Book Review: 'Spiritual Activator' by Oliver Niño

✰✰✰✰✰ Presented in an easy to follow format, world-renowned energy healer, Oliver Niño, leads you through five steps to help you learn how to protect, clear, and raise your energy. For beginning and advanced students of energy work alike, this book is approachable and informative. The tips and exercises are easy, fun, and practical. You will wonder: Why didn't I think of that? You already have the tools you need, but sometimes we need a little help learning how to use them. This book is for anyone who has been told they are 'overly sensitive' to energy, who feels uncomfortable in crowds, or who can sense the vibration of places and events. The information presented here may give you more clarity and peace as you learn to protect your energy. 

The Bottom Line: Oliver's book is wonderfully easy to follow and fun. His writing style is engaging; you can probably read through this in a weekend. However, the exercises and steps may take awhile as you learn to implement the practical tips presented here.  You will learn about yourself and others as you work through the exercises and meditations. You will discover that you held the keys to your personal development all along. And don't forget to access additional content on Oliver's website. Enthusiastically recommended for anyone who has the desire to learn about energy, both their own and that of other people and places. [Note: I actually read this book a year ago. I waited to write my review because I wanted to see if I felt the same way over time, and I do. I'm currently reading the book a second time, to reinforce what I've learned because the tools included here are so approachable and positive.]

Details: Spiritual Activator: 5 Steps to Clearing, Unblocking, and Protecting Your Energy to Attraction More Love, Joy, and Purpose by Oliver  Niño. Hardcover published by Hay House, Inc. in 2023. 200 p. ISBN: 978-1-4019-6771-0 

Book Review: 'Psychic Protection' by William Bloom

✰✰✰✰½ Have you ever been told you're too sensitive? Are you an empath who struggles with being in crowded places? Do certain people drain your energy? Can you 'sense' the energy in a place? If so, you may want to check out this classic book on how to protect yourself in those situations and more. This book gives you the basic information to understand more about energy, both your own and those from other sources. It also provides the reader with strategies on how to protect, cleanse, and bless people and places to achieve happiness and calm. 

The Bottom Line: This classic book is highly recommended for those searching to learn more about energy and how to positively influence energies in people and places. If you are 'sensitive' to energy and want to learn how to manage it better, there are many helpful tips in this book. The practical ideas presented here may help you navigate through life's challenging events like dealing with difficult co-workers or going to meetings. While the presentation and language of the book is a bit dated, the information contained within is thoughtful and current. It includes an index and resources. However, it would be best to check the author's website before relying on the resources in the book.

Details: Psychic Protection: Creating Positive Energies for People and Places by William Bloom. Paperback published by Simon & Schuster (A Fireside Book) in 1997. 176 p. ISBN: 0-684-83519-3 

Book Review: 'The Secret' by Rhonda Byrne

✰✰✰½ This slim book was a bestselling self-help book when first published. At the time, it seemed like everyone was reading it. With tips, quotes, and anecdotes, Byrne introduces the reader to the basics of the Law of Attraction. This collection of introductory manifestation techniques includes suggestions from all the top names in the field including Michael Bernard Beckwith, Jack Canfield, Robert Collier, Joe Vitale, Lisa Nichols, and many more. Pick this book up if you are eager to get started in manifesting today.

The Bottom Line: This book is accessible and very easy to read; however, the information is provided in fragments. The examples are inspiring. While it is a fascinating introduction to the Law of Attraction, this is just the tip of the iceberg, and readers interested in the topic will want to seek out further information. Nevertheless, this book is heartily recommended for those just beginning to learn about how to manifest. 

Details: The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. Hardcover published by Atria Books/Beyond Words in 2006. 198 p. ISBN: 978-1-58270-170-7

Book Review: 'Eat Pray Love' by Elizabeth Gilbert

✰✰✰✰ When divorce throws Elizabeth Gilbert into chaos and depression, she seeks an alternate route to finding her confidence. Instead of pills, she turns to travel and takes a year off from her regular life to explore. As she travels through Italy, India, and Indonesia she discovers that she’s okay with being alone for the first time in her adult life. The pursuit of pleasure, devotion, and a balance between the two, leads Gilbert on unexpected adventures. You’ll laugh and cry along with her as she seeks to improve herself and be at peace with her choices.

The Bottom Line: There’s something appealing about travel memoirs. Maybe it’s the setting or the descriptions of exotic places and cultures that suck people in. In the case of this bestseller, the author visited three very different countries and had three very different experiences, each benefitting her in its own way. Along the way she met several engaging characters and fell in love. Gilbert’s memoir will appeal to others going through and healing from a difficult divorce. And even though the book seems geared towards women, men will appreciate Gilbert’s observations as well. 

Book Club Notes: On a scale of 1 - 5, with 5 being the highest, our group gave the book an average of 4.25 stars. On the other hand, the movie paled in comparison to the book, garnering just 3.5 stars. 

The movie is rated PG-13 with an all-star lineup of celebrities featuring Julia Roberts, James Franco, & Javier Bardem. It is approximately 140 - 146” long depending on which version you watch. We enjoyed the beautiful scenery and locations of the film. However, much of the author’s deep personal thoughts were lost in the movie. The movie simplified the events; plus, conflict was added into the movie to create interest and tension.

Meanwhile, the book was more philosophical and diary-like. Generally, we enjoyed the details and learned a lot from this book. Unfortunately, several in our group got bogged down in the India section as there was just a wee bit too much about the challenges of meditation.

Overall, this was a fun discussion. Recommended for groups that enjoy different settings, thoughtful writing, and a little bit of lighthearted romance.

Check out these resources for discussion questions: 

LitLovers & Travel Books and Movies.

On a side note, this was our first HYBRID discussion event (via Zoom & in-person). Although it’s not ideal, this challenging set-up is doable. Anyone attempting to host a hybrid book discussion will need additional support in the way of tech help both before and during the meeting. Challenges included everyone being able to hear each other and struggling with an echo through the sound system. It’s a work in progress.

Details: Eat Pray Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert. 10th-Anniversary Edition published by Riverhead Books in 2016. 64th printing. 352 P. ISBN: 978-0-14-303841-2