The 2nd in a series, this is actually a prequel to its predecessor "The Fifth sacred Thing" (look for my review on this as well)

The Basic Plot

Spanning 4 decades we learn about life, love, spirituality, and forgiveness through the eyes of Maya Greenbaum.

We're there, in high school, when an experience with L.S.D. changes everything for her... her priorities, her values, her heart

We're there when she runs away from home and gets involved in anti-war movements.

We're there when she discovers love, and the joys and torments it can bring.

We're there when she begins her quest to learn about magic and spirit and the Goddess.

And we're there when, approaching 40, she makes a pilgrimage to Nepal.

Why I like this book

It fills in a lot of background pertinent to "The Fifth Sacred Thing".

The story sweeps me up and allows me to lose myself in it.

The characters are well-defined. You really wind up feeling as if you know them.

I found myself viewing my life through the eyes of this story. Examining my true self, just as the main character does.

The anti-war protest sections seemed very accurate to me. It does not show that era in black and white, but in shades of grey. It expresses honestly how many people were hurt both by the Vietnam war and the protests themselves.

It shows how every decision we make, every opportunity we grab can greatly impact the fabric of our lives.

Who might not enjoy this book:

Those for whom, even in a work of fiction, discussion of alternative sexuality and theology is offensive.

Other comments

The book jumps back and forth between past and present, which makes it a bit tough to keep up with.

If you have read "The Fifth Sacred Thing" first, as intended, you will have a grasp already on how differnt characters are connected.

As with "Fifth Sacred Thing", this is a book FULL of detail and description, meant to be read slowly and savored.

Recommended: Yes