They learn to see the world in a whole new way -- in a way that no one would have thought of.

In my opinion, "First Class Ticket" is a great and well-written book. I really like how the author was very detailed about everything that was happening. This book can teach us all about the way we see things. My favorite part of this book was when the author described what part of the Earth was which part of our body. I found that very interesting. I really enjoyed this part because I would have never thought to look at the Earth in such a way. And the funny thing is that the entire thing makes perfect sense! The Sun, sky, air, and wind -- it was all really interesting!

This book is a must read for everyone! I've really enjoyed reading "First Class Ticket" and I hope to read many more books by Ann Marie Zakos.

Book received free of charge.

This is one of the worst books I've ever read. It is BORING, BORING, BORING. The plot is scarce, the characters are uninteresting and the concepts are a direct rip off from The Celestine Prophecy; which it a much better read.