Official Review: The Wave and The Drop by Cindy Spring

[kimmyschemy06]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Wave and The Drop" by Cindy Spring.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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The Wave and the Drop: Wisdom Stories about Death and Afterlife is an uplifting book written by Cindy Spring.

With Foreword by Charles Garfield, Ph. D., the book has nine wisdom stories including ‘The Story of the Wave and the Drop’ and ‘The Story of Heaven’ among others. In the introduction, the author asks two very important questions: What happens when we die? and What happens after we die? She goes on to explain that it is normal for human beings to fear death and she gives various examples of stories about afterlife from different cultures and religious traditions. The author’s goal in writing this book is to gather stories that may help us, the readers, consider our own mortality and help us cross the threshold when our time comes.

The book features stories and personal experiences of various people. These include stories about near-death-experience, reincarnation, encounter with angels and otherworldly escorts, and glimpsing other dimensions. Furthermore, the author discusses other people’s preference for self-deliverance and dying with dignity. Finally, in addition to stories, the book includes lines from writers, poets and spiritual teachers offering guidance. Of these, the one I like the most is from Mark Twain. It goes:

Death is your best friend. When you can endure life no longer, death comes and sets you free –Mark Twain

Initially, I found the subject not simply creepy but outright terrifying. However, as I read along, I began to feel good about the topic and when I finished reading, I found it uplifting and liberating. Not only did I feel good, but I also learned a lot from this book like the existence of 'The-Right-to-Die Movement' and the contents of 'Legacy Letters' among others. Moreover, the tone used by the author is soothing and comforting which, I believe, is among the ultimate goals of this book.

What I like most about the book is the freedom it gives the readers to decide whether to accept the ideas it imparts, or not. It does not impose, nor does it express inclination towards any specific religion. Most importantly, as the author points out:

This book has not been an attempt to take the grief, loss, or tragedy out of the dying time. It is an attempt to add an element – a story- that can help the transition less fearful, less traumatic, and thereby more of a rite of passage.

Needless to say, I love this book and I enjoyed it immensely. However, other readers may find the subject scary, as I did at first, or offensive. After all, not everybody feels comfortable talking about death and dying. Moreover, some readers may find the concepts of near-death-experience, reincarnation and self-deliverance unacceptable.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. It is a well written, uplifting and liberating book. I recommend it to readers who keep an open mind about the idea of death, to those who suffer from terminal illness and are facing imminent death, and to people whose loved ones are on the verge of death.

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The Wave and The Drop
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Like kimmyschemy06's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Sahani Nimandra]

It is very fascinating to see how the author has brought death under the positive light. I for one found your review very enjoyable as I hale from a asian country death has lot ways of teachings things when most people try toto avoid death. Sounds like a good read thar reader's need to be brave enough to read. Thank you for your review!

[Laura Ungureanu]

Very useful subject. People are often scared of dying. This book might bring closure to sick people, but not only to them. Everyone should learn since death is treated like a tabu subject. I am interested in learning about that The-Right-to-Die movement. Nice review!

[Corhan2]

Thank you for the great review. I for one, is also a bit scared to read about death and all that goes with it. Your review, however, gives a better view on the subject. That being said I do not know if I will be brave enough to read this book. I also have never heard about The-Right-to-Die Movement - sounds interesting.

[Fuzzy456]

This sounds like a great book! We are all scared of dying and we have so many unanswered questions regarding death. This book seems to bring some understanding and comfort regarding these topics. Sounds inspirational! Thanks for the great review.

[kandscreeley]

This really isn't my type of book. As a Christian, I believe in Heaven and am not interested in stories about near death experiences, etc... Still, I'm glad that you were able to enjoy it. Thanks for your thoughts.

[gen_g]

This sound like a must-read, thank you for the detailed review! I particularly enjoy it when authors are not afraid to tackle sensitive issues, and it also sounds like the author simply places his POV out there for the reader to decide whether to accept it or not - which is great to hear about. It does sound like a book I just reviewed though, titled A Patchwork of Pink - about the struggle of facing imminent death.

[NL Hartje]

I love the idea of a compilation of different beliefs all in one book. I’m glad the author was able to change you from terrified to soothed. I’d say that was a job well done!

[Jackie Holycross]

I like the idea that she explored various beliefs, not just one.

[stacie k]

Death is a topic most of us shy away from. I'm sure these "wisdom stories" would be interesting to read about, but I am choosy about whom I seek wisdom from. I'm glad you found comfort in these stories. Thanks for sharing!

[Laura Del]

It's interesting. However, doesn't seem like my cup of tea. It would probably give me a panic attack reading it, but I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[SereneCharles]

I keep an open mind about the idea of death. Even though I freak out at the mention of it, I'm not scared discussing it as a topic. And I like what you said about the book not trying to take the grief or tragedy of dying, but attempts to make it less fearful and traumatic. I think it'll appeal to me. Your review is superb.

[scratchcat318]

Thank you for writing this review! From the way you described the book, it genuinely sounds like a book that I might be interested in reading. I understand why you would be terrified of reading the book at first, since death is a topic that scares off a lot of people, whether it be in conversation or in literature. However, this book sounds fascinating in the way it explores the idea of death through people's different experiences and cultural beliefs. I will definitely keep an eye out for this book in the future!

[cpru68]

We can only pretend to run away from death mentally but it will eventually come to us all. What a great book to be written to take away some of the fear factor. It sounds to me like the goal was to make us more familiar with the subject so that we won’t be so afraid to think of it. Nice job on this review.

[Aliyuoniye]

It is an interesting book. But still is not easy to die "Because life is worth more than what in it" lucky dube said. And as my religious beliefs it is not good to wish for dead either for your self or another.