Book Review
Shine in Kashmir
by D Chris Castagna
About the Author
D Chris Castagna studied Philosophy and Religion at Colgate Univeristy. He received a Fulbright Scholarship to study Sanskrit, Pali and Buddhist philosophy at the University of Kelaniya in Sri Lanka. Chris taught English in Japan and has travelled extensively through India and South America. He currently lives with his wife and two sons in Silvermine, CT.
Book Description
Shine in Kashmir follows young Justin Conrad on his travels through
India. A twenty-four-year-old American fresh off a Fulbright Scholarship in Sri
Lanka, he delves into the travel life searching for companions, romance and
greater spiritual truth. Depressed by not finding the mysteries to sate his
thirst, he unwinds in familiar Delhi. However, in the remote Himalayan valleys
of Ladakh, Justin will soon encounter the miraculous. Danger awaits him further
down the road in Kashmir. The novel concludes in the jungles and mountains of
Peru.
Shine in Kashmir explores tantra, Buddhist traditions, Hermetic
thinking, tarot, shamanism, plant-spirit medicine, healing arts, Ba Gua, war,
contemporary American culture and the modern conflict with Islam. A must for
those traveling to India, Shine in Kashmir also attracts people looking
for a spiritual path, philosophy and history buffs, fans of the erotic, people
curious about New Age healing arts, internal martial arts enthusiasts and those
who just need a good spiritual, adventure novel.
Our Book Review
A very open and honest account of the author's travels through the Himalayan valleys of Ladakh, through Kashmir ending in Peru.
The difference in the philosophy and religious beliefs in the characters he meets are openly described with no hidden agendas. The travel and areas visited are vividly described and you can just imagine that you are actually there, climbing the mountains and taking in all the surroundings.
In his own pilgrimage, his own beliefs and past history, which has shaped his karma and nature, are challenged with everyone he meets. As he meets several prominent people and has in depth conversations, you as the reader start to understand how other religions have founded their beliefs and challenge your own.
This book is an excellent read for anyone who would like to get drawn into a different world where you could escape to and in the calm and relaxing places find your own Nirvana.
A really interesting read due to the openness of the author. The explanations, style of writing and language used was first rate, a must read for anyone travelling.
Our Rating
I love it when authors are transparent and open in their writing.
ReplyDeleteWell that one sounds interesting!! I wouldn't have picked it up based on the title... Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds very interesting! I love when a story has the ability to suck me in and make me see, feel, taste, the surroundings :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! I always enjoy reading your reviews :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a very interesting book! It's one my hubby would LOVE!
ReplyDeleteI'm intrigued! Thank you so much for the introduction!
ReplyDeleteI think I would really love this. This summer I'll have more time to read so maybe this one would be a good one to select. i'll use your link when I buy it.
ReplyDelete