I have just finished reading The Hermetica - The Lost Wisdom of the Pharaohs, which is book 3 in my 52 in 52 series.

The book is by Timothy Freke and Peter Gandy, and is supposed to be an insight into sacred writings from around 3000BC by an Egyptian sage Hermes (which is actually the Greek interpretation of Thoth).

Thoth, who is attributed with the creation of hieroglyphics was also thought to be the architect of the pyramids.

The book is a translation of some of the ancient writings, combined with other sacred texts taken from the Stobaeus, the Asclepius, and the Nag Hammadi Hermetic Texts.

For the most part, the translations read like many things you would find the Christian Bible, especially is Psalms. They are songs and praises to the lord, in this case, Atum (the Father), or many of his creations such as the “Cosmos”, the “Mind”, mother Earth, and man.

In essence we learn that Atum created the cosmos is “his” own image. Cosmos then created everything else in it’s own image, and the purpose in life for all humans is to learn to know Atum. Pretty much identical to much of the Christian belief system in that our purpose on the Earth is to come to know God in all his/her elements.

Having done quite a bit of other reading on ancient Egyptian religion, this was really not much different. It clearly shows that many Christian premises about the nature of god, the universe, the divine, and humanity, came directly from civilizations that came before the BC/AD changeover.

There is a big focus on destiny, and only doing what is necessary - possibly the foundation of the predestination belief that is in many Christian denominations, and there is a lot of use of “the light” of the world, which mirrors much of what I heard growing up in the church.

One thing I did find interesting is that the teachings were supposed to be secret, and if you learned them, you were not supposed to share them with anyone else. Atum would share them directly if “he” felt as though you were worthy to learn them. This is very unlike religions of today which freely share their beliefs with anyone who will listen.

Overall, it was an interesting read, but again, it felt like I was reading the Christian Bible, only these writings were 3000+ years prior. I wouldn’t say I got a huge amount of insight from the book, though - there are many other Egyptian history books that have been more enlightening, so to speak.

So that is book 3 for 2008.

Heath L. Buckmaster, author of Box of Hair: A Fairy Tale, sat down for a moment to talk to us about the book, the delightful cover art, and a little about the exciting sequels, The Venus Diary, and The Dragons of Tarnack that will be released later in 2008.

(Young Cicero - image from wikimedia commons)
It seems like there are many people out there who set a New Year’s Resolution to read 52 books in 52 weeks. While that is admirable, I’m not sure that I will have time to devote to reading that many books in 2008…especially since I will be publishing two, perhaps three more books this year.

But, I do want to jump on the bandwagon and see what I can accomplish.

So far I have read two books during 2008 - Tales from Earthsea, and The Other Wind, both by Ursula K. Le Guin. They are the last two books in the fantastic Earthsea series, which includes: A Wizard of Earthsea, The Tombs of Atuan, The Farthest Shore, and Tehanu. I have read the series multiple times over the years, and it’s one of my absolute favourites in the sci-fi/fantasy genre.

I will try to keep up to date on what I’m currently reading, and the next books on the list - a virtual bookstack, if you will. That way I can share with you books that I have really enjoyed or really not enjoyed. I would also like for you to share with me and other readers some of the books that you are currently reading - you can do that by commenting on this and future posts!

So what’s next on my list?

The Hermetica - insight into where many Christian ideas came from

Allan Folsom - The Machiavelli Covenant (if you haven’t read anything from him before, start with The Day After Tomorrow - absolutely incredible book with an ending like no other, and Day of Confession, and The Exile)

Steve Berry - The Templar Legacy

Steve Berry - The Alexandria Link

Steve Berry - The Amber Room

I know it’s heavy on Steve Berry all of a sudden, but someone loaned me the books from their collection and I want to read them and return them in a timely fashion (and I’ve already had them a couple months).

So there you have it - what are you currently reading and what do you recommend I add to my list? You can also check out my book recommendations (it’s a short list), for others that you might add to your own list!

I am pleased to announce that those of you who have been waiting for a less expensive copy of my first book can now get your wallets out.

Box of Hair: A Fairy Tale is now available in softcover release.

If you are still interested in the hardcover, it is only available in a limited edition signed hardcover, and no more copies will be printed.

You can get the hardcover edition directly from the Box of Hair: A Fairy Tale website.

For the softcover release, click the product link to order it directly from amazon.com. Thank you in advance for your support of me!

Also remember, once you read the book you can return to the website and “Unlock the Box of Hair” to get an exclusive preview of the exciting sequel, The Venus Diary - scheduled for release in April 2008.

I will even spice the deal up more….If you purchase the book, and write a review on the amazon.com product page, I will offer you a discount on the purchase of the sequel. How’s that? 

You know you want to…

Click the image above to purchase the hardcover directly from amazon.com, or visit the official website below for Kindle Edition and Signed Edition options. Thank you in advance for your support of independent authors!!

I need your support and feedback and constructive commentary on what you like and don’t like - especially since I’m currently editing the two sequels to this whimsical fairy tale adventure.

If you buy it, please leave a comment and let me know - I might even acknowledge you in a future story :-).

Official Website - http://www.boxofhair-fairytale.com/

Yesterday (12/6) was my dad’s birthday.

He hasn’t received his gift yet because I’m packaging everything into one shipment to NC. That’s mostly because mom’s birthday is on the 16th, then of course we have Christmas coming up shortly thereafter.

It’s a busy month.

So I have written a poem to celebrate.

Ode to Butter Pecan

oh butter pecan, oh butter pecan,
how crunchy you are to my teeth
your sweet taste, and smooth texture
oh butter pecan, oh butter pecan.

If you would like to read more insane poetry from Heath Buckmaster, you can purchase Pear in a Bowl, a whimsical series.

It is available in softcover from amazon.com or in signed softcover edition from the author.

NaNoWriMo is complete for 2007.

What a ride!