Showing results by narrator "Mark Bowen" in All Categories

This book comprises the second place winner in the 2021 Bigelow Institute for Consciousness Studies essay contest. The winning prize was $300,000. In this book the concept of the continuity of consciousness is described, based mainly on recent scientific research on near-death experiences (NDE), but also on other experiences of enhanced consciousness. Since the publication of several prospective studies on NDE in survivors of cardiac arrest, with strikingly similar results and conclusions, the phenomenon of the NDE can no longer be scientifically ignored.

In Agatha Christie's haunting tale The Bloodstained Pavement, a seaside retreat becomes a sinister stage for murder. Joyce Lemprière, a keen-eyed artist, captures more than just landscapes when she spots what seems to be blood on the cobblestones, a mark that sets her imagination on edge. The quaint seaside village, known for its idyllic sunsets and gentle waves, hides a shadowy secret behind its picturesque charm. Miss Marple, with her unassuming wisdom, steps into this world of deception and fragmented whispers, sensing the danger lurking beneath every innocuous facade.

Hermeticism or Hermetism is a philosophical system based on the purported teachings of Hermes Trismegistus (a legendary Hellenistic combination of the Greek god Hermes and the Egyptian god Thoth). These teachings are contained in the various writings attributed to Hermes (the Hermetica), which were produced over a period spanning many centuries (c. 300 BCE — 1200 CE) and may be very different in content and scope.

The Kybalion is a book originally published in 1908 by "Three Initiates" (often identified as the New Thought pioneer William Walker Atkinson, 1862–1932) that purports to convey the teachings of Hermes Trismegistus. While it shares with ancient and medieval Hermetic texts a number of traits such as philosophical mentalism, the concept of 'as above, so below', and the idea that everything consists of gendered polar opposites, as a whole it is more indebted to the ideas of modern occultist authors, especially those of the New Thought movement to which Atkinson belonged.

The Big Book of Christmas: Classic Stories and Poems is a grand compilation that assembles a treasure trove of holiday tales and poems from a remarkable array of authors. This extensive collection includes 100 classic works, each thoughtfully illustrated, to immerse readers in the magic and wonder of the Christmas season. This anthology spans a rich tapestry of Christmas literature, including timeless favorites such as "The Gift of the Magi," "The Red Room," "A Letter from Santa Claus," "The Fir Tree," "Song of the Holly," and many more.

Under the sun-drenched skies of the Canary Islands, a seemingly perfect vacation takes a sinister turn. A quiet, unassuming companion drowns under mysterious circumstances, leaving behind a trail of whispered secrets and suspicious looks. Was it a tragic accident, or was something darker at play? When Miss Marple is drawn into the story, her astute perception peels back the layers of a friendship riddled with envy and concealed motives. The Companion is a gripping exploration of loyalty warped by greed and the chilling lengths people will go to for what they covet.

Soren Kierkegaard was a Danish theologian, philosopher, poet, social critic, and religious author who is widely considered to be the first existentialist philosopher. He wrote critical texts on organized religion, Christianity, morality, ethics, psychology, and the philosophy of religion, displaying a fondness for metaphor, irony, and parables. Much of his philosophical work deals with the issues of how one lives as a "single individual", giving priority to concrete human reality over abstract thinking and highlighting the importance of personal choice and commitment.

The Emerald Tablets of Thoth the Atlantean: Illustrated is a captivating edition that unveils the ancient wisdom and esoteric teachings attributed to Thoth, an enigmatic figure often associated with ancient Egyptian mythology. This edition presents the profound insights of Thoth, as recorded in the mystical Emerald Tablets, complemented by evocative illustrations that enhance the reader's journey into the realms of mysticism and ancient knowledge.

The Land of the Gods: The Long-Hidden Story of Visiting the Masters of Wisdom in Shambhala by H. P. Blavatsky is a captivating exploration of the legendary kingdom of Shambhala and its connection to the Masters of Wisdom. This illuminating book delves into the mystical teachings and ancient wisdom associated with Shambhala, a hidden realm believed to exist beyond the physical plane. H. P. Blavatsky, a renowned spiritualist and founder of the Theosophical Society, presents a detailed account of her experiences and insights into the enigmatic land of Shambhala.

In The Thirteen Problems, Agatha Christie invites readers to gather with Miss Marple and a group of curious minds for an evening of puzzles where nothing is ever as simple as it seems. Thirteen cases, each as unique and baffling as the last, unfold around the fireside, challenging the sharp wits of all present. From eerie premonitions and sinister family secrets to sudden deaths that leave no trace, Miss Marple's keen mind picks apart each mystery with startling insight.

Clive Staples Lewis, better known as C.S. Lewis, was a respected academic, writer, and speaker. While he might be best known for his works of fantasy, especially the Chronicles of Narnia and Space Trilogy series, he also wrote many books on Christian apologetics, including Mere Christianity, Miracles, and The Problem of Pain.

Some secrets can only be kept by the dead. When Dr. Rosen, a man with enemies in dark places, is found dead at the bottom of his staircase, everyone suspects foul play. Four people were close enough to know his fears—and perhaps, his fate. Each carries their own scars, secrets, and strange alibis. As suspicion falls on them, Miss Marple enters a maze of mistrust and hidden motives, where shadows of a past life reveal a chilling truth. The Four Suspects spins a deadly game of who, if anyone, can truly be trusted, and what treacheries linger in the hearts of even the innocent.

The Power of Faith: Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale is an inspiring exploration of the transformative power of faith and optimism in achieving personal and professional success. Peale, a pioneer of positive thinking, provides practical advice and real-life examples to illustrate how faith and a positive mindset can overcome obstacles and lead to a fulfilling life. In this book, Peale emphasizes the importance of cultivating a strong, unwavering belief in oneself and one's goals.

In the heart of St. Mary Mead, whispers of the strange and unexplained ripple through the village. A feared prophecy, a flash of blue flowers, and a sudden death leave everyone questioning what they thought they knew. Was it fate, foul play, or something more sinister? Only Miss Marple, with her razor-sharp intuition and keen eye for human frailty, can pull back the curtain on this chilling tale. "The Blue Geranium" lures you into a world where superstition collides with reason, and danger lurks in the most unexpected places.

The final play of the Oresteia, called The Eumenides (Εὐμενίδες, Eumenídes), illustrates how the sequence of events in the trilogy ends up in the development of social order or a proper judicial system in Athenian society. In this play, Orestes is hunted down and tormented by the Furies, a trio of goddesses known to be the instruments of justice, who are also referred to as the "Gracious Ones" (Eumenides). They relentlessly pursue Orestes for the killing of his mother.

Soren Kierkegaard was a Danish philosopher, theologian, and religious author interested in human psychology. He is regarded as a leading pioneer of existentialism and one of the greatest philosophers of the 19th Century.

This Anthology of Cthulhu Mythos brings together 25 stories from two of the most influential authors in the horror genre, H. P. Lovecraft and Robert E. Howard. This anthology is a must-read for fans of horror and speculative fiction, offering a deep dive into the nightmarish worlds that have influenced generations of readers and writers. The combination of Lovecraft's cosmic horror and Howard's vivid imagination creates a compelling and terrifying journey into the unknown.

With a rapidly aging population, we must start planning how we will house and care for the senior population in the future. In 2019, the not-for-profit Senior Living organization, National Senior Campuses, reported only 21,000 Senior Living units across the United States.

In The Clergyman's Daughter, the picturesque calm of village life hides secrets that most wouldn't dare to uncover. A simple question turns Tommy and Tuppence's world upside down, leading them to a labyrinth of hidden motives and unsettling truths. What does the daughter of a village clergyman know, and why does every answer seem to raise even more questions? As whispers of deception emerge, the Beresfords must tread lightly in a place where appearances mask unexpected dangers. Sometimes, beneath the quiet charm of the countryside lies a mystery too dark to leave untouched.

The best collection of Russian short stories includes: Fyodor Dostoevsky: Notes from the Underground, The Dream of a Ridiculous Man, The Beggar Boy at Christ's Christmas Tree. Leo Tolstoy: The Death of Ivan Ilyich, Kholstomer, the Story of a Horse, Alyosha the Pot, A Letter to a Hindu, A Confession, God Sees the Truth, but Waits, A Russian Christmas Party. Anton Chekhov: Kashtanka, Gusev, The Darling, The Lady with the Dog, A Slander, The Horse-Stealers, The Petchenyeg, A Dead Body, A Happy Ending, The Looking-GlassOld Age, Darkness, The Beggar, In Trouble, Frost, Minds in Ferment, Gone Astray.