THE GREATEST GIFT - see video trailer
November 25, 2008
THE GREATEST GIFT is a poignant and pragmatic melding of memoir and inspirational writing.
Andrew Bienkowski was six years old when his family were exiled to Siberia in 1940. With virtually nothing to see them through the long, cold winter, his grandfather chose to starve to death in order to give his family a chance of survival. The years that followed were harrowing, but nevertheless magical. Warmed by the beauty of the natural landscape and the kindness of strangers, Andrew's childhood experiences in Siberia had a profound effect on his life. When he escaped the Soviet Union he went on to train as a psychotherapist, driven by the desire to reach out and help others living through difficult emotional times.
As Andrew shares his Siberia stories, and his experience counselling those in distress, he reminds us that the greatest fulfilment we can achieve as human beings is found in helping others.
You'll find links to some reviews and more information on the Allen & Unwin website:
http://www.inspiredliving.net.au/book_radicalgratitude.html
There's Q&A with the wise and delightful writing duo here:
http://www.inspiredliving.net.au/author_andrewbienkowski.html
http://www.inspiredliving.net.au/author_maryakers.html
and a profile of Mary and more on the book on Kelly Spitzer's blog Writers in Profile:
http://www.kellyspitzer.com/2007/03/01/mary-akers-kicks-off-the-writer-profile-project/
As Kelly Spitzer writes in her review: 'I don't normally go for work that is even remotely self-helpish or religious in theme, but this book reads differently. Not only is a story being told in between the lessons, but the lessons themselves are unpretentious and, well, downright moving. Every lesson, from Radical Gratitude to Love Heals, is a terrific reminder on how to live thoughtfully and healthily. …This is not a book for the religiously minded. It is a book for the human race.'