Ethel Katz Finds Her Guru

by Barbi Schulick

Ethel, a Jewish 70+ no-nonsense New Yorker, becomes concerned with her daughter Debra's incessant focus on the spiritual quest and a Sanskrit-dubbed Western teacher. One day Ethel gets into her Volvo and heads to the ashram in the Catskill Mountains. Convinced she'll uncover evidence for her worries, she instead finds herself reluctantly charmed by Anandaji's earthy manner and intrigued by his Zen-flavored teachings. Ethel's story takes place over five days and mirrors our own as she plays tug-of-war with the steady pull of truth. She never abandons her prudent skepticism and trademark humor, and through her innocent investigations we come to suspect that the most sublime truths may run parallel to our innate common sense. Backdrop to this theme is a deepening of acceptance between mother and daughter who in turn become each other's gurus.

"Beautifully written, sparkling and astute observations on the introduction of meditative culture to our world. Barbi Schulick is a wonderful storyteller, her marvelous sense of humor enables us to have some good laughs and at the very same time grow in wisdom. A truly unique skill." Larry Rosenberg, author of " Breath by Breath and Three Steps to Awakening "

"A beautiful, tender, life-changing tale; I loved every word. The perfect story for the seeking heart...comforting and inspiring, just like Ethel Katz." Juli I. Huss, author of " The Faux Gourmet " and " Happy Maisy Coleman "

"Ethel will make you laugh and move your soul. Follow her journey, and you may find your way home." J an Frazier, author of " When Fear Falls Away " and " The Freedom of Being "

About the author: Barbi Schulick's essays have appeared in " The Sun, Yoga Journal, Spirituality and Health, Hadassah " and " Tricycle. Ethel Katz Finds Her Guru " is her first novel and was inspired by the playful intersection between her mother's skepticism and her teacher's inspiration. "

154 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2013

About the author

Barbi Schulick is a longtime student of spirituality, grateful mother of two, former schoolteacher, leadership coach, and co-founder of the herbal company New Chapter. She lives and works in southern Vermont with her husband, Paul. Ethel Katz Finds Her Guru is her first novel and was inspired by the playful intersection between her mother’s skepticism and her teacher’s inspiration. Barbi deeply values meaningful connection, the silence of nature, her tai chi practice, meditative self-inquiry and of course, writing. Barbi’s essays have appeared in The Sun, Yoga Journal, Spirituality and Health, Hadassah and Tricycle.

Reviews

[Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of wisdom mixed in with the humor. Will resonate with anyone who's a seeker - or who doesn't get what all this seeking stuff is about!

[Len · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, if predictable, story of 'late-in-life' enlightenment. The main character moves, in fits and starts, toward a deeper spirituality through the course of the story, with help from several enjoyable secondary characters.

[Robin Rogosin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written! I loved the inner and outer dialogs of Ethel and the spiritual questions of Debra. Lovingly non-judgmental and personally relatable.

[Elise Le · Rating 4 out of 5]

you will find some good points in this book, especially to those who are not familiar with eastern culture

[Hayley Shaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. Ethel goes to an ashram when she's concerned about her daughter Debra's choice of spiritual teacher and focus of study. Ethel goes to meet Debra's guru, wanting to help Debra out of what she considers a strange situation. Anandaji is the guru there, and Ethel is drawn in most reluctantly by his teachings. In going to the ashram and hearing the guru's teachings, she may just get to have a stronger relationship with her loved ones.

[Roxanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this from Goodreads. Ethel is a 70 plus New Yorker who goes with her daughter to an ashram because she is worried. So they went to the Ashram in the Catskills. She thinks she will find something wrong but instead she likes the Zen teaching herself. So the mother and daughter learn to accept each other better. Good read.