Imaginary Endings

Rating:
Summary: Contemplating Mortality
Review: Prompted by the title of Lea Hall's book, I imagined a few endings I'd like to have for myself someday, though I'm hoping that day doesn't arrive too quickly, of course. Like her character Ivy, I've led a full and very interesting life, and I'm staying as healthy as possible. But I know I will die someday, and a book like this eases the reflective process, even while the reader gets caught up in the sensuality and sexuality of life on earth. Lea Hall updates some ancient myths in her storytelling; myths that resonate with everyone about life's ebb and flow; myths that people call upon when they contemplate their own mortality.

Asclepion Springs, an ancient and lovely warm mineral spring in rural, humid Sarasota County, Florida, offers its clients a wide variety of healthful opportunities for a long happy life. It is also the magnet for some progressive professionals who facilitate people becoming more responsible for the quality of their own death. The book is framed around some mysterious deaths in a typical Sarasota subdivision. All of the deceased seemed to have some association with Asclepion Springs. A few of the living characters have spiritual and sexual powers that cause consternation and jealousy in the subdivision. There's unrequited love, of course, and great descriptions of one or two eccentric characters.

Lea Hall adds descriptions of the natural world that are like little gems sprinkled throughout the story. I found myself pausing to reread and savor them. Her scientific research into many elements of her scenes is apparent, but not intrusive.

There are some real treats here for students of yoga, for people who regularly meditate, for people who pamper their skin, and especially for people who want to die well. You'll be satisfied by the story and by the author's excellent writing style.

Rating:
Summary: Contemplating Mortality
Review: The author follows the careers of a academic shaman and his yoga instructor wife for about 60 years to their retirement in a community in Sarasota, Fla. There are statistically more deaths in the retirement complex, and even a alternative board certified dermatolgist leaves clues after his early death. Anyone who knows such words as chakra,and tantra, or just curious will find the story captivating. There are implications of humans being able to consciously leave the body when they wish. Fascinating and very well constructed, it holds the readers attention.

Rating:
Summary: An exciting suspensful mystical contempory novel
Review: The author follows the careers of a academic shaman and his yoga instructor wife for about 60 years to their retirement in a community in Sarasota, Fla. There are statistically more deaths in the retirement complex, and even a alternative board certified dermatolgist leaves clues after his early death. Anyone who knows such words as chakra,and tantra, or just curious will find the story captivating. There are implications of humans being able to consciously leave the body when they wish. Fascinating and very well constructed, it holds the readers attention.