Being a non-believer I thought it would be interesting to take a look at this book. I was pleasantly surprised to read the author’s introduction and how he clarifies that not everyone has a religion but we all have a spirit. How very true this is and refreshing that Edwards realizes this.
His journey however has brought him to believe in God “our creator”.
He talks of how he writes this book, a song is playing on the radio - “Because You Loved Me”. He talks of how it is almost like God is there communicating with him. I can see his point of view but that’s probably as far as I’d go. To me, I don’t believe in a God or that He, the great spirit, talks to us. How can he? This is merely a fragment of imagination. We may indeed have a Bible which talks of Jesus and such like but there is no scientific proof this “God” exists beyond our minds or ever has.
Perhaps though, God is just love - our love we share with each other in day to day life. If that might be the case then Edwards point of view is justified somewhat - “love is something we can tune into whenever we are open and aware” he writes.
Chapter one talks of how in the beginning was the word - lots of song lyrics are included from a variety of artists. Edwards interprets the words and somehow connects them to us and God.
Again all through the book are songs that clearly mean something to this author and singer Celine Dion seems to be a firm favourite!
Personally I have the feeling that Edwards just filled this novel full of song lyrics because he couldn’t think of anything else to put. That is not to say this book doesn’t have its good points but there are only so many song lyrics I can take. Filling a book with well over three hundred of them is going a bit far although I must thank Edwards as now I am quietly confident I could beat anyone hands down in a “name that song” competition.
“You must love yourself at the deepest level to be unattached to the material world” Edwards later writes this which I was very interested to read. He is right in saying this and I just wonder how many of us could manage to be the way he talks. I suppose if you have utter fulfilment inside then this could be possible. How to get that fulfilment is easy - believe in God. Hmmm…
Chapter 17 - all I could think was Edwards is off again. He writes a poem about a place called Miracles. Be prepared - this verse spans well over six pages! After reading it I had to take a gasp…phew. This man certainly has a way with words.
At the end of each chapter is a section “Reader’s Personal Reflections” which you can fill out if you wish. I honestly don’t know what I’d write in these spaces but if you “believe” then I’m pretty sure you will think of something to add.
The front cover is stunning though and provokes the message of love and freedom. If you can sit down with this book for an afternoon or two, you may really enjoy it.
The above review was contributed by: Jessica Roberts:Jessica is a book reviewer for a local newspaper and has reviewed for a national women's magazine too. She has had various articles published in magazines and has now completed her novel. Jessica currently lives in West Yorkshire and enjoys walking in the dales and woodlands as part of her hobby as well as, of course, reviewing books. To read more of Jessica's reviews CLICK HERE
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