Customer Reviews

Gifts from the Mountain: Simple Truths for Life's Complexities (BK Life (Hardcover))

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Eileen Mcdargh blends a very contemporary transcendentalism - ala Thoreau and Emerson - with a blythe spirit and poetic soul. The book itself is a journey of sheer delight. I've been a huge fan of Rod MacIver's illuminating water-colors for a long time. That these two artist should combine forces is an immeasurable gift. Wisdom both beautiful and profound... I plan on buying a bunch for all the fellow wilderness enthusiasts in my life!

This is a beautiful book - the illustrations and the comforting words are both exactly the kind of book we all need right now in our crazy world. You feel the author's warmth and wisdom throughout all the pages; it's a book to return to again and again.

The physical beauty of this book is topped only by the beauty and practicality of the metaphor of Gifts from the Mountain. Eileen McDargh has done a masterful job of creating for readers the experience of climbing to reach goals through these captivating words and illustrations. As a psychologist, I love books that get right through to that emotional part of the brain to bring about real-life results. This one does just that. As a boost to personal motivation or as a gift to someone you want to encourage, this is a wonderful book. I give it top ratings! Dr. Beverly Smallwood

I found this to be a deceptively simple, incredibly powerful book that is not only for personal insight but for professional wisdom. Best of all, I found out that the author has written three downloadable "conversation fire starter" guides on her website to help derive a deeper dialog at work and at home. I wear a lot of hats and was happy to see one for leaders, one for coaches and one for community members. I've read several of her books and they have all touched me.The Resilient Spirit: Heart Talk for Staying Rightside Up in a World That's Upside DownTalk Ain't Cheap...It's Priceless! Connecting in a Disconnected World

When your workaholic colleagues and friends do not let up on their all-enveloping "goal", give them a respite they may pick up and read one day - and feel different when done. Thank you Eileen for this sensory, elegantly-simple gift book of reminders for why we are helped by taking that pause and looking around. Sculling out on Richardson Bay here in Sausalito this morning, I reflected back on her wise insights.
- Kare, movingfrommetowe.com

"Gifts from the Mountain" is a gem! Eileen McDargh has beautifully captured the essence of wilderness exploration with its numerous challenges and countless rewards. She's shown us lessons learned in the mountains that can enrich our "doing, being, living, and working" back home. Roderick MacIver's illustrations are the perfect complement to McDargh's writing: they show us many of the treasures to be found when we take the time to notice the quiet beauty around us.

Many books will encourage you to stop and take a breath. "Gifts from the Mountain" will take your breath away ... and fill your lungs, your heart and your soul with joy. You won't want to run through this journal of wisdom ... but rather sip it one thought at a time. Eileen McDargh's way with words will show you the way on the trails of life's adventure.
John Blumberg, Author of "Silent Alarm: A Parable of Hope for Busy Professionals"

This book reminds us that the journey of life is often a mountain climb,and frequently we forget to notice the beauty around us as we struggle uphill, gasping for air. Thank you, Eileen McDargh for your lucious insights.
-Lola Gillebaard, author of Laughter Made From Experience

This inspirational book offers wisdom learned from many difficult and sometimes dangerous backpacking trips that the author has taken with her adventurous husband over a span of two decades. Though the trips sound awful to those of us who consider a hotel room to be camping the author has learned much that is of value that she shares with her readers in this book.

Each short chapter beings with a beautiful illustration by Roderick McIver and a quote from the author. It is clear that the author has learned to slow down and notice the small but important things that often escape our notice such as flowers found in an unexpected place, tiny stones that can trip you up, wild and tasty onions that can be added to soup and beautiful constellations that you cannot see when you live in the city. McDargh takes these and other unexpected pieces of wisdom and relates them to the challenges that we encounter in modern life. Her wisdom is inspirational and her prose lyrical. I stayed up late reading this book until the wee hours and I can't help but think it would make a terrific gift for friends, family or co-workers!

I read this books several times as a bedtime reading. It can smooth my mind and spirit. I sincerely recommend this book.