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34th out of 296 books
—
238 voters
The Red Book: A Deliciously Unorthodox Approach to Igniting Your Divine Spark
by
Sera J. Beak (Goodreads Author)
"The Red Book" is nothing less than a spiritual fire starter -- a combustible cocktail of Hindu Tantra and Zen Buddhism, Rumi and Carl Jung, goddesses and psychics, shaken with cosmic nudges, meaningful subway rides, haircuts, relationships, sex, dreams, and intuition. Author Sera Beak's unique hybrid perspective, hilarious personal anecdotes, and invaluable exercises enco...more
Paperback, 287 pages
Published
June 1st 2006
by Jossey-Bass
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I stumbled across this book as I was searching for Jung titles, believe it or not. The title was intriquing and I thought, "hey, getting the 'ol divine spark would be good." so I trooped myself over to the library and picked it up. It was a nice new perspective on finding a pathway to our own spirituality. It never takes itself too seriously but also maintains a solid integrity that many current "self-help" and/or "new age-y" titles tend to sacrifice for the sake of readership.
Sera has a wonder...more
Sera has a wonder...more
As someone who was raised in a Hindu family and moved away from that to agnosticism, this book was a pretty great way to start exploring spirituality again.
I especially love the portion of the book that Sera devotes to spiritual materialism and misappropriation of traditional religious practices and belief systems. She's not extreme in either direction, but lays out the arguments for both sides and encourages plain ol' common sense and respect.
Oh, and the chapter on sex and spirituality was pret...more
I especially love the portion of the book that Sera devotes to spiritual materialism and misappropriation of traditional religious practices and belief systems. She's not extreme in either direction, but lays out the arguments for both sides and encourages plain ol' common sense and respect.
Oh, and the chapter on sex and spirituality was pret...more
The author is very knowledgeable about a variety of traditions, and her discussion was positive and interesting at times. That said, most of the book felt like a remedial course to me. I appreciated the middle to end which involved more practical ideas and I look forward to checking our her reading list, which she provides in the back.
Super cute, of this moment, chock full of references, an affirmation. Like Bust magazine, Sage Woman, and Shambhala Sun are in a women's group together. The style was a little over the top for me, (re: Bust, women's maggy), but the voice was exciting to hear. Representing young spiritual women that don't buy totally into anything without a healthy dose of skepticism. I would've appreciated an explanation of her philosophy of Red. (Later: ....oh, that's her next book.) Recommended for other up-an...more
This might be one of my all time favorite books ever! I downloaded this book on my Kindle after hearing Sera Beak interviewed by Dr. Oz on Oprah and Friends XM Radio the beginning of the year. After listening to her interviewed I knew that I had to read her book. She is funny, very knowledgeable of different religions and cultures of the world. She weaves different culture, religions into her own. Her book is one that I had to enjoy in little chunks. I highlighted and took lots of notes while re...more
I wasn't entirely sure I was an atheist, I just found trouble believing one specific religion was the correct one. This book definitely helped guide me into understanding spirituality by gazing into several religions and recognizing a common thread. The book relies on meditation and learning to listen to your soul. Sera Beak writes as if she's having a one-on-one with you. A woman who can say shit and divinity in the same sentence is my kind of woman. She challenges your conditioned perception o...more
This book was an excellent way to kick start our book club. It stimulated conversation that may not have ever been brought up otherwise.
It would be wise to start a discussion on this with the question of, "what is your religious upbringing?"
Written to stimulate thought on spirituality. Great if have never questioned why you believe or don’t believe what you do. The writing style is very simple and kind of fun. Written like sort of like a Cosmo (which can be good or bad).
My favorite chapters w...more
I think I read this book at the wrong point in my life. Had I stumbled upon it ten or fifteen years ago (before it was written, lol) it may have had more of an impact on me. As it was, I abandoned it about three chapters in. I haven't discarded it - simply returned it to my shelf - I'm not convinced it WON'T be helpful to me at some point.
This is very, very spiritually based (which is great), but just coming off of Steven Pressfield's "The War of Art", I was looking for more of the divine-spark-...more
This is very, very spiritually based (which is great), but just coming off of Steven Pressfield's "The War of Art", I was looking for more of the divine-spark-...more
This book has a little bit of everything. It is definitely geared toward women, though I suppose men might get a little something out of it too. I liked that the author discusses such a variety of religions, beliefs, and spiritual practices. I appreciate that she encourages the reader to test their beliefs and rely on their own sense of what’s right and what works for them. There is a little bit that seemed too much for me (meshing spirituality and quantum physics, quoting questionable studies,...more
When my mother gifted me this book and I flipped through it, I thought "Uh oh! Chick Lit meets Spiritual How-To? No thanks," and I put it aside. But then I found myself in a funk and needed a light, spiritual, female-focused pick-me-up and I picked up this book. What a sweet little gem! Sera Beak's style is very conversational, which I often find extremely annoying, but she pulls it off. She felt like a sweet girlfriend that I could respectfully tease the world with. She's got a great approach t...more
The Red Book by Sera Beak is a must have for all you Goddesses out there. This is one of those, every woman should read and have a ratted out, dog-eared, coffee stained copy of on their bookshelves.
Being what some people call a spiritual seeker, I am always on the lookout for a good “spiritual” book. It’s a rarity for me that I find one that I can actually read cover to cover, without getting too bored and having to read something else in between. It’s also a rarity, being a young woman, to fin...more
Being what some people call a spiritual seeker, I am always on the lookout for a good “spiritual” book. It’s a rarity for me that I find one that I can actually read cover to cover, without getting too bored and having to read something else in between. It’s also a rarity, being a young woman, to fin...more
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This was definitely a fun read and look forward to discussing it with a group of lovely ladies. I like her open-mindedness and studies of various religions to back up what she's saying. The threading of a new age hipness woven through the prose got a little tedious at times, but was always redeemed with some profound wisdom that resonated within. I would definitely recommend this book, especially to those trying to find their 'Higher Power.'
This was a fun book. It was written for younger women who are just starting to explore spirituality that might be different from the traditions they were raised in, so much of what the author said I've thought about or run across before. However, it was fun, creative and a good boost of inspiration to remind me to stay on my own path.
A friend of mine bought this for me. She knew I was struggling with 'what to believe'. I am not religious at all, but I would love to have something in my life. I was really inspired by the way that she tackled many different ideas with such gusto. This book made me feel okay about what I believe or want to corporate into my life.
A nice, hip, fast-paced, very girly (in a good way) inspiring little read about getting in touch with your own spirituality. Really just a friendly, forceful push to read some of the more academic writings on spirituality, Buddhism, Jainism, Juddaism, Christianity, Meditation, Yoga, sex and really anything and everything in-between, that you feel could lend spiritual guidance to you. A fun read for anyone needing a little inspiration.
Like many here, I wish I'd found this book as a younger woman. It's an excellent nudge towards a more active pursuit of the Divine, but lacks ... teeth. With due respect to the author, because I admire what she's doing with her mind, her time, and her energy, this felt a bit like spiritual Cosmo.
May 12, 2011
Bree
is currently reading it
I'm only on chapter 4 right now, but I love it already. I can relate to it, I feel like I was meant to read it at this point in my life. I was lacking/disorganized/not driven spiritually like I wanted to be. Reading this book is benefiting me greatly. I'll write more when I'm finished!
One of my favorites stylistically. The author's voice really shines through. Every girl should have this on her shelf. Very fun read and a unique perspective on spirituality. One of my all time favorites comes highly recommended. Funny too.
Apr 09, 2010
Kellie
added it
I am just 16 pages into this book, and already have much food for thought. The author writes about a very tricky subject with flare, and fun. She discusses some aspects of many different religions and the shift of cultures away from a patriarchal view to more earth, feminine influences and how this effects everything from
religions to the Marlboro Man. She uses lots of luscious language and focuses a lot on finding what is right for each individual in the spiritual realm whatever form it might t...more
religions to the Marlboro Man. She uses lots of luscious language and focuses a lot on finding what is right for each individual in the spiritual realm whatever form it might t...more
A fun read, interesting perspective. Picked it up at the library on a whim based on the title...not too bad for a book I wasn't looking to read.
Apr 08, 2011
Mary Louise
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
spirituality,
creativity
She's a fire-cracker. She'll pick you up. Waited too long to read this, but now it's on my Kindle--and that goes everywhere that I go...
Jan 07, 2013
Helen
is currently reading it
Good friend gave me this book for Christmas. Hoping to rediscover my spiritual side.
I loved this book. It's fiery and fun. Required reading for the inquisitive female soul.
Jan 10, 2012
Sandra
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Young women interested in exploring their spirituality
Shelves:
inspirational-spiritualality
Wonderful introduction to spiritual and metaphysical principles.
Apr 01, 2010
Glenda
is currently reading it
a little repetitive, but it just confirmed and added to certain ideas
This is an amazing book. Every woman should read this. I mean it.
Great book on spirituality with a great sense of humour.
Wish I'd had this book when I was in my 20s!
A must read for all women.
I LOVE THIS BOOK.
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Sera Beak is a world-traveled Harvard-trained scholar of comparative religion and an intrepid spiritual cowgirl. Her first book, The Red Book: A Deliciously Unorthodox Approach to Igniting Your Divine Spark, is aimed at jaded, yet still spiritually curious young women, although the material speaks to all ages and genders. She calls the book a firestarter. Sera is called a woman who is hands down t...more
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