I Was Carlos Castaneda: The Afterlife Dialogues Paperback April 24, 2001

by Martin Goodman

“A marvelous book with rich teachings that particularly touch the heart of death -- and, thus, life itself.”--Thom Hartmann, author of The Last Hours of Ancient SunlightCarlos Castaneda comes back from the dead in a true-life spiritual adventure story set in the French Pyrenees, Machu Picchu, the Peruvian Amazon, and the American Southwest.Four months after his death, the world-renowned writer, anthropologist, and mystic Carlos Castaneda turns up in the French Pyrenees. He meets with writer Martin Goodman. His purpose? To lead Martin beyond the fear of death and the confusions of mortality, and to offer a clearer understanding of the ultimate wisdom -- the wisdom to live the rest of our days in full and conscious harmony with the living earth.Martin Goodman is a gifted storyteller who has infused I Was Carlos Castaneda with literary verve and humor. When, at their first encounter, an incredulous Goodman confronts Castaneda with reports of his recent death, Castaneda replies wryly, “Details. . . mere details.” And so the story begins.From the Trade Paperback edition.

Genres: Spirituality, Metaphysics

Unknown Binding

First published July 22, 1999

Reviews

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

At times humorous, but always entertaining.

[Sarah Walton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A magical and intimate journey into the world of the invisible.

[Obsidian Eagle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly really enjoyed this book and totally felt that its author 'got' what CC was always on about (I've read all twelve Castaneda books and then some). The author doesn't explain very much with regard to theory, but rather, jumps right into a narrative of meeting up with the departed master. This is done very much in the style that CC himself was famous for, and it works well as an homage.

That being said, there is also a point at which the story becomes a lot more about the writer's own experiences on Ayahuasca in the Amazon rainforest.

Nevertheless, it is a sublime journey filled with love and wisdom. I think that the Nagual would approve!

[Fatih Gunicen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote a new Carlos Castaneda review with the name "The Science of Seers". It has a different perspective comparing Modern Science and the wisdom of the Shamans of Ancient Mexico and also the religion while touching all the main existential questions of human beings. And for me, it puts the writings of Castaneda to the right place as it has never done before. If you could take a look and read it I will be pleased.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

If only Castaneda had been resurrected as a woman, perhaps he would have guided Goodman beyond the limits of sexist bias that limited Castaneda’s androcentric philosophy and personal life as a “dedicated womanizer” and misogynist—attitudes that Goodman seems to have embraced without questioning. And that ridiculous penis envy scene is just plain laughable.

[Robi Eagle Mex · Rating 3 out of 5]

To each their own Carlos Castaneda. Writing style is cryptic, intention beyond words is opaque, overall significance escapes me, it touches so many subjects.
I'm sincerely glad I've read it though and still thinking about it.
Carlos Castaneda has shaped our collective consciousness.

[Shinemoos · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful journey of self discovery! I started this book and stopped at 30% because it felt so good and I didn’t want to finish. A couple year later I started over and again stalled around 30%. I pushed through a few months later and found the middle part of the book a big confusing. I still can’t grasp the story, the timeline and things. However, maybe it’s just not a novel that fits into that expectation. The ending again was clear and enlightening. There are so many wonderful quotes from this book. I’ll sure read it again.