Mystics, Me and Moby by Linda Lee
The author’s road trip and healing quest becomes a spiritual roadmap for her readers in this well written short book about overcoming illness and connecting with others on their spiritual journeys. The author suffered from a severe form of multiple chemical sensitivities. MCS, which forced her to quit her job as a research librarian, and try to heal herself. Her allergies to the chemicals used in offices and copy machines made working impossible. As she rested and recuperated in Cape Code, the beauty and solitude around her contributed to a mystical experience in which her fear and doubt were replaced by an intense communion with God and love. She made a decision to interview other people around the country who had been transformed by the Spirit and enjoyed similar experiences of discovering love, deep understanding, and often healing.
She talked to people in all walks of life, some well-known, like Arlo Guthrie, but mostly ordinary people such as rabbis, psychiatrists, sun dancers, shamans, business owners, a transgendered woman, Sufi’s, Buddhists, Quakers, and many more. I found the book to be very compelling. It reminded me of a spiritual and alternative healing version of Steinbeck’s, Travels with Charley where Moby was Charlie, and of the book, Ordinary People as Monks and Mystics by Martha Sinetar which the author mentions. It is well written and researched and provides hope and support to those suffering from physical or psychological problems. But it also would appeal to most readers because of the suspenseful prospect of a woman traveling alone in an RV and seeking out unusual camping spots and people. The support given by her friends during bouts with illness was especially heartwarming, and the various healing techniques she tried to boost her weak immune system will be of interest to anyone who has tried traditional remedies and found them wanting. The author returns home to a positive relationship with a loving friend and improved health, a happy ending to a spiritually uplifting book.
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