There are many things in life that are unexplained and have unexpected consequences. Then again, maybe the secrets we hope to unearth are those known only to the wisdom and vision of the ancient ones. From the depths of such mysticism comes great fiction.

The Book:

The Author: Christina Carson

The Story: Why do some people with a life-threatening illness miraculously heal? Callie Morrow wants to know. Unwilling to undergo traditional medical treatment for cancer, she bets her life on finding another way.

Within her eclectic group of friends, three come to her aid and point to possibilities: Dr. Josie Walker, a disenchanted internist; Mary Chang, a restaurateur and longtime student of Taoism; and Joe Kuptana, a world-class Intuit artist.

Ancient philosophies mingle with new world science to create a unique vision around health, healing and well-being, one that a struggling, frightened yet determined Callie engages in her attempt to save her life.

Review by W. Jo VonBargen: “Now I’m dying to know how I will ever get Christina Carson’s Dying To Know out of my head! Between this book and a wonderful experience recently of Oscar Sparrow’s poetry, I can feel my mind expanding, changing, healing … It is very clear to me that loving emissaries from the Universe itself have been wondrously placed in my path…and I shall never be the same.

“It’s been a long while since I read a book so thought-provoking and relevant to my own life. Ms. Carson is a storyteller of unequaled talent; I’ve read other writings of hers and always come away taller, more peaceful and imbued with a greater sense of dignity than before. Having grown up in the Southwest, I hail from a beautiful tri-culture that allows me to see her writing in any venue as being deeply infused with what I call “coyote wisdom” (about soul and mind), as she brings us along on a journey filled with insights and images that break us out of our frozen-heart places and fully transform our awareness. Hers is truly a deep and profound intelligence.

“Dying To Know provides insights into a person’s hidden fears and hurts that often underlie and contribute to or even cause the development of many physical and psychological problems, and also suggests a variety of ancient and timeless solutions, which inspire hope that change is possible. Her characters are richly believable and worm their way into your heart with total ease. The author guides us like a life compass, showing us what’s good and lasting about our own selves as well as about humanity. In reading the book it reaffirmed my belief that we are all interconnected…and that brought me comfort. You will probably find yourself highlighting every other paragraph as I did.

“She is a soft-spoken sage, and in the undercurrent of the story, the careful reader will see the struggle with the paradoxical world and the taffy-pull of the scientist with the philosopher.
“I leave you with a quote from the book which spoke deeply to me: I must believe we can survive our parents and the bizarre tangle of needs they sought us out to meet, little children at the mercy of adults’ deep hungers and fears. Indeed. And another: It is difficult to recognize the error of something we have always done wrong.

“Christina Carson has gifted us a very beautiful, touching and life-altering book. I have hope we humans will make the choice made in the book and grow meaningfully into love. Her words are indeed a lamp unto our feet.”

The Book: The God Complex

The Author: Chris Titus

The Story:  Inspired by true events, The God Complex takes readers on a thrill ride through Chinese medicine. Desperate for a cure and spurned by his Western physicians, Steve Benson was left with no other choice but to take a leap of faith … a leap that landed him in Boston’s Chinatown.

After years of drinking foul smelling concoctions and getting stuck with needles, he emerged healed and well trained in their secret arts. However, he never forgot the dismissive attitudes of his Western physicians.

Follow along as a dynamic conspiracy ensues, pitting Eastern medicine against its critics in the West. Discover the secrets of Chinese medicine and its hidden connection to martial arts as the adventure unfolds.

Review: “As an acupuncturist, I found The God Complex to be impeccably researched and giving suspense to a story that would otherwise be difficult for the mainstream reader.

As a patient having fallen through the cracks of Western medicine and nearly losing my life, I’m grateful to Chris Titus for having written a book that brings a new view on why taking charge of one’s health is so important.

“I can’t wait to recommend this book to my patients. This was a great read.”

Review: “I hope this is the first of many books to come from Chris Titus. He obviously has the unique ability to take a difficult to understand topic and present it as a back drop and plot line to an exciting, twisting adventure novel.

“This story is a page turner. As a health care provider I witness daily the harsh effects of western medicine on patient moral and their health. This story is poignant to our time as we in the west seek a patient centered health care system, not one controlled by the hospitals, the pharmaceutical and the insurance industries.

“Herein a western doctor is forced to use his own medicine to cure himself, the results are exciting, relevant and thought provoking. This book is for patients and practitioners alike. Read it!”