the globe rover

Denver, CO

From Random House:

In December 1995, Jean-Dominique Bauby, the 43-year-old editor of French Elle, suffered a massive stroke that left him permanently paralyzed, a victim of “locked in syndrome.” Once known for his gregariousness and wit, Bauby now finds himself imprisoned in an inert body, able to communicate only by blinking his left eye. The miracle is that in doing so he was able to compose this stunningly eloquent memoir.

In a voice that is by turns wistful and mischievous, angry and sardonic, Bauby gives us a celebration of the liberating power of consciousness: what it is like to spend a day with his children, to imagine lying in bed beside his wife, to conjure up the flavor of delectable meals even as he is fed through at tube. Most of all, this triumphant book lets us witness an indomitable spirit and share in the pure joy of its own survival.

I first heard about this book when I was watching previews with my parents in Atlanta and my Mom mentioned having read it (and said how good it was). So when I was in the bookstore and saw the book, I decided to read it as I knew I couldn’t see the movie until I had read the book.

The book is a fascinating real life story of a man in his prime that suffered a stroke and then was bound within his body with “locked in” syndrome. I have never heard of this and cannot imagine the initial torture such a fate must cause. But Bauby is inspirational in his embracing his fate and finding a way to share with the world the capability of a mind stuck in a non-functioning body.

The story is brief yet poignant and delves through the initial phases of dealing with the results of the author’s stroke (looking at his ten and eight year old children and wanting to hug them but not being able to communicate in any way save a wink of one eye). It is brutal and honest regarding how different people in his life deal with the situation (from the letters that arrive that give him daily inspiration to the visitors that walk to the door and turn around because they can’t handle their pain).

Truly an amazing and inspirational story that provides an insight we might not otherwise be exposed to. This short book is a powerful read that will grab you and keep you reading until the last page. I can’t wait to see this on the big screen. Here’s to people like Bauby and their helping to educate the world.

Denver, CO

From Tattered Cover:

Piero Ferrucci warns against the dangers of “global cooling.” As the pace of living grows faster and the impact of new technologies more insistent, communications become hurried and impersonal. The drive for profit overrides the heart. Warmth and genuine presence fade. “The Power of Kindness” is a stirring examination of a simple but profound concept. Piero Ferrucci, one of the world’s most respected transpersonal psychologists, explores the many surprising facets of kindness and argues that it is this trait that will not only lead to our own individual happiness and the happiness of those around us, but will guide us in a world that has become cold, anxious, difficult, and frightening. In eighteen interlocking chapters, Dr. Ferrucci reveals that the kindest people are the most likely to thrive, to enable others to thrive, and to slowly but steadily turn our world away from violence, self-centeredness, and narcissism-and toward love. Writing with a rare combination of sensitivity and intellectual depth, Dr. Ferrucci shows that, ultimately, kindness is not a luxury in our world but rather a necessity for us all.

This book was a powerful reminder of the qualities we should be exemplifying in our daily lives. Ferrucci pulls together real life examples and plenty of research to show the value of each of the qualities below as well as how to apply them in our life. It is an inspirational reminder of the true power of kindness within each of us.

1. Honest
2. Warmth
3. Forgiveness
4. Contact
5. Sense of Belonging
6. Trust
7. Mindfulness
8. Empathy
9. Humility
10. Patience
11. Generosity
12. Respect
13. Flexibility
14. Memory
15. Loyalty
16. Gratitude
17. Service
18. Joy