Another Heart in His Hand: A Spiritual Anomaly

by J. Jaye Gold

Adventures and Conversations with a Poker Playing Master of Life. The author's remarkable relationship involves the reader in deep philosophical and spiritual questions through a myriad of interesting circumstances perceived in far from ordinary ways. The depth of insight revealed into the human predicament is unparalleled in current literature.

Genres: Nonfiction

277 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1994

About the author

Justin has been assisting people in their search for inner meaning for 40 years. He works with several dozen seekers of truth. Over the years he has deliberately resisted the trend to become a “traveling guru” with followers around the world in favor of preserving an element which he considers precious – that of maintaining opportunities for developing an actual teacher/student relationship. He is available to anyone who seeks his guidance and has never asked to be compensated for his help, either monetarily or otherwise.

Reviews

[Amalthea Birkholz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one I return to when I feel like I need clarity to some smoldering question about life and existence. I have read it several times and enjoy the deceptively simple stories. I find them exquisite, intricate, and genius formulations that take me back closer to the core of my uncorrupted self. I imagine it would be so for everyone with an ache in their heart, yearning for something a bit more real.

[Tishia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been an inspiration to me over the 20+ years that I have known about it. I have read it several times, and each time I get something more from it. It is a wonderful story, full of great wisdom and insight. Woven into the pages is spiritual guidance from an extraordinary man. You get to witness the transformation of the man who is the recipient of the guidance. It is a must for any seeker of truth.

[Nicholas Biechlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterpiece of writing from someone that definitely knows more about how to live a meaningful life in a meaningful way than the average person. There is a lot to get from this book and it is permanently a member of my favorites. Sublime in delivery and devastatingly simple in its message...get this book.😇😇😇😇😇

1 February 2021
This is one of the few books that goes with me whenever I leave home, no matter for a long or short the trip. It's coming with me .

[Ming Tu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite of this author's works. The ideas in here, the relationship between the narrator and his teacher, the journey they embark on, all seem to be taking place on another dimension, parallel to our own.

This is Haruki Murakami Meets Carlos Castaneda. This is the Alchemist running into Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance!

[Ian Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is AMAZING!!! There is so much understanding, perspective, and heart in it. Gold explores many timeless questions that face human-beings, within contemporary settings, such as casinos, buffets and supermarkets. His sense of humor is outstanding!!!! A must read.

[Ming Tu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful discoveries along the inward journey can take place amidst an otherwise, ordinary friendship between two poker-playing friends. In the midst of this pandemic, this book has been a welcome window into a different world, made navigable by the unique perspectives shared between the narrator and his guide. Their relationship reminds me of that between Carlos Castaneda and Don Juan, but unlike Castaneda, Gold does not use fictional gadgetry to introduce profound ideas that might shake you into a close encounter with your own depths. Simple language and big ideas is the signature of this author. This book can really deliver if you can drink deep.

[Tishia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been an inspiration to me over the 20+ years that I have known about it. I have read it several times, and each time I get something more from it. It is a wonderful story, full of great wisdom and insight. Woven into the pages is spiritual guidance from an extraordinary man. You get to witness the transformation of the man who is the recipient of the guidance. It is a must for any seeker of truth. And I am so glad it is now in kindle!

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really appreciated the paperback years ago. Stoked it's an ebook now so I can have it handy anywhere for a dose of slowed-down perspective/inspiration. Sometimes I just browse the extensive index for an "eye-catcher" word and read a bit at that page...like under D: Dangling; Despair; Destiny; Dissatisfaction; Diversion. Or, Peace; Perspective; Presence; Problems, Plans, and Relationships; Protective devices; Puppets. How cool is that!

[Geneviève Merdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book I read from J. Jaye Gold and it hit home, what an insight into the intricate workings of human psychology!
There is nothing theoretical in this book, the stories are extracted from real moments that reveal a human with a great mind and heart.
I go back to it again and again and find fresh ways to understand myself and others daily.

[Ian Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is AMAZING!!! I'm so glad that there is a kindle edition now. There is so much understanding, perspective, and heart in it. Gold explores many timeless questions that face human-beings, within contemporary settings, such as casinos, buffets and supermarkets. His sense of humor is outstanding!!!! A must read.

[Chela Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing and life changing. I refer to the ideas and concepts every day and have so much value for this book, I have read it several times.

[Jenna Mobley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my life direction with the revolutionary ideas and sense of mystery. The ideas presented in a humorous and relatable way are so engaging that I didn't want the book to end!

[Pranavati · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is filled with wisdom woven through an off-beat story of two poker-playing friends. Since it illustrates spiritual truths in a setting of every day life, it feels like very practical help along my life's path. My copy is dog-earred from repeated readings! I recommend reading it one chapter at a time to let the lessons sink in.

[BigBlueSea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of practical advice on ways to enrich your life. The only warning is provide is that it is very very conversational if you don’t like that kind of book.

[Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very very good book about the questions of life. In sept Book answers deep physiology questions. I will read this book over and over

[Casarah Nance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't know what to expect when I started reading, and now that it over I still have a lot of thinking over it.

[Matthew B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of the "5 things I would want with me on a desert island." To steal from another of the author's books, it is a Highway of Diamonds. There are other, wonderful "unassuming student meets life altering teacher" books, but why this one stands apart for me is it's not a "supernatural", "this couldn't happen to me" kind of story. They meet at a poker table, and start to have their extraordinary conversations at the casino buffet. The main character often has the same reactions as I might have and so it becomes a vicarious journey through ideas and consciousness expanding perspectives that I, as an avid reader/seeker, found novel, deep, and would stick with me during and after reading.
I have re-read many times and find that it's richness unfolds as I am more able to absorb it. Excellent for my book club as well, and even snippets I've read with friends have led to mind and heart opening moments.
If you have interest, also check out Highway of Diamonds, and his autobiography. All gems that you will be glad you found.

[Matthew B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of the "5 things I would want with me on a desert island." To steal from another of the author's books, it is a Highway of Diamonds. There are other, wonderful "unassuming student meets life altering teacher" books, but why this one stands apart for me is it's not a "supernatural", "this couldn't happen to me" kind of story. They meet at a poker table, and start to have their extraordinary conversations at the casino buffet. The main character often has the same reactions as I might have and so it becomes a vicarious journey through ideas and consciousness expanding perspectives that I, as an avid reader/seeker, found novel, deep, and would stick with me during and after reading.
I have re-read many times and find that it's richness unfolds as I am more able to absorb it. Excellent for my book club as well, and even snippets I've read with friends have led to mind and heart opening moments.
If you have interest, also check out Highway of Diamonds, and his autobiography. All gems that you will be glad you found.

[Koji San · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is my all time favorite. The storyline is simple and entertaining enough to keep it interesting. But the real gem is that it is an incredible storehouse of perspectives relating to understanding of human behavior and how to unlock the mysteries of spiritual development. It's astounding that the author delivers so much material in one book, and does it in a story like format. This allows us readers to absorb only what we are ready to take in. As opposed to books that tell us "how it is", and in effect cripple us into thinking that we "know" things just because they were described to us. If I had only one book this would be it.

[Johor · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the surface this book is a fascinating look beneath the hood of the world of the poker player, but the reader quickly sees that there's a lot more subtlety and depth going on. The author of this book has obviously spent a lot of time studying human behavior. We as the reader get to go on the journey with the main character as he learns, often with a large dose of humor, from the enigmatic Ray. The chapter called "What About Solitude?" is a must read for any spiritual seeker. There are a lot of ideas in this book that I've never seen anywhere else.

[Helen Bowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an unusual story of human friendship. A young man meets an intriguing man of experience. From their first meeting there is a subtle air of mystery that deepens beyond the physical realm. His writing takes you to unexpected places in ordinary times and travels into the interior of heart and mind. This book has been a companion of mine over many years and never ceases to bring alive new perspective each time.

[Pranavati]

This book is filled with wisdom woven through an off-beat story of two poker-playing friends. Since it illustrates spiritual truths in a setting of everyday life, it feels like very practical help along my life's path. My copy is dog-eared from repeated readings! I recommend reading it one chapter at a time to let the lessons sink in.

[Renee French · Rating 5 out of 5]

The novel “Another Heart is His Hand” by J. Jaye Gold brings together the unlikely juxtaposition of poker playing and deep wisdom. The story is unique, entertaining, and full of profound perspectives put forth very creatively. I found it a wonderful ride, and I learned a lot, too.

[Jenna Mobley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this original story about a poker player who met a person who ultimately helped him to uncover his natural human capacities and possibilities. There is so much wisdom and insight in this book. Im finding myself riveted by the original ideas he's talking about.

[Koji San · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book several times and have been amazed how each time I get more value from it. I just started reading again since the Kindle recently came out, and was totally moved! The levels of depth seem to keep opening up as I do.

[Chela Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the paperback several times. My favorite book. I am so happy it is now on Kindle!