What?

I just finished reading “Illusions II” by Richard Bach. He wrote “Jonathan Livingstone Seagull” and the original “Illusions.”  I did not know there was an “Illusions II” but had to buy it immediately when I heard. If I were to review it from a place of good writing, I would have to give it a 2 or 3. It was not an easy read nor was it well written and easy to follow.

From a “spiritual” perspective it was syrupy and treacley in nature.  Then I began reflecting on many of the “spiritual” books I read in the 1980s and 1990s.  Really, very few of them were well written. Yet I “oooohed and aaahed” over the messages with my other enlightened friends. It has made me reflect on the right message at the right time.

Does it matter if the writing is good if the message is delivered? What is good writing? It is all subjective. When reading a novel or non-fiction/historical tome, I do require that the author be engaging and creative. Something must snag my interest and keep me going. One of the most beautifully written books I have ever read did not turn out as I hoped, and I only realized it 1200 pages into the full 1500. I kept going, but it was a sorrowful journey.

So, does it matter if spiritual books are well written? Why am I reading it? In truth it is not for the writing but for the message or the insight or illumination. So how much work am I willing to put in to glean the gem hidden within?  And is it only one gem or many? Does it send me off searching or relieve me of the hunt? Am I reassured or vindicated or feel seen?

It is all of it and none of it and some of it.  Often in life my best messages or aha moments have come from a simple conversation or a child or an overheard remark.  They have even come from movies.  Again, this raises the question of does the conveyance of the message really matter?

“Illusions II” is yet again about near death and the choices our souls make to stay or go.  It is a topic I enjoy; some might say a bit too much.  Since childhood I have felt that the distance between here and there or the veil between alive and dead is almost imperceptible. I must self-confess that these books validate my beliefs, so perhaps that is why I read them. Also, they are often books about the power of love, but love in varying forms.  Finally, I am a sucker for a soul’s journey travelogue. Why am I here? What am I to do? What am I to learn?

I still do not have many of the answers, but evidently, I am happy to keep researching and chopping back mediocre writing in my search. So, to quote Bill Murray in Meatballs, perhaps “it just doesn’t matter!!” Chant with me!