February 20, 2013 – YA Chit Chat

I recently finished the book, The Midas Tree, by Dr. Lesley Phillips, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.

Here’s a little bit about the novel:

Joshua lives in the Garden Of Color and Light, an idyllic paradise where he is always playing and having fun. Each day is like any other, until he finds a magical golden acorn that enraptures him and propels him on an incredible adventure. After being guided to chase the acorn as it flies through the garden, Joshua discovers a door at the base of a tree; and once he enters his life changes for ever.

Joshua is transported into a mysterious realm within “The Midas Tree.” Desperate to return home, he sets about exploring this unfamiliar environment. He encounters sticky situations and meets tricky characters along the way. Fortunately he does not have to face them alone. His guides are the mystical creatures that live inside the tree, called Devas. They are keepers of ancient secrets that can help Joshua to cope with the obstacles he encounters and the challenges he meets. Joshua learns from the Devas that if he wishes to return home, he must first transform himself – and “The Midas Tree”. The processes that the Devas expose him to begin a path of self-revelation where he learns the truth about himself. This spellbinding story overflows with challenges, magical creatures and mystical superpowers, which you too will discover along the way. “The Midas Tree” is a spiritual adventure novel aimed at a middle grade to Young Adult audience; although all the adults who have read it like it too.

The first thing that struck me about this novel was how beautifully the book captures the essence of spiritual growth without being preachy or religious (not that I have anything against religious books, but since this book is meant for younger children, I liked the idea of teaching spirituality and leaving the teaching of religious beliefs to parents). I was immediately taken with Joshua, his curiosity and his innocence. As soon as he enters the secret realm of The Midas Tree, I knew I was in for a very special treat.

I am usually not one for talking animals in books, but in this case, they are necessary and endearing. Not only do they speak, but they teach us about who they are and their connections to the universe. The Midas Tree is a wonderful exposition on the most purest, spiritual level of how we all are intertwined with one another, and how one single deviation from our natural course can set off a domino effect that has long lasting effects on our lives and our world.

The Midas Tree is not only inhabited by these wonderful creatures, but also by Devas: fairy-like creatures who have separate but equally important roles to play in teaching Joshua about the spiritual connectivity of all life. They are probably my favorite characters in the story.

Throughout Joshua’s journey, I also encountered the spirituality in myself, and I learned a few things about tuning in and connecting with my spiritual self. For someone who is fascinated with chakras, astral traveling, meditation and the laws of attraction, this novel gripped my spirit and led me down paths of understanding without realizing it.

Children and adults alike will enjoy this book for its wonderful lessons and unique and very special characters. If The Chronicles of Narnia and Alice Through the Looking Glass are some of your favorite books, you will adore The Midas Tree. It is definitely a book to add to your permanent collection for a lifetime of reading.

I give this book 5 stars out of 5.

The Midas Tree is available at Amazon on Kindle and in paperback.

Dr. Lesley Phillips is an author, Meditation Teacher, Spiritual Counselor, Clairvoyant and Energy Healer. To learn more about her and The Midas Tree, please visit her website here.