The Empty Chair

Reowned criminalist Lincoln Rhyme is pitted against Amelia Sachs, his own brilliant protegee, as they disagree on the analysis of a crime they began working together.

A goblin who for many years has been hiding himself so that he does not frighten anyone finally finds a family.

Composed of two companion novellas, The Empty Chair is a profound, heart-wrenching piece of spiritual storytelling from Bruce Wagner, the internationally acclaimed author of such novels as Dead Stars, I’m Losing You and Force Majeure. In First Guru, a fictional Wagner narrates the tale of a Buddhist living in Big Sur, who achieves enlightenment in the horrific aftermath of his child’s suicide. In Second Guru, Queenie, an aging wild child, returns to India to complete the spiritual journey of her youth. Told in ravaged, sensuous detail to the author-narrator by two strangers on opposite sides of the country, years apart from each other, both stories illuminate the random, chaotic nature of human suffering and the miraculous strength of the human spirit. A deeply affecting and meditative reading experience, The Empty Chair is an exquisitely rendered, thought-provoking, and humbling new work.

Through eight compelling stories we get to know the Gestalt therapist Vikram Kolmannskog and some of his clients. These include the businessman Carl who is suffering from chronic burnout, the overwhelmed Marianne who believes she may have been the victim of sexual assualt, the trans woman Annette who breaks with dominant gender norms, the prisoner Jonny who is now encircled by his own self-made wall of isolation, and the beautiful Ask, who falls in love and others fall in love with - including the therapist Vikram. Through these tales of psychotherapy we see how both suffering and healing can occur. With increased awareness and through dialogue we can experience more of ourselves, the other and our world. We become more whole - and that is a good definition of health.

“Know! A person walks in life on a very narrow bridge. The most important thing is not to be afraid.” A treasury of insights and advice for living joyously and spiritually today, for people of all faiths—and no faith. One of the great spiritual seekers, Rebbe Nachman of Breslov (1772–1810) is among the most often quoted of the Hasidic masters. Even after two centuries, his teachings have a potent, meaningful message: Never lose hope; find joy and cause for happiness in everything that happens to you. In these pages, his powerful wisdom brings us inspiration for life today. “Always remember: joy is not merely incidental to your spiritual quest. It is vital.” Rebbe Nachman of Breslov 1772–1810 To some, Rebbe Nachman is best known for stories that possess profound depth and speak to the very soul. To others, his teachings shed light on some of life’s deepest mysteries. Now, as before, he speaks to a spiritually seeking generation in strong and uplifting ways.Teacher, guide and spiritual master, Rebbe Nachman provides vital words of inspiration for life today. With timeless insight and wisdom, Rebbe Nachman shows us how to fill the empty chair—the alienated self—by leaving sadness and finding hope and joy.

Losing a loved one--whether a spouse, parent, child, sibling, or friend--leaves people feeling overwhelmed and hopeless. Holidays and other special occasions seem to intensify the pain. Whether the occasion is Christmas or Easter, a birthday or anniversary, these celebrations force the bereaved to again face the reality of a loved one's absence. Susan Zonnebelt-Smeenge and Robert C. De Vries know firsthand the sorrow of bereavement: Both lost a spouse. Yet as they faced their pain and gleaned insights from their professions--Susan is a psychologist, Robert, a minister--they found renewed richness on special days that once brought heartache. In The Empty Chair, the authors share a comforting blend of emotional support, spiritual guidance, and personal experience to help readers honor their loved one on important days. Those who support the bereaved--mental-health professionals, pastors, funeral home staff, and others--will also appreciate this book for its reflective yet practical approach.

Written for a Thanksgiving service, this program in readers' theater format is set in a restaurant where a pastor has taken four young people out to dinner. Although there are only five in the party, the pastor asks for a table for six. The story unfolds as the pastor explains why he has requested an extra place setting and chair.

Teacher and therapist Mike Boxhall draws on years of experience with thousands of students to offer a path to spiritual freedom. From a starting point of stillness, he leads readers on a challenging but ultimately rewarding path of discovery.