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Strays
Here is a novel of profound wisdom and amazing insight. This story belongs to any woman and every man who has ever struggled with their destinies. Heralded by the Humane Society of the United States as revealing journey about the importance of animals and our enviornment to our whole existence both spiritual and physical and pitched as Conversations with God meets Dr. Dolittle, this novel reconnects man with the wisdom of an intelligent planet. Jane Morgan is standing at the corner of "The Rest of Your Life" and "Welcome to Reality." Laid off from her first job as a staff writer for a prominent Atlanta newspaper and struggling in a dysfunctional relationship, Jane finds herself ill-equipped to navigate her world. Disillusioned, miserable and angry with God, she retreats to a cabin in the Smoky Mountains to take stock of the life she's created so far. Unwilling to drift along accepting whatever life throws her way, she begs for guidance and direction. When a bump on the head unlocks a marvelous seventh sense in Jane; she discovers she is able to hear the voices of the animals and plants that share this planet with us. Guided by Max, a stray dog, she is led beyond the veil of a world she thought she knew into a secreted reality few ever witness. With Max at her side, Jane finds nature's blueprint for living, spoken from the lips of those who embody the wisdom. Chapter by chapter Jane is privy to life lessons revealed by Grandfather Oak, the Great Snake, Grandmother Willow, White Bear and others, whose stories empower her personal journey.
234 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
3 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 31, 2011
A spiritual and powerful life-changing journey into the consciousness.
STRAYS revolves around the life of the main character Jane, who is having feelings of frustration, failure and disappointment after being laid off from her job as a staff writer for a newspaper in Atlanta. Feelings of loneliness also surface as she wonders about her current relationship with a controlling boyfriend named Dan. Jane decides she needs to rethink her life and soon after she is in route from the grocery store with thoughts of being back in her apartment and drowning her sorrows in a container of her favorite ice cream. Not in any particular hurry, Jane decides to stop for a moment at a scenic overlook she had passed many times before, never having taken the time to stop since she moved into the area. As she makes her way down concrete steps, Jane falls, hits her head, and is left unconscious for a short time. As she regains consciousness, memories of what she was doing before the fall come to mind. At that point Jane wonders if she has acquired head trauma during the fall, for she begins to hear a voice speaking to her while no one is in the vicinity. As the voice directs Jane to look at a spider web, Jane becomes aware of a talking spider. Jane is provided with advice by the spider and before Jane departs she is also told to expect an escort sometime soon. An escort who is going to help and guide Jane on a journey to find her blueprint for living her life on Earth. Not given any other details, Jane soon moves on with her life and decides to take an offer for a month-long stay at a secluded cabin owned by the parents of a friend in the beautiful Smokey Mountains. What follows for Jane is a spiritual journey with many mind and life altering changes and lessons, which include, living her life fully in the present, how to follow her dreams and the power of thoughts and words. STRAYS is an enjoyable influential novel that has the power to enlighten and provide life-changing balance with deeper meaning to those who are easily open to its suggestions. A great read for all people of all ages including adolescents and teens.
STRAYS revolves around the life of the main character Jane, who is having feelings of frustration, failure and disappointment after being laid off from her job as a staff writer for a newspaper in Atlanta. Feelings of loneliness also surface as she wonders about her current relationship with a controlling boyfriend named Dan. Jane decides she needs to rethink her life and soon after she is in route from the grocery store with thoughts of being back in her apartment and drowning her sorrows in a container of her favorite ice cream. Not in any particular hurry, Jane decides to stop for a moment at a scenic overlook she had passed many times before, never having taken the time to stop since she moved into the area. As she makes her way down concrete steps, Jane falls, hits her head, and is left unconscious for a short time. As she regains consciousness, memories of what she was doing before the fall come to mind. At that point Jane wonders if she has acquired head trauma during the fall, for she begins to hear a voice speaking to her while no one is in the vicinity. As the voice directs Jane to look at a spider web, Jane becomes aware of a talking spider. Jane is provided with advice by the spider and before Jane departs she is also told to expect an escort sometime soon. An escort who is going to help and guide Jane on a journey to find her blueprint for living her life on Earth. Not given any other details, Jane soon moves on with her life and decides to take an offer for a month-long stay at a secluded cabin owned by the parents of a friend in the beautiful Smokey Mountains. What follows for Jane is a spiritual journey with many mind and life altering changes and lessons, which include, living her life fully in the present, how to follow her dreams and the power of thoughts and words. STRAYS is an enjoyable influential novel that has the power to enlighten and provide life-changing balance with deeper meaning to those who are easily open to its suggestions. A great read for all people of all ages including adolescents and teens.
August 16, 2011
I was really touched by this book, although at first was a bit leary about "talking animals". I swear I will never look at a spider the same way! I loved how the author took wonderful Native American stories seemlessly interjected them into the plot; and I especially loved the story of how dog became man's best friend. I found the author's style easy to read, the humor delightful, and the wisdom imparted profound. There were so many inspiring little reminders about who we really are and what our purpose is in this live. Once I started it, I didn't want to put it down. I am definitely going to recommend this one to my book club as I see so much potential for some valuable discussion!
January 18, 2011
This is one of the best books I've ever read. Very spiritual, highly recommended!
October 24, 2011
Novel's insight is highly accessible, but only mildly entertaining
3.5 stars: As a parable, this story of a city girl who flees to the mountains and discovers the wisdom of the earth is an easy, interesting introduction to spiritual insight. However, Jeanne Webster's "Strays" fails to deliver the key to a good novel--a compelling plot.
Story: Laid off from her first job as a staff writer for an Atlanta newspaper and stuck in a dysfunctional relationship, Jane retreats to a cabin in the Smokey Mountains to demand guidance from a so-far silent God. When she accidentally falls and hits her head, she acquires a seventh sense that allows her to understand the language of animals and plants. Her divine guidance comes in the form of an abandoned stray dog and a cast of unusual characters who describe their purpose here on earth through enchanting and profound stories. With the animals and plants insights leading her, Jane finds enlightenment, authenticity, personal empowerment, and travels out of confusion and complexity into a world of simplicity and personal choice. As she recaptures her own true nature, she discovers that even the most lost can eventually find their way home. (From amazon.com)
Spiritual/metaphysical content: High. Using magical realism, Webster lets nature talk directly to Jane and help her discover the power of choice and how that affects her life. The teachings are simple and direct, packed with useful life lessons. Novice spiritual seekers will find the teachings easy to read and understand.
My take: As an extended parable, Strays is well-written and effective. Webster constructs a believable world with strong chick lit influences in which spiders, trees and snakes communicate shared wisdom in a seamless, natural fashion. I found the book more fun to read than the comparable "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari" and much better written. However, I can't wholeheartedly endorse the book as a great novel because it lacks a sense of drama and anticipation. "Strays" delivers simple and useful spiritual lessons; however, the lessons are not seamlessly integrated into a compelling plot filled with fascinating characters, which is the foundation of good spiritual fiction. I don't want to discourage anyone from reading the book, but don't expect to be enthralled while you're being educated.
For more reviews of spiritual/metaphysical novels, see Fiction For A New Age.
3.5 stars: As a parable, this story of a city girl who flees to the mountains and discovers the wisdom of the earth is an easy, interesting introduction to spiritual insight. However, Jeanne Webster's "Strays" fails to deliver the key to a good novel--a compelling plot.
Story: Laid off from her first job as a staff writer for an Atlanta newspaper and stuck in a dysfunctional relationship, Jane retreats to a cabin in the Smokey Mountains to demand guidance from a so-far silent God. When she accidentally falls and hits her head, she acquires a seventh sense that allows her to understand the language of animals and plants. Her divine guidance comes in the form of an abandoned stray dog and a cast of unusual characters who describe their purpose here on earth through enchanting and profound stories. With the animals and plants insights leading her, Jane finds enlightenment, authenticity, personal empowerment, and travels out of confusion and complexity into a world of simplicity and personal choice. As she recaptures her own true nature, she discovers that even the most lost can eventually find their way home. (From amazon.com)
Spiritual/metaphysical content: High. Using magical realism, Webster lets nature talk directly to Jane and help her discover the power of choice and how that affects her life. The teachings are simple and direct, packed with useful life lessons. Novice spiritual seekers will find the teachings easy to read and understand.
My take: As an extended parable, Strays is well-written and effective. Webster constructs a believable world with strong chick lit influences in which spiders, trees and snakes communicate shared wisdom in a seamless, natural fashion. I found the book more fun to read than the comparable "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari" and much better written. However, I can't wholeheartedly endorse the book as a great novel because it lacks a sense of drama and anticipation. "Strays" delivers simple and useful spiritual lessons; however, the lessons are not seamlessly integrated into a compelling plot filled with fascinating characters, which is the foundation of good spiritual fiction. I don't want to discourage anyone from reading the book, but don't expect to be enthralled while you're being educated.
For more reviews of spiritual/metaphysical novels, see Fiction For A New Age.
April 4, 2012
This book was full of life lessons. Jane seemed young to be having an existential life crisis, but the lessons she learned would be great for everyone to know.
There was a simplicity of characters that was quite remarkable. There was Jane and the dog. Everyone else appeared in only a scene or two and played very minor parts. The entire story revolved around Jane and her inner transformation.
While it seemed a bit unrealistic that Jane would undergo such drastic change in less than a week, her journey was enjoyable and enlightening. The religious aspects were kept light and never felt preachy. Overall, this was an uplifting and peaceful read.
There was a simplicity of characters that was quite remarkable. There was Jane and the dog. Everyone else appeared in only a scene or two and played very minor parts. The entire story revolved around Jane and her inner transformation.
While it seemed a bit unrealistic that Jane would undergo such drastic change in less than a week, her journey was enjoyable and enlightening. The religious aspects were kept light and never felt preachy. Overall, this was an uplifting and peaceful read.
January 11, 2012
I found this to be an amazing book. It is very inspiring as an introspective exercise in taking a good hard look at one's choices in life. In incorporates animal life and our interrelationship with all the other creatures on the earth. If you have ever thought you were "lost" in some part of your life, this is a good book to help one refocus on what is really important and what is not.
August 26, 2011
"The Shack" without Jesus. While I could accept talking with animals and plants, it was hard to accept a 24-year-old feeling her life was lost because she hadn't figured out what her purpose was. No really new insight into life.
Recommended highly by Barbara V
Recommended highly by Barbara V
August 2, 2012
I think this book hits home with it's readers. You find yourself taking that journey with her on a voyage of self discovery. Great read!! I loved this book. This is one I will re-read I am sure multiple times.
June 23, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. Gives great encouragement and insight to the nature around us and our meaning or purpose and how we use out mind as words to bring good and bad into our lives. Very thought provoking.
August 22, 2015
This book reminded me of The Shack, and was every bit as good.
I, like some of the other reviewers was leery about the talking animals in the beginning, but they grow on you.
I will never look at a spider the same again.
This is a very reflective book, and will have your searching for answers.
I, like some of the other reviewers was leery about the talking animals in the beginning, but they grow on you.
I will never look at a spider the same again.
This is a very reflective book, and will have your searching for answers.
December 29, 2013
I admit I skimmed this after it became too tedious to read with all seriousness. The author is dealing with some BIG IDEAS here, but it is not well written.
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February 25, 2016kindle 242 (inspirational)
February 16, 2012
Loved this book!
August 9, 2024
Excellent! Encouraged me to be aware of the bigger world, and smaller joys.
March 6, 2013
A cute read. Worth the time.
October 5, 2013
Was pleasantly surprised. Very good book, love the spiritual aspect. Well written.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews