To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings by John O'Donohue Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings
Book Review: A Blessing in itself
Summary: 5 Stars
Four years I went to Ireland alone - to spend time with my completed manuscript, published this year. What was a jewish woman from New Jersey doing alone in a foreign country? It all started with John O'Donohue. I was fortunate enough to hear him at a poetry reading he did in New York City a year or two before my trip. He is Irish, by the way, and his love of Ireland and the mystery and magic of the place pulled me to it without even thinking. John O'Donohue is not just a poet or a writer. He is connected to the divine in a totally unique way. You know it when you hear him. I fell in love with his works, Anam Cara, Eternal Echoes, Conamara Blues and now, To Bless the Space Between Us. I have most on tape and CD, which to me in this case is mandatory - to hear the sound of John O'Donohue's voice is part of magnificence of his work. His work inspires me and moves me on the path of my own spiritual journey. To me, that is the mark of a gifted teacher. John O'Donohue is no longer with us, but I know his words will live on. I am so grateful that my path crossed his and I hope that the people that loved him and were close to him, bring out his unpublished works. To Bless the Space Between Us is a blessing in itself. Wendy Dolber, author, The Guru Next Door, A Teacher's Legacy. The Guru Next DoorBook Review: There's is nothing I've ever read quite like this!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I grabbed this book off my shelf before a flight, and all the way there I was reading it and sharing with my fellow-passengers..."here, read this one, this is so beautiful (sniff)" and they'd read it and it would bring tears to their eyes, too. Then, when I got there, I met two women from Ireland, and I asked them if they had ever heard of John O'Donohue. "Know him? Oh, yes, he was a dear friend of ours," they said, "and do you know that the western half of Ireland went into mourning when he died? He was such a lovely soul, we still can't believe he's gone." I went and grabbed my copy of this book and brought it back and asked the one if she would be so kind as to read the Introduction (which isn't to be missed!!!!!) and then one of the blessings, thinking that in her lovely Irish brogue it would be more like listening to John O'Donohue himself. And it was a magical time.
Okay, you have to know that I'm a Unitarian, believe that there are many paths to enlightenment. I don't read much of anything any more, it seems there's not enough time in the day for all I'd like to do. But these blessings invoke power to strengthen a soul. First they open one's heart; a brief window that allows the hard shell of bitterness about ones' life not turning out quite as one had envisioned it to fall away and to be replaced with a loving softness, a kind glow that refreshes, even as one sits there in amazement. How did this guy write these? How did he write about a pregnant woman or parents of a child who has committed a crime and make one feel that he KNEW what he was writing about? But he did. It is so amazing.
So, back in South America, I read the introduction to a North American woman who has made her home there, and she took the book, held it close and said, "May the blessing that I need to read be the one I open to." And when she opened the book, it was "For an Exile." We all got teary-eyed as she read it; she is in a self-imposed kind of exile. When she finished, she tried it again. The next one was, "For Old Age." I laughed. "Well, that one didn't work very well, as you aren't old, Catherine." Catherine's 87-year-old mother-in-law, who was sitting with us, stayed me with her hand. "This one's for me, dear." And it was.
It's been all I can do not to tell people about this book, and the ONLY reason I'm waiting is because everyone I love is getting a copy for Christmas. It is simply the most beautiful writing I have ever read. May the blessings within it help to heal and strengthen you.
Book Review: Fine, thoughtful, insightful book
Summary: 5 Stars
I have purchased many copies of this book to share with friends for its thoughtful and compassionate look at life and its challenges.Book Review: Healing images
Summary: 4 Stars
John O'Donohue has used ordinary language creatively, often turning
negatives into positives: e.g. "laboratory of the soul".
I had previously been turned off by some of his ideas and bought the
book because the price was right at the WRITERS ALMANAC web site.
Turned out to be a great idea.
Book Review: A Treasure!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a beautiful book, a treasure! I've purchased additional copies for friends, and I'm certain they will love it.