I recommend this book to anyone who wants to consider a unique, spiritual, down-to-earth, sometimes suprising, always enlightened perspective on a wide range of topics including the human condition, human spirituality, planetary events (past, present, future), the pursuit of happiness, cultural change, religion, politics and other topics important to us all. Sidney Saylor Farr does a great job capturing the words of Tom Sawyer, an ordinary man who had an extraordinary spiritual awakening during a near death experience and returned with a mission to help facilitate a far ranging spiritual awakening.

This book outlines Tom's experiences and perspectives in a way that can open you to the possibility of seeing your life in a new, perhaps more spiritual, way. Tom defines spirituality, not in a conventionally religiuos way, but as an attitude of compassion, selflessness and service to others. Although Tom doesn't offer false hope about the present and future human condition, he conveys the hopeful future that is available for us to choose.

Perhaps the most important message, conveyed in many different ways throughout this book, is Tom's firm conviction that positive change, in fact spiritual awakening, is possible for all of us, individually and collectively; that we can evolve from human creatures into a true identity as spiritual beings. This message is conveyed in a plausible way.

I had a hard time putting this book down and find myself going back to it often.

Tom Sawyer was and is an ordinary man. An ordinary man who had an extraordinary experience. In 1978 his pick-up truck fell on him, crushing his chest. He was clinically dead for 15 minutes yet he came back to tell of his first-hand experience with death and a new resolve to live. "Tom Sawyer and the Spiritual Whirlwind" is the second book written in collaboration with Sidney Saylor Farr, a respected writer and editor the the Appalachian Heritge. Tom's story of God's unconditional love and Tom's infectious enthusiasm for life helped to create this second book about how a shift in perception can change your entire outlook. "Tom Sawyer and the Spiritual Whirlwind" describes Tom's trips to Tibet and Nepal to visit the Dalai Lama. It also provides Tom's insights into the future of our world, coming earth changes, healing, politics and world peace. Tom says his mission is to enlighten all people on how to communicate with God through prayer. The book suggests that we try a deliberate shift of perception. This occurs "...when you step outside the limitations of your usual measurements and viewpoints." Such a shift can allow you to see things in a different light, thus changing how you see everyday things, which can benefit the spirit. "Tom Sawyer and the Spiritual Whirlwind" provides deep insight into the possibilities of change.

I stumbled upon this at the university library among other historical cookbooks. The recipes are appealing and so is the writing. It's a real gem and I'm glad it's still in print.

This book is better than others by or about Eadie, Brinkley, and Harris. There are a few too many details about Sawyer's early life and the ending is a little weird. But some things really grabbed me and it was curious how I met the subject

As a Catholic Priest who has been a friend of Tom Sawyer's for over 12 years I can attest to the absolute beauty of this book..and the joy Tom finds in Life. Tom is one person you will never forget..to be in a workshop with Tom is to jump from one subject to another..and back again. He touches in a special way everyone who comes in contact with him. When had my Near Death Episode 7 years ago..I finally came to know fully the truth he was sharing. I may be a Catholic Priest..but above all I am a beliver in Love and the Power of that love to transend all our limits and travails. Tom's insights found in this book will indeed remain with you the rest of your life. Fr. Jim Waters, D. Min.