Red Uprooted Serpents! -- On Their Book Shelves: A Mom's YA Content Review

For a while now, I’ve wanted to start posting about books that are popular for young adults.  What I want to post about is the content of these books.  There are some wildly popular young adult stories that my son is eager to purchase, but what is actually contained within the pages?  Is what our kids reading appropriate, or is there something we, as parents, should discuss with them first? 

I’m a voracious reader.  Love it so much.  I’m also a volunteer reviewer for the Historical Novel Society.  Therefore, I have books to read and review on a deadline.  That’s not a bad thing, but it’s something that limits my knowledge of what my kids are reading because they’re not into the historical fiction genre like me.

Today I’m going to post about a few books I’ve read recently.  I want to share with other moms and dads the content in these books.  If there are other books you’d like discussed or would like to share your thoughts on or hope I will post about, please contact me!  I’d love to write posts about the latest releases. 

Let me also state I do not mean these posts to be a “down with YA books” page.  My goal is to empower parents out there who might want to preview and talk about the subject matter their teens are encountering.  Additionally, our kids may have questions, but would they be shy about asking due to fear?  Fear of my reaction because they read mature content without my knowledge? 

Let's be honest.  I know my children are going to read and see mature content.  It’s all over the internet.  It’s on the news.  It’s in the songs on the radio stations.  It’s in our books too.  That's why I want to be able to talk to them honestly about things they're hearing and how realistic life on the radio is versus the average workingman/woman's reality.

Think about the reaction to the scene in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” in which Peter Pettigrew cut off his hand in order to resurrect the Dark Lord.  I remember there being anger and shock about it.  I did find it a bit violent for a children’s story, but instead of telling my child “no” to the book, I’d rather open with “let’s talk about your reaction to what happened.”  I want to create an open forum for my kids to discuss unfamiliar and difficult topics they may not fully understand.  Let these posts be a springboard for conversation.

Of note, there will be spoilers here.  In case you want to read the books but do not want spoilers yet, come back to this page when you’ve finished the book.

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“The Serpent King” by Jeff Zentner

This book I received through a subscription box called Owl Crate.  Since this is being sent mainstream in a subscription box geared towards young adults, I thought I’d start with this. 

Overall thoughts:

There are a lot of beautiful moments in this book. There are some terrifying and heartbreaking moments. But the true magic is the characters and their bond. I was instantly pulled into their stories. In fact, I read this book in three days.

What you should be aware of:  

• There is a joking reference made regarding masturbation. 
• One of the main characters is shot and killed in a robbery.
• There is bullying, by both adults and teens.
• There are some terrible parents, particularly for two of the main characters.  This seems to be a common theme in many young adult books, sadly.
• One father is physically abusive and shaming.  He yells at his son and asks if he’s gay because he’s not “a man” in terms of playing sports and dating lots of girls.
• Another father is in jail and is a religious zealot.  The father was arrested for possession of child pornography.  The mother blames her son for putting the father in jail by not lying and saying it was his pornography. 
  

• There is small-town bigotry and religious prejudice. 
  

• Christians are portrayed as intolerant.  While some are, the one-sided viewpoint bothered me.  When the father, mentioned above, is accusing his son of being gay, the mother makes an excuse that of course he's not… "He's a Christian."  That bothered me a lot because people of all race, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, etc., are WELCOME in many Christian churches. It’s unfortunate that teens read lines such as that one and believe they would not be welcome in the Christian church because they’re different.
• The town setting for this story is named after the founder of the KKK. 
  

Points of discussion:

• For me, as a Christian, I’d open the discussion by talking about the way religion is portrayed in this book. 
  • Are there ways, seen and unseen, God is trying to help in your life?  Did you notice these things in the book?
  • One character keeps noticing a religious sign from a nearby church as he wrestles with some very challenging religious questions.  What did you interpret from some of these messages?
  • In the end, how did the main character finally see God as a strength in his life instead of a serpent looking to bite him for not having strong enough faith?
• Reflect on your reaction when one of the main characters was killed. 
  • How was grief handled in the book by the different characters?  Did they react similar to how you might react? 
  • Can you compare the character who was killed to the knights in the books he loved to read about?  Did he act courageously in life?  Was his “a life well lived?”
• Courage is a huge part of this book especially in the ways it is demonstrated.
  • One character carries a wizard staff in one hand and a book in another everywhere he goes.  What kind of courage does that take to be transparent in the things you love - especially if it’s not the cool thing to do?
  • What things in your life are you hiding?  What parts of yourself are you afraid others will judge? 

“Uprooted” by Naomi Novik

I received an advance review copy from publisher via NetGalley.  However, I believe all the content I discuss below would not be drastically changed from the review copy. 

Overall thoughts:

“Uprooted” is a rich original fantasy with a fascinating magical system, an intriguing society/setting, an absorbing history, and complex enjoyable characters. The book flows quickly through the plot line, leaving very little breathing room between conflicts.  I loved the adventure in the book.

I really enjoyed this book, particularly its main character.  There are some beautiful metaphors and visualization as Agnieszka is learning magic.  Magic was never used as a tool to get easily out of a situation. It always came through learning and sacrifices. 

What you should be aware of:  

• There is a sex scene in the book that I felt was a bit too mature for a young adult book, particularly when you look at the cover of this book.  The cover art looks almost middle-grade fantasy.
• In an earlier scene, the main character Agnieszka (currently a servant) is confronted by a guest, and its implied that the guest is used to ‘having his way’ with the servants of the house.
• “The Dragon” of the book is a wizard who demands one young woman handed over to serve him for ten years as the price for protecting a town from evil.  After their service, while paid well, the women are considered “used goods” (paraphrasing).  After Agnieszka is picked, there is a demanding-master/meek-servant relationship. 

Points of discussion:

• What are some others ways the growing feelings between the Dragon and Agnieszka could have been expressed other than having sex?  How often is having sex used to tell audiences people are “in love?”  Is this a true romantic ideal in real life?
• How does magic change Agnieszka and the Dragon both as a couple and as individuals?
• Agnieszka struggles throughout the book at being good at something.  She does not thrive through the structured testing system.  Can you relate to Agnieszka in this way?  Do you feel this sometimes when taking tests? 
• What sacrifices did Agnieszka and the Dragon make to use their magic?  Was there a time for you when solving a problem was difficult and required a lot of extra work and sacrifice?
• What are your thoughts on the origin of the Woods?

“Red Rising” by Pierce Brown

This is classified as an “adult book that appeals to young readers.”  I've seen it on the "What Teens are Reading" shelves at bookstores. 

Overall thoughts:

The first half of the book feels very dystopian/sci-fi while the other half reads like historical fiction set fashionably in ancient Greece and Roman at once (sometimes Greek gods/sometimes Roman gods + Roman commanders = confusing combination & references).  Then the main character was thrown into a world of attack-and-conquer with rulers who live, literally, like gods on their own Mt. Olympus. However, it read very similar to “Hunger Games.”

For me, I did not feel new elements were brought to the dystopian genre in general.  When I was reading, I kept thinking: “Hunger Games” moment, “Gattica” moment, “Insurgent” moment, “Ender’s Game” moment, “Gladiator” moment. Things felt like pieces of other stories woven together, but it was made into something still recognizable by its counterparts instead of something fresh and new.

What you should be aware of:  

• There is a mild sex scene early in the story between a husband and wife, who are 16 year olds.
• Then the main character went through a “Gattica”-like transformation, which is basically changing his entire bones, muscles, skin, hair, eyes, etc.  A little graphic but not terribly so.
• Things become incredibly brutal, bloody, and graphic upon entered the school for Golds.  This is way beyond “Hunger Games” grit and gore.
  • There are 16 year olds sawing off their own hands or getting stabbed multiple times in a row.
• There is rape. 
• There is murder.
• There is graphic violence.
• There are numerous lewd references.
• There is a massive amount of cussing.
  

Points of discussion:

Ugh, this is tough since this book is so brutal.  Definitely giving it an R rating. 

• This is a revenge story.  By the end, was it worth it?  Is the morality of the main character the same as when he started?
• How is the main character, Darrow, similar/different from other dystopian characters like Katniss (“Hunger Games”) or Ender (“Ender’s Game”)?
• Discuss the color-based caste system.  What did you think of the colors and the people they represented?  Do you see anything like this in the world today?
• What similarities do you see in this book versus other dystopian fantasies?
  (Here are a few big ones from “Hunger Games” for your reference: Both have a society split into different fractions depending on what the people provide the world. Both have arenas with teens killing one another while patrons watch and provide gifts for favored participants. Both have protagonists carrying signature weapons from a hunter/gatherer society.)
  

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What do you think?  Things I missed?  Things I’m overstating? 

I hope you find this helpful.  I will be posting more reviews and suggestions in subsequent blog posts.  For now, I hope you enjoy.  If you know of other moms posting “awareness” blogs about YA books, please share with me!  I’d love to get some information for my own benefit.  I still have plenty to read that are on my son’s bookshelves!

Happy reading.

Subscription Book Addiction: Month II

So I’ve been eagerly awaiting my two subscription book boxes this month.  The Fantasy and Sci Fi Box, @ http://www.fantasyandscifibooks.com, came blissfully early and was a real treat.  As a fan of science fiction before fantasy, I absolutely loved the goodies included in this box. 

My Darth Vader coaster is perfect for keeping my work desk free of cup perspiration. 

An added bonus:  In the book, aliens landed in Minnesota!  I’m still waiting to find out if Mayo Clinic was decimated, because then I’d probably miss the alien excitement (because I’d be dead), but I’m excited to see how this story progresses.  Minnesota proud!  Hopefully, there are no “Fargo” movie stereotypes.  I’ve only read the first 5 chapters and am enjoying it so far!

Next was Uppercase, @ https://www.uppercasebox.com.  I suspended my Owl Crate this month because I’m a little sick of dystopian stories right now.  Thus, I tried Uppercase.  This monthly subscription box has included books that have been on my “to purchase” list the last three months.  They send autographed books.  There are bookmarks that list pages and codes to coordinate with bonus online content like behind-the-scenes stories from the author, polls, quizzes and discussion questions.  And there is bookish swag in the boxes!  So I figured I was in for a treat.  ESPECIALLY when the Facebook page mentioned goodies for Harry Potter fans (in more than one reference).  So I waited, mostly impatiently, but waited nonetheless.

Then I got an email saying shipping was delayed as one of their goodies got lost in transit.  Okay, I guess I’ll wait a few more days for my subscription, but my anticipation was quite high!  Then early this week I got the email: Your box is on its way!  Boy did I watch that tracking number.  The box arrived in 2 days!  Kudos to you, Uppercase!  Yay!  I could barely stand the rest of my work day to get home and tear the package open. 

I was extra excited because I had ordered an “Anne of Green Gables” themed scarf which would be arriving with my subscription.  It’s all about Anne preparing for her tea party with Diana, definitely a great scene in the book (one of many)!  Cute right? 

From the initial opening, I could see Harry Potter goodness.  Peeking in, I notice a lot packed into that tiny little bag!

I pull out the whole thing and began to peel things away one by one until I get to the book.  First items: an “I read YA” pin and Hagrid & Buckbeak magnetic bookmarks.  They’re so cute!  First two items are winners.

Next item is a Harry Potter-themed writing book labeled “The Book of Advanced Spells.”  CUTE!  It looks like there were variants of this book, and I'm very happy with mine.  Love it! 

Behind this was a print with a Harry Potter quote from one of my favorite characters, Sirius Black.  It reads “We've all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. That's who we really are.”  So true.  Excellent quote choice! 

Next... time to unveil the book.  I could not even begin to guess, with all the magic contained in that one little bag, what it could possibly be???

Huh?

Feeling deflated.

It sounds like this book is humorous and full of teen-girl empowerment.  So somewhat up my alley.  There were also book-themed stickers with it.  That is a lot of swag when you spread it out!  However, I was expecting a book about magic or witches or supernatural or something other than realistic fiction.  Hmm…  There are bonus items that I will need to check out.  There was a nice handwritten note from the person in charge of book choices addressed to “Jessi” (not everyone spells my first name right), and there is the bookmark bonus content to try out.  So there are some things to look forward to with this book experience.

Still, I hope it gets better the next month.  I’ll give Uppercase one more go.  The goodies were top notch!... but the book was a bit of a letdown. 


Next month’s Owl Crate theme is Steampunk.  This one might be interesting.  I do not have a lot of Steampunk books but am interesting in reading a few.  May’s Owl Crate should be a new adventure for me. 


However, at this point, I’ve been most satisfied with Fantasy/Sci Fi Box!!!  They’re specific enough to be completely up my alley each time but also full of surprises each time! 

We'll see what wonderful things next month has in store for me...

How Can Books Be More Exciting??? Here's How...

I've recently discovered the world of subscription boxes.  It all started with Nerd Block.  Then I tried out Loot Crate.  I have previously posted about these boxes on my website.  While somewhat satisfying my nerd tendencies, I found myself more often than not skipping a month due to the themes.  For April, I will only be getting the SciFi Nerd Block and the Loot Crate Accessories subscriptions (and look forward to some magically themed socks that Loot Crate has hinted at).   

While wondering and checking Google if there were better themed nerd subsriptions for me, particularly with more Harry Potter and Star Trek themes (Of note, Nerd Block has done great with Star Wars items), I saw a reference to "Owl Crate."  My mind instantly went to HP.  A Potter-themed box, I asked?  Perhaps a way to receive post via owl??  I had to explore! 

What I found was even more tantalizing.  A YA book/swag box!  Holy smokes.  However, "Owl Crate" was sold out for the month of February. *sigh*

Further searching revealed other book-themed subscription boxes!  Ditto holy smokes!  After doing some research, I decided to invest in "Fantasy and Sci-fi Books."  When searching through the past boxes of some subscription boxes of various companies and comparing the costs, I decided the surprise books from this company would best fit my tastes.  It hit two of my three favorite genres (unfortunately, I have not found a satisfying historical fiction box quite for me - they need to be more ancient fictional stories).  My first box would be March.

Shortly thereafter, I got an email that "Owl Crate" was accepting new subscriptions.  So, since there was still some tax return money in our account, I decided to also give this one a try.  My first box would be March!

I received the "Fantasy and Sci-fi Books" box earlier than I expected.  Learn more at http://www.fantasyandscifibooks.com/   These boxes are shipped the 1st of each month, so I got this surprise early in the month!  Most subscription boxes I've had so far ship mid-way through the month.  Yay for early surprises!  This is a big plus for this company.

This was my first book: "Unhooked" by Lisa Maxwell.  I also got the nautical-themed bracelet on my wrist, an autographed bookmark from Ms. Maxwell, a Neverland (NVR) bumper sticker and a map for "Unhooked," PLUS a second book with autographed bookmark.  Two books and swag!  Be still my pounding heart! 

I finished "Unhooked" within 3 days.  I could not put it down!  Very well written fantasy novel.  You can check out my review here: http://www.teasippinnerdymom.com/my-thoughts-book-non-historical-film/books/unhooked/

I have not made it to "Dreamer" yet, but its on my to-read list.  I was quite satisfied with this first box.  If I had to be critical, I found the map of Neverland a little lacking in detail and sturdiness (its made of paper), but I am a big fan of maps in books or about book worlds.  So I'm still happy with it!

Then, in the second half of the month, I received my owl crate.  They are themed boxes, and this one was "Writer's Block."  I was slightly unsure about this box, but I'm glad I gave it a try because I got some great swag!

Here is what I saw when I first opened the box.  The feather instantly intrigued me.

The pen, with its white "feather" tip and fine point, is one of my favorite items.  It also perfectly complements another box item: "642 Tiny Things to Write About."  This 'tiny' book has been on my wish list for a while now.  I kept seeing it and other versions of writing prompts at Barnes and Noble but could not decide what would work best.  I almost started jumping up and down when I unboxed this item.  Thus far, I've had a lot of fun exploring the journal with my super awesome pen (it writes really nice too).

Another fun item was a pair of socks themed for banned book.  There were some cute book-lover buttons.  And then the book, "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner.  I had no idea what YA book would be the subject for a "Writer's Block" theme, so I did not have any expectations of what was coming.  Overall, I was pleasantly surprised.  You can learn more about "Owl Crate" here: https://www.owlcrate.com/

"The Serpent King" was another book I read within a couple days.  It was very good with excellent main characters.  Its typically not one I would have picked up, so I'm glad this book was put into my hands.  My review can be found here: http://www.teasippinnerdymom.com/my-thoughts-book-non-historical-film/books/the-serpent-king/

April's "Owl Crate" theme is "Dystopia."  I chose to skip the month.  While a fan of "Hunger Games," the other series that will have featured swag in the April box ("Maze Runner" and "Shatter Me") I have not read and would not be able to read beforehand.  I have also found that many dystopian YA books are too similar to "Hunger Games," and I do not enjoy them as much.  So I decided to skip it for the month.  I'm actually going to try a different subscription book box called "Uppercase." 

I saw an "Uppercase" ad on Facebook (thanks, internet, for your product placement and further feeding my addiction - not).  When I saw their past boxes, I discovered the past couple boxes were ones I would have LOVED with featured books high on my to-read list.  Their facebook page also advertised swag for fans of "Harry Potter."  I was hooked. 

I look forward to getting my "Uppercase" subscription for April.  I will also be getting a "Fantasy and Sci-fi Books" box.  I look forward to writing up more posts about my discoveries.  Oh, and if you want to check out "Uppercase," you can find them here: https://www.uppercasebox.com/young-adult-books-subscription-box/

So what do you think?  Would you have enjoyed these boxes?  Do you have other suggestions?  At this point, I've been very happily surprised.  The worst part is waiting for the next month's box.  A month apart??  Its SO LONG! 

Sorry for my over dramatics.  I was a theater major in college after all.

Be warned, these boxes are addicting!  Subscribe at your own risk.  They are quite awesome though... More to come!  In the meantime, happy reading!

What's in a Family Name?

I think I can safely say that almost everyone has heard of King Tut.  He's been researched and debated since his tomb's discovery in 1922.  The way he died has been explored.  Who his parents are has been discovered.  Now his tomb is being re-explored.  Its exciting to think hidden rooms may be hiding within the walls.  King Tut may still hold a few secrets! 


One theory presented is that because of his early death, he may have been rushed into an outer chamber of what was originally Nefertiti’s tomb.  British Egyptologist Nicholas Reeves presented his case after high-resolution images discovered what he said were straight lines in King Tut’s tomb. These lines, previously camouflaged by color and stone textures, indicate the presence of a sealed chamber.  Wow.  I eagerly await more information.  And if you have read my book, secret chambers hidden in tombs was something I briefly explored in my narrative.  I was feeling pretty awesome when I heard about this new theory!  This was something not discovered at the time my book was published.


However, not everything ran smoothly in terms of keeping my historical accuracy.  Being King Tut, he's a subject that's widely researched.  Thus, new discoveries are made.  Here are a few of my researching highs and lows:

Yeah, that was a bummer.  However, I decided to re-review my book and release a second edition.  In addition to fixing some grammatical errors missed in the first release, I also added a small conversation which helped align events in the book with this latest discovery. 


Being historically accurate is important to me.  In a recent interview, I was asked the question: Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just seeing where an idea takes you?  My answer was this: With historical fiction, I try to keep the big events aligned with the documented time line. I know some authors who fudge dates a little to better fit their storyline and then make a note in the book’s Afterward. I prefer to keep historical events as accurate as possible. However, when it comes to everyday life and decision making, I let the plot take me on a journey. I research what I can and work with my character to decide on what to do. It’s a mutual journey. (You can find more of the interview here: https://mercedesfoxbooks.com/meet-author-j-lynn-else/)


If I read a book and then later discover events were fudged to make a more dramatic story, it really ruins things for me.  I want to create plausible choices within a setting which my readers feel transported back to.  I hope you feel that when you page through my book.  If you want suggestions for other wonderful historical fiction books, check out my "Books I'd Recommend" page. 


If you want to explore on your own, I find a lot of interesting information at www.touregypt.net.  They have a wonderful historical database.  What will you uncover? 

If you light a lamp for somebody, it will also brighten your path - Buddha

I was extremely blessed and grateful to have been lucky enough to be chosen via a lottery for a seat to hear the Dalai Lama speak at my place of work. His talk, 'Compassion in Health Care,' was held on February 29, 2016. Contained within a beautiful chapel on the hospital campus, I waited eagerly for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the spiritual leader of Tibet. The Dalai Lamas are believed to be manifestations of Avalokiteshvara or Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion and the patron saint of Tibet. Bodhisattvas are believed to be enlightened beings who have postponed their own nirvana and chosen to take rebirth in order to serve humanity.

On that February day, stillness flowed down the center aisle like a soft breeze, and our eyes turned to the chapel’s back entrance. From there, the Dalai Lama entered, walking with a smile, eyes open, hands folded in greeting. He swept his eyes to all those in attendance. When his eyes met mine, for just a second, his smile was genuine and peaceful. He is a small man, but a powerful gentleness emanated around him. You could feel it as he walked by.

(Dalai Lama walking to the front and occasionally stopping to shake a person's hand)

As he spoke, his message of understanding and sameness between all people was truly inspirational. While at the same time he realizes that he is just one individual person, he noted that if that one person touches another person who touches another person, etc., then great changes towards a more compassionate world can be made.

So on that note, I thought I’d share some wisdom from his talk in hopes that it touches your heart and connects with you as it did me.

In his words (bolded words my own addition):

• Basically, we are the same, human beings, whether different faith, nationality, fate, rich, poor, educated, uneducated.

• If we put the emphasis on the sameness of 7 billion people (instead of differences), we can reduce problems across the world.

• When someone calls me 'brother,' I feel touched on a basic level of humanness. Otherwise, we're creating barriers. If I put too much emphasis on being His Holiness, I create a barrier... If I consider my secondary differences as important, I create a wall. In that wall, I am a lonely person.

• Destructive emotions are linked with ignorance; not knowing the reality and focusing on just one aspect of our emotions. The only remedy is to look at it from a wider perspective. Some part of our curriculum should be to study the map of our emotions and the vast interconnectedness.

• Each of us, part of the 7 billion, should share a clear goal of a happy humanity, a peaceful humanity, through awareness and through education. Practice as individuals, and be an example to others. Each of us has a possibility to make a contribution.

• Basic human nature is loving kindness. Once we understand that, there is hope.

(Dalai Lama shares his thoughts on compassionate care)

• Without love between us, how can families and communities be happy? We are social animals, and what brings us together is love. No one can survive entirely alone, we depend on one another. Whether you believe in religion or not, as a human being, happiness is related to your state of mind not just to your various sensory experiences, what you see, hear, taste and touch.

• We are all formed the same way, in the womb. A newborn child and mother are naturally drawn to each other. This is the same for all of us. We are also all the same in wanting to live a happy life. It's on such a basis that we can treat each other with respect.

• Remembering that all 7 billion of us belong to one human family is very important in today's world. It's how we can ensure harmony among humanity. But we need to make an effort to educate people about this reality.

But this one is my favorite:

• Ninety percent of negativeness is your own perception. We should utilize our wonderful brains and analyze and look for wider perspectives. The same person from one angle may appear irritating, from another angle they may be neutral, and from a different angle they may be positive … When you develop anger, try to look at them from a different angle, from different dimensions.

Isn’t that beautiful? Simply find a different angle to see things from (be it inside, outside, or upside-down as the children’s book would say). He encouraged finding a new angle and training yourself to seek peace instead of anger towards our “brothers and sisters” of humanity. Anger is not fixed or absolute. He said that many of our destructive emotions are mixed with exaggeration. Thus, anger changes based on our personal perceptions.

(Dalai Lama waves goodbye)

What makes these messages so much stronger was the humbleness the Dalai Lama had when speaking to us all.  He offered up so much gratitude to his own care providers.  He also has the most delightful little chuckle.  Yes, he laughs at himself!  While many conversations had a serious message, he made time for laughter as well.

Recently, I asked myself what so interests me in historical fiction, particularly ancient history. Do I read historical fiction solely to catch glimpses into lives of the past (is curiosity driving me)? Perhaps I’m looking for something to relate with (how long have people been dealing with this parenting issue??). Do I seek answers to personal struggles, scouring the past to find new paths to cross today? Truly great historical-fiction storytellers seem to wave magical wands to enchant and beguile their readers. Books written by the likes of Mitch Albom or Ted Dekker can reach into a reader’s spiritual and emotional depths and draw out beautiful new discoveries like miners pulling out precious gems.

I think part of why I love ancient Egypt so much is because of the humanness in how they lived. They lived for thousands of years without the need to develop technology like computers, cars, phones, whatever it may be. They lived and thrived for so long (we’re talking thousands of years). This is what fascinates me. Their lives were happy and purposeful. Nature and humanity were more peacefully interconnected in daily life.

So what made us modern people develop such technologies? What basic need were we seeking to fill that these ancient peoples did not require? What questions required answers for us? Knowledge is very powerful, yes, but it can also be very dangerous if used in the wrong context.

I think our technologies, like smartphones and email, has taken away a lot of human connections. What is it you see when you walk down a street without your cell phone turned on? Very little in terms of connecting on a basic human level. How many eyes do yours meet?

When was the last time you turned off technology and really looked out at the world?  Go out and absorb the beauty of a sunrise, watch laughter light up a child’s face, listen to the birds sing to one another without worry who hears them. Find peace in your heart; find peace in your mind. Then find the similarities out there. Look past the fences dividing neighbors and find ways to connect. As the Dalai Lama said, “Change starts from the individual. On that belief, one individual's belief will not change the world, but we must start as individuals.”

Individually, I’d like to start looking at things via different angles. It will not be easy, because anger can be powerful and easy to succumb to (just ask Anakin Skywalker), but it’s something to start with. Disagreement with a coworker? What other angles can I approach this problem from? My book gets a bad review? Let’s review the reasons from a different angle. Argument with my kid? Let’s explore the points of contention from a new dimension.

So I’ll use my (as the Dalai Lama calls it) “wonderful brain” to uncover new points of view. That’s my springboard. What’s yours?