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Ava’s holiday planning is already in full gear and she’s got a few unique picks for Champagne Living readers for gifts and for getting back into shape BEFORE the holidays this time.
Flash – The Making of Weegee the Famous by Christopher Bonanos (Biography)
We are all voyeurs in our own way – the highway accident, the huge house fire down the street, murder, and mayhem – we are attracted like bees to the hive. Biographer Chris Bonanos has given up Arthur Fellig, also known as Weegee the Flash, who documented New York City’s streets and vile doorways and whose ability to be the first at a crime scene with his camera made him call himself, Weegee, the human Ouija board. And he was.
Weegee was a New York City immigrant of the street who came through Ellis Island in 1909, without a word of English. In 1925, Fellig became Weegee and Fellig no longer existed. He worked the streets of NYC at night taking photos of gangsters and movie stars, selling to magazines and newspapers, and even acting as a consultant to movies directors and producers. Described by playwright Judith Malina as “he seemed the kind of person you didn’t want to know,” somehow, she later explained he became charming and charismatic, and even talked Malina into posing nude for his camera.
A rumpled fat squat rough guy in real life, behind the camera Weegee was a genius, innately and profoundly skilled in an era where newspaper photography simply did not exist. Weegee was the progenitor of the fast flash, the best and first glance of crime and murder in a city full of mobsters and death. And with his own loud mouth, he proclaimed himself a legend – until he truly became one in the world of his own making.
A great read about a strange unique time in NYC history and the man who put it into photographs this one is a time stopper. You cannot put it down!
Let Go of Emotional Overeating and Love Your Food – by Arlene B. Englander (Non-Fiction)
Ok, yes, I eat at night, reading a book, staring at the ceiling, whenever I am bored I grab a nighttime snack. Many of us binge and purge, or simply binge due to boredom, sadness, depression or simple habit.
As she tells us how to become aware of the difference between eating in a healthy way and eating emotionally – not to satisfy hunger or for enjoyment but to desperately distract ourselves from emotional pain, thoughts and feelings, Englander, a psychotherapist, offers options to learn how stress affects our eating habits.
A great read, as learning to eat mindfully, for health and enjoyment, becomes a reachable goal.
The Book of Ceremony – Shamanic Wisdom for Invoking the Sacred in Everyday Life by Sandra Ingerman (Non-Fiction)
Ceremony is a central part of human life and spiritual practice, yet in today’s world, many of our ceremonies have become rote or superficial. Shamanic teacher Sandra Ingerman has created The Book of Ceremony to help us recover the sense of deep meaning and a sacred connection that makes ceremony a powerful tool for transformation and healing. A practical guidebook herein lies instruction for ceremonies that combine the power of intent, the support of family and community, and the air of the spirit world. An interesting read, whether you like rituals or not, and a well written compendium of step by step instructions on how to create a ceremony of impact and power.
Brother John – A Monk, a Pilgrim, and the Purpose of Life (Winner of the Templeton Prize) (Non-Fiction)
This little book written by August Turak, a visitor and friend of Brother John, and illustrated beautifully by Glenn Harrington with paintings at Mepkin Abbey, strikes a chord within any person seeking spiritual strength. Non-denominational, and a true story, Turak describes his monastic encounter with Brother John as Turak himself goes through a midlife crisis.
As Turak describes the redemptive powers of a life lived authentically and purposefully, we too realize the beauty in the Abbey and Brother John.
A gorgeous Christmas present or special occasion book, with lovely illustrations and a simple message Brother John unique and joyful in its message.
Please let us know if there are some great books on YOUR bookshelf that we should read! Thanks
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