Waking Maya

by Warren Goldie

When Maya Burke unearths an old journal penned by her long-lost father, she discovers a roadmap for a spiritual journey, crafted exclusively for her. As she explores its teachings, she is catapulted onto a mind-bending cross-country adventure in pursuit of her father’s legacy. Immersed in realms of psychic revelations, mystical energy vortexes, and uncanny synchronicities, Maya is led to a spiritual underground that has revived an ancient meditation practice that could change the world. “Waking Maya” is a thrilling wisdom-packed quest to understand the deepest principles of our reality.

Genres: Fiction, Novels

286 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 7, 2008

About the author

Warren Goldie’s work explores the mysteries of metaphysics and spirituality. With over 25 years of experience in the entertainment and business fields, including working alongside Steven Spielberg and with Hollywood production companies, Goldie has developed a unique perspective on the world. He has written numerous published articles ranging from speculative fiction to first-person essays to explorations of states of consciousness. As a playwright, his work has been featured in festivals throughout the U.S. Goldie was born in Brooklyn, New York, the son of a Holocaust survivor.

Reviews

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enlightening and entertaining
Mystery, adventure, espionage, romance…what’s not to like? Goldie takes you on an unforgettable journey not only across the country and back but inside your mind to dark and bright places, to the spiritual and the down-to-earth. The book starts in a young woman’s backyard and ventures into love relationships, dysfunctional families, spiritual journeys, good and evil, and explores the meaning of life.

The author’s thoughtful attention to details made the characters feel like people I’ve met and transported me to places I’ve never been. It’s billed as visionary fiction. I’m not sure what that means but I do know I would come back for more if it’s packaged in a captivating book like this. I am ready for the sequel.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are feeling a bit anxious listening to the news and you are looking for a light, mind-expanding read, buy this book. If you are looking for a book a young teen might sink into, buy this book. If you are looking to spark conversation between you and your kids, have a read. This is a book that won't traumatize anyone and will open your mind a bit.

[Amy Spitzfaden · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a twenty-something millennial, I can relate to most of the mainstream media characters thrown my way (She sings and dances around her apartment when she’s alone? I sing and dance around my apartment when I’m alone!). But what Warren Goldie does with the main character of Waking Maya goes well beyond the realm of appealing quirks and sympathetic flaws to a place where the deepest, most profound desires of humanity exist. In this novel, we travel with Maya across the country as she navigates an adventure designed to transform not only herself, but also, we find, the world.

The themes could have been dealt with too heavily, like a guidebook for a belief system or spirituality. But the focus stays on Maya’s personal story. Her habits resonated with me in a way that no other fictional character has. Goldie’s vivid descriptions keep the story sharp, and Maya’s relationships, both familial and romantic, keep her young, human, and sympathetic.

The novel explores different possibilities of what our world could be and what may be at work behind physical events. I enjoyed testing out how it would feel if all this was true. Who hasn’t looked for “a sign” when in need of guidance? Or worried that a repeating theme might portend something significant? Goldie deals with all this with a light touch, allowing Maya to make her discoveries at her own pace and in her own way. I found the book empowering, at times uncomfortable, and in the end uplifting.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read for a day too cold to go out and do anything else! The story/mystery was appealing...helping a girl connect to a father she never knew and understand the career that took him away from her. The deeper content was mystifying and intriguingly thought-provoking regarding synchronicity, meditation, energy sources, intentions and discovering YOUR bigger picture in life!

Descriptions of the mind as "her wolf" were helpful. As we try to calm/quiet the mind, it is the wolf who is "hard at work sniffing in the underbrush of her memories, pawing through thoughts and experiences, searching for a scent." The wolf does not want to be calm and rest.

"Meditation lets you dive down below the level where thoughts ping-pong around incessantly, chaotically". Oh, where we can go with the power of coordinated intention and desire!

I appreciated the author sticking to necessary details needed to tie the story together, but not wasting words and pages for the sake of quantity! He established wonderful visuals along the way using ordinary life tasks to depict the situation and its meaning in the universe.

[Silas · Rating 5 out of 5]

My father recommended this book to me. I started it, and he died while I was halfway through reading it. That may have amplified the themes of a missing father in this book, but I did quite enjoy this book just the same. It starts a little bit slow with Maya having a fairly normal life, but picks up speed as it goes. It is an interesting combination of New Age spiritual ideas and a bit of conspiracy theory which makes an interesting blend. It treads some well-worn ground, but combines things in a slightly new way. Maya is a fairly likeable protagonist, if a tad naive (which I think was a choice, honestly). I find it is set in a kind of a nebulous timeframe, though it has to have been at least the '90s, based on a song reference. I think that was also on purpose, to keep it from being too wrapped up in a particular time. I lived in Maryland and worked in DC, and a lot of the geographical details in that area line up fairly well, which I appreciate. I might have enjoyed this book a little bit more based on my own context, but it was a quite good book to start with, and I am glad that I followed the recommendation.

[D. Thrush · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was very intrigued by this story and couldn’t wait to read it, however, it didn’t quite grab me as I thought it would. Maya goes searching for the father she never knew after finding his journal. She discovers he was involved in a secret government program using physic visions, telepathy, and the power of energy vortexes and was driven into hiding. Her quest becomes a spiritual journey as she tries to sort out who to believe and what happened to her mysterious father. Maya was not a compelling character, and I found it hard to become very invested in her and her search. Great plot but the execution is a bit lacking. Still recommended.

[Adrian Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. This book weaves deep spiritual truths into an engaging story - without preaching or oversimplifying things. The ideas around collective consciousness, intuition, and awakening were very good. Maya’s journey into energy vortexes, secret locations, and higher consciousness carries real weight. They felt true. I’ve found very few novels novel that entertain and illuminate the deeper aspects of our capabilities at the same time. So this was a real find, and an excellent read.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read for anyone on a spiritual journey! Waking Maya explores many parts of spirituality and portrays a vivid picture of Maya's life, that I can easily see as becoming a great motion picture. The story begins quickly and it took me a few chapters to get into it, but by the time I was about two-thirds through the book, it was hard to put down. Now it has been over a month since I finished this book and some of the concepts continue to stick with me.

[pamela jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Intellectual And Spiritual Awakening

The story of Maya gives one thought into the reality and power of the human mind. God reveals to mankind in the Bible the immense power that he has given his creation, if only we would let go, believe and have faith. Goldie again reminds us of that power. Excellent narrative that one can personally relate to if one could let go and leave logic and reason in the foreground of one's thinking.

[Elizabeth Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightening and Interesting

I loved this book as well as the philosophy of it, truly worth a read especially if you are interested in the collective consciousness, meditation and world peace.

[Shelly Gross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. What a journey. Trust me.

[Jarad C · Rating 1 out of 5]

As an avid reader of science & visionary fiction, one can imagine my excitement to read Warren Goldie's Waking Maya after picking it up at the Iowa State Fair flea market. To say I was disappointed would be an enormous understatement. I rushed to my Goodreads account upon finishing this pretentious piece of literary drivel, as those were hours of recreational reading time I can *NEVER* get back. I implore Mr. Goldie to dedicate the time to re-read some of the classics by Ray Bradbury; or perhaps, study Cormac McCarthy, one of his much superior contemporaries. There are also marvelous creative writing courses offered on Skillshare! Knowledge and dedication are both paramount to achieving any kind of success, Goldie.

[Antigone Walsh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bland

It's been suggested that if one percent of the population was able to men meditate and raise its vibration the world would chance for the better. Peace, love and generosity would replace war, hate and lack. This book follows a young woman whose missing father has figured out to upgrade evolution. Maya discovers his diary addressed to her. She proceeds to locate him embarking on a journey of enlightenment.

It is a nice idea but slow and plodding. I did not feel invested in any of the characters and keep thinking of Richard Gere's ill fated effort at the Oscars. Maya is bland and there are no real stand outs. If this were a recipe it would need seasoning.

[Susan M B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Love Waking Maya. The book has it all: believable protagonists and antagonists, an interesting premise, suspense and an intriguing plot. The titular character, Maya, is likable, human and knowable. I felt like I was accompanying her on her journey. I cared about her immediately and was invested in discovering what happened to her. I was drawn in and captivated by the author’s words in Maya’s voice.
I too would welcome a sequel or second work.

[Ava Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t usually read books like this, but something about Waking Maya pulled me in. It’s quiet, deep, and a little mysterious. The whole idea of finding truth through self-discovery really stuck with me. When I finished, I just sat there thinking. It’s one of those stories that changes how you see things, even in small ways.

[Gabriel Montgomery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Waking Maya really surprised me. I picked it up expecting a simple spiritual story, but it turned into something much deeper. Maya’s search for her father felt emotional and real, and the mix of mystery and self-discovery kept me hooked. Some parts made me stop and think about my own path in life. It’s a thoughtful and inspiring read.

[Jeanne Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story that echoes a lot of my preoccupations, though it drove me nuts when editing goofs popped up. Biggest peeve? What's the plural of vortex? If you said "vortices," you'd be right... but that word doesn't appear once in the whole book. Gah!

[Pat Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. It’s spirituality at its best. I don’t know how he did it, but somehow the author wove the most interesting - and I think, true - beliefs and theories into a very good story. Loved the characters too. Well done.

[Ella Whitmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just wow. Maya’s journey through secret temples and energy vortexes had me hooked from the first page. It’s the kind of book that makes you pause and actually think about the world and your place in it.

[Mia Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t expect to feel so connected to a character’s spiritual journey. The hidden communities, the mystical visions, and the sense of purpose behind Maya’s discoveries make this story feel alive and electric.

[Isabella Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s a lot happening in this story, but it works. The father’s journal and the cryptic messages kept me guessing, and the ideas about consciousness really made me stop and reflect. It’s deep, but in a good way.

[Amelia Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goldie has a rare way of making mystical concepts feel tangible. I could picture the temples, sense the energy in the vortexes, and feel the tension of Maya’s mission. It’s exciting and thought-provoking at the same time.

[Stacey anderson peace · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s something gentle about this story that I really liked. It’s part mystery, part spiritual awakening, and even though a few chapters felt slow, it never lost me. It’s one of those books that leaves you thinking long after you put it down.

[Emma Carlisle · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took a bit for me to get into it, but by halfway through, I was fully in. The writing is thoughtful and emotional, and the ending was worth it. It’s not a book for rushing, it’s one for sitting with. Glad I gave it a chance.

[Liam Hawthorne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting idea and some really lovely writing, but I couldn’t fully connect with it. The pacing felt uneven for me, though I still appreciated what the author was trying to say. I think readers who are into spiritual themes will get a lot out of it.

[Lucas Pendleton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked how Maya’s journey felt personal and searching, almost like reading someone’s private awakening. A few parts dragged, but the message about finding meaning beyond the ordinary really stayed with me.

[Marge · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring book.

[Joseph Cole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the spiritual ideas were a little over my head, but the story itself is fascinating. Maya’s adventure, the hidden societies, and the exploration of human potential are incredibly compelling.

[Julian Merrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book plays out like a movie in my mind. Every scene feels alive. I can already imagine how the book trailer would look, powerful, emotional, and impossible to forget.

[Sadie Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waking Maya grabbed hold of me from the first page. The story lingers, haunting and beautiful, as if the characters are whispering truths I didn’t know I needed to hear.