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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Treasure of Spiritual Authenticity, April 25, 2010
This review is from: Summer's Path (Expanded Edition) (Hardcover)
Summer's Path is a book that masterfully achieves a rich and paradigm shifting integration of the sacred and the mundane. The story opens with Don, dying of pancreatic cancer at far too young, uninsured and scrimping on proper treatment in a valiant effort to save his wife the lone burden of lifelong debt. However, the arrival, through dreams at first, of an unexpected spiritual ally (Robert), transforms what first appears to be a desperate death sentence into an adventure of personal reclamation and catalytic transformation.
Blum takes the reader on a journey where even something as seemingly menacing as cancer becomes instead a teacher - an opportunity for healing, liberation, and a deeper understanding of life's ultimate mysteries. Don, his wife, and I would say even Robert in the end, are all catapulted into experiences and realizations that bring them into an ever deepening awareness of the profound intelligence behind all of life's dramas.
Expect to be both uplifted and challenged by this book. You will grow in unexpected ways as you follow this story that "erases the line between life and death." Part of Blum's gift is his ability to articulate the possibilities of spiritual resurrection without glossing over the simultaneous realities of grief, loss, and the painful personal surrenders sometimes necessary to gather the pearls of spiritual growth. Because of this, Summer's Path is a treasure of spiritual authenticity, a story of mystical human-ness that speaks to the trials and insights of every human journey.
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9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Intriguing yet disjointed, April 15, 2010
This review is from: Summer's Path (Expanded Edition) (Hardcover)
Don is having a really bad year. He lost his job, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and held no medical insurance. Afraid of leaving his wife in debt for years after his death, he suffers with the pain instead of seeking help since he doesn't want to leave more debt after his death. He contemplates suicide, until he meets Robert in his dream. Robert acts as Don's spirit guide, suggesting to Don that he needs to wrap up his loose ties. When the pain becomes too much, Don relies on Robert's experience to lead him in the right direction.
This short novel began normal enough, albeit extremely depressing. Then, Robert appears and the soul-searching novel becomes much more paranormal. At first, Robert seems to be an angel. He appears in Don's dreams, giving him advice and guidance. By the end, I felt Robert was more bad than good. The choices Don made with Robert's suggestion made me cringe at times, myself not quite understanding the decisions that led to the turning point of this book.
I was intrigued by the suggestion that Don's cancer originated from him being unbalanced spiritually and mentally. Also, the lesson later in the book about opening different aspects of oneself as a form of healing was interesting, too.
In general, Summer's Path is okay. The story seems disjointed especially since the beginning and end do not match in tone or subject. Also, some of the spiritual lessons are long and drag down the pacing of the story. Summer's Path read quickly, but instead of presenting an uplifting story of spiritual awakening, I simply felt depressed with Don's tale and was left angry at the lack of resolution.
BookingIt Grade: C
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful Read, April 25, 2010
This review is from: Summer's Path (Expanded Edition) (Hardcover)
Summer's Path is a story about transition, integration of life experiences, the lessons of letting go & the possibilities of spirit. The book takes you through the main character's journey of self discovery on a soul level with the help of his walk-in Robert. The book had my attention from the opening page until the last sentence and I also enjoyed how quickly I was able to empathize with many of the Summer's Path characters. It is intelligently written and a wonderful afternoon read.
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