“Frequently the clash of two spiritual and/or cultural traditions is the backdrop for tragedy; refreshingly, Barbi Schulick has written a book that tackles our differing paths to truth and enlightenment in a way that’s humorous yet profound. This portrait of a mother and a daughter who hold deep bonds of affection despite their spiritual differences is spot-on. And viewing Eastern spirituality through the lens of the pragmatic septuagenarian Ethel Katz not only makes for an entertaining read, but also brings perceptive ‘outsider’ insights to the world of spiritual instruction and meditation.”
The 60s may have a stained reputation, a time when young people lost their way, but those of us lucky enough to have been formed during that period know not only that it was fun shedding the straitjacket that had been fashioned for us, but even those who scorn that period are living with more of its remnants than they have any idea.
Ether Katz Finds Her Guru is a fun, funny, poignant look into the hope we children of the 60s held for the day when our elders would see the wonder of the new world we were discovering.
If you were there, you will love the tender and insightful way Barbi Schulick weaves this mother and daughter story around a time it’s sometimes hard to believe really happened. But it did, and while we may be living with the backlash by people who fear freedom and passion as legitimate for life in every sphere, the reality is that they are living with what came from those days, too. If you were too young or too old to have been caught up in it, Ethel Katz will make you wish you’d been with us.
The novel is fun, lively, generous-spirited, a moving reflection of the life-changing awakening this talented writer experienced and is generous enough to offer us.
“A spiritual glimpse into how a mother and daughter each process their experience of the world differently. Having personally lived through a similar experience with my family, I can attest to the fact that the author “hits the nail on the head”, in a concise, humorous fashion, which transcends all judgment and gives hope to us all.
short, fun, profound and humorous; nothing quite like it that I have run across…”
“Seventy- something no nonsense Ethel Katz will not stop meddling into the intimacies of her daughter’s life. In her color coordinated outfit, we can barely keep up with this control freak mom as she gives chase in her Volvo, intent on tracking Debra. Ethel Katz has us rolling with laughter when she lands at a once upon a time Borscht Belt resort. The next thing, we are reaching for the Kleenex, dabbing at our tears, for we have come to realize that Ethel Katz lives in our hearts. The pages turn too fast, as we glimpse beloved Debra from the rear view mirror, and discover we want more, more, more. Let’s hope for a sequel!”
“I read Ethel in one sitting; I couldn’t put her down. Her wisdom and innocence dance together so beautifully that it does not surprise me that her guru totally gets her. Meanwhile Ethel’s own daughter simply rolls her eyes at her mother and is stunned by the attention Ethel receives. Little does she realize what a little buddha Ethel is. The writing is expert; the pace of the book creates a feeling of deep meditation. It’s truly fantastic how the humor of this nosey mama can bring the reader to a place of wonder about our own selves. An excellent read!”
“This is a great read. It is a delightful and humorous story particularly relevant to anyone who has entered a meditative setting for the first time, made the internal shift from mainstream preoccupations to spiritual openness, or had a caring but doubtful parent who expressed concerns about their spiritual seeking. Ethel’s encounter with her daughter’s guru demonstrates the subtle and authentic power of an awakened teacher to shift how a person thinks about life and relationship, and offers a taste of how it feels to enter an ashram or retreat setting and reluctantly discover peace for the first time. Those called to a spiritual search will relate personally and enjoy it and others are sure to find it entertaining, revealing and educational.”
“I just finished your book. Wow! I am so grateful. I loved it and am sad I’m finished. Your writing is so beautiful. I laughed and cried. Thank you! Please write more.”
“I climbed into the tub with Ethel last night … and finished the book in one glorious soak! Thank you so much for this wonderful read! I love this novel!”
I was home with a cold this week, and had a yen for something meaningful and delightful to read, and immediately honed in on Ethel, re-reading her with such deep pleasure. I want to tell you how very unique this story is–there is no other like it; there could be no other like it, because it is so absolutely the product of your keen humor and spirituality, your understanding of Jewish Mother-ness, your syntax and timing and wisdom. Every chapter ended on a perfect, poignant note, leaving me with an “Ah, yes” feeling, along with a little wrench of the heart or a large smile. It’s a great accomplishment to have married deep spiritual questions and discoveries with such down to earth characters, incorporating all the sad notes and buoyant notes life’s music offers us. Thank you for this gift of meaning and pleasure.
I love Ethel. She’s real, funny and totally authentic in her spiritual quest and inquiry!
Lots of wisdom mixed in with the humor. Will resonate with anyone who’s a seeker – or who doesn’t get what all this seeking stuff is about!
Just finished “Ethel Katz Finds Her Guru”… Tears running down to my ears as I lay in bed certainly not sad but touched. I have dog eared many pages I have already revisited and read to my best friend. I plan to get her a copy of the book;)