Out of My Mind: The Discovery of Saunders-Vixen [Paperback]

But this story itself is a tiny little treasure - I passionately love Richard Bach's writing voice, and his absolute love of flying, and those are here in this little book. He hasn't lost his sense of wonder, joy or amazement, despite potentially difficult and heart-rending personal trials - his emotions and his soul come shining through wonderfully.

Though it's only a very well-spaced-out 101 pages, _Out of My Mind_ still made my heart soar in the 45-odd minutes it took to read it. My mind thrilled thinking of such beautiful parallel universes as Saunders-Vixen's, and the story lifted my soul.

Perhaps it's not for everyone, as some of the reviews here sound very disappointed; so, you may want to keep your expectations low. For me, though, it was exactly what I was looking for right now, in this particular moment...

I found this, my first introduction to Richard Bach's work, both a pleasant surprise and I suspect, something that will stay with me for a long time. Absolutely beautiful imagery! Not quite as plain, perhaps, as Hemingway, or as gut-wrenching, but it contains the same seed of powerful storytelling - not a word wasted. It was not surprising to see reviews both angry and defensive. Good writing pushes buttons. His work has obviously inspired and pricked.

I understand the inspiration - whether you've found a soulmate, or in search of one - this hints not of the sadness of loss, but at the joy of meeting and experiencing. I found that unbelievably wise in this day and time of trying to catagorize, label, psychoanalyze and define love in our desperate attempt to catch and possess it. And the writing, simple as it is, evokes the pure emotions of attraction, curiosity, frustration and quiet acceptance with no more fanfare than the scent of fresh-mown grass or a geranium makes when you happen across it on a summer's day.

I am not so sure I understand why the "pricking". It is a small book. Perhaps we measure value in volume? Perhaps we want tidy endings - we want a story, and a story that validates our own experiences rather than offering a different perspective? Perhaps it tugs too strongly at our own regretted and unfinished endings? I personally felt none - but then I have found my soulmate, and I live with the constant in-and-out of a relationship that is measured in the moment, only. To measure it by the future and past would be to destroy it. No tidy story. No assured future. Just the joy (and sometimes hurts) of now.

Personally I think this book captures the brief moment of experience, the quickest flash of eternity, more beautifully than I could imagine described. I recommend it on a rainy, reflective day when your soul needs a little quiet.