---Review by Lisa Ghariani of Lisa G's Spot

Daniel Quinn's latest book is the one he calls his favorite. Like many of his books, it's an impossible one to write, meaning it's an impossible story to tell in book form (much like his work ISHMAEL was for so many years, and which he finally DID manage to write in a way that worked). His latest is The Man Who Grew Young, and thanks to the brilliant efforts of artist Tim Eldred, Daniel was finally able to tell his story of a man suspended in time while the entire universe moved backward around him.

Imagine a world in which you're born by coming out of the ground, old, and in which you grow younger as your life progresses until the day comes when you return to the womb. Imagine one man who for some strange reason lives outside of this process, and who spends his thousands of years searching for the clue to the mystery that he is.

The only way this story could be well told is in graphic novel form, and because it's a graphic novel, it can be easily read in less than an hour. But like most graphic novels, doing so would be doing the story a grave injustice, for this one must be read carefully, and its ideas slowly considered and carefully digested. Daniel lays out a scenario of man's place in the universe, and such a story is NOT to be brushed aside lightly.

Eldred's work is fantastic, and Daniel's story an engaging and inspiring mystery.

John Worman is an E-llusions reader and frequent participant on our BBS. He's also written a very interesting book, which I found full of good lessons. It's been described as a "coming of age" novel, but it's really a "coming into being" story about a young man, Bill Colton, who embarks on a rare journey. Follow Bill through his frustrations and failures as he travels the difficult path to being fully human, and see what happens when he climbs THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN.

BEYOND CIVILIZATION:

Is civilization the apex of human accomplishment...the absolute best social construct we can achieve? Daniel Quinn thinks we can go beyond civilization to something better. See what Quinn has to say about his latest volume, see what others say about it, and read lengthy excerpts! Click on the link above...

ANIMALS AS GUIDES FOR THE SOUL:

Susan makes it very, very easy to believe in the power of our animal friends to amplify us. A wonderful collection of profound, touching, funny, & sometimes sad lessons for the soul, as delivered by all creatures great and small.

IN OUR FACE:

John Enright, self-described "recovering psychologist," gifts us with these powerful pearls of Truth...a series of observations about the war we're fighting against Mother Earth and, of course, those who will inherit Her from us. Reading this book is like listening to the very wise man who sits upon the mountain---a wise man who's finally seen enough and wants to have a friendly talk with us before it's too late.

ISHMAEL:

This is the book that will forever change your life, and your view of your place in the Scheme of Things. Think the Earth and all her resources belongs to Man? Better listen to what Ishmael, a very wise gorilla, has to say about it. Then ask yourself: Are you a Taker, or a Leaver? ISHMAEL is a true cult classic, a teaching tool in many schools and universities, and winner of the Turner Tomorrow Award.

RESTLESS MIND, QUIET THOUGHTS:

A gentle and very likeable young man travels the country and can't seem to come to grips with the fundamental absurdities of our modern way of "living." Through journal entries and letters home to his father, Paul explores the very essence of what it means to be a sensitive soul in a world with little room for such people. This is very much a latter-day DIARY OF ANNE FRANK...utterly honest and without pretense. Paul was a guy any of us would have wanted for a friend. Read his book, and see why.

THE ENVIRONMENT:

Former professor of genetics and biology Wallace explores issues of ecological decay via this HUGE collection of essays.  Wallace examines environmental matters not only through his distinguished scientist eyes, but also as a human being who knows---probably better than most---that science truly ISN'T enough. A book which ranks with Quinn's ISHMAEL in its ability to stimulate the reader's concern.

ANIMALS AS TEACHERS & HEALERS

This is the first published edition of a book which later became a national bestseller. Susan weaves magical tales of animals' power to provide lessons and healing, even from such frightening ailments as cancer...which Susan had, and overcame, using many of the lessons she learned from the animals. A remarkable, delightful book.