Customer Reviews

Tying Rocks to Clouds

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The author, William Elliot is someone you might know, the boy living next door, who went away to the University, whose parents died when he was young, someone who was raised by loving parents, that is, until they died when he was a teen. He keeps alive the values and love his parents showed him but he is searching for something. He is looking for meaning - meaning to their death and his loss. He was a psychology major at the University of Wisconsin when he conceived of interviewing the "wise and spiritual" people who are alive today. His method was deceptively simple ... he sought answers to 25 - 30 questions that might unlock the secrets to his dilemma. Questions such as, "What is the meaning or purpose of life?" "Do you believe in G-d or Ulitmate Reality?" "Why is there suffering, evil in the world? and What is its cause?" "What is important to you?" "What are the three most important problems in life?" He was dissuaded from pursuing this endeavor, to write a book about his conversation with the "wise and spiritual" people whom he interviewed. He overcame challenges and obstacles to interview the people on his list, all the while holding firmly to his goal. He met and interviewed: His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Ram Dass, Norman Vincent Peale, Robert Schuller, Jean Houston, Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, Rabbi Harold Kushner, psychologist Albert Ellis, psychologist B.F. Skinner, Pir Vilayat Khan, Frances Vaughn, Stephen Levine and even Mother Theresa. He interviewed a total of 21 high-profile persons deemed 'wise and spiritual' by modern standards. The author does not interpret the answers for us, instead he writes out the answers given to him by each person interviewed. In some cases, he writes an introduction prior to the interview, letting the reader know how he managed to get an appointment or interview with the "important" person or else he describes some interesting event or circumstance concerning the interview. He seldom makes a judgement about the person or what they said ... his writing style is matter-of-fact and straight forward. This style of writing makes the book a valuable and worthwile reading experience. It is as if, you, yourself, decided what questions to ask and took the time to write out the answers, sometimes, in utter amazement, that you snagged the interview with his or her eminence ... The author also made a trek to Nepal to meditate and visit one of the most spiritual climates and areas of the world. We learn of his experiences and interactions with people he met there. This book is recommended for anyone who has any interest in spirituality or has read any book by the persons whom the author interviewed. It can be said the author found the truth which he was seeking ... Erika Borsos (erikab93)

The fact that those who were willing to be interviewed by this sincere "nobody" with a yearning ache speaks for their specialness as well as his. Varied in outlook from the Scientific-Practical to the Expansive-Otherwordly the range is surprising and profound, the similarities enlightening, while Elliott's reflections augment! You will find a human salad of ideas and emotion and be inspired to explore some folks you've never heard of. Of great value to share with friends and family at all passages of life. Some of the Illuminated Souls include Jean Houston, Pir Vilayat Khan, Stephen Levine, Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi. Includes Christians, Buddhists, Jews, Mystics and those who foreswear association and question the questions. If you've ever wondered about life, don't miss this opportunity!

This was one of the most beautiful and touching books I have ever read. I have given it to 3 others as gifts - 2 people that had experienced a difficulty with death, and 1 on their own spiritual search in life. I can't recommend it highly enough. I'm about to read it again for the 3rd time.

William Elliot is a brave soul who had the naive courage to approach some of the greatest philosophers and spiritual leaders of our times to gain their perspective on the meaning of life. Remarkably, he gained access to a number of these prophets, who answered his questions in a thoughtful and decidedly heartfelt manner. There is much to provoke thought and inspire action in these pages. As drawn as I was to the book, eager to move from interview to interview, I found I needed to pace myself to better absorb what I was reading. Sometimes I felt my heart sing with the joy of hearing the expression of a kindred spirit. Other times, my desire to be compassionate and respect the beliefs of all felt challenged by the expressions of people with a greatly divergent perspective. Both experiences were of great benefit to me. The wonder of this book, outside the fact that it even came to be, is the engaging narrative Elliott weaves through the interviews. In his unabashedly honest, touching, and humorous, style, Elliott wryly observes that the path to "knowing" can be a twisted and never ending journey of delightful surprises. Travel along with him, you won't be disappointed.

William Elliott's writing style is easily read. The story of years and years of travels focuses on those interviewed and telling their story in such a way as to bring many interviews into a perspective for the reader's appreciation of what Elliott's life has been about -- all a well-woven fabric. His objective stays well-centered. That gave me a real sense in reading this most interesting book about various religous leaders and her/his successful living out their dedication. Elliott has indicated his next one is on experiences of 40 days in the desert in looking at how Jesus did his forty days there two centuries ago. I am excitedly looking for it to show on the market.

I thank William Elliott for providing these varying insights from fascinating people. Many interview comments resonated with my own search for enlightenment. I've read writings from many of these people and have wanted to ask them the questions Bill asked. It was great reading.

I oordered this book as a "thank you" and did not have overly high expectations. I was very pleasantly surprised by the authors abilty to comvey the essence of the answers from the interviewees. I found that I enjoyed reading a bit after a day's work and that I was fairly relaxed and spritual by bedtime

This book took the author a long time to finish and just the project itself is an inspiration. The resulting product is a wonderful heart warming book. I got this book from the library and in the end had to buy it. You should too.

I completely adored this book. I got it from the library during a time of spiritual searching (and ended up buying it) and found so many view points, ideas, insights and other authors to read. This is a very concise guide to many different life thinkers. I then bought his next book 'A Place at the Table' which I just finished and loved and am starting his 3rd book 'Falling into the Face of God.' Can't wait to read! Bill Elliott has so much courage and I greatly admire his path in life. May we all take notice and proceed through life with this type of vision! Thanks, Bill!

William Elliot presents a wide range of, at times, conflicting beliefs, and does so with open-mindedness and respect for everyone. The range of views is truly amazing and the results are a profound book that will make you think.