Rebecca's Reviews

A First-Rate Madness: Uncovering the Links between Leadership and Mental Illness, by Nassir Ghaemi
If history, psychology, and biography entice you, this book is a most satisfying and unusual read. I was captivated by the revelations concerning some of our most beloved and successful historical figures. Much of the information is shocking; from John Kennedy's extreme medical problems and treatment; to Martin Luther King's teen suicide attempts; and General Sherman's innovative military brilliance, despite the medical diagnosis of insanity. Ghaemi's brillant premise is pursued with relevant and startling data. His shocking contention is that certain forms of mental illness or imbalance, can be an asset to leaders in times of crisis. In Mahatma Ghandi's case, the author contends that Ghandi's depression perhaps was the springboard for his politcal and consciouness- changing innovations. How can something so counter-intuitive be true? Pick up this book, and you may come to understand the accuracy of his contention. Also, you may never forget these surprising portraits of uncoventional, yet often, tormented leaders, who had the uniqueness, drive and originality to change our world. Order here

VIENNA 1900: Klimt, Schiele, and Their Times: A Total Work of Art
As I turned the pages of this sumptuous book, I was amazed by the vibrant artistic genius that flourished in Vienna during this Golden Age. The scale and quality of the reproductions transported me to the heart of this enduring, innovative, and astounding period. Not only does Vienna 1900 explore the paintings and drawings of these revolutionary artists, it also covers the decorative arts including fabric design. One can discover how intertwined the decorative and fine arts were, and how they crossed-over and inspired one another. The classic example is the famous “Kiss” by Gustav Klimt, but this type of cross-fertilization among the decorative and fine artists abounds. In addition to the many revelations concerning the art of this period, I discovered an entirely new painter, Richard Gerstl, who died tragically in his early twenties. It is hard to fathom that such a young painter was able to break through so many conventions to produce this powerful and prophetic work. However, the consummate artistic giant, for me, is Egon Schiele, who also died in his twenties. Schiele's paintings and drawings practically jump off the page with their erotic, fearless, and timeless force. His work is reproduced with vibrant clarity in this large format gorgeous volume. As a coffee-table or an exceptional art book, you will treasure,Vienna 1900, sets a new paradigm of beauty and brilliance. Order here

THE UNTETHERED SOUL: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael Singer. For the reader seeking paradoxically timeless truths and fresh insights, this is a must read. Singer will challenge your precepts about who you think you are versus your own limitless self...Singer presents a new paradigm of the relationship among the components of psyche, mind, and consciousness. He holds the mirror of self-reflection poised for revelation. Singer sweeps aside preconceptions with his broad-based philosophy; he does so with astounding metaphors, as well as, practical suggestions. Reading this seminal book, one begins to perceive reality with a perspective that contains no vanishing point. One's horizons of the heart seem to fold open with the turn of each page. Order here