The Twelve: An Awesome Novel, If You Ask Me
September 4, 2009
A short while ago I wrote a post called, “2012: The End of the World as We Know It?” I’m SO glad I did because soon after that I was contacted about this new book, The Twelve
I’m not a huge fan of doing book reviews, but I LOVED this book! I could NOT put it down. I even read it in the car, during the road trip, risking major car-sickness… it was well worth it. I LOVED this book (did I already say that?). It’s kinda hard for me to review it objectively because I enjoyed it so much.
Technically, it’s a novel; but it borrows a good bit from the life of the author, and mixes in all sorts of actual and historical facts. The result is, you never know (until it projects into future years) what is real and what isn’t… so it all FEELS like it could be real. Fiction and reality are interwoven seamlessly.
The basic premise is that the main character, Max, had a near death experience early in life during which twelve names were revealed to him, but he could only remember one: Running Bear. Throughout the course of his life he serendipitously meets each of the twelve people of different faiths from around the world. None of them knows exactly why, but they all know there IS a reason they were meant to meet.
Max was anxious to know the meaning of the twelve names, but simply kept taking each step in his life, trusting it would all come together. I got the sense that Time is never really squandered; even our mistakes and distractions ultimately lead us to the fulfillment of our destiny. This particular story has to do with 2012 and the fate of the world, but I don’t want to ruin the ending for you.
I always felt I was destined for something great (in a spiritual sense, not a Bill Gates or Oprah kind of way), and not just because my grandmother told me so. What made the book especially interesting for me is that lately I have felt like I’ve been meeting certain people, and visiting specific places, for reasons I still don’t understand… for a purpose higher than my own selfish needs.
At this point there are at least seven people I have met since starting Quest for Balance that I feel I was destined to meet: Jay, Lori, Nadia & Jacob, Michael, Lance, and (most recently) my Vermont friend. One of the first things she shared with me when I met her, last week, was that her Native American name is Running Bear.
Coincidence? You decide.
In any case, if you are someone who is intrigued by the Mayan prophecies about December 21, 2012, or you have always believed you have a “special” destiny to fulfill (maybe because you had a crazy grandma too), I think you will enjoy The Twelve
Alternately, you may prefer to wander the aisles of Barnes & Noble (or your favorite bookstore), skimming through the pages before you buy the book, using your discount card… in which case, ALL of the proceeds will go to Barnes & Noble (or your favorite bookstore).
Again, you decide.
What about you? Do you feel you have a special destiny to fulfill? Have you met people and instantly felt you have known them forever… or were meant to meet them? Or, does all this stuff sound like silly nonsense to you? Who’s to say?
Thanks!!
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Hi Lisis,
Lovely and intriguing book review. I am a sucker for prophecies and all that info about the unknown….cause well i am unaware of the unknown and I would certainly like to learn.
Exactly 10 years back….today, my daddy went to a better place. So since then i wanted to know about death, near death etc. I picked up a few books on NDE about true stories of people who have gone into the light and come back to talk about it. And they were all full of stories of prophecies and the people they met there. One person even said he met his wife who was still alive in world, and then the doctor goes to explain that its because of the etheric or soul connection they shared that in her dream state they could meet at that level. Very interesting stuff.
And now my dear, you have this book..i am gonna grab a copy soon. Sounds very goods.
As for people i have met whom i am destined to meet…there are so many who have helped me through my life to attain a higher sense of spirituality…i cant begin to name a few, cause there are so many. So many wonderful people i need to thank for their gentle nudges to making me what i am today..and what i will be tomorrow.
But, My most recent blogging friends who are helping me spiritually are You, Nadia, Lance, Jay, Wilma and my dear friend Megan. I cant begin to thank you guys enough for your beautiful thoughts that always provoke such positivity from me.
I believe that all the people who stir you towards the positive are usually the ones youre destined to meet. I even include the people who i have bad experiences with and learn from them as well…so in the end even they are actually stirring me towards the positive isnt it..hence helping me to grow spiritually.
Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s last blog ..Love Will Truly Set You Free
I’m smiling. For several reasons. First off – your humor today. I’ve decided…that’s funny, and it’s so much a part of why I love to visit here. Second – know how much I feel the same way about you. There’s something that feels very connecting, I’m not sure if I can fully put my finger on it – and I’m okay with that – my heart says it’s right. And third – the idea of a destiny a fulfill. Something, which I’m not really ready to talk about, that happened twenty years ago, has been on my mind lately – and as it relates to this idea of a destiny to fulfill. Nothing inherently bad – just something that really made me think. And again recently, recalling this – has me thinking – I have a purpose here on earth – have I found it? Fully?
Lisis – I’m not sure exactly where I stand on 2012. What I am sure of, is that I have an open mind to what could be. And I do believe in this thing called fate. Like me being here, that which brought our paths together. Meant to be? I don’t know, but I’m sure that because our paths have crossed – that I feel this deep connection to you – and that was pretty much right from the start.
I feel like I’m bouncing around here (Tigger?). This post – silly? Not at all (you, on the other hand, can be silly).
This is the right place for me to be…
Lance´s last blog ..Detours on the Path of Life
I love books like that. I’m a huge fan of Michael Crichton because all of his books work that way. He was a brilliant doctor and scientist before he started writing, and he was also a world-class researcher. As a result, he was able to blend fact and fiction together so smoothly that it was nearly impossible to figure out where one ended and the other began.
So yeah, I think I’m gonna buy this book, simply based on your recommendation.
I was all ready to comment on the deeper stuff, but then Zeenat and Lance said it all, so I’m just gonna second their emotions
Jay Schryer´s last blog ..New Banners
[...] This post was Twitted by Porsidan [...]
Dear Lisis.
Thats an awesome post. The same teaching is being repeated to me, over and over and it is “even our mistakes and distractions ultimately lead us to the fulfillment of our destiny. “.. More because I have been struggling with myself, trying to figure out why things aren’t going the way I planned. Actually, there is no plan left even.
Then I am beginning to realize that what is happening is for the best. Just be true to self, true to soul and things will make sense , when they are meant to u.
I have an idea. Maybe the 7 people u felt you are meant to meet have a joint purpose. Maybe you’ll are supposed to come together to do a joint collaborative work. A book, a blog. Maybe your stories on a destiny to fulfull. Think about it. Do u guys have anything in common. Knowing Nadia , reading your blog and reading a little of Porsidan, I see a common thread. But then my mind gets all excited when I see signs. I could just be foolish.
I really do love signs. If you see them, then just be grateful and watch the Mystery unfold.
You guys are the best… the BEST, I tell ‘ya! I was kind of worried about how this post would be received because:
a) It’s ultimately a book review and I really don’t want to give the impression that this blog is a commercial place of business and this book is the product du jour. In fact, when I received an invitation to read it, I was apprehensive about it. I wouldn’t commit to review it unless I loved it… which I figured I wouldn’t because it’s a novel (and I don’t usually like novels). But also because,
b) It’s a good bit New-Agey and a little “out there” compared to most of what I write here at Q4B. I usually try to keep things pretty practical, down to earth, grounded in reality… the stuff that we all face. I tend to steer clear of anything deeply spiritual or religious because I don’t like to focus on the things that divide us into groups (like personal beliefs), but rather on the things we have in common (our desire to find happiness and suffer less).
I had this sense that many of my readers would dis-like this post… and if they do, that’s OK. I still loved the book, and I love feeling aware that I’m meeting a whole bunch of people who are here to make the world better. And I REALLY love knowing that some of YOU feel that too.
For those of you who don’t, well… I’ll be back to my regular stuff by the next post.
Wow Lisis – this book sounds riveting alright! Thanks so much for the review. (If you liked this try Spiritwalker by Hank Wesselman – definitiely thought provoking!) No sweat about book reivews! You are not “known” for being a commercial enterprise here. I do them from time to time only because I, too, get excited and want to share it. I think most of the bloggers I know are also avid readers – it’s great to find out about books we may have missed out on!
I believe it is possible to make connections with new people in your life and feel like you’ve known them forever – that happens a lot and I celebrate that as a real gift from the Universe. Who’s to say we didn’t know each other in past lives? (if you want to get edgy and “out there”!)
As for the 2012 thing – I read everything I can get my hands on about it. There are so many opinions, I take them all in without judging what’s right and what’s nonsense. I do think there is some weird shift already under way just by the speed of everything these days. When I look back over my life (6 decades!) I can really feel something is coming from the acceleration.
Anyway, I’m rambling – check out that other book – and thank you SO MUCH for the review!
suzen´s last blog ..Fanny Farmer: A Lady In Waiting
Lisis – This book sounds fabulous. I will definitely be ordering it. I love books like this one. They were written for a very specific reason. I absolutely do NOT think that your friends Native American name being Running Bear is a coincidence. Sychronicities are awesome.
Jill´s last blog ..The second first day of school
Morning Lisis,
I savored every word this morning. Again, it is great to have you back!
Funny you ask, but I grew up most of my life thinking I’d one day be president of the United States. The first woman US president. I felt I was destined for greatness.
Then I graduated from high school and the band stopped playin’. (ha)
I feel that I was meant to meet you, too, Lisis. And, if I think about the steps that occurred for us to meet, they’re really, well, quite remarkable. You are one amazing woman, Lisis.
As for the book, it looks/sounds great! I think I’ll pop over via your link and scoop it up. I’m all for “fate of the world” books. And your review made it sound like a a great read. Thanks for the tip! Enjoy your day!
Hi Lisis,
I’ve been deep into the awakening stuff for three years–writing, traveling, and turning my life upside down–that I haven’t really read as much as I’d like to. Now you’ve inspired a trip to the library and bookstore.
Thanks!
k
Kaushik´s last blog ..Our Days of Discontent
[...] this page was mentioned by PlanetChange (@planetchange), PlanetChange (@planetchange), 2012 Answers (@2012predictions), The Success Admiralâ„¢ (@adamaulenback), Eric Kizzie (@erickizzie) and others. [...]
Thank you for the great post Lisis!
I think the wise martial artist and philosopher Bruce Lee could explain the feeling of having a special destiny very well.
“As long as I can remember I feel I have had this great creative and spiritual force within me that is greater than faith, greater than ambition, greater than confidence, greater than determination, greater than vision. It is all these combined. My brain becomes magnetized with this dominating force which I hold in my hand”.
After reading this – well, really watching it in the beginning of the movie Dragon – I almost broke into tears because I FEEL the exact same way, just like you and all the others here. In my humble opinion, I believe that everyone has a special purpose to unleash into the world. It’s just a matter of being conscious, present, open to new opportunities, and letting life flow through you rather than trying so hard to make things happen.
I have the perfect example about meeting people for a certain reason. In the winter of last year, I was working extremely hard on trying to establish several business ventures. Stressed and fatigued, I failed to come up with any grand idea that would take off. After spending some time reflecting and doing some thinking, I realized I was completely unaware of what was going on around me. I was caught up in the chase and totally forgot to remain present. So several days later after my realization, I’m standing in line at Starbucks waiting to order some coffee and this guy randomly comes up to me and introduces himself. Later on, he also introduces me to his project that he has been working on and ever since then, I’ve been collaborating with him in trying to run a successful startup company. And one of the craziest things I found out was that he happened to be one of my sister’s friends!
Not only have I had this magic-like attraction with people, but I’ve also experienced it with the studies that I’m most passionate about. After reading Eckhart Tolle’s “A New Earth”, I’ve been on this journey of self-discovery that has randomly led me to many other different authors and people of like-minded interests: Bruce Lee, Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, Deepak Chopra, Wayne Dyer, Dalai Lama, Daniel Pink, Paulo Coelho, Will Smith,Thich Nhat Hanh, and many others.
Apparently, this stuff doesn’t seem like silly nonsense to me. I think that this kind of information is beautiful and has led me to live a more peaceful, enjoying life (not saying there aren’t times when it could get rough). So please keep up with the good posts and once again, would like to thank you for putting your authentic thoughts out there for us to read
Wowy-wow-WOW! You guys are just amazing! I am LOVING reading these beautiful accounts of spirituality, synchronicity and Faith. You guys are such a loving and supportive group that now I’m REALLY glad I shared all of the thoughts this book inspired for me.
Andrew, that is quite a story… and I’m so thrilled to know you are HERE, taking part in this journey with me. I feel like I am in the best company with all of you guys.
Speaking of “signs”, I had a neat experience since the time of my last comment. I was about to get online when my internet died, for no reason. So I spent a long time on the phone with tech support, and they decided they would need to send someone out to check it on Sunday, between 10 and 12.
Well, I had JUST emailed Jay that we were going to come see him on Sunday around 11. “Shoot! I’d better call Jay,” I thought. And so I did. Well he happened to be home from work today, so we talked for a LONG while. During the time we were talking, the internet (that could not be fixed by tech support) suddenly started working. No more internet problem.
It just HAD to fail, so I’d schedule an appointment for Sunday, so I’d HAVE to call Jay, so that both of us could benefit from a wonderful conversation that otherwise would not have happened.
I’m sure I’m reading too much into it but, oh well. Everything happens for a reason, right?
wonderful review. You really get it. Enjoyed every minute writing THE TWELVE and great to see it providing so much joy to others already.Intent of THE TWELVE is to help each reader get in touch with their own sense of purpose and destiny. In addition to book site http://www.12thebook.com we have planetchange.tv for posting positive vision videos and planetchange2012.com for posting blogs and dialogue for positive solutions on issues large and small.
Keep up the wonderful work you are doing on your site.
Hey! Welcome to Quest for Balance! Thank you so much for writing this entertaining and inspiring novel. In my opinion, it’s impossible to read this book and not come away with a sense that we are part of something greater, that everything happens for a reason, and that a spiritual shift is going on right now that we can all get involved in.
I really wish you the very best of luck with this book, and with all of the planet change projects. It’s great to meet someone who is actively doing something to make the world a better place.
Thanks!
Yes I do believe everything happens for a reason. I do believe we are guided to meet certain people. And I also believe we don’t know what anything is for and that’s part of the mystery of life.
I always tell my husband “God sent you to me.” We met when he was 18 and I was 15. We’ve been married 37 + years. We have twins and one was born without most of a right hand. Nope nobody knows the reason but the people she has touched and the thinks she has accomplished are absolutely amazing. She has inspired thousands of people and she’s only 33.
Another story is my second daughter was 20 when she planned adoption for her baby. During the pregnancy she asked if she could come home to live. Of course I said yes. So many people were mad at us…like “I was allowing this adoption.”
Like it was my choice…crazy! Anyway so many young people change their mind at the last minute so we told her in order to be strong at the end she should think of herself as just being a vessel and she was really carring this baby for someone else.
As soon as our friends heard this 4 couples came to us and wanted that baby! She chose one of those couples (we met 2 years prior) and the “baby” is 15 now. So again who knows what anything is for? Nobody. I think we met that couple for that particular reason. It shows why we shouldn’t be so quick to judge but I don’t have to tell you that!
Sounds like a great book…I’m a bookaholic so I may order soon and when I do I’ll do it from here.
Awww, Tess! You’re gonna make me cry! Those stories are BEAUTIFUL!! I love your strong and positive outlook about everything. We definitely never have a reason to judge anyone else’s decisions or actions.
Thank you for sharing these bits of your life with us!!! I’m already better for it!
No need to thank me Lisis, thank YOU for having me be a part of your community. I’m equally excited to be HERE on this journey with you and the others.
Oh yes! I totally forgot to mention anything about “The Twelve” on my last post. It’s now in my aNote iPhone app under the “Books to Purchase” list ;D
Wish you and everyone else a wonderful Labor Day Weekend!
Hi Lisis,
I learned a long time ago that there are no accidents and things happen for a reason. Whether people believe or not is a different story. Anyway, meeting you and your family was meant to be. I have no doubt about that.
As for 2012, we all talked about that when we met last month so I won’t rehash it here but I will check out the book.
Hey, Nadia! This is the book I was telling you about when I saw you. I really wanted to leave it with you, but I had so many notes scribbled all over it I thought it might be best to wait until it comes out and send you your own clean copy (so you can scribble in it too!). I think you and Jacob both would enjoy this story and I’m certain it was no accident we got to meet you guys. Thank you for being the warm and loving people you are.
Thanks for recommending a novel to me. I haven’t heard about it. I have read many reviews but your review here strikes me as something that comes across very authentically. It is obvious to me that you really like the book!
To your question “Do you feel you have a special destiny to fulfill?”, yes I do. In fact, I have been spending the last two days wondering how to truly express myself. Also, to “Have you met people and instantly felt you have known them forever… or were meant to meet them?”, I most certainly have!! I built an instant connection with a new friend I met last weekend. As we talked, we were able to tune into having been together as “spirits” or as physical beings in past lives. Both of us found it really amazing!!
Evelyn Lim´s last blog ..Angelic Reiki Healing with Angels, Archangels and Ascended Masters
I always appreciate a great book recommendation. After years of not reading any novels at all, I just finished listening to “The Poisonwood Bible” by Barbara Kingsolver from my MP3 player. It was recommended to me from a coworker. Amaaaazing piece of work right there.
I just check out “The Twelve” on Amazon.com and the writing style does seem poignant and gripping. It almost begs the reader to read more. And the story itself looks enticing and distinct. I’ll check it out when I read my next novel.
Tim | Inspiration Central´s last blog ..Earl Nightingale’s “The Strangest Secretâ€â€”30 Best Quotes and Video
Hi Lisis
and I have no regrets. One instant of clear vision is what it took. Interesting.
I love how you are wondering how we will receive your post about a book review. Well as you see, the way you come from authenticity and genuiness, we all love it, even the author.
What is real and what is illusion, I begin to believe that we do not know the difference anyway. What I am starting to understand from posts and comments like these is that our mind is extremely limited and is like a computer. It cannot see anything it can not refer to something it recognizes and that is where the heart comes in.
Synchronicity is the bigger plan at work, the plan that exists and brings us all together and that is invisible to us.
I am sure that many people are brought to us for a reason, as Zeenat says there are too many to mention. Paying attention is the clue for me, without letting the mind judge what you see, look with innocent perception and then act.
I got to really see my partner when he was helping David Lewis, an old sailor with his rigging. In that instant I saw him, what he could mean to me and I saw a world opening up for me with him that is now coming to fruition. It was then that I decided he was worth shacking up with
So thanks for unleashing all this with your book review. You can do no wrong coming from your heart, obviously, love Wilma.
wilma ham´s last blog ..Forget unfair and luck, integrity is what counts.
[...] Quest for Balance posted an excellent review of the 2012 related book, THE TWELVE, which was written by our friend William Gladstone. Please find an excerpt below. To go to the original post, please visit: Quest For Balance, here. [...]
I met William at a 6 degrees mixer and bought the book. I just finished The Twelve and I loved it. It was so nice to read such and uplifting story about 2012. I can really see something like this happening. I am going to be passing this on to several of my friends.
Thanks for the book recommendation. I’m always looking for good inspirational/spiritual books.
“Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous.”
-Albert Einstein
Jared´s last blog ..The Spiritual Power of Now
Hey, you guys! I got a little behind on comments, but I’ve read and greatly appreciate every one of them.
Jared, that Einstein quote is PRICELESS!
Thanks!
[...] The Twelve, by William Gladstone I found this gem reading Lisis’ review at Quest for Balance; I’m about a quarter-way through and it is a great ride thus [...]
I like this line “As a child, Max lives in a world of colors and numbers, not speaking until the age of six. As an adult, Max ventures on a journey of destiny to discover the secret behind the ancient Mayan prophecy about the “end of time,” of this novel.