| Reviews of Desert Journey |
On May 27, 2008, Desert Journey was named a Finalist in New Age Fiction by the 2008 Next Generations Indie Book Awards.
Paris Drake, a noted psychic , life coach, and new age practitioner from Xanadu New Age, wrote about Desert Journey, "... I enjoy the unfolding of conscious reality you experienced through your guide. The manner with which it is written is truly a journey that allows the issues of the day to fade as you embark on the gentle journey of awareness. A must read on this journey through what we call life on planet Earth."
N from Illinois wrote, "I read your book, Desert Journey one week ago and my mind has been awhirl with questions since. Your book has me focusing on the questions of one's own consciousness and the questions, are there different levels of consciousness that I ignore? If I zone out and tune into my own inner self, will I discover things about myself that I never knew existed? ... I felt transported along with you and I saw clearly glimpses of another level you did not write on the pages of your book, Brother! I wish I could pick a part of the book that appealed most to me, but I can't. I needed every single page to walk the journey with you. I am eagerly anticipating the release of Return to the Desert, so be safe on your journeys, but more importantly....WRITE DAMN IT!
M from Illinois wrote, "Dr, Jerry, I could hardly believe it. A real stunner for me. So powerful I had to put it down somewhere around, gee I really can't remember but I think after the first jump. The love pulse caught me, as it usually does, when I least expect it. Couldn't talk. Tears. G wanted to know where I was going. I mumbled something 'bout goin' to bed. I think. And you are gonna' do more? Whoaaaaaaaa Nelly!
C from Colorado wrote, Dr Jerry, "your book is very compelling. I have been carrying it everywhere with me, even if I didn't have a chance to read it with my travels around this valley. The vibration of your message with-in its pages are powerfilled, and I feel that I am picking up on that wonderous energy."
Robyn, an experienced hypnotherapist, who does past life regression, wrote "the author writes with vivid emotion, drawing you into the experience. The book is full of thought provoking bits of wisdom and is a useful tool for self healing and enlightenment. Enjoy!
"Desert Journey gives the reader a new spin on relationships as being one of the most important aspects of one's spiritual journey. Desert Journey has become a blueprint for first getting to know your most intimate self. When this is accomplished then will you begin to attract people into your universe that are allignment with who you truly are. Knowing one's self increases the odds of attracting a mate that is going to be in harmony with your spiritual unfoldment. Dr. Jerry easily enlightens one on how they too can put into practice the tools for meeting one's higher evolved self. It is never too late to learn more about love and harmony in these lower worlds."
Suzanne White - Writer/filmmaker
The basic premise of Jerry Burgener's well-written and moving book, "Desert Journey," is this: A middle-aged man, battered by a series of failed relationships and filled with self-doubt, decides to take a couple of months off and travel to the Americacn Southwest. Once there, he plans to do very little but ride his horse, enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Superstition Mountains, and maybe---just maybe---sort out the issues that had been plaguing his life. But destiny had something different in mind for him, and what was waiting for him in those mountains, was the start of a profound, mystical journey of self-discovery, facilitated by a wise and ageless Indian who soon became his mentor and spiritual advisor.
Seeking spiritual guidance and self-discovery from within the Native American shamanistic culture is not a new concept, of course. Carlos Castaneda explored the paradigm brilliantly in the 1960's with his series of writings based on the "Teachings of Don Juan." But there is somethig about Burgener's approach that is more----how shall I put this---peaceful. than the frenentic, peyote-induced rituals described in Casteneda's writings.
The thing I liked most about "Desert Journey" is how quickly Burgener's journey became my journey. Thanks to his talented and descriptive writing, I could feel the warm nuzzle of his horse on my arm, smell the crisp, clean desert air, savor the sight of the multi-hued canyon walls changing with the light, and hear the sharp "screech" of a hawk flying overhead. I also found myself reading and rereading many of the passages in the book trying to divine deeper wisdom buried within. One of my favorite sayings was, "dreams are powerful tools for us to use to connect with other worlds." This is a new and refreshing idea to me as I had always thought dreams were tools for exploring our subconscious, a place I have no desire to visit!
The only part of "Desert Journey" that did not totally fulfill my expectations was the ending. I expected the story to rise to a crescendo and finish with some kind of profound proclamation summarizing what the journey had really been all about. Instead, the author loads his horse into the trailer and heads back to Illinois. But then again, that's what life is all about, isn't it? Every time we reach the summit we discover that we are only on a plateau, and there is more climbing to be done.
"Desert Journey" is written in the first person singular and I am assuming the narrator, "Jerry," is in fact the author. On the other hand, the book is listed as fiction and is described as a novel, so I could be wrong. I hope I'm not though, because there are a million questions I want to ask Jerry Burgener as one Illinois boy to another. Meanwhile, "Desert Journey" is an excellent book and I strongly recommend it. Be forewarned, however, that if you do read it you may be tempted to take your own spiritual journey. I know I am.
Ron Standerfer for Reader Views (5/08)
Heartbreak - something that only time can heal. "Desert Journey is the tale of Jerry's journey trying to get over his loss of time with his past relationship - but finding relaxation isn't as easy as it seems. A meeting with a Native American Wise man reveals the truth of Jerry's life which is not all of what Jerry wanted to hear and Jerry must find himself to truly understand himself to find what he really wants in life. "Desert Journey" is packed full of spiritual insight, sure to help readers find themselves alongside Jerry and is highly recommended.
Midwest Book Reviews
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