The Opening appealed to me because I was diagnosed with cancer in the fall of 2011. The news was devastating but the good news was that I began to think more about my mortality. Thankfully, I have been declared cancer-free after successful surgery. When I started reading The Opening, I couldn't put it down. The author, Ron Saverese, wove an amazing, fictional story of life, near-death, death and after-life. A riviting story about a man caught between life and death who - according to the story - has a choice to return to his near-death body and return to his wife and other loved ones who are still alive or to die and be with his parents and many other friends and relatives. He has found a heightened awareness of what truly matters in life and what is not so important. The Opening is a must read.
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Posted February 4, 2012
The main character may not be the easiest one to warm up to, but may be worth the attempt. The reader meets Joe with a life that he doesn't seem to like and when he stumbles around, drunk, in a snow storm the reader will know that he/she will struggle with Joe's character. Joe is on the prickly side and does not appreciate what he has; he feels stuck in his life. The author focuses almost exclusively on Joe and his life rather than on any other characters and the reader will get to know him well.
As the snow storm continues, Joe reflects on his life, both current and past. He acknowledges certain truths and begins to understand himself better. The reader will find this an interesting and somewhat confusing journey. Joe will see that life is not all about careers and success, but that he should have placed a little more worth in personal friendships and relationships. The conclusion will leave the ending shrouded in mystery, but the reader will have to pick up this book to uncover what actually occurs. This book is recommended to adult readers.
SLSchlozman
Posted January 8, 2012
Life is always about choices. In Ron Savarese's debut novel "The Opening" his lead character makes some poor ones. Many times throughout the course of his life Joe St. John chooses bourbon over intimacy and success over personal relationships. But a choice in the past, does not prohibit change in the now. With awareness and spiritual attunement the opportunity for redemption and soaring with angels is possible.
As the novel opens we learn of Joe's "appointment with death" early on. A drunken stumble in a snow storm leads him into a life threatening situation. From here, a near death type of experience ensues as the author deftly moves us back and forth through time. From his near frozen state in a snow cave, the story of Joe's life magically unfolds--his psychic abilities as a young man, his training with a spiritual teacher, his refusal to remain dedicated to the power of his own awakened nature, and the choices...all the choices.
As the book concludes, I have to admit I'm unclear whether Joe actually lives or dies. At least I'm uncertain what happens to the physical part of Joe. But I know for a fact that his spiritual self is alive and well...and that my own spirit was touched in the process.
