Reviews and Comments

Ram Das is a luminary, a guru, if you will, and so an important figure in bringing Eastern Wisdom to western minds. His book, Be Here Now, back in the day, laid the groundwork for many other books and seekers. This book weaves autobiography with nuggets of spiritual wisdom. For me, the best parts of the book dealt with being present with someone who is dying, and with one's own aging. The last chapter of the book, and also scattered through the text, contains spiritual practices, many of which will seem familiar or basic to those who are already on a path. I'd recommend this book for people new to spiritual teaching, those who want another view (review) of Ram Das's life, and those who are facing mid-life or end-of-life issues.

Enjoyed the history lesson of the formation of the Abrahamic faiths and the comparison of religion to viruses. Y.T. even included a Golden Rule reminder, if I recall it correctly. All in all, a good cyber-punk ride with socio-political commentary that still feels relevant today.

Part memoir, part how-to manual for being poor, it shows just how beautifully human and amazing we ALL are, even those that the media and the educational system and the judicial system have taught people with with degrees and jobs (like myself) to mistrust and to disdain. Criminal of Poverty shares the horrors, heartache, and occasional sanity saving humor of life in poverty and one family's journey transcending it. It's a miracle that this book exists. I'd ask high school teachers to consider assigning this to their students.