What they've said about
(the first edition of):
by Sharon Janis
From the Media
Never to Return is a beautiful and poignant spiritual odyssey that is equally provocative and touching, informative and enlightening, humorous and heartbreaking. Sharon Janis writes with an admirable clarity, and her lightness of spirit in the face of adversity is exemplary for us all.
– Joseph Chilton Pearce, author Crack in the Cosmic Egg, The Magical Child, and Evolution's End
In this spiritual memoir, Janis records her own encounter with Swami Muktananda and his teachings. Her narrative describes the altered states of consciousness she experienced in close proximity to her teacher. According to Janis, these states are constant reminders that the spiritual life is filled with surprises and unexpected moments of enlightenment. In a larger sense, this memoir is a dialogue between Indian spirituality and Western psychology. The question that Janis answers in her memoir is: "Can a westerner come to know Indian spirituality and flourish in its depths, even when it is alien to western ways of knowing?'" She answers with a resounding "yes."
– Publishers Weekly
This memoir is a poignant statement on the search for truth in a culture fixated on image and material wealth. Janis begins her story with her first memories from infancy, then takes readers through the full course of her life, sharing her experiences and how they shaped her inner and outer existence. She writes with kindness and compassion for all those involved, placing neither blame nor guilt, and takes pleasure in and responsibility for her life's entirety. Janis' humanity comes shining through, allowing us to see her fears, her stumbling, and, in all humility, her ego. Inspired by deep guidance and inner listening, this book aims to bring readers to "a sense of wonder and respect for their own journey" and a greater regard for others on their paths.
– NAPRA ReVIEW
These enticing stories from one woman's journey speak to some of life's most delicate topics. Sharon Janis writes with humor, insight, and a storyteller's talent for engaging the reader. Never to Return holds great value for anyone with an interest in personal growth and self-help, spirituality and the "inner journey."
– Midwest Book Review
Sharon's quest for truth, her spiritual odyssey, will lead you on a journey to undiscovered country. The island of you. Sharon's travels within herself have led her to many amazing and even average things. One thing sure to strike you is a feeling of coming home. One of knowing that this lady could be your best friend. She is funny, goodhearted, good-natured and her words have the relaxing effect of a fine novel. If you are looking for personal insight, Sharon Janis is here to share.
– Buzz Review
A friend sent me Never to Return, and as I briefly glanced through it before placing it in the stack of books waiting to be read and reviewed, it immediately engaged me and I spent the next few days devouring it. Sharon Janis writes of growing up as a very independent child, tells delightful stories of the 10 years she spent in a monastery setting at the Indian ashram of Swami Muktananda, and how she later went to work in the Hollywood film industry. She had me alternately laughing out loud and somberly reflecting on her innocent wisdom. It's like sitting with your best friend, who suddenly has all the answers to the Universe! Never to Return is a great handbook for how to sail through many of life's challenges, with grace, understanding and ease.
– Andrea de Michaelis, Horizons Magazine
Never to Return is the true story of one woman's spiritual adventure beginning with sneaking away to church at age two and a half to spending ten years of monastic life in an Indian Ashram to a materially satisfying Hollywood career. After the trauma of experiencing a massive earthquake, Sharon then fell ill — probably as a result of the hundred-hour work weeks she often put in as an editor and assoicate producer for two top children's television shows. She felt as if she had fallen off her path of spiritual evolution. Sharon shares her powerful inner quest to remember what she had once learned but had since forgotten with humor and clarity. She is a charming storyteller who invites you to drink of her deep experience with Indian spirituality and her search for truth in a world obsessed with appearances.
– Magical Blend Magazine
Never to Return is a true story of the inner journey, yet it reads like a novel. Join Sharon Janis for the spiritual adventure of your life!
– Lucia Capacchione, author The Creative Journal: The Art of Finding Yourself
Using her natural sense of humor and gift for story-telling, Sharon Janis has skillfully woven a rich tapestry that illustrates one everyday mystic's journey and ongoing transformation with a candid charm that is refreshing and at times hilariously funny.
– Liana R. Beckett, MFCC, co-author Leaving the Enchanted Forest
Sharon Janis was one of those terrible kids that could do anything she wanted, starting at age two. She began talking practially hot from the womb, did a course in hypnotherapy at age seven, was painting -- and selling her paintings -- at sixteen. . . Her IQ was off the chart --- then she decided to throw it all up and run off and become a student of Muktananda, in upstate New York. Once there, she became an expert video producer, musician, toilet cleaner, and milker of cows (you are expected to be a Renaissance Man --- or Woman --- in the ashram.) This is her story --- and it's a dilly.
For one thing, Janis believes in the simple declarative sentence, and it makes her story easy to read. I mean, how many kids do we know who grew up in a family unwanted --- parents totally disinterested in being parents --- so, after a harrowing childhood of insults and inattention, she goes off to try the usual heavy drugs (she stated that some of her best high school work was done on amphetamines, which she shared with her mother), then, once in college, dumps it all to do holy work direct from the East. After ten years of that, it's off to Hollywood to become an award-winning producer of children's television programs.
It's a good story, and for those of us who are interested in what exactly
goes on in those ashrams, it's hard to put down. And --- if we believe her,
and there's little reason not to --- it is just what you'd think it is, only
better: moments of total ecstasy, followed by petty battles with other
ashramites, alternating encouragement, love, paradox, and caustic insult
from the masters. Few writers so far have told the tale of what it is like
to live and study, heart and soul, with the likes of Muktananda.
– RALPH: Review of the Arts, Literature, Philosophy and the
Humanities, (Formerly the Fessenden Review)
Favorite Comments from Readers
I just finished your book Never to Return and would like to tell you how much I liked it. It is not often that one finds a book of this spiritual depth, that even a beginner can get into. It starts like an easy read, and then turns out to be a rather advanced course for beginners. I loved your book.
– M. B., Fairfield, IA
Thanks for sharing what you have learned. You make the ineffable effable
(sorry about this awful play on words.) Thanks again for your beautifully
written, extraordinary book.
– D. H., Walnut Creek, CA
I just finished reading your new book, Never to Return, and I
had to write you and tell you how fabulous it is, front to back! I laughed,
I cried, I got furious, was outraged, inspired, awed, . . . and so forth!
It really is one of the most interesting books I've read in quite awhile.
THANK YOU FOR WRITING THIS BOOK! Once I got it, I didn't put it down till
I was finished. I thought about it during the days, and know that many of
the dreams I've been having lately have been stimulated by it. I talked about
it in therapy. I've talked about it with friends. It is a treasure. I mean
that. It is honest, true, and very real. Your book is a major contribution
to "the quest for eternal truth."
– S. M., Ph.D., therapist from Los Angeles
I just finished reading your book and want to tell you how much I enjoyed
it, it was the story of a soul sister. Your story will serve as encouragement
to all souls who recognize their desire to wake up, to be free and know the
truth of their own being. It's a story about the great leela where willingness
and trust face the great illusion of separateness. What a leela, what a journey!
And your book is a celebration of this magical willingness. Thank you so
much!
– K.C., Leucadia, CA
I found your story to be completely fascinating. I have never
connected with a writer before like I have with you. You are an excellent
writer and I found your story very touching. It didn't take me long
to finish your book. I took it everywhere with me. To my friends,
on the bus, to work. Your story seemed to comfort me in many ways. I really
want to say thank you, not only for writing an outstanding novel but for
giving me the strength and hope to follow my dreams and strengthen my inner
self, something which I had lost but now have found.
– L. H., 18 year old student, Ontario, Canada
Thank you for affording me such a fine Sunday afternoon. I certainly
did not know what to expect when I picked up your book - even to the last
page! I am confident that there will be more.
– Abbot C, O.S.B, 89 year old Benedictine abbot
The main reason I'm writing you this letter is to tell you that I think
you have had a very fascinating life. I have read part of your book Never to Return and even though I am only on chapter seven and on
page 71, I feel I already know a lot about you. I am only nine years
old and home-schooled but I still think that your book is very powerful and
good for everyone to read.
– A.O., 9 year old, Oceanside, CA
I read Never to Return straight through - took me a day and a
half — couldn't put it down. Thank you so much for your book. Reading
it was such a powerful experience for me - I was reeling for a couple of
days afterwards.
– S. W., Sonoma, CA
I just completed reading your book Never to Return, and couldn't
wait to write you a note. What a wonderful book you have written! Creative,
sincere, honest, deep, moving, inspiring, empowering. While I was reading
it, I cried, I laughed, I tried to imagine some of your experiences, I stopped
to re-live my own, and thanked you all the way for recording so brilliantly
those subtle states that transform us.
– E. C., Los Angeles
Your book is a real treat. I have often wondered why no one has written "in-depth" about this Ashram experience - but I also thought that it would
be almost impossible to capture the essential qualities of that experience.
I believe that you have succeeded in doing just that - and with wit and humor
as well. In any event I greatly enjoyed the book and I believe that it will
help many seekers - especially those who have difficulty in seeing beyond
the facade of ritual.
– T. C., Verona, NJ
I just finished reading your wonderful, awe-inspiring story. Our lives
have not been alike but you have found words for many things I experienced
as I was growing up. One "ah-hah" after another. I kept being pulled out
of the mundane and pushed toward the sublime by your words. Reading about
your quest allowed me to revisit my own.
– K. D., NYC
I just finished your book, Never to Return, and loved it! I just
had to write and thank you for your humor, words and TEARS!!
– Sister MD, OD, NY
Here I am all in tears – finishing your book. I loved it, especially
the inner travel. I enjoyed your story very much. Now, please. . . send your
blessings my way that I too share what I received.
– O.C., Seattle, WA
I just want to give you my love for letting me participate in the
experiences you wrote about in your book. I found it here at the Golden
Sufi Center. I hope it will get translated into German. I'm going to
leave tomorrow back to Germany, and I'm sure that your book will be as valuable
for some of my friends there as it is for me.
– G.L., Germany
Big belly laughs a bunch of times. It is FUNNY and really insightful.
I love how you write. I couldn't put it down. There is so much grace and
understanding in this book. People are going to love it.
– D. R., Los Angeles
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