Title: My Name is Wonder
Author: Ronald Chapman
Series: N/A
Pages: 202
Date Published: September 1, 2016
Publisher: Terra Nova Books
Format: Kindle
Genre: Spiritual Self-Help
Source: Goddess Fish Blog Tours
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This inspirational fable, based on the life of an inquisitive goat named Wonder, brings joy and discovery to the reader. Wonder longs to expand his world beyond the barnyard, much to the dismay of his animal companions who are not as curious as he. During his first adventure, he is saved from a hungry owl by a wise crow who then becomes his friend and guide as he embarks on a series of excursions away from the farm. They decide to go on a quest to the mountains and meet new friends who teach them important lessons. During the journey, the goat learns the difference between Presence and appearance through his blunders and insights. When he thinks he has lost his way, a bear teacher instructs him, The path is every step. Lift your vision above the muck. Wonder pledges to keep his eye on the mountain top ahead. He returns to the barnyard and again sets out on another adventure of discovery, explaining that I cannot ignore the call of my Soul. With courage and gratitude for his new insights, Wonder teaches us how to live life fully, without fear, as we follow our call into the Light.
~My Thoughts~My Name is Wonder fell very much into the same category of books occupied by Charlotte's Web, Babe, etc. (although both of those are pigs and Wonder is a goat!) It's got a touch of whimsy, a lot of heart, and a deeper meaning for you to discover as you read along. The writing is light, and borders on the nonsensical as it dabbles in philosophy which kind of gave an Alice in Wonderland feel.
The genre was an odd one, as it was very philosophical and you would almost expect it to be a children's book, what with anthropomorphic goats taking center stage, yet the ideas behind the story are very adult. This is book will actually be for the parents to help jump-start a more motivated life. I really enjoyed reading this book, as it makes you think while being both blunt and strangely nice about it. It was a playful read that brought hidden depths to keep you reading and thinking.
~Try an Excerpt!~
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Wonder knew enough about Oren to know he spoke with the weight of the wisdom of generations. He had also heard that Oren was a philosopher. The gravity of the moment was not lost on the little goat as he considered this statement carefully. Somehow he knew that nothing but the truth would suffice.
“I don’t get it,” he said with a scrunched up face.
“Your name may be Wonder, but Wonder you are not.” He studied the kid, watching for any signs of dawning comprehension. Wonder cocked his head to one side, still puzzled, and the old buck continued. “The form you find yourself in is that of a goat, but you are not a goat. There is that which is, and then there is that which is truth. If you are to learn, you must learn to be absolutely clear about such matters.”
Oren fell silent, waiting.
Wonder blinked—once, twice—and then said, “Got it!”
The wise goat responded in an amused tone, “Do you now?”
“Yes, sir. My name is Wonder.” He grinned and then continued, “And I am not that.”
“Ha!” responded Oren. “I believe you do have it, young one, but let us see.” He almost, but not quite, grinned back at Wonder. It was hard to tell with the long, white beard. “What are you if not Wonder?”
The kid leapt at the answer. “Well sir, I don’t guess I know.”
“Indeed,” replied Oren, his yellow eyes dancing. “True wisdom is knowing that you know nothing.”
“Then I must be very wise indeed, sir.”
~Meet Ronald!~
Ronald Chapman is owner of an international speaking and consulting company, Magnetic North LLC. In addition to international accreditation as a speaker and national awards for radio commentary, he is the author of two novels, My Name is Wonder (Terra Nova Publishing, 2016) and A Killer's Grace (Terra Nova Publishing, 2016 and 2012), two works of non-fiction, Seeing True: Ninety Contemplations in Ninety Days (Ozark Mountain Publishing, 2008) and What a Wonderful World: Seeing Through New Eyes (Page Free Publishing, 2004) and the producer of three audio sets, Seeing True: The Way of Spirit (Ozark Mountain Publishing, 2016, 2005), Breathing, Releasing and Breaking Through: Practices for Seeing True (Ozark Mountain Publishing, 2015), and Seeing True – The Way of Success in Leadership (Magnetic North Audio, 2005).
He holds a Masters in Social Welfare from The University at Albany (New York.) Prior to his relocation to Atlanta, Georgia in 2008, he was a long-time resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Certainly interesting.
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the tour, the book looks great, and thanks for the chance to win :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Andra Lyn! I was intrigued by a couple of your thoughts, especially your connection to Alice in Wonderland, which I'd never considered. So being a guy who likes thought provocation, that's fun. Mostly I'm glad you enjoyed the story, and likewise glad you found it interesting. Much appreciated, Ron Chapman. p.s. Thanks too for including so much more information in addition to the review. As the author, it sure does help the cause.
ReplyDeleteI love the excerpt. Sounds like a great book.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a very helpful book, good luck with the tour!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway; I like the excerpt. :)
ReplyDeleteLiked the excerpt! Thanks for sharing, book looks like it will be a good read
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your review, I enjoyed reading it! :)
ReplyDeletecongrats on the tour, thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDelete