[.ca] Filming Castaneda: The Hunt for Magic and Reason (ISBN 141404612X)

Surprise!:
I enjoyed reading this book immensely. I did not expect to find an engrossing story written with expertise about the author's interaction with Carlos Castaneda, the man of many mysteries. Having never met Castaneda, but only read his books, it was tremendously interesting peeking into his everyday life and seeing photographs of him and the people surrounding him. What struck me was how Carlos never noticed the two people following him around secretly for two years. And realising the all to human end of the magical creature that I had assembled in my mind was sobering, yet somehow comforting. I also appreciated the restraint of the author of not adding any second hand information to her book. All in all, I can heartily recommend this book. A good read, satisfying the mind and the heart.

Sneak Peek:
I bought this book with low expections (especially after ordering "I Was Carlos Castaneda"...don't go there, folks). It was actually quite good. The writer gives us a sneak peek at what went on in the underbelly of Castaneda-Land. For anyone who has followed this guy for the last 30+ years, it is interesting to know about such details. Same goes for the book by Amy Wallace. Both dish out a good taste of reality. Once you get beyond the initial shock you'll be glad you read them. You may also want to check out the website dedicated to the ongoing debate (www.sustainedaction.org). This will leave you hungry to buy more books!

Filming Castaneda:
I found filming castaneda to be the most compelling book I have read for quite some time. It really gives a glimpse into the life of Castaneda. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is curious about the private life of Carlos Castaneda and his inner circle. The Author keeps you on the edge of your seat with her adventure of spying on castaneda. The pictures are a huge bonus to this book.