Official Review: How to Be A Panist by Laura Giles

InStoree · Post by **InStoree** » 17 Jul 2019, 11:48

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "How to Be A Panist" by Laura Giles.]

3 out of 4 stars

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Most of the time, the concept of a book guiding me to change with the aphorism of "how-to" is something I find uncomfortable, in addition to the commanding tone employed. Normally, my rebellious side wouldn't have picked this book, if the unknown term of "panist" hadn't appeared. I took a peek in the dictionary, searching for the definition and… nothing. I searched the internet for its meaning. Nothing there, either. I wrongly assumed that it was a misspelling of the term "pianist", but the book's description was totally unrelated to teaching one how to play the piano. My curiosity and interest evoked the question: "what is a panist, after all?"

How to Be A Panist is an introduction to the modern animism - a culture which is focusing on a balanced and purposeful life. Looking at the bigger picture, the Sun, Moon, Seasons, Directions, and Nature are "sacred, alive, and connected". The key that opens the door to a panist lifestyle is labelled "authenticity". Those who need guidance to the notions of the circle of life, connection to the Universe, or the "alignment with your higher self" could benefit from this elucidating book.

I appreciated Laura Giles' honest tone, and her acknowledgement of the similarities between cultures. Compassion, mutual respect, sincerity, and love are some of the elements that resonate in various religions and ethnicities, and it seems that is also the animism foundation too. Although every now and then, the propaganda for "be a panist" and "join the community" are released, I believe these hints might be helpful for those who feel as if they are trapped in a hamster wheel or experience the feeling of an outsider. The practice suggestions that the author has annotated at the end of each chapter are useful tools to get back on track and to stabilize one's life.

How to Be A Panist seems to contribute to the building of the New Age movement. Personally, I find it difficult to associate the basis of this new tendency with what appears to be ancient teachings, but I did enjoy the Walking in The Wheel of Life chapter along with the "astrology, flora, and fauna" teachings. The glimpses of rituals that use Nature, The Elements, and The Seasons, as accoutrements of a harmonic lifestyle, was an interesting and vibrant concept.

I would rate this book with 3 out of 4 stars. In the first few pages, I found more than ten editorial errors, and this perseveres throughout the entire book. Most of them consist of the use of the incorrect verb form, missing hyphens, misspellings, unnecessary or missing commas, and incorrect prepositions. A re-polish of the work could improve the nuance of this cogent book. But, as an overall, this didn't distract me from receiving some valuable information. The one I liked most was:

When we love and respect everything around us, the love chain continues and life flourishes.

******
How to Be A Panist
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FREDFDK · Post by **FREDFDK** » 24 Jul 2019, 06:28

I also open the review because of the word "Panist".

LeeleeByoma · Post by **LeeleeByoma** » 24 Jul 2019, 07:55

It does sound like a book packed with relevant information. I probably won't read it, but thanks for this review. I now have a little understanding of what it means to be a panist.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 24 Jul 2019, 08:43

This was a good review, but I don't think it's a book for me. My beliefs are set, and the author and I wouldn't agree. I'm glad you found it enjoyable, though. Thanks for the introduction.

Erin Painter Baker · Post by **Erin Painter Baker** » 24 Jul 2019, 17:36

Animism is, in fact, an ancient belief of many cultures. But the practice of it today has needed to change as the world has changed. But I would bet that the practice of Christianity today would feel foreign to the original Christians, so I think that's just part of how religious practices change with the era.
I don't know that I want to be a Panist, but I do find the concept of a book that talks about the beliefs of Animism in the modern world to be interesting.

Wriley · Post by **Wriley** » 24 Jul 2019, 20:14

I think I'll make up some random word because if panist isn't in the dictionary then that exactly what someone did. I'm not much into nature religion. I have a degree in enviromental biology and live surrounded by a national forest near a wilderness area and I find that the forest is the best place for me to find my center but this new age stuff isn't in nature.

InStoree · Post by **InStoree** » 25 Jul 2019, 04:09

FREDFDK wrote: ↑24 Jul 2019, 06:28 I also open the review because of the word "Panist".

I guess it's an appealing word. Thanks for your comment!

LeeleeByoma wrote: ↑24 Jul 2019, 07:55 It does sound like a book packed with relevant information. I probably won't read it, but thanks for this review. I now have a little understanding of what it means to be a panist.

No worries! I totally understand. But if you do decide to give it a try sometime, it does have some valuable content that could help improve the daily life. Thank you for your time, Leelee!

kandscreeley wrote: ↑24 Jul 2019, 08:43 This was a good review, but I don't think it's a book for me. My beliefs are set, and the author and I wouldn't agree. I'm glad you found it enjoyable, though. Thanks for the introduction.

I sustain your decision. Being loyal to your beliefs is a unique quality which I deeply appreciate it. Thanks for stopping by, kandscreeley!

esp1975 wrote: ↑24 Jul 2019, 17:36 Animism is, in fact, an ancient belief of many cultures. But the practice of it today has needed to change as the world has changed. But I would bet that the practice of Christianity today would feel foreign to the original Christians, so I think that's just part of how religious practices change with the era.
I don't know that I want to be a Panist, but I do find the concept of a book that talks about the beliefs of Animism in the modern world to be interesting.

Thank you for the descriptive information, esp. I agree that when the time changes, the traditional dogmas suffer some updates in order to survive, evolve maybe, and keep its generation close by. My misunderstanding is about the terms "new" or "modern". Somehow, I associate these words with Apple, for example, or the Internet. Mostly what is created after 1900. But that's just me and the chip that interferes and short-circuits a connection in my brain 🤪. Still working on this. Thank you for your helpful comment!

InStoree · Post by **InStoree** » 25 Jul 2019, 04:28

Wriley wrote: ↑24 Jul 2019, 20:14 I think I'll make up some random word because if panist isn't in the dictionary then that exactly what someone did. I'm not much into nature religion. I have a degree in enviromental biology and live surrounded by a national forest near a wilderness area and I find that the forest is the best place for me to find my center but this new age stuff isn't in nature.

My search involved the Cambridge Dictionary, the Merriam-Webster site and a Google browse. Maybe it's part of the Animism language? But I couldn't find that either. I'm also curious about how this word come alive. There is no certain definition of the word itself or its origin, not even in the book. Anyway, I'm glad that you find nature a beneficial tool in your life. I think you might enjoy some of the chapters of this book. I appreciate your comment, Wriley!

babygirl2323 · Post by **babygirl2323** » 26 Jul 2019, 16:21

I am not also in much of nature religion either so I can't really say that it exactly sound that good and interesting and others things can also make this book better by adding new words and things to it so it can be awesome and great.

InStoree · Post by **InStoree** » 26 Jul 2019, 21:55

babygirl2323 wrote: ↑26 Jul 2019, 16:21 I am not also in much of nature religion either so I can't really say that it exactly sound that good and interesting and others things can also make this book better by adding new words and things to it so it can be awesome and great.

I hear you! Indeed, the book has its own target audience. Thank you for taking the time to read my review!