[BOOK REVIEWS]
In Print Reviews by Kayla Hancock
Magic of a Sober Life, by Laura McKowen
Origin of the Soul and the Purpose of Reincarnation: With
(New World Library, $25.95, Hardcover)
Past Lives of Jesus, by Walter Semkiw, MD
We Are the Luckiest: The Surprising
Laura McKowen shares with readers her experiences with alcohol addiction with a straight-forwardness that is refreshing and raw. She admits her journey has not been easy; however, coming out on the other side of this hardship has helped her to remember how beautiful it can be to fully process one’s emotions and to live authentically.
A Theology of Love:
Reimagining Christianity through A Course in Miracles, by Richard Smoley (Inner Traditions, $18.99, Paperback)
Breaking the traditional molds of theology, Richard Smoley proposes a new model of Christian principles based on love, forgiveness and consistency. Smoley contends that the predominant theology in the West has been full of contradictory and nonsensical beliefs that are just downright confusing. In this book, Smoley combines ideas from various ideologies such as Hinduism, Buddhism, mystical teachings, and more to provide a vision of spirituality that is more universal, applicable and understandable.
Chaos to Clarity: Sacred Stories of Transformational Change, by Rev. Patricia Cagganello and Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos. (Sacred Stories Publishing, $16.99, Paperback)
Patricia Cagganello and Kathleen O’KeefeKanavos aim to bring hope into readers’ lives by sharing true stories of individuals who have overcome adversity. They also offer their expertise on how and why change is beneficial. Challenges they share include struggles with illness, addiction, abuse, heartbreak, and more. 26
| CONSCIOUS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2020
(Pluto Project, $12.95, Paperback)
What happens to us once we die? This question can be debated endlessly. Walter Semkiw, however, believes in reincarnation. Semkiw tries to prove that we actually reincarnate when we die by citing verified childhood past-life memories and by sharing statements from a famous trance medium to support his theory.
Loving Out Loud: The Power of a Kind Word by Robyn Spizman (New World Library, $16.95, Paperback)
This book contains many ways to let others know that you care. After spending years searching for what sort of words make people happy, Robyn Spizman was determined to find more so she could spread the word!
How to Suffer … In 10 Easy Steps: Discover, Embrace and Own the Mechanics of Misery, by William Arntz (Watkins Publishing, $18.95, Paperback)
This is a different type of self-help book. Instead of simply trying to focus on the good—as many self-help book authors do— William Arntz contends that it is important to allow for the experience of suffering to grow stronger. He shares tips on how to suffer so that readers can fully embrace the experience and gain from it instead of constantly running from it. Kayla Hancock is grateful to be a part of this community. She is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Reiki Practitioner and certified Deeksha giver who enjoys working alongside her angels and spirit guides to bring more love, joy and compassion into the world.
