35 review for Under The Great Elm: A Life of Luck & Wonder

1. 

   4 out of 5

   Rich Flanders – Mar 15, 2022

   Initially, I didn’t set out to write a book, only to record certain extraordinary experiences that I felt friends and family should know about. These experiences, some of which had stretched my understanding of ‘’reality,’’ needed to be preserved. At the same time, I sought some sort of through-line for the kaleidoscope of my life. As I began to write, and remember, remarkable stories rolled out of high adventure, interspecies encounters, and jaw-dropping serendipity, like the lost and found lov Initially, I didn’t set out to write a book, only to record certain extraordinary experiences that I felt friends and family should know about. These experiences, some of which had stretched my understanding of ‘’reality,’’ needed to be preserved. At the same time, I sought some sort of through-line for the kaleidoscope of my life. As I began to write, and remember, remarkable stories rolled out of high adventure, interspecies encounters, and jaw-dropping serendipity, like the lost and found love story that weaves through my life. I began to take note of an incredible luck that had graced my journey, sometimes through the most harrowing moments. I also became aware of an abiding sense of wonder, with me since boyhood in Illinois. Clearly, here was a story worth telling. What would officially be labeled a ‘’memoir’’ was in actuality a spiritual odyssey, an adventure novel. Once, while stationed in Paris in the '60's, I came upon a book that mirrored much of the arc of my life, Somerset Maugham's ''The Razor's Edge.'' I returned to it at different times and different settings down the years, because it helped me make sense of the seemingly jumbled melee of events that had been my life. Now I've written down my story, because it needs to be shared. As my friend Rob says, ''May it serve.'' In a world in need of a lift, I felt it was important to share a different perspective. In shadow and in sun...luck and wonder.

2. 

   4 out of 5

   Phyllis Berk – Feb 23, 2022

   This is the heartwarming memoir of a Midwesterner who, in the 1960s, left home in pursuit of adventure and self-knowledge across America and around the world. Writing with a sense of awe at his good fortune, the author reflects on the beauties of Nature, the interconnection of all life forms on Earth, and his own place in the Universe. Always open to new phenomena, he relates how inanimate things, vulnerable creatures, and cherished persons mysteriously reappear at the right time, the most wondro This is the heartwarming memoir of a Midwesterner who, in the 1960s, left home in pursuit of adventure and self-knowledge across America and around the world. Writing with a sense of awe at his good fortune, the author reflects on the beauties of Nature, the interconnection of all life forms on Earth, and his own place in the Universe. Always open to new phenomena, he relates how inanimate things, vulnerable creatures, and cherished persons mysteriously reappear at the right time, the most wondrous being a former love, found again after a tragic loss. Along the way, he shares his experiences as a musical actor, Western singer, poet, and purveyor of healthful nutrition – while the Great Elm, the symbol of his bucolic childhood, continues to beckon to him across the years. This charming book should appeal to readers who enjoy inspiring stories, and who are seeking their own healing path during a time of stress for our planet. Note: I received an advance review copy of this book.

3. 

   4 out of 5

   Kelly – Apr 16, 2022

   Thank you so much for your signed book! I won this memoir from you recently. I enjoyed reading your book. It was very poetic and I love your writing style!

4. 

   4 out of 5

   Elisa – Feb 13, 2022

   I was an “advance reader” for Under the Great Elm—A Life of Luck and Wonder, a memoir I read with joy. It is a gift of the spirit—uplifting, rich with hope, joy, and belief in love. The author’s experience of the interconnectedness of all life forms on our planet—and beyond—resonated deeply in me, and I am marveling at the incredible interspecies encounters that are described with such a sense of wonder, connection, and trust. The author has truly lived a life of adventure, passion, spirituali I was an “advance reader” for Under the Great Elm—A Life of Luck and Wonder, a memoir I read with joy. It is a gift of the spirit—uplifting, rich with hope, joy, and belief in love. The author’s experience of the interconnectedness of all life forms on our planet—and beyond—resonated deeply in me, and I am marveling at the incredible interspecies encounters that are described with such a sense of wonder, connection, and trust. The author has truly lived a life of adventure, passion, spirituality, and as his title says, luck and wonder. He lives fully in the present, and it seems he has found The Path, the Dao. This is a book that can’t fail to lift and enrich the spirit of its readers. Thank you, Rich, for sharing your journey— Elisa Hendrey

5. 

   5 out of 5

   Maryangela B. – Feb 08, 2022

   I was truly honored to be asked to be an ‘’advance reader'' of this memoir. What I loved about it were the threads of love of nature, travel, books, and the common search for meaning in life. Your description of this journey is such a sweet, hopeful one. The photos were a wonderful addition to the story. Each chapter was just the right length and left me wanting more. I found your descriptions of your early years charming and engrossing. I particularly loved the LSD experience you described so vi I was truly honored to be asked to be an ‘’advance reader'' of this memoir. What I loved about it were the threads of love of nature, travel, books, and the common search for meaning in life. Your description of this journey is such a sweet, hopeful one. The photos were a wonderful addition to the story. Each chapter was just the right length and left me wanting more. I found your descriptions of your early years charming and engrossing. I particularly loved the LSD experience you described so vividly. The Lindwalls, your time with Sai Baba, Jean Houston’s Mystery School were all fascinating. I’m so glad that you wrote this book. It brought me joy and wonder. Thank you so much for sharing it. - Maryangela Buskey

6. 

   5 out of 5

   C. Penders – Apr 08, 2022

   What a book! Everything Mr Flanders discussed here is right in my wheelhouse. The connectiveness of the world, the coincidences that aren't. The author's worldview lines up perfectly with my own. Don't miss this book! What a book! Everything Mr Flanders discussed here is right in my wheelhouse. The connectiveness of the world, the coincidences that aren't. The author's worldview lines up perfectly with my own. Don't miss this book!

7. 

   4 out of 5

   C. Penders –

8. 

   5 out of 5

   Nicole Northrup –

9. 

   5 out of 5

   Megan Brotemarkle –

10. 

    4 out of 5

    Jennifer S Kelley –

11. 

    4 out of 5

    Bee ⚡ –

12. 

    4 out of 5

    Moonkiszt –

13. 

    4 out of 5

    Howard –

14. 

    4 out of 5

    Iona Stewart –

15. 

    5 out of 5

    Peter Upton –

16. 

    4 out of 5

    Kiri –

17. 

    5 out of 5

    Robert –

18. 

    4 out of 5

    Lyaram –

19. 

    5 out of 5

    Micielle –

20. 

    4 out of 5

    Deborah Hughes –

21. 

    4 out of 5

    Jesse Garcia –

22. 

    5 out of 5

    Brenda Maki –

23. 

    5 out of 5

    Jennifer –

24. 

    5 out of 5

    Desiree Garcia –

25. 

    4 out of 5

    Sarina –

26. 

    4 out of 5

    Bianca –

27. 

    4 out of 5

    Scott McClintock –

28. 

    4 out of 5

    Michael –

29. 

    4 out of 5

    Bridget Ball –

30. 

    5 out of 5

    Danielle –

31. 

    5 out of 5

    Lynda –

32. 

    4 out of 5

    Leslie Garcia –

33. 

    5 out of 5

    Steven –

34. 

    5 out of 5

    The Brooks Family –

35. 

    4 out of 5

    Laurice –