Midwest Book Review Small Press Book Watch December 07 Reviewer's Choice Photography book http://www.midwestbookreview.com/sbw/dec_07.htm Joan Solomon's "Spirits In The Garden: The Amazing Realm Of Secret Life Around Us With Remedies And Gifts Of Healing Wisdom" is the result of five years of painstaking work capturing memorable images photographing flowers, plants and trees throughout the United States using high intensity macro lenses. These remarkable and full color images reveal the uncanny presence of life-like countenances imbedded in the plant that for all the world resemble legendary gnomes, fantastical elves, illusive sprites, and fabled fairies. "Spirits In The Garden" is a beautiful, whimsical, delightful, entertaining, and simply amazing anthology of images that the reader cannot help but browse through with awe at 'the healing life that exists in nature'. A superb selection choice as a community Memorial Fund acquisition selection, "Spirits In The Garden" is enthusiastically recommended to the attention gardeners and horticulturalists; professional and amateur photographers; students of nature, alternative medicine, and metaphysics; and the non-specialist general reader with an interest in simply browsing through beautiful images of plants that offer so much in the way of beauty, healing, and inspiration. Book Pleasures review by Sue Vogan http://www.bookpleasures.com This amazing coffee table book is sure to cure what ails you -- better than any pill or syrup. It is an injection of serenity that is expertly captured with the help of a lens and camera. The photographer has an eye for peaceful beauty and she has shared her treasures of the physical universe with the world – I thank her. We all have busy days and hectic schedules. Often we believe we don't have time for a book. However, I kept this work of art on my coffee table from the moment I received it. I wanted others to tell me what they felt when they opened it to any page. If they couldn't find words, I only had to watch for their expressions. What I discovered was the same awe that I felt as I opened this beautifully bound collection. Some of the pictures simply took my breath away. I don't know which picture I like best – they are all overwhelming stills of nature's masterpieces. From the powerful I-can-hear-the-ocean-roll to the garden gate that I can almost hear squeaking in the summer breeze, these are magnificent pieces of art. The book may just be what you are looking for when your day hasn't gone right or you need to escape, if only for a brief time. Just looking at and getting lost in the photograph takes you away – better than any bubble bath ever could. Your soul becomes free as you relax with the beauty that Solomon has lured onto every page. Pathways through gardens, close ups of buds and blossoms, and a mighty tree reaching for the beautiful blue sky are all around us, but most of the time we are too busy to even notice. This book brings nature to you – without the mosquitoes, gnats, and ticks. But don't be surprised if you hear water lapping at the edge of a lake or a whippoorwill welcoming the morning sun. Sure to bring a smile to your lips and leave an impression on your heart. The above review was contributed by: Sue Vogan: Sue is a Writer & Author of NCO-No Compassion Observed. Armchair Interviews - 5-Stars http://reviews.armchairinterviews.com/reviews/spirits-in-the-garden Reviewed by Yuka Mizushima Is there something in that magnolia tree? Look closer and you may see a fruit gnome peeking back at you. If you're lucky, you may see the dragon hiding in the dahlia's blossoms. If you're open to the possibilities, you may see the friendly milkweed cow. Spirits in the Garden contain Solomon's actual photos that reveal "Nature Spirits." Solomon discovered these Spirits when she took a picture of a violet in her backyard. Closer examination of the violet revealed the outline of a gnome. This inspired her to take more pictures to see what would be revealed. The color photographs span two pages: there is the actual photo, a drawing that outlines the Spirit and an explanation. Solomon believes these guides (a.k.a. fairies, pixies, Elemental Beings) are urging us to care for the planet and respect all life. This book provides an eye-opening look at common plants that you find in the garden and on walks and hikes. These plants have medicinal properties and unique messages. Did you know? Milkweed is being used as a renewable resource for paper in India. Dandelions were used in recent trials to help prevent breast cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, osteoporosis and gallstones. Fresh yarrow leaves can be applied to a toothache to provide relief. Peony petals can be used in a facial toner to nourish, soften and smooth skin. I really enjoyed reading this book. The color photographs are beautiful to look at and it's fun to find the Spirit. There's a chapter on recipes, remedies, and preparation. You can make salad dressing, facial scrubs and cough syrups at home using natural ingredients. "Further Exploration" contains the sources for products, information books and movies that inspire. This book does an excellent job of capturing the wonder and magic of the natural world. Solomon is a gifted artist and photographer who cares deeply for the environment. Her book has won praise from Dr. Jane Goddall, Bob Dylan and others. I'd definitely put this book on your Christmas give list. Armchair Interviews says Spirits in the Garden will inspire you to take a closer look at the plants around you. Book Pleasures review by Jessica Roberts http://www.bookpleasures.com Joan Solomon is an artist, writer and photographer whose love for nature is ever-growing. She lives and works at her lakeside studio surrounded by friends, animals and Nature Spirits. This book has to be one of the most beautiful photography books I have ever come across. I loved it as soon as I saw it, even before I opened the first page. The front cover captures your attention instantly with the stunning photograph of the Violet flower. It is just the perfect cover for a book that is too splendid for words. Spirits in The Garden is such a fitting name to this lovely coffee-table collection full of unretouched photographs of flowers, plants and trees amid beautiful gardens. These flowers and plants really can become our "plant teachers" for they are always watching us. This is certainly the case if you take just a moment to glance through the book and see that yes, flowers and plants really are watching. One picture that proves this is of the Iris Dragon. It is quite clear that the flower has two large yellow eyes and is peeking out from behind leaves. Flowers are always watching, it is just whether you choose to see them. Inside this anthology full of these wonderful, colourful nature beings are quotes from keen observers. One passage, from Henry David Thoreau, sums up this book quite well "It's not what you look at…it's what you see" . How very true that is. Have you ever gazed up into the sky and thought "I can see a land up there"? Joan agrees with this and has given her passage in this book to that vision. A lovely picture accompanies it on pages 16 and 17 of a large puffy cloud and the rushing, dramatic waves from the sea below. I also loved the gateway to the garden and another wonderful quote by Thomas Moore: "Entering a garden is like passing through a mystical gate. Things are not the same on the other side". There is also a page on Plant Spirits, showing pictures of things we naturally recognize and then comparing them to plants and flowers and other such things. I adored the image of a cute kitten and the picture next to it of a Dandelion Kitten flower. They are so alike in many ways, both fluffy and delicate and such loveable beings. Did you know there are hundreds of uses for flowers? That dandelion is rich in vitamins and is also used as a natural dye? That Sunflowers can be used to treat colds and bronchitis? These are to name just a few tips that Joan has carefully added to this wonderful collection with a special section dedicated to plant recipes as well. Finally, towards the end of this stunning volume are some pages devoted to the lovely art work of the author. The Awakening is a painting the author drew from her experience when she first started to draw. One of Joan's first paintings she handed her friend to hang in her shop sold that same day. It is clear to see why her paintings are so popular, they are colourful, bright and spiritual. My favourite has to be Return of Joy, I absolutely love this painting and only wish I had it to hang in my room. There are so many faces of fairies and other spiritual beings hidden in this beautiful painting featuring water, a bridge and lush green trees. Can you spot them I wonder… Words will simply not sum up this book which is beautifully illustrated making every page a joy to read and behold. It is not only a book for those of you who perhaps own a garden, but for anyone who enjoys plants and flowers with a passion. And even if you don't believe in the spirits of nature, you never know, it may just convert you. The above review was contributed by: Jessica Roberts: Jessica has been a book reviewer for a newspaper and a national women's magazine and is working on a novel. Spirits in the Garden Reviewed by Liana Metal http://LianaMetal.tripod.com Non fiction/self-help/educational Very Highly Recommended Joan Solomon, an artist, writer and photographer, lives and works at her lakeside studio and is greatly concerned about the environment, and animal welfare. Visit her at www.joansolomon.com and you will have the chance to view her beautiful collection of paintings that celebrate life by evoking feelings of happiness and tranquility. This beautiful book is a piece of art. It contains photos, paintings, recipes for remedies and poems, all in a wonderful combination that helps the reader relax and get a positive point of view in life. When you look at it you can also think "Wow! Life is wonderful!" and this is the main point the author/artist wishes to transfer to you, the reader. Life is full of surprises and the more we care about our environment, the happier we will be. Spirits in The Garden is a unique book in its kind that educates, entertains and feeds the spirit and our visual senses. There is a pandemonium of colors throughout this excellent book that serves as a guide to natural herbs and beauty of nature as a whole. The author includes herbal preparations to relieve several symptoms and tells us about the history and values of each herb. She urges readers to look at a garden in a different way: not just see the plants, but also 'feel' them, to allow themselves to "see life from a fresh perspective." At the back of the book there is a list of sources for products, and information about books that inspire and inform. Also there is a small collection of her paintings. It is worth visiting the author's site www.joansolomon.com and viewing her whole art collection. Joan is an excellent artist and writer, and this book is a great gift for anyone loving art, as well for those interested in herbal remedies. Get the book from www.spiritsinthegarden.com Liana Metal Reviewer/Writer http://LianasKerkyra.blogspot.com http://LianaMetal.tripod.com TCM Reviews Review by Dr Tami Brady http://tcm-ca.com/reviews/2067.html Non-Fiction, Nature Spirits in the Garden is filled with amazingly beautiful photographs taken in the garden. Joan Solomon has the amazing gift of looking for and finding something unique in each picture. Things that most of us would pass by without a second thought, she sees and brings to life with amazing clarity. The general theme that the author has chosen for these works is finding the spirit in nature. This concept actually has a number of different levels of meaning. On the surface, the author shares the beauty of various plants with the reader. The majority of these photographs have been chosen for their unique appearance. In just viewing these amazing photographs, my spirit was revived and my creativity renewed. At a deeper level, the author shows that each of these plants actually has purposes beyond just looking beautiful. All of the subjects picked for this book also have important holistic healing properties. For each plant, the author has included a full list of holistic usages. In many cases, the author has also included recipes that the reader can make. Blogger News Review by Zach Freeman http://www.bloggernews.net/111415 Book Review: Spirits in the Garden, by Joan Solomon November 3rd, 2007 by Zach Freeman "We need to see to believe." One day while lying in her garden, aritst/writer/photographer Joan Solomon took a random picture of a blooming violet. The result of that photo surprised her so much she decided to photgraph more plants. The original photo of the Wild Violet Gnome that serves as the cover of her new book Sprits in the Garden may be beautiful, but it is only the beginning of the layout that Solomon has prepared for anyone willing to take a look. Showcasing beautiful nature photographs, a brief introduction to discovering the spirits of nature and an extensive list of natural recipes and remedies, Solomon's new book is for all people who think there might be something more to the natural world than meets the eye. Divided into four distinct but cohesive parts, Solomon's book first explains the idea of nature spirits while displaying several images showing facial features found in rocks, the bark of trees and flowers and then asks readers to "Suspend your disbelief for a whle and allow yourself to wonder… What if it's really true?" This question leads the reader into the second part of the book, entitled "Meet the Nature Spirits," where the true heart of the publication lies. This is where Solomon not only gives the reader a detailed history of numerous flowers and herbs, but also illustrates her interest in nature spirits with stunning pictures portraying each plant's anthropomorphic tendencies. Part three is dedicated to recipes and remedies, including Calendula Cough Syrup, Mermaid Magnolia Bath, Violet Jelly and Peony Body and Facial Freshener. This chapter is perhaps a bit shorter than most would like, but assuming that the remedies here work and the recipes taste as good as they sound, there's still something to be enjoyed. The final section of the book is a rather personal "Author's Notes" section. Featuring a personal letter to Nature, a brief statement and some thank yous, this part section is only for the die-hard Solomon devotees. Overall, Solomon's book offers readers many breathtaking photographs and much interesting information. For those who already have an affinity towards nature spirits, this conglomeration of pictures and knowledge is an ideal addition to your library. For those who may be thinking twice, the images are still pretty enough to enjoy on a surface level without requiring the additional beliefs expounded throughout the book. Zach's Rating: B Perfect For: The nature spirit afficianado looking for photographic documentation of faery life Stay Away if: "Garden" to you is the patch of grass between your house and the sidewalk Blogger News Review by Celia Hayes (Sgt. Mom) http://www.bloggernews.net/111252 Spirits in the Garden by Joan Solomon: Book Review October 26th, 2007 by Sgt. Mom "Spirits in the Garden" is a lovely, lavish collection of very special garden photographs. Unedited or manipulated, they reveal what one of photographer Joan Solomon's friends, an African mystic described to her as "the plant teachers". They have the ability to appear to us in a way that we recognize, he told her - and they are trying to help us. And thinking on that, as she practiced her craft, Solomon began to see distinct faces - a gnome in a tiny purple violet, a kitten in a dandelion tuft, a winged-eared dragon in a yellow iris blossom. She assembled an exquisite collection of photographs, identifying the plant teachers and spirits where they appeared, and adding short snippets of information about each plant - medicinal properties, or folklore as appropriate. This section forms the largest portion of the book, but the most useful section lists a number of natural recipes for condiments, remedies and personal care using the very same flowers and plants. The recipes are also lavishly and beautifully illustrated - I have not tried out any of them so I cannot vouch for them, or their medical efficacy. But I can vouch for the look of this book - every page is a pleasure and an encouragement to go out to ones own garden with an open imagination and a magnifying glass. Spirits in the Garden is available from the author's website, www.joansolomon.com and from Amazon.com. Sgt. Mom is a freelance writer to lives in San Antonio and blogs at The Daily Brief. Her latest book, "To Truckee's Trail" is available here. More about her other books is at her website www.celiahayes.com