<![CDATA[Here are the books & articles I’m reading and keeping up on each week as the mindcast’s topics lead to an unquenchable thirst for more information:
CURRENTLY READING (2019):
The Elusive Science: The Origins of Experimental Psychical Research – Seymour H. Mauskouf & Michael R. McVaugh
(AUDIO) Just Listen – Mark Ghoulston
COMPLETED (2019):
House of Leaves – Mark Z. Danielewski (1/20)
COMPLETED (2018):
The Demonologist – Gerald Brittle (completed 12/8/)
Facets of Ayahuasca – Charles Johnson, Dario Nardi, Jason Gentile, & Winter Garand (11/18)
PK Man – Jeffrey Mishlove (completed 11/18)
The Day After Roswell – Col Philip J. Corso
Naked Lunch – William S. Burroughs
The Kybalion – Three Initiates
The Emerald Tablet – Hermes Trismegistus
Siddhartha – Hermann Hesse
Before Orion – Bernie Taylor
Gene Wilder’s Kiss Me Like a Stranger – Gene Wilder
Norm MacDonald: Based on True Events – Norm MacDonald (audio)
The Alchemist – Paulo Coehlo (audio)
The Four Agreements – Don Miguel Ruiz (audio)
The Tibetan Book of the Dead – Chogyam Trungpa and Francesca Fremantle
The Communist Manifesto – Karl Marx & Freidrich Engles
The Doors of Perception – Aldous Huxley
Love, Service, Devotion & the Ultimate Surrender – Ram Dass on the Baghavad Gita – AUDIO BOOK
Books I’ve shelved for the time being as I move onto other readings:
The Secret Doctrine – Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (this one is going to take a bit to finish)
The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People – by Stephen R. Covey
How To Know Higher Worlds – by Rudolph Steiner
The Annunaki Chronicles – Zecharia Sitchin
Condensed Chaos: an introduction to chaos magic – by Phil Hine
The Republic – Plato
Meditations on the Peaks: Mountain Climbing as Metaphor for the Spiritual Quest – by Julius Evola
Moon Spells: How to Use the Phases of the Moon to Get What You Want – by Diane Ahlquist
Earth, Air, Fire & Water: More Techniques of Natural Magic (Llewellyn’s Practical Magick Series) – by Scott Cunningham
The Mind Race: Understanding and Using Psychic Abilities– by Russell Targ & Keith Harary
We Don’t Die: George Anderson’s Conversations with the Other Side – by Joel Martin & Patricia Romanowski
COMPLETED:
The Prophet by Khalil Gibran (read 10/2016)
The 37th Parallel: The Secret Truth Behind America’s UFO Highway – by Ben Mezrich (read 8/2016)
The Jeweled Highway: On the Quest for a Life of Meaning – by Ralph White (read 8/2016)
The Teachings of Don Juan: a Yaqui Way of Knowledge – by Carlos Castaneda (audio version – finished around 5/2016)
Food of the Gods – by Terrance McKenna
After finishing this book, I definitely am interested in reading more of McKenna’s work. He is often referenced in the world of alternative thinkers and fringe thought and for good reason. The guy did some very thorough research for this book and I wish I could say I had read it earlier as it has been out for quite a while now. It opened my eyes up to possibilities, to truths, and to realization that even being able to realize is possibly a gift from the magical mushroom gods. Whether or not you believe or even would consider believing his “stoned ape” theory is not the point. The point I believe is to consider the world and what it was, what it is, and quite possibly what it could be if we release our reliance on the “dominator society” and go back to a simpler, more peaceful time. A great book filled with a ton of information, so have your dictionary close by and a notepad, too.
Notes from Underground – by Fyodor Dostoevsky (finished 9/19/2015)
I have read this before and loved it. It is a relatively short book, especially when compared with the 500+ beast I read before it. This one comes in around 130 pages on the edition that I read (translated by Mirra Ginsburg). I loved it again. There is something about this man’s solitude and they way he embraces it, glorifies it, and even champions it that I at times can relate to very much. I think we call can find familiarity with wanting to be alone, left alone, or forcing ourselves to find loneliness. It can be romantic in my mind, solitude, being underground so to speak. I also love the author unabashedly so. Crime and Punishment haunted me when I read it and Brothers Karamazov was such a journey and it was one of the first books that I worked to finish and the payoff was worth it. Notes, albeit much shorter than his later works that I just listed, is nonetheless still jam packed with just as much emotion, turmoil, intrigue, and despair. At times, I find myself wanting to shout at the protagonist (or is he an antagonist?) at the top of my lungs. That is a moving book. I needed a break from all the non-fiction and Dostoevsky’s fiction is right up my alley. Here are some of my favorite lines from the book:
“But, my dear sirs, who would take pride in his own diseases, and brag about them too? Ah, what am I saying? Everybody does it. It’s precisely their diseases that people pride themselves on, and I do–more perhaps than anybody else.” Page 5.
“And if he should lack the means to do so, he will invent destruction and chaos, he will invent a variety of sufferings, and will have his own way, no matter what! He will unleash a curse upon the world, and since man is capable of cursing (that’s his privilege and his chief distinction from other animals), he will, perhaps, attain his end just by his cursing; in other words, he will prove to himself that he is a man, and not a piano key.” Page 30
Those are just two of my favorite excepts from the book that I have highlighted. I can relate to both of these concepts: the taking delight in my own disease or degradation, especially as it pertains to depravity, as well. He writes much about that in this book. Tying in to some degree is the second quote, as it talks about man’s ability to curse. I love curse words; always have. Many years ago, I embraced my love of them and I believe that probably is no surprise to those who are close to me. This book is just so damn deep and in such little space. I think you’ll dig it if you give it a chance.
Fingerprints of the Gods – Graham Hancock
Late into the night or early into this morning, I have finally completed all 500+ pages of this intriguing, dare I say life-changing book. I believe it is what people call narrative non-fiction and it is quite a journey through Hancock’s eyes. It seems one of my ideas of being a grown up the last few years is to “casually” read huge, deeply dense, incredibly academic books. I am glad that I have done so even if at times I feel like I will never reach the end. But, with a book like this there is a desire that the end never comes. If you are fascinated with antiquity, the budding of civilizations, astronomy, and the pyramids – this is a must read for you. There are so many more reasons to read this, to absorb it, to become a partner with this book, though.
Without giving away too much of this book, I will say that this book is one that I believe to be important. I know there are connotations with that word, especially with regards to a book “one must read!” Hancock is not trying to start a religion, a small cult, or even get you deeply invested financially into something or anything. It is my belief after reading this and other things that this book does a brilliant job of laying out the reasons and needed purpose of redefining our past as creatures on this planet. It is a profound thing to say that we need to rewrite all the history books even though that phrase has been bandied about incredibly too much in our lifetimes. But, yes. This book will spell out and show you in terms even an idiot like me can understand that it is time we did just that – rewrote our human history. Isn’t that exciting? I think it is. If it scares, just know that it is okay. The truth will indeed set us all free and perhaps even save us.
The Djinn Connection: The Hidden Links Between Djinn, Shadow People, ETs, Nephilim, Archons, Reptilians and Other Entities – by Rosemary Ellen Guiley (finished on 8/23/2015)
I have just moments ago finished reading the wonderful book by Rosemary Ellen Guiley – The Djinn Connection. I am writing this now so I can remember my thoughts and feelings in the most immediate way having completed it. It is one of those feelings you get when you are so excited to have completed a book, but also so sad that it will no longer be there for you to read for the first time. I feel like it was a delicious sandwich finally delivered to the table after a being out in the sun for hours, hiking, really working up an appetite and after the final bite there is a bit of sadness because you know it is all gone.
My interest in the djinn was fiercely lit after my interview with the ex-girlfriend who could morph. I don’t want to spoil it if you have not heard it yet, but just know that at the every end of that interview she said something that lit my mind afire with curiosity and the need for more knowledge. This book was my first in-depth attempt at trying to accumulate that knowledge. And did I get lucky? You bet your sweet ass I did. I knew of Mrs. Guiley’s name through her many appearances on any and all the “big” paranormal shows and anyone in the so-called circuit will reference her or speak very highly of her. So, I knew when her book came up that I had to read it.
It is a comprehensive look at the history of Djinn and as the subtitle expresses, “The hidden links between Djinn, Shadow People, ETs, Nephilim, Archons, Reptilians and other Entities.” I have taken to trying to take some notes during reading books that are dense with valuable and interesting information, but the only problem that presents to my mind is that I am led down a path of wanting to devour so much more information from other books, studies, and reports by people referenced within what it is I am reading. That to me is the sign of a good book and the original “rabbithole” that people speak of so commonly nowadays when referring to youtube videos. It is this same rabbithole of reading that led me to one of my favorite authors and works by Dostoyeskvy.
I wrote down no less than than fifteen different books or people I must research while reading her book and that resonates as deep fulfillment for me. Not only is my understanding of what and who Djinn are much deeper, but my understanding of the history of entities, abductions, and the folklore of shadow people has become much more expanse. I now have been introduced to Archons and have become more familiar with the origins of Lilith.
I will admit that while reading this book I had become uneasy, scared, tepid, even wondering if I should continue. I am currently wearing around my neck a Circle of Solomon pendant and also have an iron chain necklace hanging from the head of my bed and both of these are direct results of my fear that did not exist before opening the pages of this mind-blower.
The thing I like about this book is that it challenged me in many ways and I am okay with that. Sometimes, I find myself resistant to being challenged in my beliefs and I must be aware of when that happens. It is not that I do not believe in the possibility of Djinn’s existence, but she is postulating that they are responsible for much more than people realize or understand…potentially. Without giving too much away, my research and interest in sleep paralysis has led me down a path of leaning towards believing certain things quite strongly and she was challenging that perspective. I am glad that I opened to it because now I am invigorated in my search for answers regarding many things that happen in the moments before or right after sleep.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough to do it justice. I have already bought another copy and am having it shipped to a friend who I know will love to read it. Any great book will challenge my already held beliefs, make me want to read many other things and will require me to buy it for at least one person I know. That to me is a great book and Mrs. Guiley nails it. Feel free to click on the link above that leads right to amazon.com to buy it if you wish as it is also a very small way to help support the mindcast because a small portion of referenced sales will be kicked back to me.
Allen Carr’s Easy Way to Stop Smoking: The Easyway To Stop Smoking – Allen Carr
I have read this book more times than I care to count, but I have counted and the total is now at 15. This book reminds me that tobacco has no place in my life, brings me no true enjoyment, and is does absolutely nothing for me except drag me down into a pit of self-loathing. Sound dark? Yeah. After 4+ years of being nicotine-free for some foolish reason I had decided to go back in, searching for that lost moment of addictive joy that does not exist. I am very happy and again at a peaceful calmness now that I have finished the book again and once again feel great about the future and my health. If you are trapped in the insidious nicotine trap, I cannot suggest this book more. The replacement techniques are all bogus and just keep the addiction cycle going by giving you the drug in a different form. Defeat the real monster, the one in your mind and the physical battle is almost unnoticeable.
Comedy at the Edge: How Stand-up in the 1970s Changed America – Richard Zoglin
This book is a somewhat comprehensive look at “How stand up in the 1970’s changed America” and it is a quick, intriguing, and fascinating read. Although, as a stand up comedian who makes his livelihood telling jokes across the country, I am aware of a few key names being left out of the book, but such is to be expected or the book would be over 1000 pages long. Alas, not every pioneer that has deeply impacted the art form can be covered in every thing written about it. There is great info on the budding of the comedy club and how the transformation from playgrounds for the comedic minds became king and queen making institutions. It does not sugarcoat the dark side of many of the major influences of stand up and if you are not in the know already, it may change your personal opinion of some of them as “good” people. But, what cannot be denied is the impact they had on the comedians that would follow and medium of stand up itself. I cannot overstate how enjoyable this book was to read if you have a real love and interest in stand up comedy outside of the famous movie stars who once dabbled in its waters. A great read to compliment this book would be one I read years ago, called “The Rebel Comedians of the 50’s and 60’s.” You can get a pretty good foundation of the art form and its origins from reading these two books and gain some perspective on how it has ended up where it is today.
Hallucinations – Oliver Sacks
Special thanks to Shane Mauss for lending me this incredible book. For me, not having a strong scientific background from school or otherwise, this book guided me through the inner-workings of the brain in the myriad of ways it will create things that are not of this realm, at least not seen by people other than those who experience them. There is much crossover with the world of paranormal here as the esteemed author and brilliant writer tries to make sense of many experiences people have when they are ill or have various injuries to the brain that cause hallucinations. As someone who is more than willing to believe and in fact, mostly does, this book was a great challenge to many of my curiosities and I find that when seeking truth, all information is helpful and very interesting. He is not attempting to debunk paranormal experiences as much as he is helping the common person, like me, understand what can cause hallucinations in many different scenarios. It read probably the easiest of all the books I have read about very complicated topics. The way he can guide you through case studies and explain in simple terms, easy to understand, was refreshing and intriguing. I am in love with the way this man communicates and it has definitely opened my mind to many more ideas and truths about the world we live in and how we experience it. Science may not have all the answers, but men like Oliver help me believe that someday it is possible to be closer to that moment.
Strange Angel: The Otherworldly Life of Rocket Scientist John Whiteside Parsons – George Pende
I am not sure a book has been written or at least named more aptly to spike my immediate interest in reading it than this one. And it did not disappoint me. I finished this book late last night/early this morning and was overcome with emotion, tears in fact. It is the incredible story of an incredible man who remains a bit of a mystery still, but now so familiar to me. I feel like he is an old friend that I have not seen in quite a while. I am fascinated by space, rockets, and the occult and so was he. He spent his life striving for advances in these fields and the result was one of the most interesting tales of living I have ever read. I cannot recommend this book more especially if you are intrigued by appearances by other noteworthy characters playing critical roles in a man who should be more well-known’s life. I loved this book.
Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies – by Jared Diamond
2014 was the year I decided to read monster, dense, heavy books it turns out. This book has forever changed my mind in the way I will examine societies machinations, the ways in which we interact with each other, and just why things have unfolded in the manner in which they have. To say this book is fascinating is an underestimate that even I would be a fool to commit. To say this book was difficult to read and a challenge to comprehend each step of the way would be an even bigger lie. Sometimes I believe it can be true that the most difficult of things can be the most rewarding. If you have never read a book before that makes you think you deserve a tall glass of bourbon afterwards, challenge yourself more. Having a better understanding of why certain groups of people rose to power and how geography had everything to do with it has impacted my outlook scientifically and culturally forever. I cannot recommend this book more.
Living with a Wild God: A Nonbeliever’s Search for the Truth about Everything – by Barbara Ehrenreich
This book was suggested to me via email and text message within 24 hours of each other and I knew that I had to read it. The first person who suggested it to me did so with a link to buy it and I immediately trusted their intuition (Sabrina Cognata). Within 24 hours of ordering it, another friend of mine told me about it and I knew I had made the right decision. And did I ever. What an awesome journey through the inexplicable with something I am fascinated by: disassociation. I hope to have a talk with a friend very soon who experiences this and this book read so fast that I almost feel like I didn’t read it. What a great and fulfilling read.
The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil – by Phillip Zimbardo
There are few times in my life when I have taken pride from finishing a book. Not because it has been so boring, although I am sure my stubborn nature would not allow me to ever not finish a book eventually, but proud because of how dense or difficult a read it was while maintaining its interest. I ordered this book after watching his TED talk, like within 2 minutes of it being finished. All I can say is, “whoa.” My brain has forever changed by the countless studies, the theories, and entertaining ramblings of what is certainly a brilliant mind of Dr. Zimbardo. I am now obsessed with the affects “systems” have on all of us operating within them. Our current culture is becoming more open to many of the things we discuss on the mindcast, but the system in general is still quite stifling. I highly recommend this book, even if it took me many months to complete. It has reminded me that I need to be more observant of everything around me in a mindful and meaningful way. Thanks, doc.
Moonwalking With Einstein – Joshua Foer (audio book)
This was my 1st attempt (successful) at listening to an audio book and I must say that I am sold on the genre. It was incredible to listen to this piece of work as I hiked the mountains of Los Angeles County and drove the traffic-packed freeways at random times of day and night. I took so much away from this book that I cannot even express in proper words. It expanded my thoughts on the invention of writing, what it means to be “smart” and opened me up to a whole new world of ideas and thoughts. I highly recommend this read and/or listen.
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Greatly enjoy reading about what you’re reading. Always on the look out for non-fiction recommendations. Thanks.
Theresa
Recommending ‘If this is a Man’ by Primo Levi. Also, if you are into Oliver Sacks: ‘The Man Who Mistook his Wife for a Hat’. I’ve got to look at these, too.
Thank you for the rec’s! I am familiar with Oliver’s other books and have every intention of getting to them sooner than later. A brilliant mind that makes for wonderful reads. Thanks again – Ryan
I will check out Primo for sure, too