Review of Reaching Beyond Ourselves

Nqobile Mashinini Tshabalala · 28 Feb 2022, 06:58

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Reaching Beyond Ourselves" by Topaz Ruby (Janet Kravetz).]

4 out of 4 stars

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An award-winning author, poet, and artist, Janet Kravetz, who goes by the pen name Topaz Ruby, authored Reaching Beyond Ourselves: Leading A Spiritual, Peaceful And Diverse World. In this book, Topaz discusses her Jewish heritage, her rich cultural experiences, and her ultimate desire for world peace through short stories, prayers, and skilfully crafted poems.

As a young girl who grew up in Ukraine, she had her fair share of a joyful childhood, and she shares some of those memorable moments. She then moved to Israel, where she faced multiple cultural dynamics which molded her and influenced her decision to immigrate to Nova Scotia.

The book is broken down into three captivating parts. The first part is titled How Far Can Your Words Of Peace Reach? In this section, the author shares powerful quotations from prominent world leaders that promote peace. She shares how peace-filled words can heal those who are hurting and the effects of peace on the quality of life. The caption of the second part is: Finding inner peace by accepting everyone on earth as divine beings. There is beauty and strength in our diverse divinity. But instead of embracing the divine beauty and power that comes with diversity, we kill and discriminate against those who differ from us in terms of skin color, ideologies, political affiliations, and many other aspects. In part three, the author discusses her stay in Ukraine and her experiences.

The book is a seamless blend of poetry and short stories. The editing was superb, and the book was professionally edited, as I only picked up one typographical error. It is such a great delight to read a smooth and well-edited book without the distraction of errors. Reaching Beyond Ourselves: Leading A Spiritual, Peaceful And Diverse World is one of those delightful reads.

This book puts into perspective the lifelong ramifications of wars. Decades after the holocaust, families are still hurting and learning to live with those scars. I couldn’t help but wonder about families in Ukraine and Russia today with what is currently happening in those two countries.

Because of the valuable history lessons, the exceptional editing, the message of peace conveyed by this book, the artistic illustrations, and the well-written poems, I rate the book 4 out of 4 stars.

Readers interested in historical non-fiction books will delight in this read. This book is founded on and quotes principles from various religions such as Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, Taoism, amongst others. It also contains prayers for peace in a diverse world. I recommend this book for spiritual and religious audiences and readers who wish to contribute towards a peaceful world.

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Reaching Beyond Ourselves
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Judy_Akha · Post by **Judy_Akha** » 01 Mar 2022, 11:18

I love historical fiction and I guess I will love non-fiction as well. The books seems educational and well-written, I guess I will give it a try. Great review!

Ntokozo Joy Ndlovu · Post by **Ntokozo Joy Ndlovu** » 01 Mar 2022, 13:27

I love how you describe the book as a seamless blend of poetry and short stories. That is just beautiful. Thank you the excellent review.

Reading_Jack · Post by **Reading_Jack** » 01 Mar 2022, 14:57

It seems the author desired to blend the three genres of literature into one. I would love to go through this book.

Blessing Odii · Post by **Blessing Odii** » 01 Mar 2022, 17:51

It will be nice to read about Topaz's Jewish heritage. Nice review.

Umesh Bhatt · Post by **Umesh Bhatt** » 02 Mar 2022, 20:37

Seems to be a good book calling for peace and harmony in this troubled world. Would go through it on the first opportunity. Thanks for a well brought out review.

Mbenma Esther 080 · Post by **Mbenma Esther 080** » 03 Mar 2022, 06:49

Christians should pursue peace. Thanks for the review.

anna010 · Post by **anna010** » 04 Mar 2022, 05:10

The book looks to be educative according to the description given

Aisha Yakub · Post by **Aisha Yakub** » 14 Mar 2022, 12:09

I think a lot could be learnt from reading this book. Thank you for the review.

Muna Chizzy · Post by **Muna Chizzy** » 14 Mar 2022, 21:15

I love the theme of peace used in the book, inner peace is what every individual desires to have. This book throws lots of insight on that. I will add this book to my shelf. Thanks for the insightful review.

Ellylion · Post by **Ellylion** » 16 Mar 2022, 08:50

Sounds like a must-read in our turbulent times. Thank you very much for this insightful review.

Kehinde Hussein · Post by **Kehinde Hussein** » 21 Mar 2022, 02:44

It's always nice when people of different religion try to spread and propagate peace all over the world. Totally educating review!

Oliver Kalowela · Post by **Oliver Kalowela** » 21 Mar 2022, 11:31

Just from the description of the book as seamless poetry depicts a detail understanding of the subject. I have also loved the writing expression to point out the ideas or stories in the book. Thank you for the well summarized review.