The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Like everyone, I want to be a part of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. This book was passed on to me, and I will most definitely pass it on to others.

Such exquisite little historical stories, soul-lifting and otherwise, told in a humble and graceful way.

Initially, I enjoyed the easy pace and cutesy letters, but as time went on – especially by Part Two – I had fallen in love with the tales, Guernsey Island, and its people, and was wondering if this novel would make it to one of my all time favourites!

There are moments I will never forget: doodlebugs and funny ears (this topic is interesting, believe me), how children wake their parents with little taps on the face (this melted my heart to think of - to remember), the Oscar Wilde bit (amazing!), the surprise of true love – and the false alarms along the way – and the humour of it all. So many wonderful tidbits of soul and memories. Reading this novel felt like remembering - when people and such wonderful women took care of each other, laughed, loved, and had so much character and wit. It reminded me of home.

Like the characters, this novel calms the spirits and reminds us that what matters most is belonging, like kindred spirits, and doing the right thing for one and other.

Chant and Be Happy - George Harrison

This book was recommended to me by someone I recently met at a Hare Krishna Temple visit. I enjoyed it, and was surprised to find out the role The Beatles played in bringing Hinduism to the West - specifically, the chanting of the Hare Krishna Mantra (Maha Mantra).

The Hare Krishna movement (ISKCON) started in NYC (Lower East Side) and developed further in San Fransisco until most of us in the West, at the very least, tolerated the ideas of Hinduism. The roots, of course, started in India.

Based on traditional Hindu scriptures, this movement worships Vishnu, and avatars, Rama and Krishna - it's called Vaishnavism.

My favourite moments were the conversations with George Harrison and the story of how he wrote the popular song My Sweet Lord (listen to the end, that's the Maha Mantra) as a gift to his guru friend, Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (the founder). George claimed, despite his drug experimentation, riches and fame, and general abundant life, that chanting gave him a high beyond measure. Quite the claim!

I haven't tried chanting, but I am definitely curious to try this practice and Hinduism in general. Some call it a cult movement - but, like everything else, moderation is the key.