NINE LIVES - WILLIAM DALRYMPLE

RATING:C

This book contains nine stories from various Indian beings of differing religious and social standing. The very first story gave me someone to relate to, in their sharing of my attitude towards death among other matters. I too am opposed to Western medicine, though not for the same reasons, and I too wish to die naturally rather than prolong my ailing body by pill~popping when something arises that cannot be cured without.

I related well to this first tale, as I also shared a rejection of vehicular use, have lived several of my more than 40 years with one meal a day, and hold ahimsa as higher priority than convention. The stories continued, traversing such variables as Godly whores, blind singers and soldier monks.

I would recommend the book to those interested in seeing a different side of India from the conventionally seen city life.

SEVEN YEARS IN TIBET - HEINRICH HARRER

RATING: B+

Predominantly a good read, spoiled by my not being able to attune to the Western viewpoint from which it is written. For one example, the use of prayerwheels is referred to as 'childlike', whereas it is something I myself have faith in and consider to be meaningful. I have not seen the movie that was made from this book, but as it is not shot in Tibet itself, I have no inclination to move beyond this book, which gives insight into the Tibetan way of life ~ that I can relate to far easier than that of my own culture.

I would recommend the book to those interested in the Tibetan way of life shortly before it was ruined by Chinese invasion and those interested in seeing Tibetan culture through Western eyes.

CLASSICAL KOREAN POETRY - I&T by JAIHIUN KIM

RATING: C+

The majority of poems seem to refer to former officials who have escaped to the countryside and taken such delight in the natural life as to pop poems. They talk of seagull friends, fishing, farming, plum blossom and disappearing into a haze of wine~soaked contemplations. Unfortunately, the printers malfunctioned when printing my book as several pages are missing/duplicated in my copy.

My personal recommendations to those wishing to sample just a few poems rather than reading the entire book front to back as I did are as follows: 15, 1665, 1840, 733, 1386, 2370, 1223, 2213, 632, 740, 468, 457, 2231, 1972, 1190, 423, 840, 254, 292, 1122, 1952, 381, 1178, 2076, 1060, 766, 787, 524, 2301, 2070, 1958 and 1049.

I would recommend this book to those interested in reading poetry, Korean studies, and those wanting a change from the more familiar Euro~American style poetry.

THE FUTURE IS NOW - KARMAPA

RATING: B+

A thick and chunky book filled with short constructive quotes composed by HH the Karmapa. Although primarily aimed at the worldwide youth of today, the quotations cover a wide range of living situations and choices and can guide readers of all ages.

I would recommend this collection to those interested in an easy yet helpful read, those wishing to read words of wisdom from Karmapa, and those interested in how we can make ease with today's many life struggles.

THE SPECIAL YEARS - VAL DOONICAN

RATING:B

Having been a fan of Val Doonican since my schooldays, discovering this book among the many in my inheritance led me to read it, unlike most of the books which I have now gained. I found it interesting and informative, as I did not know anything of Val's private life or youth, merely of his TV shows, vinyls, and a live show that I once attended. My parents appear to have picked the book up for 50p at some point, probably from a jumble sale.

I would recommend this book to Val Doonican fans, people interested in European music from the 1950~2000 era, and also fans of autobiographies, TV, Irish music, and entertainers.

OLD MAN BASKING IN THE SUN - KEITH DOWMAN

RATING: A

This book took me a long time to read, primarily as it was one where much contemplation is required in addition to concentration. Covering Longchenpa's famed text 'Treasury of Natural Perfection', the book guides us through understanding via various commentaries. I found the first and fourth parts more comprehensible than the second and third, with the fifth part the simplest to comprehend. I shall have to read the book again at some point, as I am far from total understanding, however. It was originally recommended to me by my former teacher.

I would recommend the book to those interesting in studying/practicing Dzogchen, and reading Longchenpa and Nyingma texts.