Review: Riveting! A bonafide spiritual growth tool!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 18, 2012
How I wish I had read this book 40 years ago! Christina Carson has done it again. SUFFER THE LITTLE CHILDREN is much more than a Canadian wilderness adventure. She is a wisdom seeker in real life, and has the incredible gift of being able to convey what she has found in a riveting, transformative story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.You will find yourself in love with the soulful characters of the novel: the lovely, widowed Anne, who narrates the story with an undercurrent of past hurts ever near the surface; Sarah (Little Bit), the wounded and confused girl who comes into her life; Billie, her trusted and loyal male friend of many years; and of course, the Cardinals, a native Cree family who provide much of the wisdom to be found here.I found much of my own philosophy for life in this book, having been raised in that beautiful tri-culture of New Mexico, where Native ways informed much of my early life.  One particular quote from the book is something I've always known at a cellular level, and wish all parents and spouses would heed: "They need not live life afraid, and if you're not afraid, you've no need for control." If you think about it, one fear or another is really the basis for all the pain we cause others in attempting to control them. Besides being a very compelling and exciting read, this book is extremely rich in the knowledge and importance of reconnecting to nature and Great Spirit. Like the Tao teaches, those who are disconnected from the Tao will suffer. It is same wisdom one will find in Native American Spirituality. It is Truth to the core and something upon which we must meditate and ponder.The author gives us a touchable sense of the spirit of friendship and sacredness. You come to realize that the gifts of spirit and earth that are found in many traditions are for the healing of all beings and the peaceful friendship of all peoples. Her gift is in making you feel it. She gently leads you down the path to love, compassion, generosity, patience, wisdom, justice, courage, respect, humility and all the other great gifts of soulful living.I would recommend this book to anyone that chooses to seek a greater understanding of the self. This not a Native only understanding as the symbolism and methods utilized within it have been available to all at one time or another. It is simply written with a basic insight into the process of the recovery of our humanity from the perspectives of First Nation People. A process, I might add, that invites one to transform one's perspectives to live a more balanced, healthier and happier life.This is a bonafide spiritual growth tool which is suitable for youth and adults. I have seen few books that are written in such easy to read, yet compelling, language but so truly FULL of information.This book will cause much introspection and will give a wonderful roadmap for those that are courageous enough to take the journey. I recommend this book to everyone old enough to read and understand. In point of fact, you should seek out anything Christina Carson writes. Your life will indeed be the richer for it!--Jo VonBargen 2012