<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: A Riveting Spiritual Journey
Review: Curious about spirituality but not being a "religious" person, I was intrigued by this book's subtitle: Searching for The Divine in Uncomfortable and Unexpected Places." I was even more fascinated, however, by the author's ability to make this pilgrimage not just moving and thought-provoking, but witty and entertaining as well. I've read a number of books dealing with spiritual journeys, but this was told by someone who speaks my language. Goldstein is a real person -- not someone standing in front of congregants lecturing, not someone who has found some sort of easy-fix Holy Grail -- but someone who has fears, doubts (yes, even a rabbi has doubts sometimes) and even a dark side, and the courage to look them all squarely in the eye. The beauty here is that the author freely admits that he doesn't necessarily have all the answers, but the process of the search -- examining and interpreting the lessons of well-known and historical figures, looking deeply into our collective and individual psyches -- can itself be absolutely riveting.
Rating:
Summary: Well-rounded, educational, compelling -- open your eyes...
Review: Every time I try reading a book on mysticism, spirituality or Divine presence, it takes multiple-passes and the book rarely gets completed."G-D At The Edge" is a compelling read I couldn't wait to continue. Its format is adventurous and it offers just enough history to get a non-historian like myself interested in ages past. Rabbi Goldstein's humility make him believable, and his humanity approachable. Although he doesn't address all the life circumstances where you might find yourself "at the edge", if you've ever experienced an edge in life -- hunger, fear, loss -- or felt the Divine presence in the light of a candle, then you may see that Rabbi Goldstein knows where you're coming from. All-in-all very well done -- Thank You Niles!
Rating: 
Summary: exciting autobiography, ho hum otherwise
Review: Goldstein's personal adventures are certainly interesting. But a week after I read this book I had a difficult time remembering anything he wrote besides the autobiographical details. Having said that, Goldstein's life is interesting enough that I think I would get a lot more out of meeting him than out of reading him. And maybe after he has a little more seasoning, he will be a better writer and be able to explain more coherently how his spiritual quest can help the rest of us draw broader lessons.
<< 1 >>
| 
