The Dalai Lama's Cat - David Michie

A novel. A gentle book of Buddhist basics wrapped in a charming story about a cat who becomes the pet of the Dalai Lama.

The apparent restful nature of a domestic cat's lifestyle is an ideal vehicle for explaining such concepts as mindfulness, meditation and other tenants of the Buddhist way. Cats often seen the epitome of living in the present and the hours they spend staring quietly out of the window or in to a hedge, have a Zen like quality to them. The storyline is simple and in a way little more than a collection of sketches and overheard conversations as observed by the cat but it gets the information across.

I'm a Christian, but read widely on other paths as I think each has something valuable to teach us. An open mind on spirituality to me doesn't dilute my view point, but enhances it as I see the commonality of faiths - that is to be compassionate and to live in peace with one another. And I have to add a note here to say I'm not a learned theologian - my views are entirely my own - you are entitled to disagree of course, but no I can't argue deep faith stuff with you, I'm not qualified to any level to do so.

Buddhism is perhaps unique in that meditation and mindfulness have been adopted by mainstream 'self help' books as a means to contentment and stress relief. Understanding a little of the Buddhist teaching behind these practises and how it works beyond the self help books is useful background I think. There are other ideas to explore and I left the book with other things to ponder on - such as Buddhists think that a lack of self confidence on something is a weakness of the mind as if there is something you must do (like share knowledge ) then it's selfish and lazy not to and that it's important to work to overcome it. Easier said than done I realise, but an interesting way of turning negative thinking on its head. There was also much about change and impermanence, and how we see ourselves.

Admittedly I did find myself wondering if the Dalai Lama knew of this book and I wondered what he'd think, but it's such a charming book I can't imagine any offence would be caused. In essence it's a happy little book, it won't take you long to read it, but it will make you think on things even after you've finished it.

Cathy Lamb - The First Day of the Rest of Your Life

A novel. I picked this up in Oxfam as I was returning some books I'd read. I rarely keep fiction. Not because I've not enjoyed it but because I have a sharp memory and I know how it will end.

This book called to me as its main character is a life coach and if you've come from my other blog fiddlesticks (Welcome :-) ) then you'll know that I'm at the beginning of training to be one.

Actually although it is an important part of the life of the central character it's not so important that if you've no interest in that subject you'd be put off. This appears to be a light hearted book at the beginning, something to read on holiday perhaps, but actually it's quite an emotional rollercoaster and even more so if you are a parent. That's sort of a hint, but I'm not really giving much away. Some passages are hard to read but it's been carefully written to convey a strong story without resorting to graphic portrayals.

I won't spoil a good story by telling you what happens in the end although its message is something we can relate to. Are we inspiring others to do or be something we are unable to be or do ourselves?

Turning a new page...

A new blog. :-). I love reading. I love book shops. I love the deliciousness of a pile of books by my favourite seat - be that a cosy sofa by the fire in winter or a wooden lounger under a shady tree in summer.

I read everything and anything - from cookery to theology, trashy disposable fiction to ecological thesis and sewing. I wanted to jot down my thoughts on books as I finished them as a record of my reading and because I thought sharing those thoughts may be of interest.

As I finish a book so I'll add it here. Hope it inspires you to read them too or comment if you already have.

May we never run out of books...