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58th out of 75 books
—
95 voters
The Barbizon Diaries: A Meditation on Will, Purpose, and the Value Of Stories (The Meditations #2)
by
James A. Owen (Goodreads Author)
"THE BARBIZON DIARIES, Book Two of The Meditations (after DRAWING OUT THE DRAGONS) has been a very difficult book to write. It's not overlong, and it isn't very complex. But it contains, as did the earlier book, a lot of very hard, very simple truths. Truths that have been hard-earned - and are therefore the most valuable, and the most worth sharing.
"It was meant to come o...more
"It was meant to come o...more
ebook, 116 pages
Published
May 2012
by Coppervale International
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Drawing out the Dragons, Book One in these "Meditations", I thought was the most powerful thing I'd not only ever get to read, but be so privileged as to Help (even a tiny bit) see come to light.
But I was incredibly wrong.
The Barbizon Diaries, is beyond it by light years. By Galaxies.
It is still very difficult to wrap my head and heart around. But I know that THIS collection of Truths Changed me irrevocably. That it will continue to daily remind me that the Light inside my soul is so very reach...more
But I was incredibly wrong.
The Barbizon Diaries, is beyond it by light years. By Galaxies.
It is still very difficult to wrap my head and heart around. But I know that THIS collection of Truths Changed me irrevocably. That it will continue to daily remind me that the Light inside my soul is so very reach...more
Feb 02, 2013
k.wing
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Everyone in the world.
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There are certain books that have come along, shoved some junk out of the way, and made a home in my soul. For example: Rainer Maria Rilke's Letters To A Young Poet, Go Tell It On The Mountain by James Baldwin, Pearl S. Buck's The Good Earth, and Night by Elie Wiesel, to name a few. These books have made me evaluate my life, and have helped shape how I want to live it.
The Barbizon Diaries now tops that list.
In this deeply personal account of adulthood circumstances, traumas, and triumphs, James...more
The Barbizon Diaries now tops that list.
In this deeply personal account of adulthood circumstances, traumas, and triumphs, James...more
James A. Owen comes across as the man who can fall into a pile of shit, find the Crown Jewels therein, and walk away suitably enriched. After reading the the first book he files under the heading "The Meditations", Drawing Out the Dragons, you KNOW it can happen to you, if you're willing to work to make it so.
In the second of "The Meditations", The Barbizon Diaries, James (Mr. Owen? The Merchant Prince?) covers it a bit more, this time from the point of the refining fire. Tragedy, or just genera...more
In the second of "The Meditations", The Barbizon Diaries, James (Mr. Owen? The Merchant Prince?) covers it a bit more, this time from the point of the refining fire. Tragedy, or just genera...more
Before I dove into this sequel of "Drawing Out the Dragons", I read in the prologue that the author had not wanted to write this book.
That got me very curious, what could he not want to write about? I found out in a hurry. I won't give away details, but as I Read "The Barbizon Diaries", I kept thinking 'I know how I would've reacted in this situation. But how would the self proclaimed 'Merchant Prince and Philosopher King' behave under these circumstances?'
The Answer? James A. Owen met this sit...more
That got me very curious, what could he not want to write about? I found out in a hurry. I won't give away details, but as I Read "The Barbizon Diaries", I kept thinking 'I know how I would've reacted in this situation. But how would the self proclaimed 'Merchant Prince and Philosopher King' behave under these circumstances?'
The Answer? James A. Owen met this sit...more
If you were touched in any way by James A. Owen's Drawing Out The Dragons: A Meditation on Art, Destiny, and the Power of Choice (as I was, in a major way), you MUST read The Barbizon Diaries. Owen has suffered more slights than most people do in a lifetime (and this book centers on a harrowing period of time that he was committed to a mental institution against his will), yet it hasn't damaged his incredible optimism and ability to find the good in any bad situation. Highly recommended.
This second volume in James Owen's Meditations trilogy is if anything more powerful than the first, and certainly more poignant as he owns the choices that weave into the weft of others choices to create a devastating personal drama. Not afraid to show he is human even while championing and illuminating the ABC's of being heroic, James Owen inspires and invites the reader to write their own mythology of goodness. I read it in one sitting, not because I had the time, but because once started, I h...more
I don't really know how to describe this book, because the core of the book is a freaking tragedy of injustice that left me furious, but resolves with a demonstration of forgiveness that is humbling. I do not think it is an overstatement to say that this book will challenge you. I also do not think it is an overstatement to say that it will leave you changed at the end.
As soon as you can: get a copy.
As soon as you can: get a copy.
Overnight Success, charmed life these are things people say to diminish the accomplishments of a lifetime of choice. In his breathtaking follow up to Drawing out the Dragons James pulls back the curtain to tell some of the most personal stories of his life and share the simple truths that have been revealed to him by those moments.
This is one of those exceptionally rare books that I know I will read multiple times and each time learn something new about myself. James A. Owen is my hero and I encourage everyone to read Drawing out the Dragons followed by The Barbizon Diaries. You won't regret it and it could just change your life. :)
Simply stunning prose, stories, and message(s). I gobbled this up in the wee hours of the morning, unable to put it down. The writing moves the pace forward smoothly, is effective and efficient (you can tell the words were chosen purposefully and just so), and paints the autobiographical stories as the author intended. The Barbizon Diaries is a very uplifting and self-reflective book (for the reader, but I'm sure also for the author) in an elegant, conversational style. I was reminded that the d...more
An amazing and inspiring look at how even your darkest days can provide the power you need to make it to the next day.
Powerful and honest.
May 04, 2013
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“Bad things can happen, and often do--but they only take up a few pages of your story; and anyone can survive a few pages.”
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23 people liked it
“Your ability to shape your destiny is directly proportional to your belief that it is a matter of will and determination--however much or little that belief may be.”
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11 people liked it
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May 09, 2012 09:24am