The Charm Carver

by David Shuch

Madeline, a wise, old woman, speaks of the time in her youth spent in the presence of Simon, a charm carver. But Simon’s charms are not trinkets or jewelry but keys to open hearts. In twenty-one chapters cast in a style between prose and poetry, Simon reveals a higher love and shows healing as the ultimate quest for those who can hold a strong inner wish. Simon comes as a healer of souls but only for those who have come to even faintly sense their inner state of brokenness. The Charm Carver is the perfect gift for any meaningful occasion, and is meant for any reader in search of inspiration.

96 pages, Hardcover

First published July 20, 2005

About the author

David Shuch is a writer, inventor and a dentist. His interests in the intersection between consciousness and healing have taken him on a wide educational path including the study of martial arts, meditative arts, fine art, homeopathy, the work of Rudolph Steiner and the work of George Gurdjieff. His first book, "Doctor, Be Well" has been used in the Program on Integrative Medicine at the Mayo Clinic but has found its largest readership among people who use both conventional and alternative health care systems. His second book, "The Charm Carver", is a lyrical allegory on the subject of healing and was The Midwest Book Review's Editor's Choice Top Selection and a finalist for the Nautilus Book Awards for spirituality titles. His third book, "Letters To A Young Healer" is a sequel to "The Charm Carver," but is written in more of a conversational tone and once again deals with the issues of healing, consciousness and spiritual growth. His dental practice is located in northwestern New Jeresy.

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thinking I would sail through such a short book, I found myself rereading passages two or three times as the story progressed. The passages, written in a prose/poetry mix, introduced thoughts of metaphors that resounded with my own ideas of faith and purpose. As someone who shies away from poetry, this was a nice read. I received this book for free through the Goodreads First Reads program.

[Erika]

Won this book from First Reads and just finished reading it. I would describe it as a fictional short story written as Christian poetry. The only problem being I am not a poetry fan! The Psalms are my least favorite book of the Bible! If you do like poetry, or want a quick little read that will make you think for an hour, it's good for that. This was the part that spoke the most to me, personally. and gives you an inkling of the writing style:
"Here I am, tied to life by a golden cord that feeds me from the Great Beyond. Never far from breaking, never far from the time of my return, I stand in the face of a passing shadow, thrilling at my luck."
It is a series of life lessons taught to someone seemingly naive and younger from an older wise man who carves charm necklaces for people from stones.

[Jennifer Jimmerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to receive this book through a Goodreads Giveaway by the author, David Shuch.

Bring that it is a short book of only 93 pages, I expected to quickly fly through its pages in a day our two; instead, I found myself savoring each chapter. I slowly read, and even reread, the passages; wanting, not just to read, to take in and feel his words. I found the chapter "Time" to be my favorite, and the most fitting for my life.
Unlike most of the books I read, this is a short story written in a lyrical poetic style, at least that's how I see it.
I enjoyed it so much that I think I'll purchase a copy for my former College English teacher. She taught me to look for the deeper meaning of words in poetry, and gave me a new appreciation for it.
Thank you Nancy Long!

[DENISA HOWE · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely book of passages leading you on a journey with Maldeline. She sits by the shoreline as the sun gradually begins to rest and she remembers with fondness of the time in her youth that she found enlightenment from Simon the charm carver. Simon is the restorer of one’s soul and spirit. He brings sense of that which we cannot understand and teaches us through a journey of passages; that we don’t have to understand everything but simply have hope and faith. We discover healing, hope and love.
My cousin won this book via goodreads and I borrowed it. I now have it on my list to purchase as I want my own copy. Simply refreshing and peaceful to one’s soul and heart.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reads like a small book of poems. I found myself having to re-read it to understand everything. It is a short book, but not a really fast one to read. Best if you have some time to think as you read.

I received this in a goodreads giveaway, and I am gald because I did really like the book. When I read the author profile, I learned that Davis Shuch is an author and a dentist. For some reason, this tickled me.

[Whisper Pines · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a joy to read. The actual book itself is like a gift. The pretty cream color matched with a dark blue. It is a beauty and would make a lovely gift. The ribbon attached to mark your place is even better.
I loved the prose and the connection to the Lord. I do wish there had been more about the story of the woman but it is a very worthy read and a book I will enjoy several times over.
I won this book via goodreads and will treasure it.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a first reads win and I have to say it was a lovely little book. It is written in a very poetic fashion and although it is on the sentimental side, it does not get overly preachy. The charm carvers stories and advice are insightful food for thought. I would recommend this book for anyone looking for a quick and thought provoking read.

[dsneaks · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received The Charm Carver By David Shuch for free through GoodReads first reads giveaway. I loved the little fun fact I got with this book about there being a reading of the book where I live. I thought that was really cool and I enjoyed knowing some little tidbit about the book before I got started on it myself. The book itself wasn’t entirely what I expected, but I’m not saying that’s a bad thing. I didn’t expect a book written in poetry form. Despite my preconceptions about poetry I actually enjoyed this, I’m not a big poetry fan but I thought it was written excellently. It wasn’t hard to decipher to try and figure out the true meaning of the poem, like other poems I have read. The poems were meaningful and sent the message across that they intended to send. I liked how the chapter names often gave insight into what the message that poem in the chapter would be about. I found this book of poems to be a rather quick read. In some cases some of the chapter I would fly through in a couple minutes. There were some religious meanings to some of the poems, and not being a religious person I didn’t enjoy it too much. However the message being portrayed in a good portion of the chapters I agreed and deeply enjoyed. However if you’re not too much a fan of poetry, like me, I wouldn’t entirely suggest picking this book up. You might have a hard time with it.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met David in his practice as a dentist. David is a true healer and is that practitioner you mostly just hear about. The kind of man whom takes his practice as an art or tao if you will. Never have a worked with a doctor whom needs no direction but involves himself in your process and leads you inj the right direction. making sure nothing is missed and creating harmony and success.

I started reading "The Charm Carver" in his waiting room before my visits and simply didn't want to puit it down. The wisdom it provided and the positive influence it gave me was game changing. As we walk through life sometimes we get caught up in our mess and bustle; Davids' book brought me back to center. Allowing me to remember the good side of our existence and the hope that is available if we look for it and remember it.

I have been suffering due to a massive and acute trauma over the last 2 years and Davids book has allowed me tears and joy during a time in life when the light was hard to see or feel. l call it a must read. Those around me whom have seen me experiencing it have read it through what they saw it do for me.

The writing is timeless and flows in a way that makes me feel involved. It reminds me of the places in myself I have been to and remember as what makes life worth living.

[Audrey Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midwest Book Review, Small Press Bookwatch - Reviewer's Choice Top Selection 2006
Nautilus Book Awards - Finalist
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads giveaway and what a gift this was. David Schuch's poetic style of writing was a refreshing escape from some of my recent reads.
This story is told by Madeline who reminisces about time spent observing and listening to Simon, a charm carver. Simon provides charms to those with lost or broken souls. Within a collection of 21 short chapters/stories, The Charm Carver provides glimpses of hope through insightful and uplifting messages.