Book reviews on STD LEX and Metaphysical Cavemen

Book reviews on STD LEX & Metaphysical Cavemen

So... where are the reviews?

Please first read our policy and opinions concerning reviews:

Instead of presenting book reviews, we believe there's a better way... by posting the first two chapters of STD LEX and the first two chapters of Metaphysical Cavemen so you can judge for yourself. Actually, no 'professional' reviews are ever sought by us. For one thing, to pay or seduce a professional book reviewer into reviewing one's book seems rather unethical. It is obvious, it is a corruptible system often corrupted. We've all noticed too... reviewers don't write bad reviews. Even if a reviewer did, never again would it see the light of day. Paid for or not, no author would mention a bad review.

If however, book reviewing was a honest profession, or even free, we still wouldn't submit our books for review. We understand all too well how much 'conformity' rules in society and the original style of our books do not conform. Therefore, in consideration of the conformist mindset, practically universal, most would either misinterpret the text or find issue with it (being metaphysical). Simply put, we believe it would be a waste of time trying to get a fair and representative review. A traditional book reviewer would also frown on the fact fiction and non-fiction would be in the same book. Even though our books separate and distinguish the two from each other, it makes no difference to the industry... it's still inappropriate (in their opinion). The reason we feature a fictional account is to help the reader relate to the subject matter, otherwise non-fiction. We also believe the public would find these serial-type fictional accounts, sporadically injected, not only enlightening but entertaining as well.

As confirmed recently on national television, A.O. Kime is not alone... a handful of other authors are doing it today as well (mixing fiction with non-fiction) because the results can be awesome. It won't work for all books but a fictional account can breathe life into the subject matter, making it easier to relate to and can really clarify points. It also provides an occasional refreshing break. However, the fictional account should be based on the contents of the book and be clearly distinguishable from the non-fiction. It is not the first idea to 'cross the line' however. For example, 'fiction' based on true stories was largely a 20th century idea.

However, for those of you who'd like a quick review anyway, we think you'll find the following by A.O. Kime (the author) to be quite candid.

book cover picture of STD LEX

see about the author
see about the book
see chapters 1 & 2
see ordering information

Concerning the book STD LEX:

"In addition to what was written about the book (the theme), I think everyone would agree STD LEX is quite different but there's a purpose for its unique format and delivery. That's because it is largely metaphysical in nature, not an easy subject to get points across without being creative. This shouldn't be a distraction for most people however, but for those who would prefer a book in the usual format, it may not be a book they'd like... at least not at first. Once they got into it however, got accustomed to it's challenging depth, then I think it would be hard to put down. I'm hoping most people who read STD LEX will get a substantial amount out of it, and they certainly can because enough information is there.... as in the biblical adage 'seek and ye shall find'.

Further, in order for someone to appreciate this book, to get something out of it, it will take a particular mood. That necessary mood would be somewhat spiritual, as during those melancholy times or in deep reflection. If, say, after balancing your checkbook or watching television, you then decided to read STD LEX, you wouldn't find anything you liked about it or appreciated. As you can see, I didn't write this book primarily to fit the tastes of the reading public, that was only my secondary concern... my first was content. I simply feel content is more important than marketability. Of course I tried and in places the book flows pretty well, it lack continuity often but that is explained at the time and shouldn't be a distraction.

So, perhaps my own critical review will tell you what to expect. I could have, you know, sought a dozen reviews hoping for 1-2 good ones, printed them and trashed the rest. Who would know? I would. Would I change anything in the book now if I could? Well, perhaps the first three chapters but I never could find a better way to set the stage. Secondly, I'd delete 2-3 poems. And finally, I later realized, bitterness over losing my farm surfaced in a couple of instances, I should have guarded against that. In summation, I would say that if you approached this book knowing it will be quite different, controlling your natural instinct to reject originality, taking your time to absorb it, you will be amazed.

As for the matter of my 'qualifications', please read 'about the author' or see my statement further below."

A.O. Kime

book cover picture of Metaphysical Cavemen

see about the author
see about the book
see chapters 1 & 2
see ordering information

Concerning the book Metaphysical Cavemen:

"In addition to what was written about the book (the theme), I think Metaphysical Cavemen was written fairly conventionally in format and style, but it is creative enough whereby it could be difficult for a reviewer to access, not as difficult as STD LEX however. Like STD LEX, it also has a fictional account sporadically injected, a no-no in literary circles, yet necessary to make the various points more understandable. So, in this case, it was the only reason why a review might be unkind, unlike STD LEX which had several reasons.

As frank and honest as I believe I was reviewing my own book STD LEX, pointing out the difficulties a reader may have with it, while addressing its unique and positive qualities also, I will try to do the same here with Metaphysical Cavemen. Otherwise, I could, like so many others, print the good reviews and trash the others. It is also possible reviewers may question my credentials, that perhaps I am not qualified to write about such things as ancient history or anthropology. On this matter, please read 'about the author' or see my statement further below.

On a positive note, I think Metaphysical Cavemen takes 'analysis' to new heights by factoring in the spiritual dimension. While it probably would not be an academic's cup-of-tea, or a book from which anthropology is taught, it speaks to the rest of us. Since it brings to light certain factors which should have been obvious long before, I believe I've demonstrated that the scientific version of 'common sense' concerning our ancient past has been missing some basic ingredients. Others may see it differently however, the scientific community for one. Upon first glance they'd probably give it a thumbs-down and choose to ignore this book, taking issue with it since it was not written in scientific terms so therefore it cannot be credible but... largely the reason the public ignores these matters, alienated by their scientific (esoteric) jargon.

Would I do the book any differently now? Well, when I considered the public wouldn't initially expect a caveman's train-of-thought to be sophisticated, and until I could convince the reader otherwise, I tried to match that expectation by using simple dialog at first. While I only did that in the first few chapters, maybe I shouldn't have at all. Maybe I should have said at the very beginning... "a caveman never thought in simple terms""

A.O. Kime

A.O. Kime addresses his qualifications:

"I respect and endorse the idea that non-fiction writers should only write about those things they are scholastically qualified for or otherwise intimately familiar with. While the sciences have just about everything conceivable titled and subtitled, and while many are well developed, organized and progressing, they have created an umbrella effect. For some sciences their umbrella can cover a lot of ground they know little or nothing about. While this unknown territory should be under some particular umbrella for the sake of logically structuring the scope of each science I suppose, this should be in the spirit of only retaining it for future jurisdiction because these areas cannot yet be claimed by academia. Until there is a scientific breakthrough, or progress seen... the matter still belongs to the public.

In the meantime, there are instances whereby certain individuals can have advanced knowledge in certain areas, for whatever reason, and this should be recognized and sought. Copernicus and Euclid would have related. Therefore, for those unanswered eternal questions, the sciences should step aside and cease blocking the path for others through jurisdictional claims. It should be noted that while academia developed the sciences, they rarely discovered them."

A.O. Kime

Matrix of Mnemosyne... the place of smoke signals from the spirit world

Last modified: 02/11/10