TO A MOUNTAIN IN TIBET - COLIN THUBRON

RATING: B-

Even in the Himalayas they have rock pigeons! I enjoyed this relaxing read about a travel experience with several notes on birds. Whilst it mentions a multitude of religions, it is based mainly on the geography and culture of the area and people encountered. It is a trip I might have wanted to do myself, had the situation in Tibet been other than it currently is. (Until Tibet is known again as Tibet, rather than as Chinese stolen property, I will not go there.)

This book should appeal to those who have an interest in pilgrimages, mountains, and Himalayan travel.

HINDU SOUL RECIPES - PUSHPESH PANT

RATING: C-

I decided to buy a few recipe books recently - whilst several were on offer. Alas, this one did not contain much that I will be able to make myself. Most recipes contain either ingredients I do not use or cooking methods I find hard to use.

I would recommend this book to someone taking a look at Indian cookery, but only if they have no personal dietary choices already in place and are flexible with methods of cooking.

ACROSS MANY MOUNTAINS - YANGZOM BRAUEN

RATING: A-

I can relate well to the calm peace that accompanies death in old Tibet. I have found this to be the case in my own experience and it is nice to know that I am not the only person with this attitude towards death, which often seems to be the case for me. I can also relate to accepting that anyone - from a friend to a bug - may once have been a close relative or lover. This too I have found to be the case from personal experience. In fact, I appear to have far much more in common with Tibetan attitudes than those of the places I was born and have lived.

The ability to be at peace with dying - rather than desperately struggling to keep the body alive by medical interventions I can also relate to. I have no intention of forcing my body to outlast my all with pill-popping, etc. When it is ready to expire, I will await my next birth.

I found this book to be a beautiful story of value both to those seeking entertainment and those seeking to learn more of the Tibetan culture. It taught me that many things I had believed in but not found alive in my own were present in the Tibetan culture.