Customer Reviews

Learning to Fall

5 star:		(37)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Phil's book is best read without anticiptation or preparation. Like life itself, like the disease which is slowly claiming Phil's abilities, it is the imperfection of our vulnerabity that opens us to the ephiphanies that surround us. If you are seeking to open yourself to a wider reality, if you are able to be blessed by the path others have trod, Phil's book has much to offer. You might come to the book to learn how Phil has dealt with his disability, but you will come away from it with deeper insights into how to deal with your own. This is not so much a book to be enjoyed as it is to savored and keep close at hand.

During a very dark time in my life, I happened to pick up this book, sarcastically thinking that it was going to be a positive thinking fluff ball of well-intentioned writing, but I thought I could use it anyway. Thank heavens my temporary cynicism did not deter me from one of the greatest gifts ever to be in print! This book is a spiritual power tool for anyone coping with loss, a candle lit by a stranger in our stormiest nights. This book looks death in the face with the quiet rage of a human being and the grace of a sage- and offers a bridge over the roughest waters of our lives. God bless you, Mr. Simmons for your hard-earned wisdom and generosity of spirit. May your journey lead to all of the riches you've given us in this book and this life. Just knowing someone has been there has meant meant everything. You have given us a legacy that will last a long, long time. I pity those indifferent souls who find no other better thing to do with their idle lives and self-righteous overblown intellects than to criticize this literary jewel. For the "urban fella" below, you have a long way to go, buddy... and a very hard fall. Only then will you know the value of this book and this man's experience. Marlene' M. Druhan- Author (Naked Soul, Llewellyn 1998)

This book is what every post-modern spiritual seeker is after -- a humane, down-to-earth exploration of the essence of soul, as seen from inside a full, thoughtful, suffering and joyful life. There are lots of references to spiritual "authorities," from Buddha to Emerson, but these just serve to ground the stories and insights. The author himself speaks with such gentle and frank authority that really nothing from outside is needed.

What is special about this book is Simmons' own experience of illness -- he has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease -- and how he has found his way through despair to redemption. Without resorting to any religious "teaching," Simmons still manages to achieve what he calls the chief function of religion: to explore "the harrowing business of rescuing joy from heartbreak."

A humorous, profound, wonderful guide to living whether it's with Lew Gehrig's disease or, thankfully, something far less. Simmons uses New England's towns, weather and general life style to remind us all that we need to do what we need to do and to get on with it. One of the best reads I've had in years!

For anyone facing grief or loss or extreme challenge, Simmon's perspective of the journey his disease has led him through is profoundly instructive and inspiring. Earlier self-published (with apparent success), the book richly deserves the broader audience a major publisher can now bring it. It is a wonderfully written series of essays, each uplifting in its own way. It can be compared to Tuesdays with Morrie...if Morrie had written it. While deeply spiritual, it is not a book about any specific religion. It is a universal message of hope in the face of hopelessness. Of the peace and freedom which come through accepting, even embracing, the inevitability of life's journey.

There are no coincidences in life! I found this book by accident at a time when I was wondering why I was living and if I should continue. I read this book and realized that suffering is what life is about and once we come to accept and internalize it, it's not so bad. Philip truly made me humble before him and I thank him for sharing his deepest thoughts with the world at a most difficult time. He took his pain and turned it around to help others - there is nothing better! He writes with humor and with sensitivity about a subject none of us wants to face but a subject we will all confront eventually. I am a Hospice Volunteer and realize how fleeting life can be. Philip showed me that my work is what makes sense of the suffering. This is an inspirational, uplifting piece of literature without being too "GOD" oriented. If you're questioning life, this book is for you.

Phil provides us with a new perspective on life as he opens our eyes to the world around us through the eyes of someone that cherishes each moment of that wonderful gift of life. He is dying of Lou Gehrig's disease yet, through his insight, this gentle man now sees that as a blessing. Phil takes us on a journey of the soul and leaves us in thoughtful reflection with his uplifting antidotes grounded in his love for New Hampshire.

This is an extremely thoughtful book, powerful medicine for the depressed and an easy read. A solid humanist, Simmons puts things in a way that cannot be ignored and get to the heart of his extraordinary optimism.
Needs to be read by anyone who's disturbed by life's unpredictable viscissitudes.

After receiving suggestions to read this book, I waited almost a year to do so. Knowing the author's illness, I felt some trepidation about diving into something ripe with sadness. But anyone considering this book should know that the book really is a blessing. Because it's not sad. In fact, at moments, it's hilariously funny. The stories and ruminations about life (and sometimes death), told by a man who has as much cheer as he does courage (abundant!) lifted my spirits as much as made me see the humor and beauty in the everyday world. Terrific book.

On a recent visit to Europe, I was surprised by the difference in French and German pastries. Both are beautiful, but the "sweetness quotient" varies remarkably. Simmons writes like French pastry - just a little too sweet for my taste.

This does not mean that this little volume is not worth a read; however, it does mean that it is not an edgy book. Simmons does not take us into his private depths. He does not invite us to share his personal struggles with doubt. When he asks "Why me?" he tends to ask without pathos and pain. He is, instead, unusually humorous and witty.

What Simmons does provide is a collection of twelve remarkable essays that explain why he has not given up on life. Each is written from a post-crisis perspective, and each invites us to embrace life more fully. I cannot resist reference to one story. In it he watches a turtle laboriously crawl out of the water, up the bank, onto the bridge, only to cross the bridge and fall back into the water. While thinking of the futility of all this effort, he sees the turtle start all over again, and is struck by the dance of life. This book is all about dancing in the face of futility.

Although we rarely face the truth, we do not control our own existence. Simmons has had to face this fact in a most terrible and personal way. That he can still find laughter, dance, and hope - even while falling - is remarkable. When my own time of falling comes, I want to face it with this kind of courage.

I think I'll keep this book on my shelf for my next crisis. I think it might help.