Lada Ray's Blog, page 97
October 22, 2012
I Received The Booker Award
No, it’s not THE Booker (Prize), but this one is pretty cool, too, and I am thrilled to receive it!
The Booker Award was given to me by Mardi Orlando, author of a wonderful metaphysical fantasy, Secrets of Ghosts. I recently read it, and enjoyed it so much that I immediately sat down to write a 5* review, which was featured at my Indie Book Review Fest.
Secrets of Ghosts is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble as ebook/paperback/hardcover.
Here is the link to Mardi’s post about the award: http://www.mardiorlando.com/the-booker-award.html . Many thanks, Mardi! I am privileged and honored to receive it from you!
What I especially like is that this is not a blog award – rather it is given to authors. To accept it, I am asked to list 5 of my favorite books and pass it on to 5 other authors, which I’ll gladly do.
There are so many favorite books, which I had treasured at different points of my life and that left an indelible imprint in my psyche. But here are just a few of them that come to mind immediately (both fiction and non-fiction):
The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov. Widely regarded as one of the foremost visionaries of the 20th century, Mikhail Bulgakov is arguably the father of the contemporary urban fantasy. Written in the 1930′s, Bulgakov’s masterpiece takes place in the Stalinist Moscow, when Satan himself descends on the unsuspecting city to play with lives and desires of mere mortals and to organize his annual ball. It is about the writer – ”Master” – who is writing a book about the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the predicament of Pontius Pilate, and about a secret affair of said Master with his beloved Margarita. The book is so profound, so entertaining and so amazing(!) that I would have given it 50 out of 5 stars, if such option was available. I read it in Russian, and I can only hope that the English translation does it justice! I hear that the best translations are by Ginsburg, or Burgin/O’Connor.
Here are a few of Bulgakov’s famous catch phrases, many authored by Satan (who is a very cool character, by the way): ”Manuscripts don’t burn,” “Cowardice is the worst of sins,” “They are generally not bad people, it’s just that the real estate issue has spoiled them,” “Why are humans so afraid of shadows? What would the world be like without a shadow of a tree?” “He hasn’t earned the light; he has only earned peace.” I can equally highly recommend Mikhail Bulgakov’s other books. Read more about those here: GOLD TRAIN Blog Tour Centerpiece: May Day Interview.
The Russian Jubilee edition of The Master and Margarita (Rus: Master i Margarita).
Journey of Souls by Michael Newton (non-fiction). It is a compilation of fascinating case studies of past lives by various patients, recounted by practicing psychiatrist and pioneer in past life regression. When I first read this book years ago, it opened my eyes on many things. Awesome!
Animal-Speak: The Spiritual & Magical Powers of Creatures Great & Small, by Ted Andrews. Incredibly useful and well-written reference guide to the wisdom of the animal world, which provides techniques for recognizing and interpreting the signs and omens of nature. Meet and work with animals as totems and spirit guides by learning the language of their behaviors within the physical world. Includes extensive wisdom of Native American shamans, Chinese and other cultures.
Monday Begins on Saturday (Also, translated as: Monday Starts on Saturday) by Brothers Strugatsky. Move over, Harry Potter! Written in the 1970s, it is “Soviet research science meets the paranormal.” What a delightfully magical, entertaining, satirical and profoundly philosophical book this is! It features the Institute of Magical Affairs, located somewhere close to Moscow in Kitezhgrad, a magical town, which was recently discovered and lifted from the bottom of a sea. As the Institute completes its revolutionary, cutting-edge design of the… magic wand, the protagonist, beautiful research witch Alyona, and her beloved Ivan have to overcome tremendous odds and a huge dollop of malicious witchcraft to be together.
Russian Edition: Ponedelnik Nachinaetsa v Subbotu. A blockbuster movie based on Monday Begins on Saturday, entitled Sorcerers (Rus: Charodei) was made in the early 1980′s. Immediately after that, the girl’s name “Alyona” (which in fact is an ancient Russian name) became incredibly popular.
Brothers Strugatsky are the classics of the Soviet scify/fantasy, as well as the mystery/thriller genres. Their other book, The Era of Mercy, is another favorite of mine. It is about a huge wave of brutal crimes that swept Moscow in 1945, immediately after the end of WWII. It is also about the important lessons and choices the young detectives have to make while trying to solve the mystery of the Black Cat. The mega-popular blockbuster TV mini-series based on The Era of Mercy made in the early 1980′s, starred the famous Russian singer Vladimir Visotsky and was entitled: The Meeting Place Cannot Be Changed (Rus: Mesto Vstrechi Izmenit Nelsia). I just finished watching it on Youtube. Simply awesome!
As my fifth choice, I decided to include Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J. K. Rowling. I think this is the best book of the Harry Potter series and I just love the character of Sirius Black! Also, J. K. Rowling is my inspiration. I know, I know, this is not the book’s cover, but shall we say, I am not a fan of the American covers of the Harry Potter books. I think, this movie poster is sooooo much more appropriate.
In conclusion, I just wanted to say that listing some of my fave books here was a fun exercise in soul searching, which made me pause and think about what is important and what isn’t. I am hereby making a solemn promise to myself to post reviews of the above, as well as of some other great books. Thanks to my friend Mardi, today I have made an earth-shattering discovery that being a thoughtful reader/reviewer would help me become a better writer. Imagine that!
The authors I would like to nominate for the Booker Award are:
Darlene Foster http://darlenefoster.wordpress.com/
Cassandra Giovanni http://www.cgiovanni.com/
M.C. O’Neill http://royalmanaball.wordpress.com/
Janna Shay http://jannashay.wordpress.com/
Lesley Fletcher http://inspirationimport.wordpress.com/
October 13, 2012
Accidental Spy Party: Huge Price Drop & Giveaway!
The Holiday Season 2012 is quickly approaching, and the Party Season on Lada Ray Blog never stops!
ANNOUNCING: 50%+ price drop for both Accidental Spy novels: Stepford USA (US Adventure, #1) and Gold Train (Russia Adventure, #2), plus, a mega-giveaway! I’ve got some great stuff to give away, and I hope everyone will find something they’ll like. For the first time, I am using Rafflecopter for this giveaway, as I hear it’s a great tool. Please check below to see what’s cooking in our several Rafflecopters – entering is as easy as 1,2,3!
Amazon buy links: US UK DE FR ES IT
Amazon buy links US UK DE FR ES IT
More buy links: LADA RAY BOOK STORE
For 8 days, from 10/14 to 10/21, GOLD TRAIN & STEPFORD USA will be $1.49 (or UK/Euro equivalent) on Amazon Kindle (regular $2.99-4.99).
Make sure you stop by and load up that Kindle with some great Holiday reads!
Even more fun stuff!
Announcing Accidental Spy Mega-Giveaway!
Do I have stuff to give away? Oh yes, I do.
The Accidental Spy Giveaway takes place at my official author website: LadaRay.com
It is already up and running, so please stop by and check it out any time. New stuff will be added as we go along. Stay tuned for more!
There are 4+1 (!!) Rafflecopter forms @LadaRay.com.
Prizes include:
KINDLE + SMASHWORDS (both!) PROFESSIONAL FORMATTING for your next book (Many thanks to Dynamic Web Design (DWD) for donating this great service!)
Signed copy of GOLD TRAIN paperback with personalized message
Complete set of Accidental Spy ebooks (Gold Train, Stepford USA, Green Desert)
Writers’ Pack: 2 highly acclaimed non-fiction books that belong on every writer’s shelf!
Plus, I’ll be adding CATHARSIS giveaway in a day or two! Stay tuned!
Something for everyone.
ENTER one or all.
But check it out for yourself!
Accidental Spy Party:
Price Drop & Giveaway!
And THANK YOU for helping make the first year of my Indie publishing journey so much fun!
October 5, 2012
Revealing THE EARTH SHIFTER: Upcoming YA Fantasy Thriller
A highly anticipated YA fantasy/thriller set in Moscow, Sacred Lake Baikal (Siberia), New York, Princeton, and mystical realms of Heaven & Earth.
Category: novel, YA fantasy/scifi, thriller, dystopian, visionary/metaphysical
SYNOPSIS
From the Earth Keepers Chronicles
Mankind would never know how close it came to annihilation on June 30, 1908. Somewhere in the murky depths of the Cosmos, a Comet of Karma is born. When all hope fades, it is sent to planet Earth, its sole mission to wipe out a failing civilization. It has happened before, and it can happen again. Except this time, the Earth Keepers would not interfere.
TODAY
The Comet of Karma tasked with destroying a failing civilization…
The Earth Keepers endowed with supreme powers over the planet and agonizing over the ultimate decision…
The Protectors risking their lives to keep the world intact…
A beautiful brunette with hidden agenda, who is infinitely more than anyone knows…
Two ambitious and unscrupulous men, who’ll stop at nothing…
Global secret society bent on usurping power on Earth…
A woman, ready to betray in order to save her son…
Old spy organization with a secret human weapon…
The Shifters, with power over mind, matter, time and space…
And three teenagers, two of whom are destined to become mankind’s salvation—the all-powerful KEY of DESTINY. They will open a new era for humanity, if they succeed in keeping their souls uncorrupted… and if they manage to come together before it’s too late…
Anticipated release: mid-December 2012
October 1, 2012
Indie Book Review Fest
Welcome to the Indie Book Review Fest! Included are my September reviews of 4 great books by fellow authors, as well as the most recent and best reviews of my own books. I promise a feast for the reader’s soul with a variety of genres, including adventure, mystery/thriller, fantasy/scifi, metaphysical/spiritual, paranormal and non-fiction/history.
Without further ado…
RAHALA: An Ascension Odyssey by Jason Sullivan
Category: fantasy/scifi, dystopian, spiritual/metaphysical
FREE at this time on Smashwords!
Review by: Lada Ray on Sep. 16, 2012 : 
Fascinating, Visionary and Creative – Highly Recommended!
While visiting the ancient rocks in northern Arizona, friends Marcia, Steve and Harvey encounter a striking inter-dimensional phenomenon, and meet a friendly alien who shows them the future destruction of the Earth by vicious extraterrestrials called Perathons.
What ensues is a highly imaginative, philosophical and visionary story of a quest by three very different humans to save the planet. Although the book features various aliens, it is as much about saving the planet from them, as it is about saving it from ourselves, particularly from those humans who succumb to greed, aggression and other vices. It is also about saving OURSELVES, our souls, our hearts, all that is pure and good; it is about remembering who we are and what’s important.
The imagery is both profound and creative. The author takes his protagonists back in time: to ancient France and medieval Ireland, where the reader is asked to reconnect with the pure nature of our planet, and to the dismal distant future, where we see what would become of us and the Earth, if heroic action is not taken to prevent this time-line from becoming a gruesome reality.
I loved the spiritual/metaphysical element in the story, reminiscent of the Earth’s wisdom from the Native American and ancient European traditions, as well as what we call today the “New Thought.” At times, Rahala also reminded me of the famous book, The Celestine Prophecy.
Jason Sullivan’s book packs a lot of information in a relatively short space. It is easy and pleasant to read, includes some humor, yet it gets you thinking about the important truths we often forget or brush aside. I highly recommend this enjoyable, imaginative and spiritual read to anyone!
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CATHARSIS, Legend of the Lemurians (Earth Keepers Chronicles: Book 1) by Lada Ray
Category: fantasy/scifi, YA, dystopian, spiritual/metaphysical
Available on Amazon US UK and other countries
Smashwords – FREE!
Coming to B&N, Kobo, Sony, Apple any day now!
Catharsis can also be purchased at Lada Ray Book Store (PDF)
Catharsis was released on September 13, 2012. I intend to keep it free for the time being on Smashwords, and possibly on B&N, Kobo, Sony and Apple. It is only $.99 on Kindle. Below are excerpts from the best reviews it received so far.
Review by: Mary Ellis on Sep. 30, 2012 : 
CATHARSIS immediately drew me in!
I’ve just finished a really intriguing short story written by Lada Ray: Catharsis, Legend of the Lemurians, is Book 1 of the new Earth Keepers Series. It is a metaphysical/dystopian short, which is also the companion and prequel to the upcoming YA fantasy/thriller novel, THE EARTH SHIFTER.
Catharsis is only 11K words, or about 30 pages in length, but it delivers quite an impact. The characters, back story, setting—all work together to create the aura of fairytale magic, along with important lessons to be learned. I found myself rooting for the Uglies, especially the protagonist Morf, as they try to save the planet, and as they have to make the hardest choice of their uneasy lives.
This first book of a very promising new series, is a relatively quick and easy read. Heart warming message about remembrance, and what it means to be a genuine human being. In these times, when we focus on all the bad news around us, it’s easy to forget this precious lesson. A truly great and inspiring read, recommended for all age groups but especially for young children… it will give them hope and a brighter outlook for the future! Highly recommend, I am eagerly awaiting the next installment, which will feature the Lemurians’ and Atlanteans’ life on Earth. 5 Stars for this elegant work.
Review by: Inspirational Fiction/IF Mystery Sep. 30, 2012 :
Great writing, plotting and pacing but the short story just ended, leaving me scratching my head. A great morality lesson for young adults, especially in this age of bullies, still I wish the author had fleshed out the events on Earth.
Lada says: This is a series of shorts, therefore, the events on Earth for both the Lemurians and Atlanteans are coming up in the next 3 books – to be released in the first part of 2013. Stay tuned!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
This prequel will appeal to lovers of Star Trek, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Star Wars, all rolled into an exciting new series September 19, 2012
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Review by: J.J.Collins Format: Kindle Edition
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I read all the author’s previous books and loved them all. “Catharsis – Legend of the Lemurians”, the author’s first book of the Earth Keepers Chronicles. The author has an exceptional talent to blend amazing creative writing, brilliant imagination and current topical issues in her writing. Catharsis has everything, science, astrology, mythology, biblical prophecy, and current affairs, all intertwined in a magical tour de force. You can tell the author puts a little bit of her soul into everything she writes, this pays off exceptionally well, as the reader will always find it difficult to remove oneself from the journey presented.
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This prequel transcends all age groups, every character has a significance and every page a twist. It contains strong values, fosters loyalty and respect, and provides for the type of leadership qualities that we all seek, but rarely find in our own modern day world.
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The promise for the future and the sense of the unknown for the main characters is as relevant, and as important to the main characters, as it is to any reader of this wonderful piece.
Review by: Madeline Walsh on Sep. 17, 2012 :
A Beautiful Tale of Paradise Lost and Paradise Found! What does it mean to be ugly, Truly ugly from the inside-out? We are about to find out as Author, Lada Ray, takes us on a timeless adventure from a distant galaxy far away and long ago. Lessons “forgotten” tend to repeat themselves throughout history until we ultimately learn from them. “Catharsis” is a timely tale that warns us about how our collective future may unfold if we don’t wake up!
Review by: KatesReads on Sep. 15, 2012 :
This is a great short story and intro into The Earth Keepers Chronicles. It is very imaginative and well plotted. Even in such a short story Lada Ray packs a powerful message.
Review by: Jason Sullivan on Sep. 15, 2012 :
Do you believe in the Atlanteans or, the even more obscured by time and history, Lemurians? Could they have come from another planet? ‘Catharsis, Legend of the Lemurians’ is a fascinating allegorical tale by the talented author, Lada Ray. This allegorical story contains important truths, which are especially relevant today. Read ‘Catharsis, Legend of the Lemurians’! It will get you thinking about collective karma, where we might have come from, and what the future could hold if we do not learn to care for each other and to share the resources of planet Earth.
Review by: ReviewerRachel on Sep. 14, 2012 :
Catharsis! This book may be only 27 pages, but it wowed me! I’m usually not drawn to short stories at all, I just stay so disconnected. The book gave off a pleasant sense of whimsy, at the same time, it underlined crucial lessons about understanding/bullying/stereotypes/societal norms. I just all-around adored it! It was just so different from everything else I’ve ever read. I loved the background stories, the lessons it expressed. Several of them closely mirrored my favorite Bible stories. It didn’t leave me empty like other short stories, it filled me up completely. I absolutely recommend this book to people looking for a satisfying read.
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SECRETS of GHOSTS by Mardi Orlando
Category: YA, fantasy, paranormal, metaphysical, history
Available on Amazon and B&N.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Absorbing Journey with Mystery, Magic and Heart, September 21, 2012
Review by: Lada Ray Format: Kindle Edition
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Brought together by their mysterious and powerful gifts, seven teenagers have been stranded between worlds. Their mission is simple: uncover the hidden past, free the ghosted children stuck for a hundred years in an abandoned church, defeat the shadow…and try to survive the experience.
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The problem is, while the ghosted children are fruitlessly trying to remember their past in order to move to the light, the seven teenagers who are tasked with saving them, desperately want to forget theirs. However, without releasing their own demons, the teens won’t be able to help the ghosts, moreover, they won’t be able to save themselves.
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The book alternates between the past – devastating times of World War I & II – and the present. The tragic stories of the ghosted children, of the local town and of the seven teenagers are woven together into one absorbing, haunting tale. I found myself deeply engrossed in this book, trying to find out what happens next. The war time newspaper clippings provided the local perspective of the events of War World II, particular to the British and Western point of view.
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I especially want to commend the author for her wonderful descriptions of the teens’ rare metaphysical gifts, from telepathy and clairvoyance to working with crystals and empathy. This is the subject that is very dear to my heart and I find that the author understands and feels what she is writing about on a very profound level–true, and fascinating to read about.
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The main characters are interesting to read about, especially Daffodil, Jake and Santu. Besides, you can’t help but feel sorry for the ghosts and root for their salvation. There is profound humanity in how the author paints the ghosts’ touching protectiveness of each other and their ghosted animals. There are valuable lessons to be learned from this book. A great read – highly recommended!
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GOLD TRAIN (Accidental Spy Russia Adventure) by Lada Ray
Category: action/adventure, historic mystery, spy thriller, romance, paranormal
Currently available on Amazon US UK and other countries.
Coming in October to Smashwords, B&N, Kobo, Sony , Apple
Can also be purchased from Lada Ray Book Store (PDF)
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Ebook cover
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Paperback cover
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very Nice Read, Adventures Abound!, September 18, 2012
Review by Jasper Snieder Format: Kindle Edition
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Highly anticipated follow up adventure by novelist Lada Ray, Gold Train certainly delivers with dramatic thrills and spills. The action follows journalist Jade Snow as the sexy super sleuth goes international and unravels a potential conspiracy that may destroy the world. Truth, justice and the American way… superman can take lessons from this this reporter! Easily 5 stars all the way, highly recommend for all you politicos out there.
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JAMES MADISON – The Father of the Constitution (1751 – 1836) by J.J. Collins
Category: non-fiction, history, biography
Available Paperback: Amazon US UK
Ebook: Amazon US UK
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspiring Read About the Proudest Moment of American History September 30, 2012 Review by Lada Ray Format: Paperback
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With profound knowledge and great style, J.J. Collins sets out to explore the creation of the American Constitution and the birth of the American Republic, as well as the people behind these events. This is not a very long book, but it packs a wallop of information, at the same time managing to convey the feel, texture and attitudes of that era.
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We get to meet not only James Madison himself, but also the other greats of American history: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton, among others. The author takes us to the historic 1787 Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia where we witness first-hand the process of creation of the Constitution. The uncharted territory that was the American Constitution made it difficult to reconcile all the varying opinions and interests in order to arrive at one document, which would unite the whole country. James Madison and others were heavily influenced by the philosophy of the European Era of Enlightenment. In turn, the American Constitution would later become the symbol of freedom and the fight against tyranny in Europe and elsewhere.
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Ironically, some of the most shameful moments of American history were also enshrined in the Constitution, including the justification of slavery and the fact that each slave was considered only 3/5 of a white man, as well as the creation of the Electoral College – the US Presidential Election’s unfair and archaic indirect voting system, which still persists today.
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The book proceeds to describe the era of the British/French war, the French revolutionary wars starting at the end of the 18th century, a struggle for the USA to remain neutral to European conflicts, and the ever deepening bitter political divisions between Federalists and Jeffersonian Republicans – the former revolutionary buddies. We follow James Madison’s life and career, from the post of the Secretary of State to being elected the fourth President of the United States, and later, to his death.
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It was the era of great statesmen, not mere politicians, the kind of people we only wish we could see in the White House today. Their intellect, knowledge, erudition and profound concern for their country and fellow man – moderated with reason and wisdom – led them to create the foundation on which America functioned successfully for many years. They passionately debated the issues of individual’s rights, state vs. federal power, unjust enrichment, monopoly, separation of legislative and executive powers, establishment of a National Bank, and equitable taxation. They developed laws, which at that time in history resulted in the most advanced society on Earth. The creation of the American Constitution signified the US history’s proudest moment.
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However, these men were also the children of their time: they held slaves and made constant efforts to forcefully convert the Native Americans into the white man’s way of life.
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This book is especially timely today. As we slowly drift away from the principles that once made this country great in so many ways, it serves as an important reminder of things the Americans have conveniently forgotten. A highly recommended read for American history buffs and novices alike!
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STEPFORD USA (Accidental Spy US Adventure) by Lada Ray
Category: action/adventure, psychological mystery/thriller, women sleuths, romance, paranormal
Available: Amazon US UK
Coming in October to B&N, Smashwords, Kobo, Sony, Apple
Can also be purchased from Lada Ray Book Store (PDF)
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5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling until the very end, September 30, 2012
Review by Mardi Format: Kindle Edition
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Jade Snow is an investigative journalist who has braved the hardships of such places as Afghanistan. When a `white knight’ leaps to save her, she quickly falls in love and gets pregnant. But this new development is about to change Jade forever. When her husband insists on moving her to the safety and isolation of Stepford, Jade characteristically finds a story to investigate.
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But Jade is being watched… and the mysterious web begins to be woven – a clever simile made through Jade’s new involvement with the knitting club of Stepford.On discovering a horrific crime that has happened many years ago, Jade smells a rat: There are too many suspicious angles. Adding the fact that the victim is still alive but unable to converse, intrigue and mystique build.
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This is a very enjoyable book with terrific characters and a clever storyline that conjurs truths from the imbedded lies and deceit of the higher echelons of Stepford. In a whirlwind of well crafted storytelling we experience Jade’s paranormal psychic visions and even venture into a virtual reality laboratory to discover that all is not as it seems.
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This novel makes clever observations on morality, class and perception with wonderful twists and turns that will surprise and intrigue.
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A purposeful puzzle, compelling until the very end. Looking forward to reading Lada Ray’s other novels.
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The Templar Agenda by John Paul Davis
Category: historical mystery/thriller
Available on Amazon US UK and other counties
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Global Conspiracy, History, Murder – and the Knights Templar! September 17, 2012 Review by Lada Ray
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When several, seemingly unrelated, high-profile murders shake up the world’s financial and political system, Swiss Guard Mikael (Mike) Frei is sent to St. Gallen to act as temporary bodyguard for Gabrielle Leoni, daughter of the murdered banker and great-niece of the Camerlengo. After the discovery of a 14th century diary left behind by Gabrielle’s father, which provides a dramatic insight into the cause of recent deaths, Mike and Gabrielle are forced to embark on a dangerous mission across Europe and the Atlantic: Mike, to ensure Gabrielle’s safety, and Gabrielle, to uncover the truth of her father’s death. Both are drawn into the global conspiracy that may endanger their lives, and in doing so they must attempt to uncover the identity of the murderers before they strike again.
The Templar Agenda is written by a historian, therefore many lush historical details about the ancient Order of the Templars and the Catholic Church are sprinkled throughout the narrative, which, being the lover of history, I personally enjoyed.
The story is well plotted and possesses an intoxicating mix of intrigue, ambiguity and seamless fusion of fact and fiction to keep the reader addicted to the next page. In addition to action, romantic tension and mystery, the reader is asked to consider certain serious questions: Are secret societies the force of good or evil? What are the consequences of actions that are deemed necessary by few, and how do these actions impact many?
The Templar Agenda is a rich, engaging, thrill-filled story, which will appeal to the lovers of history and the historical thriller genre.
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September 22, 2012
Award Party on Lada Ray Blog + Beautiful New Photos of Russia!
Welcome to my Award Party! Celebrating two new awards!
Wow! I am very honored and touched to receive Reader Appreciation Award from a fabulous guy and fellow author, Jim L. Wright. Thank you very much, Jim!
Here is the link to Jim’s post about the award. http://jimlwright.wordpress.com/2012/08/23/301/
Please check out Jim’s blog, The Left Wright Brain - it’s really great!
The rules for this award are:
Post seven interesting things about yourself,
Nominate 5 people who in turn will post on their page the award with the link to the giver,
Let them know about the nomination
Thank the blogger who nominated you and link back to their blog
Post the award logo
I already mentioned various interesting things about myself in my “acceptance speeches” for previous awards. 
You are invited to check them out here:
This time, I decided to do something a bit different, something I think my readers will enjoy. In keeping with the theme of this particular award, here are…
SEVEN THINGS I ABSOLUTELY LOVE TO WRITE ABOUT!
1. Awesome adventures, mysteries and thrillers. My adventure/thriller series with a touch of romance and paranormal, Accidental Spy Adventures, is well underway. So far, I’ve released Green Desert (Prequel, short novella), STEPFORD USA (US Adventure, full size novel) and GOLD TRAIN (Russia Adventure, full size novel). Coming next year: DRAGON GATE (Asia Adventure).
2. Fantasy and scifi. On September 13 I released my first fantasy/scifi short entitled CATHARSIS, Legend of the Lemurians (Earth Keepers Chronicles: Book 1). In December I’ll be releasing the highly anticipated THE EARTH SHIFTER, my new YA fantasy/thriller novel.
3. Wisdom and Spirituality
4. Futurism, or put another way, predictive analysis of future events
5. Nature and animals
6. Feng Shui, beauty, and Oriental art. (I regularly write about all of the above on my blog and I invite you to check out my posts!)
7. Last but not least! My travels and world cultures. In addition to writing about those, I love photography and try to post great pics of my favorite places to make it visual.
The new series of posts I am starting this fall is entitled “Beautiful Russia.” In this series I will be posting about various beautiful gems of Russian architecture, art, nature and culture. The first 2 posts will be about the Golden Ring of Russia, a ring of beautiful ancient towns north-east of Moscow. Most of these towns are at least 1000 year old and all of them are a feast for the senses, boasting beautiful art, architecture and nature. The UNESCO World Heritage Sites abound here. I will have tons of gorgeous pics soon, but for now, enjoy a sneak peek:
The ancient Kremlin, town of Suzdal, the Golden Ring of Russia
Suzdal monastery
The town of Sergiev Posad, the famous Sergiev Monastery, the Golden Ring of Russia
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The town of Pereyaslvl-Zalessky, the Golden Ring of Russia
The artisans of the Golden Ring produce exquisite traditional Russian art. The town of Palekh is where the famous Palekh boxes come from. Each tiny box is hand-painted in the secret Palekh technique of feather-light stroke and goes for hundreds and thousands of dollars. And the town of Sergiev Posad is the birth place of the famous Russian Matryoshka (above).
I love this award! Once more, many thanks to Jim L. Wright for nominating me for the Reader Appreciation Award!
In turn, here are five (+ one) of my favorite bloggers whom I want to nominate for this great award. I love reading their blogs and highly recommend them to my readers!
1. Russel Ray is a San Diego photographer and a very outspoken, fun blogger – I love this guy! (purely platonically, Russel ) http://russelrayphotos2.com/
2. M. G. Edwards blogs about his world travels – lots of great pics! http://worldadventurers.wordpress.com/
3. Francis writes lovely poetry and does lovely photography http://niltsi.com/
4. Elisa Cashiola – blogs about feng shui http://elisacashiola.com/
5. Lesley Fletcher – lovely blog http://inspirationimport.wordpress.com/
6. Holly Michael blogs about Christian values, her world travels, writing and family http://writingstraight.com/. I know she has already received this award, but I love her blog and want to honor her here. Holly, let’s consider this an honorary award. 
How awesome is that! Another beautiful award!
I received The Beautiful Blogger Award from a fellow Indie author and wonderful blogger, Cassandra Giovanni. http://cgiovanniwrites.wordpress.com/2012/09/03/holy-cannoli/ Thank you so much, Cassandra! It is a true honor!
Cassandra is the author of the novel, Walking in the Shadows, to be released on October 31, 2012. Check out her blog http://cgiovanniwrites.wordpress.com for more about her and her books!
These are the rules for accepting The Beautiful Blogger Award:
Write a little something about the Beautiful Blogger who nominated you. See above and don’t forget to go and check her out too.
Share 7 things about yourself.
Nominate for this award 7 worthy beautiful bloggers.
Here are the 7 things I’d like to share:
1. I love my collection of Oriental art.
2. …And my writing retreat in the Catskills, NY
3. In 2011 I published two novels and one short novella in the Accidental Spy Adventure Series: GOLD TRAIN (Russia Adventure), STEPFORD USA (US Adventure) and Green Desert (Iraq Prequel). DRAGON GATE (Accidental Spy Asia Adventure) coming in 2013!
4. I love designing my own book covers! I find it to be a very creative, uplifting and meditative experience. I always feel better having designed a new cover–the more beautiful the better!
5. GOLD TRAIN and STEPFORD USA just got a face lift, with new cool covers and updated blurbs. Check them out!
6. I have just released my first fantasy/scifi short CATHARSIS, Legend of the Lemurians (Earth Keepers Chronicles: Book 1), prequel to the upcoming fantasy/thriller THE EARTH SHIFTER. If you haven’t yet, check it out! It’s only $.99 on Kindle and FREE for a limited time on Smashwords. You can also enter the Catharsis Contest.
7. In December, 2012 I will be releasing my new YA fantasy thriller novel, THE EARTH SHIFTER. Earth Keepers Chronicles (see above) serve as companion for the upcoming EARTH SHIFTER trilogy. Incidentally, CATHARSIS includes an extensive sneak peek excerpt from THE EARTH SHIFTER. More about The Earth Shifter.
There are so many beautiful blogs and it’s so hard to choose just 7! These are the bloggers I’ve decided to nominate:
1. Rick Braveheart – beautiful American nature photography http://thegreatamericanlandscape.wordpress.com/
2. http://imaginecontinua.wordpress.com/ Historic photos of Romania and nature
3. http://astronomybythecosmos.com/ Awesome posts about Cosmos, astronomy and Outer Space – I just love it!
4. Carl Pettit, columnist, journalist, author http://carlpettit.wordpress.com/. Cool illustrations.
5. Ash, beautiful poetry http://momentsofclarityandotherthings.wordpress.com/
6. Lovely Christian blog, poetry, devotional and more http://watmattersmost.wordpress.com/
7. Fascinating photography by a Spanish artist http://manolirizofotografia.com/
Once more, many thanks to Cassandra Giovanni!
Congratulations, winners! Enjoy!
September 13, 2012
CATHARSIS FREE at Smashwords + Catharsis Contest: Win Unique & Cool Prizes!
NEW RELEASE: CATHARSIS, Legend of the Lemurians, is FREE for a limited time on Smashwords! GRAB YOUR COPY!
PLUS: Do you want to win FREE professional formatting for your next book or a cool & valuable Flash App? Enter Catharsis Contest!
As you all know, I have just released CATHARSIS, Legend of the Lemurians, on Amazon Kindle and Smashwords (soon on Nook, Sony, Kobo, Apple). It is first in the new Earth Keepers Chronicles series of shorts, plus, it’s a prequel to my soon-to-be-released flagship trilogy of novels: THE EARTH SHIFTER.
I made it FREE to introduce The Earth Shifter trilogy and the Earth Keepers series (it includes an extensive excerpt: first 2 chapters from the upcoming YA fantasy thriller The Earth Shifter).
A FREE copy of Catharsis can be downloaded here: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/235546
Buy links:
Amazon US UK DE ES FR IT Only $0.99 (UK/EURO equiv)!
Smashwords FREE!
Lada Ray Book Store Only $0.99
Coming soon to: B&N Nook, Kobo, Sony, Apple
PLUS! To celebrate the launch and to thank my readers
I am very excited to announce
The Smashing CATHARSIS Contest
In partnership with Mike & Maddy of Dynamic Web Design (DWD)
who have been flawlessly formatting my books
and who have generously donated their services and expertise for my contest!
Two lucky winners will receive their choice of two valuable packages:
Professional Kindle or Smashwords (pick one) formatting for your upcoming book
OR
Custom designed Flash Banner, a very useful and cool app, which will set apart your website or blog, making it unforgettable
PLUS
each lucky winner will receive a free consultation with Dynamic Web Design’s proprietor Mike, on how to improve your website traffic and visibility!
It’s very simple to enter! All you have to do is read CATHARSIS and
1. Post a Catharsis review to earn 10 entries to win. Places to post your review include: Amazon, Smashwords & Goodreads. Also: Barnes & Noble, Kobo & Shelfari. You don’t have to post at all of these places, although I would appreciate as many places as possible. After you’ve posted your review, please send an email with links to Lada(at)LadaRay.com
and/or
2. Leave a comment on this post to earn 1 entry to win.
You can earn up to a maximum of 11 entries to win.
It’s that simple!
Winners will be announced on Wednesday, December 5, 2012.
Each of the two lucky winners will receive his/her choice of:
1. Professional Kindle or Smashwords formatting for your upcoming book, PLUS free consultation on how to improve your website or blog traffic & visibility!
Mike and Maddy deliver flawless, professionally formatted ebooks/paperbacks. Ever since I started using DWD services for my Kindle, Smashwords and Create Space formatting, I stopped stressing over possible formatting errors. Having delegated this important, but tedious task to pros, I can now fully concentrate on my writing and promotional efforts.
2. Unique, custom designed Vertical Flash Banner App, which will set apart your website or blog, making it unforgettable, PLUS free consultation on how to improve your website traffic and visibility!
Every author/artist/small business owner should have a website and/or blog. It is our online business card that allows us to spread the word about our writing/art/services to people we would’ve never met otherwise. Mike & Maddy designed my website: LadaRay.com. They have also designed 2 awesome dynamic apps for my blog and website: a book carousel and a vertical flash banner.
Dynamic apps create focal points and generate additional interest for your blog or website, not to mention, they save space by carrying a ton of useful information in a compact, yet strikingly memorable presentation! For example, if you have multiple books in a series (like my Accidental Spy series) or multiple paintings/music albums/services you want to showcase, you can organize them in a flash banner, carousel or another cool dynamic app! I am very happy with my apps and I highly recommend them to you. Moreover, I intend to order more of those in the future!
Check out my Book Carousel: http://www.ladaray.com
Check out Accidental Spy Vertical Flash Banner on my blog (top right): http://ladaray.wordpress.com
The same Accidental Spy Flash Banner, but in larger size (middle of the page, in the right-hand corner): http://www.ladaray.com/accidental-spy-series1.html
You can win a custom designed Vertical Flash Banner like the one on my blog or website!
But that’s not all!
Regardless of whether you win or not, everyone who posts a review will receive 20% off Dynamic Web Design services PLUS a FREE consultation. To receive your 20% off and a free consultation, be sure to mention CATHARSIS Contest!
DWD services include ebook (Kindle, Smashwords, ebup/Nook, PDF) & paperback (Create Space) formatting, custom website design and website image face-lift, innovative web apps design, state-of-the-art search engine optimization (SEO) and internet security services. Learn more about DWD services and packages:
http://dynamicwebdesign.net84.net
Good luck and happy reading!
Yours,
Lada Ray
Learn more about CATHARSIS: description/synopsis/excerpt
Learn more about DYNAMIC WEB DESIGN
CATHARSIS Reader Appreciation Promo: Win Unique & Cool Prizes!
Dear readers & friends,
I am very pleased to announce that CATHARSIS, Legend of the Lemurians, is now live on Amazon Kindle and Smashwords!
Buy links:
Coming soon to: B&N Nook, Kobo, Sony, Apple
To celebrate the launch and to thank my readers
I am very excited to announce the
CATHARSIS Reader Appreciation Promo
In partnership with Mike & Maddy of Dynamic Web Design (DWD)
who have generously donated their services and expertise!
Two lucky winners will receive their choice of two valuable packages:
Perfect Kindle or Smashwords (pick one) formatting for your upcoming book
OR
Custom designed Flash Banner, a very useful and cool app, which will set apart your website or blog, making it unforgettable
PLUS
each lucky winner will receive a free consultation with Dynamic Web Design’s proprietor Mike, on how to improve your website traffic and visibility!
It’s very simple to enter! All you have to do is read CATHARSIS and
1. Post a Catharsis review to earn 5 entries to win. Places to post your review include: Amazon, Smashwords & Goodreads. Also: Barnes & Noble, Kobo & Shelfari. You don’t have to post at all of these places, although I would appreciate as many places as possible. After you’ve posted your review, please send an email with links to Lada(at)LadaRay.com
and/or
2. You can answer my two questions to earn 5 entries to win. Here are the questions: 1) In the end of Catharsis, what gift do the parents give to the young Lemurians? 2) What is the name of the continent where Mu takes the young Lemurians? Please do not post your answers here. All answers should be sent to: Lada(at)LadaRay.com
and/or
3. Leave a comment on this post to earn 1 entry to win.
You can earn up to a maximum of 11 entries to win.
It’s that simple!
Winners will be announced on Wednesday, December 5, 2012.
Each of the two lucky winners will receive his/her choice of:
1. Perfect Kindle or Smashwords formatting for your upcoming book, PLUS free consultation on how to improve your website or blog traffic & visibility!
Mike and Maddy deliver flawless, professionally formatted ebooks/paperbacks. Ever since I started using DWD services for my Kindle, Smashwords and Create Space formatting, I stopped stressing over possible formatting errors. Having delegated this important, but tedious task to pros, I can now fully concentrate on my writing and promotional efforts.
2. Unique, custom designed Vertical Flash Banner App, which will set apart your website or blog, making it unforgettable, PLUS free consultation on how to improve your website traffic and visibility!
Every author/artist/small business owner should have a website and/or blog. It is our online business card that allows us to spread the word about our writing/art/services to people we would’ve never met otherwise. Mike & Maddy designed my website: LadaRay.com. They have also designed 2 awesome dynamic apps for my blog and website: a book carousel and a vertical flash banner.
Dynamic apps create focal points and generate additional interest for your blog or website, not to mention, they save space by carrying a ton of useful information in a compact, yet strikingly memorable presentation! For example, if you have multiple books in a series (like my Accidental Spy series) or multiple paintings/music albums/services you want to showcase, you can organize them in a flash banner, carousel or another cool dynamic app! I am very happy with my apps and I highly recommend them to you. Moreover, I intend to order more of those in the future!
Check out my Book Carousel: http://www.ladaray.com
Check out Accidental Spy Vertical Flash Banner on my blog (top right): http://ladaray.wordpress.com
The same Accidental Spy Flash Banner, but in larger size (middle of the page, in the right-hand corner): http://www.ladaray.com/accidental-spy-series1.html
You can win a custom designed Vertical Flash Banner like the one on my blog or website!
But that’s not all!
Regardless of whether you win or not, everyone who posts a review or answers my 2 questions will receive 20% off Dynamic Web Design services PLUS a FREE consultation. To receive your 20% off and a free consultation, make sure to mention CATHARSIS Reader Appreciation Promo!
DWD services include ebook/paperback (Create Space) formatting, custom website design and website image face-lift, innovative web apps design, state-of-the-art search engine optimization (SEO) and internet security services. Learn more about DWD services and packages:
http://dynamicwebdesign.net84.net
Good luck and happy reading!
Yours,
Lada Ray
Learn more about CATHARSIS: description/synopsis/excerpt
Learn more about DYNAMIC WEB DESIGN
Book Launch: CATHARSIS, Legend of the Lemurians (Earth Keepers Chronicles: Book 1)
Dear readers and friends,
I am very excited to announce a simultaneous launch of my new series, Earth Keepers Chronicles, and of my new book CATHARSIS, Legend of the Lemurians!
CATHARSIS is Book 1 of the Earth Keepers Chronicles. This series of YA visionary/dystopian fantasy shorts
has been created as companion for the upcoming
Catharsis category: YA, dystopian, fantasy/sci-fi, visionary/metaphysical
Total word count: 15.5k words. Page count: 31 pages with bonus
Bonus: First 2 chapters from the upcoming YA fantasy, THE EARTH SHIFTER!
Download CATHARSIS ebook!
CATHARSIS ebook will also be available very soon @:
B&N Nook, Kobo, Sony & Apple
(I will post the links here & @ LadaRay.com as they become available)
Or it can be purchased in PDF format directly from
Check it out!
Read synopsis:
CATHARSIS
.
Earth Keepers Chronicles: Book 1
Before recorded history, before Humanity, since times immemorial, the Earth Keepers have been watching over our planet. Marked at birth and endowed with supreme powers, the nine chosen ones are the Earth’s record keepers and moderators, and when the time comes, ultimate decision makers. This is the first of their chronicles.
Legend of the Lemurians
The population of the red planet Catharsis, on the outskirts of the Andromeda Galaxy, is exceedingly beautiful. Women wear exquisite gowns and gorgeous hairdos, men look stately and dignified, and children are adorable angels. Even the old people are beautiful: nice grannies knitting scarves or baking delicious cakes and cheerful grandpas taking morning strolls to discuss the latest news at a nearby café.
But Catharsians harbor a terrible secret, which they are ashamed to admit even to themselves. The thing is, they have to share the planet with another race, which they call the Uglies, although the Uglies themselves prefer to be called Lemurians. Alas, no one on Catharsis cares what the Uglies prefer. Being ugly is considered a contagious disease, and because of that the Uglies are herded into a special reservation, called Camp Ugly, where they live out their drudgery behind an electric fence.
Yet the Uglies don’t seem to fret as they work in the fields, raise children and sing their beautiful songs about Mother of All, the Goddess Mu. And so, both races co-exist without much interaction—one in their large and beautiful homes, the other in their tiny huts behind the electric fence, until the ultimate disaster strikes.
Morf is a seventeen-year-old Ugly who finds himself in the middle of it all. He is thrust fatefully into the leadership position when no one else can fill its shoes.
Will the catastrophe bring to light everyone’s true beauty and true ugliness? Will planet Catharsis survive? What destiny lies in store for the Uglies?
We are about to find out…
.
Read more about CATHARSIS, including excerpt, here!
August 31, 2012
Celebrating 1 Year Anniversary: GOLD TRAIN and STEPFORD USA Got New Covers!
I am celebrating my first Anniversary of publishing with Amazon Kindle, and I have exciting news!
One year ago, on September 2, 2011 to be exact, I published STEPFORD USA, Book 1 of the Accidental Spy Adventure Series (formerly Jade Snow Adventure Series), on Amazon Kindle. Later the same month, I published Green Desert (Accidental Spy Prequel). On December 19, 2011 GOLD TRAIN (Accidental Spy Russia Adventure) came out.
To celebrate my first Anniversary on Kindle, I decided to give both GOLD TRAIN and STEPFORD USA a face lift. I’ve been wanting to change covers for quite some time as I believe that however nice the originals were, I could do better. So, I’ve been going back and forth with this idea for a while now and finally decided to take a plunge.
That said, I am very fond of the old covers and intend to keep them around as alternative covers. Gold Train paperback will still preserve its original cover till further notice.
Without further ado, p resenting my new ebook covers:
GOLD TRAIN Cover 2012
STEPFORD USA Cover 2012
Check out the original 2011 covers here: Lada Ray Books
The new covers will be live on Amazon Kindle on
Saturday, September 1, 2012!
Check them out!
August 28, 2012
Love, Compassion, and Ugly 3: First Do No Harm
The story of the stray cat, named Ugly, doesn’t let me go. There is so much more to say… Memories and thoughts flood my mind.
WHITE BEAM the BLACK EAR
Commonly (but incorrectly) translated into English as: White Bim the Black Ear, this is the title of a famous, multi-award winning 1977 Russian/Soviet movie (Russian: Beliy Bim, Chernoye Ukho) about a very intelligent dog, whose loving owner was hospitalized, leaving the dog in care of a neighbor. Beam (Bim) has unusually colored black ears, which is considered a blemish and an ugly, inappropriate feature for his normally all-white breed. The ailing, lonely writer and WWII vet, Ivan Ivanovich, rescues Beam from imminent death at the hands of a breeder and takes him in. When Ivan Ivanovich is hospitalized, the dog, not accepting his separation from the man he loves, runs away to search for him. It is a heart wrenching story of a loving, forgiving and intelligent dog, his grueling journey, encounters with various humans, their ignorance and prejudices, as well as some kind and loving people, especially children. Much like the cat Ugly in real life, Beam (Bim) in the movie serves as a powerful litmus test of sorts, bringing to light the good, the bad and the ugly of the human race.
Beam and the man he loves never meet. Hungry and exhausted, left inside a freezing dog catcher truck overnight together with another unfortunate dog, Beam dies the night before his owner’s arrival. The ending is bittersweet: Ivan Ivanovich returning from the hospital, adopts the little doggie whom Beam gave his last warmth during that chilly night; the dog catcher get pangs of consciousness and quits his disgusting job; the man, who once attempted to leave Beam to die in the forest, makes amends and asks forgiveness of his little son whom he deceived into thinking that Beam had run away; and come spring, the young puppy named White Beam the Black Ear, together with his loving owner, joyfully runs around, as both the man and the dog go to visit Beam’s grave where white flowers are in bloom once again.
I never got a chance to see this movie while growing up in Russia. But one evening in Princeton, NJ, when everyone in the house was asleep, I noticed it being shown on one of the Russian US channels. I can’t put in words the profound effect this movie has had on me! Two hours later, having cried half of the time, I went to make some tea. I hadn’t slept all night. The next morning, when everyone woke up, I was a changed person.
In Buddhist texts the effect that I felt would be described as “becoming enlightened.”
You’ll be able to find lots of praise for this masterpiece in so many places – just Google it! The common advice is to find this movie and watch it! But be prepared to cry while doing so.
Monument to White Bim the Black Ear in Voronezh, Russia. The inscription on his collar reads: “His name is Bim, he is waiting for his master’s return, he knows the way to his home. Don’t hurt him, people…”
Watch the whole movie (w. English subs!) on this wonderful blog by Kyle Keeton. By the way, this blog also contains a wealth of information about Russian life, culture and customs.
More about White Bim (Beam) the Black Ear here and here and here and here.
POWDER
Remember the movie Powder about the unusual and gifted teenager, who looks powdery white and posses mysterious powers? Because of his strange white face he is constantly bullied and ridiculed by others, but he doesn’t respond, until he sees a deer being killed by the father of the same bully who’d always taunted him at school. Only then Powder springs into action, using his formidable powers to teach the killer a lesson.
As the wounded deer thrashes on the ground, and the hunter teaches his son and his friends how to best kill for sport, Powder places one hand by the deer’s heart and with his other hand, he grabs the man’s hand. All of the dying deer’s agony, all his fear, anguish and pain pulses through Powder’s body and into the body of the hunter. When the hunter tries to free himself from Powder’s grip, he can’t. Powder doesn’t say a word, but he won’t let go even as the man starts thrashing on the ground himself, feeling everything the dying deer is feeling. Powder only lets go after having made the hunter experience the full impact of the dying animal’s agony.
It was a very powerful scene. Had the shock therapy worked? Did it teach this man and his bullying son any lessons? I don’t know. But I hope it did.
UGLY, BEAM, and JESUS
One of the original post‘s comments compared the little kitty, called Ugly, with Jesus. When Jesus was put on the cross after being cruelly mistreated and beaten, just like Ugly, he didn’t lash out, but responded with love and forgiveness. The same applies to White Beam the Black Ear. He never attacked, nor even growled at any humans who treated him so badly. He never lost what we so misguidedly call HUMANITY. I know, certain religions do not consider animals equal to humans, as they are not supposed to possess “a soul.”
Me — I am with the Buddhists on this one. All life is precious and sacred, and no one’s better or worse. And those who think they are better, are in fact worse. Look around and see the manifestations of this everywhere. From animal cruelty and bullies, to wars in the name of “national interests” and “democracy”, to those who think they know more than others, when the opposite is actually true. This is the real message of this story.
“FIRST DO NO HARM”
These are the words from the Hippocratic Oath, created by Hippocrates in Ancient Greece and taken by all modern physicians. A similar concept of first doing no harm exists in the Native American, Siberian Shamanic, European and Chinese Naturopathic traditions.
The children in the USA are taught the Oath of Allegiance in kindergarten and school. Sure, it’s great to express one’s patriotism for a country. But I can’t help but think how much more important it is to first teach people to be responsible and benevolent citizens of our planet.
Just imagine how much better life on Earth would be, if the first words everyone learned in school were: FIRST DO NO HARM!
Read: Love, Compassion, and Ugly. Part 1
Read: Love, Compassion, and Ugly. Part 2: The Pigeon
