1 comments about Hindu Art.

1. As the title makes clear, this book is dedicated exclusively to Hindu art - a tradition you don't hear too much about but that is extremely rewarding. It contains wonderful color reproductions and insightful text which centers more around major deities and their art rather than a linear history (although there is some of this). The book is especially good at contextualizing the subject - explaining the art's meanings and cultural significance.

3 comments about Classical Hindu Mythology: A Reader in the Sanskrit Puranas.

1. The book appears to be well classified, but the style is condensed and doesn't look much Indian. If it weren't called a source-book, I would have given it better grades, thank you.



2. Just read the previous review from Norway which does not make much sense to me. This is a lengthy, detailed and dense translation of a wealth of Hindu myths. To my mind it is neither short (373 pages) nor simple, but difficult for the average reader. It reads like a scholarly textbook that requires study to use. I found it fascinating and worth the effort. But I wonder if the previous reviewer and I have read the same book!



3. I have unfailingly found J.A. Van Buitenen to be both a true and interesting translator, this volume is no exception. It's a very comprehensive look at the subject matter, treated in such a way that it is accessible to the inexperienced Western reader, while leaving alot of meat left for the more accomplished reader. My one wish is to have a better idea of how the selections relate to the individual Purana books, and how they may be dated in history.

No comments about A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush (Travel Literature).

2 comments about The Hindu Religious Tradition (The Religious Tradition of Man).

1. "The Hindu Religious Tradition" has been selected for listing in "Religion and Psychoactive Sacraments: An Entheogen Chrestomathy" http://www.csp.org/chrestomathy



2. This book delivers exactly what it promises; I am using it in a course at Brown University and have found it to be a concise, yet thorough introductory guide. I think of this as a good book to use as a springboard into deeper research, or as a handy guide for looking up quick facts. Hopkins is a clear writer and - don't let the cover turn you off- an engaging one!

5 comments about Song of Kali.

1. I'll get to the point: the book is good, but not a masterpiece (understandably).
   
   Regardless of what the hype on the back cover claims, this is not the scariest book out there. It's not the goriest, not the most depraved, not the most chilling. It's a fascinating view of a city that the book claims is rotten to the core accompanied by a mildly compelling storyline.
   
   However, the story resolves itself suddenly without a satisfying conclusion or any real explanation of the book's events. It's an entertaining read, but not the 'masterwork' worthy of many re-reads like the 'Hyperion' books (by this author) are.
   
   If you're looking for a horror novel, check out an early-mid Stephen King work. If you're looking for a fantasy (or sci-fi) novel, check Tad Williams, Terry Goodkind, J.R.R. Tolkien, or Ursula K. Leguin.



2. Wow... worst book ever written. It's depiction of one of India's holiest cities and it's inhabitants is deluded at best, and diabolically racist at it's worst. Not to mention how many Hindus (myself included) his depiction of our beloved Goddess, Kali Ma... Hindus definitely don't sacrifice people to Kali... most Hindus are at the very least semi-vegetarians. Disgusting anti-religious sentiment and racist hatred is what summarizes this book best.
   Jai Sri Kali Mata!



3. I picked this up to read on the plane during a recent vacation and couldn't put it down. Simmons' writing never fails to engage the reader. Song of Kali started off a little slow, but picks up the pace and drags you in; and down to places you probably don't want to go.
   
   It would have rated 5 stars, but it seemed Simmons felt the need to soften the finale, which seemed a little out of place. Overall, this is an excellent story, and not one for the squeemish.



4. After reading the Hyperion and Iluim novels, I approached Kali with high expectations and was frankly disappointed. Maybe I'm jaded by images of human sacrifice, but reading Kali was like reading the novelization of "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom," minus the comedy.



5. The strength of this book is its stunning power of setting: the misery and festering evil that is this version of Calcutta. The scenes live and breathe and are vicarious fun to drift through - just like a movie.
   
   However, the hero is extremely unlikable, constantly exploding like a five year-old prone to tantrums and impulsive behavior. Also, the plot has real credibility problems. Why did the hero take his wife and baby to such an awful place as Calcutta? He knew he was inconveniencing his wife (a math professor who had work to do), and he also knew that she, while Indian, was not steeped in the right culture to serve as an effective interpreter and guide for him.
   
   Why? Well, obviously to put them in danger as a clumsy plot device. Ultimately, the plot problems capsize the interest of the setting. I wouldn't recommend this one unless you want to try a library copy first.

5 comments about Galactic Alignment: The Transformation of Consciousness According to Mayan, Egyptian, and Vedic Traditions.

1. Clearly John Jenkins is extremely knowledgeable on his subject. The depth of detail in this book is quite amazing and is written concisely.
   
   For me however, I found the detail a little too much. I couldn't help but think this kind of academic, intellectual inquiry was some attempt to justify the validity of the Mayan Calendar. It seems a distinct possibility to me that one could get lost in the detail of all this and miss the very essence of the Mayan Calendar. The point, in my mind at least, it is to turn inside to the intuitive Self, which is arising so obviously in these turbulent yet exciting years.
   
   I can understand how an academic person would enjoy the deep analysis and mass of information, but a more "heart" directed person may find it all a bit heavy and drawn out.
   
   I suppose the one thing I would simply suggest is that if you are a "heart" type of person, as I am, then maybe this isn't the book for you. As a matter of interest, I found Carl Calleman's books easier and more direct.
   
   And in case you're wondering, I find the whole 2011 versus 2012 debate a little moot. That will show up soon enough. It isn't now. Be here now, in touch with your SELF. Practice that vigilantly, and the rest will follow perfectly naturally. Just like it's supposed to.



2. This book was interesting and a decent read. Jenkins brought a lot if info together and didn't go overboard on the religious rhetoric. I found it to be a good comparison of interesting facts brought together with some interesting opinions with nothing forced on the reader. You are left to make your own conclusions.



3. The book was delivered as was said. The Author brings out a lot of interesting information but is a little long winded at certain points. At times he seems to forget that not all of the readers of his book have his background in the things he writes about. Overall the book was a good deal.



4. Actualy that book is very informative, especially where it touches on the Vedic tradition and the work of Rene Guenon.
   
   Magical Christianity, Revised Edition: The Power of Symbols for Spiritual Renewal with a CD of Guided Meditations



5. i thought this book was really informative giving lots of accumulated info that he has gained from over the years, researching, etc..condensed into a meaningful whole as it relates to 2012. He gave information that i wasn't aware of, so, I HAVE to continue to research FURTHER AND SO INTERESTING, THAT I WOULD BE INTERESTED IN BUYING MORE OF HIS BOOKS TO READ.

2 comments about The Recognition of Sakuntala: A Play in Seven Acts (Oxford World's Classics).

1. Kalidasa is India's greatest Sanskrit poet and playwright. Many centuries later, his commitment has not flinched to remain India's most respected bard. When you've read world's greatest plays, you must then read him for the proverbial dessert. For most people, drama was invented in Greece, yet Kalidasa didn't know that, being apart by sea and time. So far as he is concerned, he was as much an inventor of this art.
   `Recognition of Sakuntala' is a beautiful love story of a married king with a country girl, his deserting her and eventually reclaiming back, by the aid of gods.
   I've several translations of this play, but Johnson's version is probably the best - at least in English.
   If Shakespeare or Tolstoy gratify you, Kalidasa will as much.



2. The original translation by Sir William Jones of this famous Indian play was popular accross Europe and read by prominant poets including Goethe and Schiller in the late 1700's. Sir William Jones was also a member of Samuel Johnson and Edmund Burke's politically influentual Literary Club and the translation by him, this is not it, was a small hit across Europe. It inspired some stylist influence upon Goethe and Goethe must have read this about the time of the end of his "Italian Journey" where he later gained some creative energy after a dry spell following the massive success of his "Sorrows of Young Werther". (Sir William Jones is most famous today for observing that the similarities in Latin, Sanskrit, Persian, English and other, now called, Indo-European languages could not be just an accident).
   
   This modern translation by W.J. Johnson is a good effort; however, for a variety of reasons loses something in translation as it was written to be performed in at least two languages, Sanskrit and Prakrit, and also involved a lot of body language which at times was almost like a dance. Sir William Jones' translation is more vibrant and historically relevant, and other translations of his of Oriental translations as well as original poems, had an impact on 17th and 18th century European literature.
   
   Jones was a romantic supporter of the American revolution, even meeting with Benjamin Franklin in Paris to attempt a resolution to the crisis and play Franklin a game of chess. Jones' most famous and widely popular poem, while he was alive, was "Caissa, or, The Game of Chess" which would have gotten Jones through many important doors and meetings.
   
   The play "Sakuntala" was written in the 4th or 5th century CE in India and is considered one of India's great plays. It is interesting for the cultural attitudes of India at that time, especially the strong class system, and making comparisons with other cultures around the world. Never-the-less The play still holds its own in translation as something many readers might find poetically brilliant, entertaining, and also funny.
   
   Byron was also a youthful reader of Jones and there are a lot of stylistic similarities between them. Byron even wrote a parady of some of Jones' poems in his youth.
   
   Jones spent his later life, in India, assisting in setting up a legal system for India which Jones insisted should be based in large part on Indian culture and customs. Jones represents a more early liberal, respecting relationship with the colonies of India; not the heavy-handed British paternal one that was to dominate that relationship after Jones' death.
   
   Goethe[[ASIN:0140442332 Italian Journey: 1786-1788 (Penguin Classics)
   
   The Life of Samuel Johnson (Penguin Classics)
   
   Sir William Jones: Selected poetical and prose works - University of Wales Press (Not carried by Amazon)
   [...]

5 comments about Arrow of the Blue-Skinned God: Retracing the Ramayana Through India.

1. This is a wonderful book about the travel experiences of a young Harvard scholar in South Asia and how they evoked or resonated with certain episodes of the Ramayana. In one way or another the Ramayana has had an immense influence on South Asian civilization (as well on that of S.E. Asia) so it was interesting to see how Blank brought together, and exposed as timeless, so many of the epic's themes. This is a excellent introduction to India. Highly recommended.



2. I guess this book has been out for some time, but I had not known about it until I stumbled upon it at the bookstore and I am very glad I did. The book is written in a style that is unlike other travel books I have seen or read about India in that it reflects on one of the treasured literary epics in Hindu/Indian culture and mythology--the Ramayana. Each chapter focuses on a single aspect that is explained through the characters in the Ramayana, (caste, kings, swamis, fate...etc..), and each chapter begins with a summarized "Jonah Blank" version of the epic of Rama, Sita, and Hanuman. What I have enjoyed so much about this book is that the point of view that Blank brings is that of a twentysomething who is seeing India from the eyes of a young person who at times is both humorous and skeptical, yet idealistic and hopeful. You can truly tell that Blank, although a young person at the time of the writing, truly has passion and depth of vision about the complexities of India and you yourself get caught up in the majesty and the mysticism of India through his journy and the journey of Rama and Sita.



3. I love India and have been there many times but this book taught me a lot I don't know. The book has an original format which was risky but works. You really get both caught up in the story and then feel like you've visiting the countries he's talking about.
   
   As travel writing, it doesn't get better than this. So refreshing to not be talked down to and he avoids the horrible snobbishness often encountered in the gendre.
   
   I just wanted to savor each page. It's not a book you flip through. I was sorry when I finished it. I just wish I could give it six stars.



4. This book is a riveting read.
   It touches upon a myriad of social, economic, political, emotional and ultimately human themes from the Ramayan epic and juxtapositions them with the present day Indian psyche.
   The substance is informative and interesting without falling into the trap of being academic or verbose.
   The author's style is succinct, witty and appropriately poignant.
   Being a non-resident Indian, I was pleased to read such a well written and objective analysis of such a behemoth of a country.
   This is a very vast, tricky and interconnected subject matter to tackle.
   Jonah Blank does it with aplomb.
   I would recommend that anyone wanting to know about India read this book.



5. I was first tuned into Jonah Blank through the Travelers' Tales of India anthology. Reading his hilarious account of discovering that a poorly functioning Delhi airport clock was in fact manually operated, I expected more of the same in this book. While there are more of these entertaining cross-cultural discoveries throughout, this overly ambitious book addresses what you'd expect from a naïve twenty-something writer, covering the broadest of all philosophical topics- with chapter titles including "Rites," "Fate," "Caste," "War," and "Love." The scary thing is that he succeeds, displaying a remarkable ability to grasp complex issues.
   
   This work is held together with a strong narrative thread. Beginning each chapter by retelling a passage from the Ramayana, he then applies this theme to modern Indian culture, and compares this with life in America. Despite a reflexive defensiveness of American culture and government, he portrays a deeply nuanced understanding of the complexities of Indian traditions as they clash with modernity. For example, he dispels any notion that Hindu fatalism is the same thing as passivity. Unlike Christianity, you can't just pray for salvation in Hinduism; you have to earn it and change yourself to adapt to an unchanging world. In a later chapter, he credits Hinduism's adaptability to the well-educated elite's acceptance of metaphorical (rather than literal) interpretation of the Vedas, and credits Sikhism's sustainability to its openness that the Gods of all religions are really different manifestations of the same entity.
   
   In his chapter on love, he respects the value of an arranged marriage in offering stability in a hard peasant life, acknowledges the potential rewards of society's increasing acceptance of the risk of marriage for love, but listens to an individual who swears the happiest people he knows are the ones who arranged marriage through a matchmaker.
   
   Traveling to India is a life-changing experience in itself. This book is one of the most articulate reflections I've seen on what that experience can be like.

2 comments about Storytellers, Saints, and Scoundrels: Folk Narrative in Hindu Religious Teaching (Contemporary Ethnography).

1. This book makes folklore accessible and interesting. The subject--stories recounted by hindu holymen and why and how they are told--is fascinating. Ethnographic information on the hindu religion and culture is brillant and full of life and humor. Kirin Narayan was also my University of Wisconsin-Madison anthropology professor and she was awesome!



2. Kirin Narayan's ethnography is an amazing work. I originally bought it for a class but could not put it down. I love ethnographies and study religion (mainly Buddhism, although Hinduism is another interest of mine), so I approach this book from the perspective of a Western academic, but honestly, Narayan's writing is extremely down-to-earth and readable by anyone, I believe. Her story reads like a novel rather than an ethnography, and she intertwines Swamiji's stories, the history surrounding him and them, and Swamiji's life and her own seemingly effortlessly.

5 comments about The Invisible.

1. THE INVISIBLE IS ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I HAVE READ! IF YOU LIKE TOM CLANCY AND VINCE FLYNN, YOU WILL LOVE THE INVISIBLE BY ANDREW BRITTON.



2. I hate it when people give negative reviews because they don't understand what's going on, because they read the 3rd book first. And seriously, do you really need MP5 to be spelled out? Well here you go: Maschinenpistole 5. This is an excellent series, and it is a horrible shame that Andrew passed away a few weeks after the release of The Invisible. I would have loved to add a yearly Ryan Kealey novel to my collection. He was 28.
   
   If you enjoyed any of the three books, you'll love Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp series, and Brad Thor's Scot Harvath series.



3. I'm not a critic. I am not going to type away for the next hour tearing down this book chapter by chapter. All I will say is that I enjoyed it immensely.
   
   So much of Andrew Britton's writing was from personal experience as a child. People living their sheltered lives in the USA could never dream of seeing what he saw on a daily basis in his youth.
   
   For those of you that don't know, Andrew died less then 3 weeks after this book was published. His ashes were buried in his home town, "On the other side of the pond".
   
   Some stars shine brighter.



4. I had no idea what this book was about (nor that it was book three in a series) when I ordered as there was no information here or elsewhere when I placed an order. I actually bought it as I enjoy invisible man type adventures and wondered if there was some Memoirs of an Invisible Man/Smoke type of storyline here. If you typed invisible into the Amazon search engine with the same goal I'll inform you Andrew Britton's invisible is not of that genre, but I will inform you, that you should buy it anyway.
   
   The Invisible is an excellently written terrorist/political thriller that rivals the greats in this genre/s such as Brad Meltzer, Tom Clancy and the like. It is actually the third in an obviously planned to be long volume series (unfortunately Andrew Britton has passed away) but not having read the prior two The Assassin and The American I had no problem following this novel's plot, in fact I didn't know it was book three until I found the other reviews on this site.
   
   So what's this thriller about? Reluctant Ryan Kealey is convinced to come back into the fold and provide his services to the war on terror once again. Terrorists have kidnapped a busload of tourists in Pakistan's mountains and the tensions between Pakistan and India couldn't be higher. The tension mounts even further when an Islamabad terrorist attack on the US Secretary of State's convoy results in her disappearance.



5. The Invisible the 3rd novel in the Ryan Kealy series has proven Britton to be a master at his craft. The Invisible is a dark tense and full of action. Putting Kealy into new and very dangous territory.
   I enjoyed this book immensly.