My Name is Wonder by Ronald Chapman (Spotlight, excerpt, review, and GIVEAWAY) GFT

My Name is Wonder

by Ronald Chapman

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GENRE: Self-help (spiritual)

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BLURBS:

My Name is Wonder chronicles the transcendent adventures of a little goat with big dreams. Join Wonder and his wisecracking guide, the mysterious crow Mac Craack, on a journey through the scenic landscapes of the American Southwest and into the heart of a mindful presence. Along the way, you’ll meet an unforgettable cast of creatures, each with an important lesson to teach.

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EXCERPT

Oren turned back to Wonder and spoke gently. “First, little one, I must tell you that you are not Wonder.”

Wonder knew enough about Oren to know he spoke with the weight of the wisdom of generations. He had also heard that Oren was a philosopher. The gravity of the moment was not lost on the little goat as he considered this statement carefully. Somehow he knew that nothing but the truth would suffice.

“I don’t get it,” he said with a scrunched up face.

“Your name may be Wonder, but Wonder you are not.” He studied the kid, watching for any signs of dawning comprehension. Wonder cocked his head to one side, still puzzled, and the old buck continued. “The form you find yourself in is that of a goat, but you are not a goat. There is that which is, and then there is that which is truth. If you are to learn, you must learn to be absolutely clear about such matters.”

Oren fell silent, waiting.

Wonder blinked—once, twice—and then said, “Got it!”

The wise goat responded in an amused tone, “Do you now?”

“Yes, sir. My name is Wonder.” He grinned and then continued, “And I am not that.”

“Ha!” responded Oren. “I believe you do have it, young one, but let us see.” He almost, but not quite, grinned back at Wonder. It was hard to tell with the long, white beard. “What are you if not Wonder?”

The kid leapt at the answer. “Well sir, I don’t guess I know.”

“Indeed,” replied Oren, his yellow eyes dancing. “True wisdom is knowing that you know nothing.”

“Then I must be very wise indeed, sir.”

Amazon link

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Ronald Chapman is owner of an international speaking and consulting company, Magnetic North LLC. In addition to international accreditation as a speaker and national awards for radio commentary, he is the author of two novels, My Name is Wonder (Terra Nova Publishing, 2016) and A Killer's Grace (Terra Nova Publishing, 2016 and 2012), two works of non-fiction, Seeing True: Ninety Contemplations in Ninety Days (Ozark Mountain Publishing, 2008) and What a Wonderful World: Seeing Through New Eyes (Page Free Publishing, 2004) and the producer of three audio sets, Seeing True: The Way of Spirit (Ozark Mountain Publishing, 2016, 2005), Breathing, Releasing and Breaking Through: Practices for Seeing True (Ozark Mountain Publishing, 2015), and Seeing True – The Way of Success in Leadership (Magnetic North Audio, 2005). Ron provides a wide array of social media content at www.SeeingTrue.com, content for people in substance abuse recovery at www.ProgressiveRecovery.org,  and other content from his master site, www.RonaldChapman.com.  He holds a Masters in Social Welfare from The University at Albany (New York.) Prior to his relocation to Atlanta, Georgia in 2008, he was a long-time resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

LINKS

Ron Chapman Websites:

Website for other information from the author.

Website for ongoing social media content including blogs, v-logs, graphical materials, etc.

Website for materials relevant to those in recovery from substance abuse.

Facebook Page

Note: My Name is Wonder is one of two novels by Chapman being released simultaneously by Terra Nova Publishing, the other being A Killer’s Grace. The publisher commented, ““It is remarkable that these two books can be so very different but somehow speak to the same messages.”

PRAISE

“…a book for the ages, with profound truths simply stated. First there was Jonathan Livingston Seagull and then Yoda—Now there is Wonder…”

-Beverly Molander, Minister and Radio Host of Activating the Power of Yes

“…an exploration of human nature and into the allegorical realm that shows us how to be wise teachers and guides…”

-Paula Renaye, Author of Living the Life You Love

“Clarity is an aspect of love, it is seeing clearly. Ron Chapman sees with those eyes. He pays attention as few do to the miracles around us.”

-Stephen Levine, Author and Teacher

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GIVEAWAY

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My review:


4 out of 5 stars

My Name is Wonder by Ronald Chapman is a charming tale about Wonder the goat. His adventures and perpetual curiosity take him on a journey (or two) that brings him into contact with teachers young and old, in several different forms. Learning to accept the lessons being taught requires that he realize he is not his name, nor is he defined by his form. There are many pithy quotes, such as “True wisdom is knowing that you know nothing.” which accompany Wonder’s journey to enlightenment, and his travels are both physical and metaphysical.

This allegorical story uses a small white goat as a delightful vehicle to remind us to look with more than our eyes and hear with more than our ears. The sometimes harrowing adventures that facilitate Wonder’s growth take place under the guidance and encouragement of intriguing creatures such as Mac Craack the Crow or Oren the goat, and Wonder’s travels introduce him to other animals and places that enhance his self-knowledge and spirituality. I enjoyed discovering what each new animal could impart and watching the metamorphosis take place, even as I was saddened by the tragedies that accompanied the journey. This is a gentle and profound story that will undoubtedly elicit self-examination and growth while entertaining the reader.

A copy of this title was provided to me for review