4 out of 4 stars
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In That Place of Knowledge author Philip Alan Shalka addresses one of life’s questions that lies like a hidden trapdoor in the heart of every human being: How do I find happiness?
The story tells how Philip, accompanied by his talking guide dog Sabre, accomplishes his search for happiness. Philip is a nonverbal autistic boy. One day he decides to jump into a swimming pool. Sabre follows him and they travel through a secret trapdoor at the bottom of the pool that, in reality, is a portal leading to Ancient Greece. Once in Greece, Philip meets one of the ancient philosophers who listens to his questions and guides him in his introspection, pushing him to find the answers to his own personal dilemma. The philosopher urges Philip to be open-minded and search different avenues for an answer.
Philip wonders what his own personal path to happiness will look like since his autism sets him apart from others and makes others consider him to be different. His conversations with the ancient philosopher and his own personal reflections lead him to come some personal conclusions in his search for this elusive happiness. He determines what attitudes will not help him and which attitudes he must foment.
Sabre, the talking guide dog, is an interesting character and enriches the dialogue with his comments and thoughts. Not only does he offer companionship to his owner in the story, he also provides him intellectual feedback.
The book is written a very philosophical tone and invites the reader to accompany Philip as he tries to discover how someone who is different can find happiness. Even though the author is young, he presents some very deep and well-thought out points of view.
I rate this book a 4 out of 4. Written as a fantasy where dogs talk and swimming pools have trap doors that lead to the past, this story is at the time inspirational. The author challenges readers to examine their treatment of people who are not considered to be normal and offers his suggestion on how to achieve happiness.
I recommend this book to a general audience. At times the author may wax philosophical, but the material presented touches the human heart in its search for the answer to one of life’s most basic questions. Many will agree with the author’s conclusion, though not all, and this will inspire all readers in their own personal quest for happiness.
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That Place of Knowledge
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