Non-Fiction Book Review

The Five Secrets You Must Know Before You Die
by John Izzo, Ph.D.
ISBN-10: 1576754758
Review by Heather Froeschl

Looking to our elders for guidance is a time honored and wise practice that unfortunately is not played out often enough. John Izzo encourages us to go back to that tradition in his book “The Five Secrets You Must Discover Before You Die.” Seeking the secrets to happiness, it makes sense to look to those who have lived it.

John interviewed over 200 people, all over the age of 60 and some up into their hundreds, who had been identified by their own friends and family as “the one person they knew who had found happiness and meaning.” These people were asked such questions as: “What has brought you the greatest sense of meaning and purpose in life?” and “What is the greatest fear at the end of life?” They were asked to finish the sentence: “I wish I had…” These elders came from all walks of life and acted many roles; some were authors, professors, or business owners, others were a nurse, psychologist, biologist, and a barber. Amazingly, or expectedly, their answers were quite similar. Therein are the five secrets.

The first, and only one I will divulge, is “Be True to Your Self.” Of course this can mean different things to each person who reads the words, but author John Izzo guides readers to the purpose behind them. His guidance leads one to ask in this chapter, “Am I following my heart?” “Is my life focused on the things that really matter to me?” and “Am I being the person I want to be in this world?” Answering these questions will lead a person to be true to themselves. Izzo demonstrates the secret by sharing stories from his interviewees. They share by example, much as elders have done since the dawn of humanity. This brings the secret to life for us, and then Izzo gives us homework. He gives us questions to ask ourselves each day or week, that bring the secret home and to the front of the mind. Practice, practice, practice. And so on, with each of the five secrets.

This book is a gem. It is an obvious quest to go to our wise members of society and seek answers to life’s questions, but many of us no longer do it. “The Five Secrets You Must Discover Before You Die” does it for us, and hopefully will prompt us to do it ourselves with our own elders. The stories here are all about living wisely, living in the moment; some are funny, while others are poignant. All should be thought-provoking. The consistency of the lessons makes for an easy to understand and digest plan. Taking one secret at a time to work on may be best for some people, pausing in the consumption of the book to work on that particular goal. Other may devour the entire book in one sitting and go back to reflect more carefully as they consider each message. The end result is surely one that will be self fulfilling and inspired. While the title may cause one to stop for a second, for good reason and cause, the content and purpose is wisdom.

Fiction Review

Thursdays with Death
By Scott Knutson
ISBN-10: 1430318481
Review by Heather Froeschl


Loss is the key to finding. Without losing control, how do know you need to find it again? Without losing love, how do you know it is worth seeking out? In Scott Knutson’s book, “Thursdays with Death,” readers will take a spiritual journey unlike any other, and they may find an understanding about life that they hadn’t realized they were missing.

Looking for answers, as we all are, Lanny Stone invited a spiritual guide into his life. He was surprised to find that his teacher was Death. In a game of poker, he places a bet and come up in debt. Debts must be paid and Lanny signs a contract. Now, Lanny Stone has a standing appointment with The Grim Reaper, on Thursdays, at 9am. During these appointments it is learned that Death adores Krispy Kreme donuts, as well as other interesting things about past lives, present plans, and future opportunities. Other realities are now in view and Lanny is learning to be open to them. As far as spiritual lessons go, he is getting the Cliffs Notes version in a hurry. Surprisingly though, this doesn’t all seem like new material to him. He begins to understand life, and death, as well as his teacher, Death himself. It does come as a bit of a surprise, at least to the reader, when Lanny learns that there isn’t just one being known as Death. He wonders what The Grim Reaper is getting out of these visits, and this contract, besides all the donuts he can inhale. What could Death possibly want from Lanny Stone?

This entertaining, fast paced, deceivingly simple read is actually a lot deeper than you might first think. The humor involved (and dealing with death with humor is much better than dealing with it with sorrow) lightens the impact of spiritual lessons. The hope and promise of better things, the non-permanence of death, the lighter look at a sometimes terrifying icon, is a testament to the author’s spirituality. The writing style is modern and fun; the plot one that is fresh and deliciously twisted. I simply adored reading “Thursdays with Death” and hope to see more from this author soon.

Philosophical Fiction Review

First Class Ticket
by Ann Marie Zakos
ISBN-10: 0976452332
Review by Heather Froeschl



There are no coincidences. We come face to face with life lessons every day and can grow from them if only we choose to. Ann Marie Zakos reminds us of this in her fantastic work of fiction, “First Class Ticket.” Philosophy should be this fun and enlightening for all of us!

Madison is upset when she learns that she has to squeeze a philosophy class into her busy college schedule. What’s worse is that it ends up being an early morning class and she doesn’t know anyone else who is taking it. The teacher is somewhat mysterious and on the first day he gives an assignment to learn nine truths within a week. These truths are printed on cards in an envelope, but are written in a way that is not truly understandable until a guide helps them to figure it out. The trick is that the students can’t seek out their guides; the guides must come to them. The kids are grouped into experience partners and as luck would have it (no such thing…) Madison is grouped with two partners instead of one. Brian is a lighthearted happy young man, while Diana is somewhat his opposite. Together the three must uncover what these truths could possibly mean to them. Along the way, a remarkable thing occurs – friendship of the deepest kind.

The truths will affect these three friends in life changing ways and the process of discovering them is somewhat miraculous from their point of view. Strangers come up to them and engage in philosophical conversations, guiding them toward understanding. What’s more is that you as the reader will come to these understandings too. Like Madison, you might learn to draw energy and give it back to those around you, change your perspective from negative to positive, and develop your inner strength through thought and meditation. Like Diana, you might learn to trust your instincts. And like Brian, you might learn that you are already on the right path.

This story is much like a fable, where characters learn a lesson and teach it to us as well. But it is some much more as a delightful work of fiction and is rich with many messages of growth. The cast is lovable and endearing, making you wish you could be at that campus and taking that class. The writing is tight and well executed. The descriptive imagery is nicely done and evokes the feel of the campus quad, freshly cut grass, sandy beach, and an energetic college baseball game. This book is for readers of all ages, from high school to grandparents, for we all could do to learn a thing or two and reading for enjoyment knows no age. I highly recommend “First Class Ticket,” for, “adventure lights the path to spiritual development.”

Children's Book Review

Where Peace Lives
by Debbie Robins
ISBN-10: 0978721373
Review by Heather Froeschl

Where does peace come from? It isn’t something born of war, or won through argument. Author Debbie Robins explores peace and finds three keys to it in her book, “Where Peace Lives.” A book for all ages, children and adults, it is sure to become a classic along the lines of “The Little Prince.” More than that, it is a delightful read, and a tool for spreading some very valuable lessons.

The narrator is worried about the world and wonders why everyone can’t just get along. One night, a visitor comes and insists that the angel, Peace, needs to be set free. Peace is trapped in a glass box and three keys are needed to open the lock. They need to find the keys, and they begin by looking in the City of Right and Wrong. There, terrible things are happening. The residents are divided and each side insists that the other side is wrong. What’s even worse is that the Cube of Bitterness hovers above and devours those who are the “right ones”. Donkeys and elephants play tug of war, only it isn’t a game. It looks like there is no hope for peace. However, Mister Buddha, a poetic cat, is sharing a potion called Acceptance, and so there is hope after all.

Mister Buddha introduces our narrator to the concept of acceptance and the fact that kindness begets kindness, and also to his best friend, Mahma. The adventure continues with a story of understanding and Oneness, and then on to the Sea of Forgiveness, where two orangutans, Chris and Mo impart more wisdom. Through a desert and to a waterfall, and up a mountaintop, the keys are sought. Will they be found in time to set Peace free?

A parable, the story can be taken at face value, with lessons still understood. Upon further reflection, deeper meanings come to light and the reader can see how important choices are. The colorful characters’ teachings are inspired by and reflect those of Ghandi, Jesus, Buddha, Mohammad and Martin Luther King. With exquisite illustrations, a delightful cast of characters, and a most important plot, “Where Peace Lives” rates my highest recommendation. Additional biographical information on these key people is included at the back of the book, as well as journaling space and an exercise to “strengthen your peace muscle’. Well written and enjoyable to experience, this book is a must read for everyone you know.

Non- Fiction Spiritual Review

Courageous Souls
Do We Plan Our Life Challenges Before Birth?
By Robert Schwartz
ISBN-10: 0977679454
Review by Heather Froeschl

Why me? It is a question so often thought, cried, moaned, or screamed. Blame is placed on higher powers as surely as emotion is felt. Isn’t it possible though, that our trials and tribulations, our painful experiences, are full of purpose? What if an author would share with you that your own soul actually planned for these things to happen? That there is indeed a reason for it all? Robert Schwartz, author of “Courageous Souls,” shares his view that we plan our life challenges before birth. This is a must read book with my highest recommendation.

Robert begins by explaining his research of his own, very personal experiences with his spirit guides, and then the research he did with the help of four gifted mediums and channels. Through the life experiences of ten people, with the help of his team, Robert relays how those interviewed went through various life challenges, including drug addiction, accidents, physical illness, and the death of loved ones, and why. He interviews these people, shares their stories, then has the medium or channel delve into the pre-birth planning done by the soul. Here, the reader comes to understand the soul groups, soul mates, akashic records, spirit guides, and planning of the challenges and lessons we are on earth to face. Discussed in great detail is the fact that we are here on earth as personalities and that when the body dies, the soul goes on, and on, and on. We may have lived in a completely different part of the world before, with other souls who are now our husbands, parents, or children, and were then our friends, business partners, or even tormentors. As a soul group, the life is planned, with tremendous challenges that provide opportunity for growth.

I’ve always loved that quote, “"We are not human beings on a spiritual journey. We are spiritual beings on a human journey." - Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. How very true that is, and I believe it is the main point of Robert Schwartz’s book, “Courageous Souls.” Eloquently and purposefully delivered, the book is one that will help readers to understand these concepts, begin to understand why events in our lives take place, consider that things that happen to us are part of our lesson plan, replace the anger or guilt felt over situations with forgiveness and peace, and begin to recognize the patterns that are in your life that revolve around your own soul’s goal for you.

For anyone who has ever asked, “Why me?” and anyone who has ever felt that there had to be a reason for this life, I recommend “Courageous Souls.” For anyone and everyone, I say, please read this book; you’ll be absolutely enlightened.