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Lena

I am here for Friends and Networking

About Me

Set adrift by sudden unemployment, web designer Michelle Thomson is at an impasse in her life when she is introduced to a charismatic spiritual teacher known only as Ma. Though initially skeptical, Michelle is soon captivated by Ma’s energy and insight and begins to find new meaning both in Ma’s teachings and as a member of her insular community. While at first she blossoms under Ma’s guidance, when Michelle uncovers deception at the heart of all she has come to believe in, she is forced to face the ultimate test any spiritual teacher can give.
WHAT REVIEWERS HAVE SAID:
"This debut novel is a must-read for those interesed in spiritual communities and transformation.” -Enfuse Magazine
"Many ponder how anyone would wish to become a member of a cult. By reading “The Heart of a Cult,” you will understand that one doesn’t have to be brainwashed, held captive and weak to do so. Virtuous characteristics are promised to those who are led on this mission under the assumption of personal belonging and healing from life’s painful hurts and issues. You will discover how easy it is to become convinced that a cult’s goals are admirable and honorable." - Reader Views
“I was hooked on this book from day one…As Michelle struggles to understand her spiritual path and find a connection with God, we readers are taken along for the ride…Not being an overly “spiritual” person myself, I was unsure of how I would connect with this book. Whether you're spiritual or not, you will find yourself relating to the main characters, and taking a look at your own life. The story is real, honest and sincere, and one that I would recommend to anyone, no matter what your reading preference may be.” -Book of the Moment Reviews
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Read excerpts from this book
Check out my "virtual book signing" below:

My Interests

Books, Writing, Reading, Books, Dancing, Books, Hiking, Books, Jumping rope, Books, Books, Books, and let's see, did I mention books?

I'd like to meet:

People who love books and folks who are interested in independent publishing. Also people who understand that being involved with a spiritual teacher or group is never a black-and-white experience.

Music:

Tori Amos, Bruce Cockburn, Niyaz, Ottmar Liebert,Alanis Morissette, Kutandara, Eddie From Ohio, Clannad, Sia, Lily Allen

Movies:

The Tango Lesson, My Dinner With Andre, Saved!, Happy Accidents, Hero, Keeping the Faith, The Princess Bride, Groundhog Day, The Red Violin, Tampopo, Whale Rider, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown

Books:

Visit my profile on Goodreads to see more of my books and reviews:Join me on GoodreadsThe River Why-David James Duncan, The Time Traveler's Wife-Audrey Niffenegger, Narcissus and Goldmund-Herman Hesse, Last Chance to See-Douglas Adams, High Tide in Tucson-Barbara Kingsolver, Interpreter of Maladies-Jhumpa Lahiri

My Blog

Book Review Site

I've recently joined Goodreads, a social networking site for book lovers.  They're doing a great job of facilitating communication between readers and it's a great place to learn about new books....
Posted by Lena on Sat, 08 Sep 2007 04:09:00 PST

Heart wins IPPY award

Just found out that The Heart of a Cult was awarded a silver medal in the 2007 Visionary Fiction category of the Independent Publisher awards.  Check it out: IPPY Awards...
Posted by Lena on Fri, 01 Jun 2007 12:40:00 PST

Virtual Book Signing

Thanks to all who attending the signing last week.  For those who couldn't make it, you can view an excerpt from my talk here: Virtual Book Signing ...
Posted by Lena on Fri, 30 Mar 2007 10:40:00 PST

Book Signing - March 14th

I'll be reading from and signing The Heart of a Cult on Wednesday, March 14th, 2007 at 7:30PM at The Boulder Bookstore.  If you're in the area, come check it out! 1107 Pearl St., Boulder, CO; (30...
Posted by Lena on Tue, 21 Nov 2006 03:56:00 PST

Interview with Lena

I was recently interviewed by my good friend Cynthia Morris, writer's coach, novelist, and author of Create Your Writer's Life, about the book and the writing process.  You can check out the...
Posted by Lena on Thu, 02 Nov 2006 11:38:00 PST

Book Review: Spiritual Enlightenment: The Damndest Thing, by Jed Mckenna

This book about one man's experience of enlightenment and his life teaching others about it at a small Iowa ashram is a fantastic exercise in critical thinking.  Well-written and entertaining to ...
Posted by Lena on Tue, 05 Sep 2006 03:45:00 PST

Book Review: Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy India and Indonesa

One of the reasons I found myself so engrossed in this memoir of a woman's year of travel through Italy, India and Indonesia is because I really, really liked Liz Gilbert.  I think it takes a hig...
Posted by Lena on Tue, 05 Sep 2006 03:22:00 PST

Book Review: Miss American Pie, by Margaret Sartor

Sartor's memoir is composed of actual entries from the diaries she kept between the ages of twelve and seventeen.  On the surface, this glimpse into the psyche of a struggling teenager is at time...
Posted by Lena on Tue, 05 Sep 2006 03:03:00 PST

Book Review: Misquoting Jesus, by Bart D. Ehrman

Ehrman was just a teenager when he had a born-again experience that led him to devote his life to the study of Christianity.  Hoping to help defend the Bible as the true word of God, he focused h...
Posted by Lena on Wed, 30 Aug 2006 12:59:00 PST

Book Review: Mission to America, by Walter Kirn

Mission to America tells the story of two young men raised in an obscure, isolated Montana religious sect and what happens when they leave their cloistered world to recruit new blood for their unhealt...
Posted by Lena on Tue, 29 Aug 2006 10:39:00 PST