A Surprise Life: The Spiritual Journey of A Girl From Brooklyn (Paperback)

~ Susan M. Clare (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This memoir recounts my experiences during the 10+ years I was a disciple of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (now known as Osho). The first half focuses on my participation at his ashram in India as well as the background and early influences that led to my becoming a disciple. The second half describes my involvement at our communal ranch in Central Oregon. My initial purpose in writing had nothing to do with publishing. I wanted to explore its potential for examining what destroyed our community from a viewpoint outside myself, on paper. I needed to understand what led to our collapse, and what part (if any) I may have played. As I progressed, however, I realized that others might welcome seeing how this destructive path came about, and perhaps notice a resemblance, as I did, between the behaviors that led to our downfall and similar behaviors in the larger world that might be recognized if we chose to pay closer attention.

Product Details

• Paperback: 298 pages
• Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (November 14, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1439252815
• ISBN-13: 978-1439252819
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #137,389 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Surprise Read, January 20, 2010

By	Susan Stevenson (Julian, California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

Clare's story is indeed a surprise read because right from the beginning of her story she captures you, the reader and pulls you along, as if you're inside her psyche, on her incredible journey from a sheltered beginning in Brooklyn to a wild ride through India and the US with an Indian Master. I was captivated from the start and didn't want it to end. I look forward to the sequel with great anticipation.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Be There Now, December 6, 2009

By	Bhasha Leonard (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

Susan Clare tells the people's history of the Rajneeshee movement. Her tale is that of thousands who went to Poona, India, and The Ranch in Oregon, USA, in the seventies and eighties, to try something different. Those who believed there might be a better way to be in the world by opting out fill these pages. These are the ones who climbed to the mountain top in community and went down with the ship. For orange folk it is their unwritten memoir, a chance to relive those crazy times, to connect the flashbacks. For their friends and relatives, Clare gives the prompts, the jumping off points: Tell me about.... For those who missed this attempt at creating heaven on earth, here is your chance to go beyond the headlines to see what all the fuss was about.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating account of life with Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (Osho), December 5, 2009

By	Felix Roth (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Beautifully written, this book is an insiders story about Susan's life in the Indian Ashram, and the US Commune with Bhagwan and his disciples. It's a well balanced account of her experiences; honest, vulnerable, and a joy to read. Well worth your time!