Anthology Book Company

India. Bombay. A place I’ve never been, but felt like I have spent a lifetime. Gregory David Roberts’ “Shantaram” (ISBN 9780312330538) is such an exceptionally descriptive and beautifully lyrical novel that it transports the reader to a different time and place, and a different life. The scenes of the daily life and people of 1980′s India are so poetically and colorfully conceived, one can’t help but fall in love with the place.

“Shantaram”, which is Robert’s first novel, is autobiographical and mostly (if not entirely) based on Robert’s own life and adventures.  The story begins when the freshly escaped convict, Lindsay (the name on Roberts’ counterfeit passport), arrives in Bombay after his heroic escape from a 20 year sentence at a maximum security prison in Australia.  Promptly after his arrival, he is befriended by a local guide who agrees to show him around the city and gives him the nickname Lin. Lin soon finds out how easy it is to make money on the black market making deals with other foreigners. He quickly learns the languages Hindi, Marathi and Urdu, and finds himself invited to live in the slums with his guide and friend. When the slum dwellers find out that he has some medical skills from his heroin addiction days, they start lining up at his hut every morning to receive medical attention, which Lin is more than happy to administer for free. He achieves hero status with the locals and falls in love with the slum. After that, things take a drastic change and events in Lin’s life don’t transpire so smoothly.

Lin finds himself attracted to the life of crime that got him imprisoned in the first place and inadvertently joins the Bombay mafia. Lin’s wild and adventurous nature drives him to engage in a plethora of dangerous endeavors. From street fights to opium dens, counterfeiting and smuggling, working and acting for Bollywood films, fighting in a holy war and keeping company with an array of prostitutes, drug users, gang members, slum dwellers and black market workers, Lin leads us on one hell of an adventure. With all that Roberts has survived it is truly amazing that he is even alive to write his story at all.

“Shantaram” is such a thrilling story of freedom and friendship, cruelty and hope, love and loss that I found it almost impossible to put down. Ultimately, “Shantaram” is a story of redemption. The redemption of a man losing himself and everything he loves, creating a new life, only to lose it all again and find what truly is important in life. Despite its massive 936 page size, I cherished every second of it. To make the story even more intriguing, we find that “Shantaram” was written in prison after Roberts’ final recapture to serve out his original sentence. The first two drafts of the novel were destroyed in prison, so Roberts really wrote “Shantaram” three times!

Vividly descriptive and elegantly formed, “Shantaram” is a truly epic story that I feel like I lived out myself. Roberts’ life is filled with so much excitement that this book is sure to make your own life seem boring and mundane. Utterly heartbreaking and courageous, every chapter ends on such a splendid note, that I found myself rereading the last few paragraphs of each one, absorbing each word of wisdom This is a novel that is so rich, textured and unforgettable that it has definitely found itself onto my list of all time favorites. Anyone who loves a grand sprawling epic of a read, filled with truth and humor, love and betrayal, wisdom and adventure is assured to come out of this one touched, changed and completely satisfied.

Thanks for reading!

Matt

Here’s a link to Roberts’ website where he shares facts about his life and philosophy, shares pictures and keeps us updated on the status of the sequel to “Shantaram” and the (hopefully) soon to be movie.  www.shantaram.com

Conscious Evolution

Few people today can deny that we are at an extremely critical juncture in human history.  We have the scientific and technological capabilities to destroy or enhance our life support system on earth.  When Barbara Marx Hubbard wrote “Conscious Evolution” (ISBN 9781577310167) 14 years ago, it was an urgent call to action to change our self destructive patterns.  Her message is even more relevant today as our habits of environmental destruction, war, and overpopulation are reaching a perilous climax.

I was intrigued about Barbara Marx Hubbard and her work as a futurist after seeing the recent movie “Thrive” in which she was featured during an interview.  She was also recently featured in Bella Spark magazine discussing her new book “Birth 2012 and Beyond” (ISBN 9780984840700) which will be released on May 1, 2012. 

Most people have heard of the human potential movement whose advocates adhere to the concept that in all humans lie an untapped and extraordinary potential for individual creative greatness.  Hubbard’s work is aimed toward expanding that movement toward more of a social potential movement.  The idea is that when we find ways to co-create with others then our collective potential is exponentially expanded.   “Conscious Evolution” attempts to lay down a blue-print for a co-creative society that enhances and connects social innovations and breakthroughs in an attempt to bring humanity safely through these uncertain times. 

One of the most hopeful ideas presented in the book is that in our whole evolutionary history, crisis has always preceded transformation, and it is the nature of nature to transform.  With this in mind, we can rest assured that our present systemic and societal breakdowns are a natural evolutionary process.  I always like to think of it in terms of labor pains.  It’s not a pleasant process and certainly is dangerous, yet something beautiful is being born.  We are at a point where we can consciously guide our own evolution.  We know now that we affect our evolution by every thing we do; collectively and individually. Never before in human history have we had the capacities and knowledge to understand our own evolutionary process.  We can now cooperate with these processes instead of fighting against them. 

With the advent of the internet, our interconnectivity is at an unprecedented level, and growing.  Great ideas can be shared almost instantaneously, advancing humankind in all aspects.  Sharing what works and what still needs to be done in the sectors of science and technology, education, justice, health, spirituality, infrastructure, environment, media, governance, relations, arts and economics, can further enhance positive changes and discard old systems that no longer work for us.  Fortunately the internet, cell phones and social media make this possible. 

Hubbard uses the analogy of a caterpillar morphing into a butterfly to illustrate the genetically encoded pattern of our planetary evolution toward a higher consciousness.  The collective fate of humanity need not end in an apocalyptic scenario.  According to Hubbard, the crises and opportunities for change we face today are normal and part of the inherent pattern in nature.

In “Conscious Evolution” a coherent plan of action is put forth on how to help humanity become more globally minded through integrating spirituality into social policy.  At the end of the book there is a detailed (and maybe a little outdated) list of resources, organizations and media outlets who are participating in this change.  The book is very accessible and the ideas presented are easily understandable.

Barbara Marx Hubbard is calling for a global awakening.  The earth’s first “birthday” as she calls it in her new book “Birth 2012 and Beyond”. A day of mass celebration when we realize that we are going to make it and prosper, can help launch us into a new paradigm.  This day, which will be full of scientifically proven methods of meditation and prayer, has the potential for a global heart and mind change to nudge us into a new co-creative society.  Hubbard proposes that we use December 22^nd 2012 (the day after the end of the Mayan calendar) as earth’s new “birthday”. Many ancient and religious traditions point to this time in history as an era of great change and the start of a new cycle.  Hubbard suggests that we have the power to make this happen.

Many organizations and groups of people actively participating can catalyze this change.  Imagine a society where everyone’s needs are met, where we can collaborate and co-create with each other, helping each other to find our life’s purpose and fulfill our creative potentials; where conflict is no longer an issue, scarcity is no problem; we would be free to explore space, inner and outer, to our heart’s desire.  This is the future where Hubbard’s idea of conscious evolution could help lead us.  Through hope, determined effort and cooperation this is possible.  I highly recommend this encouraging and inspiring book to everybody who wants to participate in the outcome of humanity.  In today’s cynical world, it is desperately needed.

Interested in learning more?

Check out Hubbard’s websites www.birth2012.com and www.evolve.org

or check out Barbara Marx Hubbard’s new book “Birth 2012 and Beyond” set for release in May.

Other recommended resources of organizations incorporating and sharing positive change:

Institute of Noetic Sciences www.ions.org

Yes! Magazine www.yesmagazine.org

Alternative news www.alternet.org

www.avaaz.org

Thanks for reading!

Matt

To all of our wonderful and loyal customers, we will not be accepting any books for trade from now until after the new year (Monday January 2nd, 2012) due to our end of the year inventory count. Thanks for understanding and sorry for any inconvenience!
- Anthology Staff

What does it mean to give from your heart? Each of us will answer that question differently. However, I think we can agree that to give is an action not arising from the self but arising from the wish for others to be happy. This is what Shantideva has to say about giving: “All the joy the world contains has come through wishing happiness for others

All the misery the world contains has come from wishing pleasure for oneself.
“–Shantideva in A Guide to a Bodhisattva’s Way of Life

So, in the spirit of the seaon. Here are pictures from the Angel Tree donations. Thank you Anthology customers. Thank you for giving from your heart.

The children and their parents at Angel House appreciate your generosity

Supporting local businesses helps Loveland preserve what makes our city
great. That is why we are pleased to announce that Anthology Book Company is
participating in the second annual “Small Business Saturday SM”, a day to shop
at small businesses that create jobs, boost national and local economies, and
enrich our community.
American Express, the founding sponsor of Small Business Saturday, created the
national program in 2010 in response to small business owners’ most pressing
need: more demand for their products and services.
Ninety-three percent of consumers agree it is important to support small
businesses they value. Last year, more than 1.5 million people shared that
sentiment by ‘liking’ the Small Business Saturday Facebook page. This year the
community of like-minded Americans will grow even more.
You can visit Facebook.com/smallbusinesssaturday to join the initiative, give a
shout out to your favorite local stores and restaurants, and pledge to shop at
small businesses on November 26, 2011!

When you come in to shop at Anthology this Saturday, mention “Small Business Saturday” to receive a free Anthology tote bag with purchase of $25 or more!

Where do you buy your books? I know if you’re reading this, you probably get at least a portion of your books from us here at Anthology. We all know how easy (and cheap) it is to go online and order books (along with anything else) on Amazon. We all know that you can easily run over to Barnes and Noble or Wal-Mart or Target and find most of the same titles and save a couple dollars. But what exactly is at stake here? What is the importance of supporting local businesses and why should you care?

With every purchase that you make, you cast a vote. A vote that quite possibly has more of an impact on our world than the one you cast at the polls. In our current age, corporate mega-retailers may be the norm, but it doesn’t have to be that way. When’s the last time you walked into Wal-Mart and they welcomed you on a first name basis? (I wouldn’t know for sure that they don’t do this, just an assumption; I haven’t stepped foot inside that depressing soulless warehouse in years) Now more than ever, local businesses need your support. It’s these unique, one-of-a-kind places in our beloved downtowns that give our cities a sense of community. In the case of Anthology and The Coffee Tree, these businesses serve as a hub of community; a place where friends can meet together as well as enjoy great books, coffee, and food. The size of the chain retailers and government tax breaks allow them to charge less for their products which results in a loss of business for local establishments. So it may be cheaper and more convenient to take advantage of mega retailers, but is it better? I don’t think so, and I must urge you to invest your wallets in your own community this holiday season. We don’t have to be a culture of consumers, we can be a culture of community and appreciation instead. Since the 1990’s tens of thousands of locally owned businesses in America have disappeared. Loveland is no exception. In 2005 Wal-Mart accounted for one of every ten dollars spent by Americans. Is this progress? Is this the future world you want for your children? It is a myth that these retailers provide economic growth and create jobs. The predatory nature of these retailers forces local businesses who can’t compete to close, so people are actually losing jobs. When you spend your money locally, it stays in the community. It has about three times the local impact than it does when you spend it in a chain store. Most local businesses bank locally, advertise in local newspapers and hire other local professionals such as accountants and web designers. Whereas corporate chains require very little of local goods and services and their profits are not re-invested in the community. Sprawling shopping malls and concrete jungles of parking lots devoted to giant retailers make towns indistinguishable from each other.

So what is the true cost of mega retailers? Is your community worth preserving? Is your downtown something worth saving? That is for you to decide. Local businesses are about community. Independent bookstores are especially about community.

So, do your community a favor. Do your family a favor. Do yourself a favor, and support local businesses.

Thanks for reading!
Matt

Independent bookstores fight for your right to access the books that you want to read, whatever the content may be. We have a display up right now showcasing over a hundred books documented as banned or challenged – we carry them, and are fiercely proud to defend them. The American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression collects tools and information to help

In the United States, “banned books” are not illegal to print and sell. However, they are challenged and sometimes removed from libraries, including school, prison, military base, and public libraries. You are entitled to dislike a book, but when a book is removed from a library, you are restricting your fellow citizens’ access to information.

Many sites provide lists of banned books without citing any sources or giving any history at all. This report from the American Library Association provides a list of documented challenges in the US for 2009-2010, and this resource page is an authoritative resource for documented challenges. However, surveys indicate that 85% of challenges are never reported to the ALA.

Here is a map of documented book bans and challenges in the US for the last four years, including three here in Colorado:

“The rights and protections of the First Amendment include children as well as adults. While parents have the right — and the responsibility — to guide their own children’s reading, that right does not extend to other people’s children. Similarly, each adult has the right to choose their own reading materials, along with the responsibility to acknowledge and respect the right of others to do the same.

When we speak up to protect the right to read, we not only defend our individual right to free expression, we demonstrate tolerance and respect for opposing points of view. And when we take action to preserve our precious freedoms, we become participants in the ongoing evolution of our democratic society.”

– Robert P. Doyle, ALA Banned Books Report 2010

This past Tuesday, August 4^th, the Scifi Book Club met to discuss The High Crusade by Poul Anderson, first published in 1959. Our next meeting will be September 6^th, for Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okafor. Both of these books are in the store right now for 20% off!

The edition of The High Crusade that we carry in the story is the 50^th Anniversary Edition, which includes an introduction and five “appreciations” from big-name scifi authors.  Poul Anderson was hugely influential in the Golden Age. He was extraordinarily prolific, with over 100 novels and enough short stories to fill 40 collections, and this is one of his most beloved books.

Just as King George’s knights are mustering up for another crusade, a spaceship lands in their village. Since they’re all soldiers anyway, they ruthlessly attack the disembarking aliens and kill all but one of them. (A couple of laser pistols are ineffective against a mass volley of English longbows and a line of charging cavalry.)  Through a mix of (mis?)fortune, leadership, and pure bald-faced guile, the English take their Crusade to the stars, conquering and converting the aliens as they go. I was amused to discover that Anderson was a founding member of the Society for Creative Anachronism.

It’s very short, under 200 pages, which keeps the story taut and the action quick.  It reminded several people of a movie script.  (It was apparently made into a movie in the 90s but none of us had seen it.) There are few digressions, which is rare in a funny book. For example, a few months ago we read Shades of Grey, which is full of quirky little sidebars that provide a lot of the humor. Here, there is some physical humor and a lot of sly maneuvering around the truth when talking to the aliens. My favorite bit: the alien wants to know if Sir Roger has the authority to bargain with them. Sir Roger replies, “my ancestor Noah was the commander of all the fleets of Earth.” Several of our members found the humor very British, “almost pre-Monty Python.”  Given the appreciations included in the front of the book, we wondered if this book directly influenced writers like Douglas Adams and the Monty Python people, too.

Anderson keeps the tone light by glossing over the deeper aspects of his satire. Instead of conquering tan people and brown people, Sir Roger conquers blue people (and people who live in a box because they breathe a different atmosphere). When they board the ship, the English bring along the entire village, complete with livestock- so when they defeat the aliens, they actually establish a colony on the newly-deserted planet.  There is a debate about whether the blue aliens have a soul, and whether they can be converted and baptized.

All of these potentially serious issues are played for laughs.  For example, the cattle in the ship make a horrifying stench, and the English cook over an open fire in the hold.  Since the aliens have superior force and technology, the English are the underdogs and thus totally justified in tricking and double-crossing the (remarkably naïve) aliens to win.  The chapters are very short, and just one or two chapters from an alien perspective could have given the whole thing more depth. To me, it almost reads as though an early draft might have included something like that, but Anderson (or his editor) said, “whatever, our audience is 12-year-old boys, they don’t care, take it out.” As a result, we get this quick, funny reversal of the usual historical narrative – white English dudes are the underdogs, with inferior technology, trying to stay afloat in a much more “advanced” civilization. It remains an open question whether the casually imperialist attitude is simply the usual Golden Age chauvinism or that attitude it is itself being satirized.

The consensus view in our discussion was that the absence of explicit judgments was the very thing that made the book so good.  If you want to do a lot of analysis, the material is available there in the story.  But, because the issues are only implied, the book remains a quick, fun read. Most of our members said they probably wouldn’t re-read The High Crusade, but it did make some of us interested in Anderson’s larger body of work.  I for one intend to read a couple of his other novels for comparison’s sake.

Bechdel Test results: Fail. There is exactly one woman in this story, unless you count her two-year-old daughter.  There is an alien character from a race that doesn’t have different sexes, but the aliens are referred to as “he.”  Both the woman and the alien are portrayed as weak, conniving, and, in the end, traitorous. This is disappointing, but not surprising in a scifi work from the 1950s.

Paul Harding’s Pulitzer Prize winning debut novel Tinkers was to me like a long poem. The language is exceptionally beautiful and moving, delightful to the imagination, demanding full attention with many passages meriting a second read. The novel, reminiscent of Whitman and Thoreau, teaches us to see and appreciate the intricate workings of the cosmos and man’s attempt to understand and emulate nature. It is a story of fatherhood and memory, wrought with joy and sadness, as an old dying man is propelled deep into his own past to relive the wondrous journey of his life. The words are alive with passion and meaning, and Harding, with his trance inducing prose, is able to paint for us a masterpiece to be marveled at and savored. Here is one paragraph that struck me as especially lovely:

“The true essence, the secret recipe of the forest and the light and the dark was far too fine and subtle to be observed with my blunt eye – water sac and nerves, miracle itself, fine itself: light catcher. But the thing itself is not forest and light and dark, but something else scattered by my coarse gaze, by my dumb intention. The quilt of leaves and light and shadow and ruffling breezes might part and I’d be given a glimpse of what is on the other side; a stitch might work itself loose or be worked loose. The weaver might have made one bad loop in the foliage of a sugar maple by the road and that one loop of whatever the thread might be wound from – light, gravity, dark from stars – had somehow been worked loose by the wind in its constant worrying of white buds and green leaves and blood-and-orange leaves and bare branches and two of the pieces of whatever it is that this world is knit from had come loose from each other and there was maybe just a finger width’s hole, which I was lucky enough to spot in the glittering leaves from this wagon of drawers and nimble enough to scale the silver trunk and brave enough to poke my finger into the tear, that might offer to the simple touch a measure of tranquility or reassurance.”

As Marilynne Robinson put it: “Tinkers is truly remarkable”

Thanks for reading!

Matt