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Breadcrumbs: A Collection of Spiritual and Philosophical Essays
Read any good stories lately? I am sure you have. They sent you on a journey-perhaps to another place, a different time...somewhere you have never been before. Tales, yarns, legends and fables fill our human history, and stories are as powerful today as they have always been. Have you ever wondered why you can't resist going? It's time to find out... Breadcrumbs invites you to further adventures. Traveling across time, along crooked paths, wooded trails, and on mountain tops, you will discover: -Why stories are critical to well-being and the hidden mystery you are searching to uncover -How to interpret the twists and turns of life and find the meaning that makes all the difference -How to identify the breadcrumbs that reveal the most important story of them all In this collection you will meet some familiar friends and perhaps make some new ones: -In Breadcrumbs, we are on the yellow brick with Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz and in the woods with Hansel and Gretel. Two seemingly very different stories, but could there be a key that unlocks both? -The King's Gambit (longlisted for the 2015 Notting Hill Editions International Essay Prize) takes us on a very different journey-into the complex world of chess. All kinds of characters appear, and one makes a fateful decision that may have changed history -Next, we are with Frodo and the Fellowship of the Ring. Sitting on the mountaintop, staring at Mt. Doom, there's a Crisis in Middle Earth and it's not only the one you imagine -Slowing it down, join me and Timothy the Tortoise, as we travel through time to answer a question-are we humans truly making progress? -Picture this-you have been found guilty of a crime. Your execution is only moments away and your one hope is a wandering preacher your executioners dislike immensely. Just what was The Sandman doing? -If you feel your story has come to a grinding halt, read The Butterfly Effect, as it's all about you, the most important room where you live, and what you may need to do to get your story moving forward if you are feeling stuck -Finally, join me and genius, Albert Einstein. I promise no theoretical physics skills are needed, because what I went seeking was a Special Theory of Spiritual Relativity. Did I find it? Ready for some adventures? There's no need to pack. All you need is what every story asks of us-to be open to all the possibilities, because whatever we seek on our journey-inspiration, healing, hope, purpose...our answers are waiting and all we have to do is keep turning the pages.
- GenresPhilosophyNonfiction
127 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 5, 2017
About the author
Francis J. Shaw
9 books45 followersFrancis J. Shaw writes fiction and non-fiction. His non-fiction presents thought-provoking insights into the mystical journey of life and his fictional writing bring together a blend of history and philosophical storytelling, where he encourages readers to find their truths hidden in plain sight.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 23, 2017
Breadcrumbs is a short, self-help book written about a collection of essays. It begins with a quote from the famous Persian Poet, Rumi, “Beyond the ideas of right and wrong, there is a field, I’ll meet you there.” Ironically, this quote sums up the book very well. The author uses various ways to elaborate on the message without directly saying it out loud. The skill used is fabulously webbed within stories like the King’s Gambit, Frodo, and Timothy the Tortoise. The book then summarizes the examples through theories, like the butterfly effect and the theory of Spiritual Relativity.
I found the book to be a breath of fresh air. The author’s style of writing was very friendly and felt like he was sitting across the table talking to me. I thoroughly enjoyed the witty side of his approach towards matters that some people may find boring. The literature standard was delightful and if I could, I would read the book again later, just to refresh my mind and feel good again.
The content is filled with inspirational and motivational comments, which really do pick your spirit up. The book also discusses human progression, world crisis, spiritual relativity, theory, healing, hope, finding a purpose and much more.
I recommend this book to people that like to read on spiritual- inspirational books.
I found the book to be a breath of fresh air. The author’s style of writing was very friendly and felt like he was sitting across the table talking to me. I thoroughly enjoyed the witty side of his approach towards matters that some people may find boring. The literature standard was delightful and if I could, I would read the book again later, just to refresh my mind and feel good again.
The content is filled with inspirational and motivational comments, which really do pick your spirit up. The book also discusses human progression, world crisis, spiritual relativity, theory, healing, hope, finding a purpose and much more.
I recommend this book to people that like to read on spiritual- inspirational books.
September 14, 2020
I came across this book randomly online. The title appealed to me - since spirituality is an interesting idea, and one that I enjoy to explore.
A total of maybe 75 or so pages, it is a short but fun read. Using famous stories and parables that we all know and love, the author incorporates spiritual teachings into these scenarios. It is a unique approach; however, at times, I was left a little confused.
One thing I will take away from this book is a newfound interest in Albert Einstein, since one of the teachings was based on his Theory of Relativity, except the author's version was called Theory of Spirituality.
A total of maybe 75 or so pages, it is a short but fun read. Using famous stories and parables that we all know and love, the author incorporates spiritual teachings into these scenarios. It is a unique approach; however, at times, I was left a little confused.
One thing I will take away from this book is a newfound interest in Albert Einstein, since one of the teachings was based on his Theory of Relativity, except the author's version was called Theory of Spirituality.
January 14, 2018
Not bad, but it wasn´t what I expected.
These are spiritual essays using storytelling and some favorite fictional characters to guide us readers in our everyday lives. This is what I expected and what the essays are about, but.... it´s not the fictional characters guiding us but what they stand for, or what they represent, that guides us.
One essay that I didn´t read was about Frodo because I´ve never read Tolkien´s Ring trilogy so Frodo´s storytelling would be lost on me. Other stories involve Timothy the Tortoise and Einstein´s Theory of Spiritual Relativity. I think of them all, my favorite was the butterfly effect. The butterfly´s metamorphosis starts with the egg, then to larva, pupa, and finally as the beautiful butterly. We, too, as humans can change too. The early statges of our metamorphosis are the fears and worries which we have to discard before we can bloom into a full life.
Maybe I should place this book back on my To Read shelf and read it again when I´m more receptive to the ideas.
These are spiritual essays using storytelling and some favorite fictional characters to guide us readers in our everyday lives. This is what I expected and what the essays are about, but.... it´s not the fictional characters guiding us but what they stand for, or what they represent, that guides us.
One essay that I didn´t read was about Frodo because I´ve never read Tolkien´s Ring trilogy so Frodo´s storytelling would be lost on me. Other stories involve Timothy the Tortoise and Einstein´s Theory of Spiritual Relativity. I think of them all, my favorite was the butterfly effect. The butterfly´s metamorphosis starts with the egg, then to larva, pupa, and finally as the beautiful butterly. We, too, as humans can change too. The early statges of our metamorphosis are the fears and worries which we have to discard before we can bloom into a full life.
Maybe I should place this book back on my To Read shelf and read it again when I´m more receptive to the ideas.
August 31, 2020
Short and sweet. Delicious moments and very interesting perspective. Would definitely like to read more by Mr. Shaw . Fits well with the uncertainty and cruelty of the year we find ourselves in. Hope to apply some of his unique perspective and become a more contributing member
Short and sweet. Delicious moments and very interesting perspective. Would definitely like to read more by Mr. Shaw . Fits well with the uncertainty and cruelty of the year we find ourselves in. Hope to apply some of his unique perspective and become a more contributing member
Short and sweet. Delicious moments and very interesting perspective. Would definitely like to read more by Mr. Shaw . Fits well with the uncertainty and cruelty of the year we find ourselves in. Hope to apply some of his unique perspective and become a more contributing member
October 21, 2020
I came across this book by accident while seeking inspiration for my jaded soul. I am so thankful that I found it. It's a clear invitation to think for yourself and be yourself with no reservations. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and will be reading more by the same author
It was a journey into our humanity and the importance of not sticking to just one path or one way of looking at things. Beauty is everywhere
It was a journey into our humanity and the importance of not sticking to just one path or one way of looking at things. Beauty is everywhere
February 12, 2024
Not bad
I can't say that I agree with all the author's viewpoints. There is some good writing here and it was worth reading. Sometimes I felt the Biblical Scripture didn't match the writing about if. But otherwise it was worth reading.
I can't say that I agree with all the author's viewpoints. There is some good writing here and it was worth reading. Sometimes I felt the Biblical Scripture didn't match the writing about if. But otherwise it was worth reading.
April 24, 2018
I've never read a book of essays before and I wish that I enjoyed this more but, I've discovered that I just really don't like or understand essays.
January 18, 2019
Very interesting.
October 30, 2020
This is a “mystical spirituality” investigation, not Christian. I had difficulty following much of it as many parts were almost stream-of-consciousness with poor punctuation.
June 22, 2017
Breadcrumbs: A Collection of Spiritual and Philosophical Essays by Francis J. Shaw is a beautiful book. Like the title says it’s an excellent collection of philosophical and Spiritual stories that cover a plethora of issues that has been puzzling mankind for hundreds and hundreds of years now.
You will find all of your favorite novel heroes and heroines. Dorothy of the Wizard of Oz and Hansel and Gretel are the protagonists of the first story Breadcrumbs. The author artistically uses the plots and characters of the two for mentioned stories to answer the pivotal question of what are we here to accomplish? It deals with issues like where are we come from and where are we going?
The author conclusion is a fantastic one I quote” There is no need to fear on our spiritual journey for there are many roads, but it’s all one path.”
The second story “The King’s Gambit” (A famous Chess Move) is an amazing historical cataloging of the game of chess. How chess influence real life and how the game’s strategy and games pieces changed and adapted as the historical events unfolded from middle ages until today.
This story shows that life is a chess game you never know how it will end. Did not know that Garry Kasparov real name is Garik Weinstein.
Breadcrumbs: A Collection of Spiritual and Philosophical Essays by Francis J. ShawThe thirst story Crisis in Middle Earth is an incredible papalism between the adventures of Frodo and the Fellowship of the ring with the different stages of manage. Childhood, from our twenties until thirties, midlife crisis, etc.
The basic questions of Who, What, When, Where and Why are the ones that we spent most of our life’s answering.
I loved the fact that the author uses the various characters of the Lord of the rings to show that at different times in our life’s we acted and behaved and been all of the characters.
We all felt at some point in our lives as Frodo, as a Wizzard, as the King, and even as Dwarf or even Smeagol.
I only saw the movies, but this story made me want to read Tolkien’s Books.
The Fourth story with the aid of Timothy the Tortoise the author attempts to establish if we as a species have managed to accomplish progress both in our personal lives and as a Human Civilization.
The author by using Timothy The Tortoise (which turned out to be a Girl) extended lifespan takes us to a beautiful back to the future journey and catalogs the progress of the human race.
The author touches a lot of aspects of our history, but I really loved the mentioning of Florence Nightingale, the Lady with the Lamp.
Breadcrumbs: A Collection of Spiritual and Philosophical Essays by Francis J. ShawI really connected with the writer when he said that his childhood was in a year BC (Before Computers) I was fortunate enough to have such kind of childhood where we actually talked with people face to face and not through ridicule small mobile phone cameras and screens.
Finally, a man that proves that the so-called multitasking is not functional as most people think it is. Our Brain performs better in a linear way.
The fifth story the Sandman uses The Bible and stories that are focused on Jesus Christ to present the importance of doodling and how much it helps us with our imaginative and creative thinking and production of ideas.
The butterfly effect story is all about us, about the reader, It describes how we are the narrator and at the same time the protagonist of our life’s, and we all have a problem to solve, and a discovering what lies ahead little by little is a beautiful thing to do.
Did not know that Butterflies in Ancient Greece were called Psyches (Ψυχές) because they thought they were the souls of the deads. I kind of feel bad now because when I was a little boy one of my hobbies and past times to do was to chase down butterflies.
Breadcrumbs: A Collection of Spiritual and Philosophical Essays by Francis J. ShawThe Special Theory of Spiritual Relativity is a brilliant story. The author utilizes Albert Einstein to prove this theory. Any man that writes like that surely has Greek Blood in him even if he struggles with Pythagoras Theories!
I invite you to buy and read this book so you can find out yourselves.
After I read this book, I felt peaceful and centered. I felt happy, and emotions of optimism filled my heart and my soul.
The philosophical and spiritual stories of Francis J. Shaw will make you a better person.
Highly Recommended
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
You will find all of your favorite novel heroes and heroines. Dorothy of the Wizard of Oz and Hansel and Gretel are the protagonists of the first story Breadcrumbs. The author artistically uses the plots and characters of the two for mentioned stories to answer the pivotal question of what are we here to accomplish? It deals with issues like where are we come from and where are we going?
The author conclusion is a fantastic one I quote” There is no need to fear on our spiritual journey for there are many roads, but it’s all one path.”
The second story “The King’s Gambit” (A famous Chess Move) is an amazing historical cataloging of the game of chess. How chess influence real life and how the game’s strategy and games pieces changed and adapted as the historical events unfolded from middle ages until today.
This story shows that life is a chess game you never know how it will end. Did not know that Garry Kasparov real name is Garik Weinstein.
Breadcrumbs: A Collection of Spiritual and Philosophical Essays by Francis J. ShawThe thirst story Crisis in Middle Earth is an incredible papalism between the adventures of Frodo and the Fellowship of the ring with the different stages of manage. Childhood, from our twenties until thirties, midlife crisis, etc.
The basic questions of Who, What, When, Where and Why are the ones that we spent most of our life’s answering.
I loved the fact that the author uses the various characters of the Lord of the rings to show that at different times in our life’s we acted and behaved and been all of the characters.
We all felt at some point in our lives as Frodo, as a Wizzard, as the King, and even as Dwarf or even Smeagol.
I only saw the movies, but this story made me want to read Tolkien’s Books.
The Fourth story with the aid of Timothy the Tortoise the author attempts to establish if we as a species have managed to accomplish progress both in our personal lives and as a Human Civilization.
The author by using Timothy The Tortoise (which turned out to be a Girl) extended lifespan takes us to a beautiful back to the future journey and catalogs the progress of the human race.
The author touches a lot of aspects of our history, but I really loved the mentioning of Florence Nightingale, the Lady with the Lamp.
Breadcrumbs: A Collection of Spiritual and Philosophical Essays by Francis J. ShawI really connected with the writer when he said that his childhood was in a year BC (Before Computers) I was fortunate enough to have such kind of childhood where we actually talked with people face to face and not through ridicule small mobile phone cameras and screens.
Finally, a man that proves that the so-called multitasking is not functional as most people think it is. Our Brain performs better in a linear way.
The fifth story the Sandman uses The Bible and stories that are focused on Jesus Christ to present the importance of doodling and how much it helps us with our imaginative and creative thinking and production of ideas.
The butterfly effect story is all about us, about the reader, It describes how we are the narrator and at the same time the protagonist of our life’s, and we all have a problem to solve, and a discovering what lies ahead little by little is a beautiful thing to do.
Did not know that Butterflies in Ancient Greece were called Psyches (Ψυχές) because they thought they were the souls of the deads. I kind of feel bad now because when I was a little boy one of my hobbies and past times to do was to chase down butterflies.
Breadcrumbs: A Collection of Spiritual and Philosophical Essays by Francis J. ShawThe Special Theory of Spiritual Relativity is a brilliant story. The author utilizes Albert Einstein to prove this theory. Any man that writes like that surely has Greek Blood in him even if he struggles with Pythagoras Theories!
I invite you to buy and read this book so you can find out yourselves.
After I read this book, I felt peaceful and centered. I felt happy, and emotions of optimism filled my heart and my soul.
The philosophical and spiritual stories of Francis J. Shaw will make you a better person.
Highly Recommended
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews