Angel Wisdom

June 20, 1994
Obviously structured as a daily meditation tool, this is a collection of one-paragraph essays arranged around topics such as Insulation , Let It Be , Pearls , Opposition , etc. These are followed by directives for action. Thus, under Luck : ``Begin to live life free from the issue of luck and superstition and the angels will bring you such a sense of good fortune you will feel like you have won the greatest lottery ever.'' Each entry also has a brief ``Angel Reminder'' (``We were all born under a lucky star'') and an ``Angelic Reflection'' (``I will forever know that God does not play dice with the Universe.'') The work reflects the collaboration of successful author Terry Lynn Taylor ( Messengers of Light ) and Los Angeles journalist Mary Beth Crain. As a good-spirited book, it will likely do very well even though it doesn't offer rich thought or good writing. Illustrated.

June 1, 1994
Interest in angels has spurred a publishing industry boom and many discussions in religious and spiritual circles. Taylor, who has four previous works relating to angels, here presents a collection of meditations meant to tune the individual into the consciousness that everyone is divine. Arranged by topic, from decisions and worry to money, anger, and birds, each entry begins with a quote or sentence that sets the tone. Following the quote are a commentary and an exercise, then a reflection designed to deepen the meditation. The meditations are well thought out and gentle in spirit. Recommended for libraries collecting meditative and devotional materials. Wilson offers a very slim volume, lavishly illustrated with art work from Christian, Hindu, and Islamic work. While the size of the book is small, the text is slimmer still, presenting its information about angels in a disjointed and disorganized fashion. The stories from Hindu, Moslem, and Christian culture are arranged under topics such as eroticism, hierarchy, shamanism, and the Kabbalah. In spite of the admirable diversity, these stories as well as the connections among the texts are sparse and unsatisfactory. Not recommended.-Gail Wood, SUNY Coll. of Technology Lib., Alfred