In the early 19th century; the highlands of Scotland experienced "The Clearances": the uprooting of families and communities. The majority of those dispossessed folk crossed the sea to North America; while others went on to Australia; New Zealand and even Chile. Some of the exiles carried with them a spiritual sense called the "Old Way" - a wildly beautiful form of early Christianity. Deep; somewhat mystical and even "Druidic"; it is spiritual; but not "churchy". It is the faith of a child who dearly loves a parent and knows that he or she is deeply loved in return. "God's Brats"? Perhaps. In any case; the seed which was carried out of Scotland found good soil in new lands. Each of us may be called upon to do the work of an angel; and to accomplish that work with no expectation of reward. Above all; we are meant to celebrate the life which we have been given and to rejoice in each day. May our eyes bless all that they see.
#373989 in Books 2015-11-03 2015-11-03Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 .33 x .4 x 5.73l; 1.00 #File Name: 1627792864256 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A Laugh Out Loud Collection Of Breakups You'll Be Glad Were Not YoursBy CustomerHave you ever had your heart broken so badly you couldn’t get out of bed for days and days? Have you ever said such horrible things during a break-up that you still feel guilty? Or do you live a life where you are perfectly in love but secretly find other people’s displeasure entertaining? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions; this book is for you!Jennifer Wright combines fascinating stories from over a thousand years of history with witty prose and contemporary references. From Nero and Poppaea to the Debbie Reynolds; Elizabeth Taylor; and Eddie Fisher triangle; I laughed out loud more times than I can remember in my bed; at my desk; and on at least three New York City subway lines.I cannot recommend this book more. If you have only one takeaway at the end of reading; just know that no matter how bad a break may be; always be grateful that you never dated Norman Mailer. And; on a personal note; I am forever grateful to this book for my extraordinary discovery that Alma Mahler is my spirit animal.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Impossible not to enjoy this book.By Mary M. EllisSomebody had recommended this book to me but it took me a while to get to it.. I can't believe I let it sit that long.. I think I was under the impression that it would be a "break up" book and the fact that I"m happily married and far beyond those times would make its less interesting to me.. NOT the case.. What an enjoyable book. The author is witty; intelligent; charming and informed. I LOVE those historical tales that aren't necessarily in your average history book and they abound here.. So interesting and soon many Laugh Out Loud moments while reading.. I've recommended this book to all of my friends.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. One word: Fantastic.By Amanda C.From the very first page; I was in love with this book. Jennifer Wright has put together an eclectic selection of breakups that makes anyone who has ever had their heart broken feel relatively sane despite the insanity that probably went through their heads while trying to pick up the pieces of their lives after the fact.Not only does she delve into the historical end of these legends; but she shows another side of them – their under belly; so to speak – that proves even the greatest of the greats have had their hearts smashed to bits and come out the other side… well; OK; not everyone comes out the other side; but that’s just the risk you take when it comes to love.Between her sense of humor; her wit; and her originality in how she tells a story; Jennifer Wright nails it. It’s not just a great debut from a unique voice; but pretty much the perfect companion for anyone who knows what it’s like to go through a horrible breakup… and that would be all of us. Or at least 98% of us.