Foreword by New York Times bestselling author, Cynthia Brian
• Mom's Choice Awards Recipient
• Winner of the Avatar Award for Excellence in Spiritual Literature
• Best Book in Reader Views 2007 Literary Awards in three categories: First Place in Poetry, Second Place in Inspirational/Spiritual, Second Place in New Age Nonfiction
• Finalist - National Indie Excellence 2007 Book Awards
• Honorable Mention - 2007 New York Book Festival
• Honorable Mention - 2007 DIY Book Festival
O, spread thy wings and fly to wondrous places! The winds shall take thee to undiscovered spaces where hearts dance to songs of delight sung by the spirits of life.
Spirit, rise! You are about to fly to a world of dancing hearts, singing spirits, with infinite love from life, in the treasure trove of Waking Spirit. Swing to the melodies as the essence of the prose and poetry, including 102 beautifully written haiku of nature wonders and delightful animals, awakens your soul. The inspirational quotes in A Moment with Shirley, and autobiographical tales, such as I'm Not Disabled--I'm Ultra-Abled, shine with the author's invincible spirit and precocious wisdom, empowering you to take flight.
Many songs have been left unsung, their tales all untold. The melodies were never formed, with words all but spoken. Do not let the same misfortune befall your spirit. Sing your song while it is young. Let your melodies travel far and wide, and when you do, prepare to embrace the sky.
"Waking Spirit celebrates life while encouraging us all to appreciate what we already have. It's a book of survival, a tome of devotion, a bible of being," wrote New York Times bestselling author, Cynthia Brian, in the foreword. "Serve yourself a big helping of Shirley Cheng's inspiration and you'll be motivated to shoot for the stars."
"This book is an amazing read by an amazing person. While shops and shelves are piled with inspirational and self-help books written by people with disabilities, only luck can lead the reader to an author capable of transporting them to a world outside the normal and understood. Shirley Cheng is one of these lucky finds, driven as she is to help others understand the lives of the disabled.
"Her writing is very accessible and enjoyable as she "shows without telling," without arrogance or preachiness.
"This book is an expression of joy, of wonder, and of passion for life. It teaches simple truths and lifelong lesson…" -ForeWord Magazine CLARION Reviews
"Uplifting Thoughts from a Spiritual Champion… In the essays in Waking Spirit, Ms. Cheng recounts her spiritual journey in a way that would move a boulder to dance. Her happiness is so pervasive that you may at first not be able to tune into it. Through a combination of essays, aphorisms, poems and haiku, you'll find yourself moving up in spiritual blessedness from this uplifting volume." -Donald Mitchell, bestselling author, Boston professor, Amazon.com Top Ten Reviewer
"A Rare Gift, An Extraordinary Soul… I had the privilege of reading Waking Spirit by Shirley Cheng. I say a privilege because she is that rare someone who has been able to rise above the trials of life. Her spirit shines through every word, lifting your heart and making you dance beside her. Her poetry paints a picture and you are there. Her piercing insights belie her young age and you feel the wisdom in her words. Her gifts are boundless and take us all to a loftier place we can only dream about." -Robbie Miles, Brush Artist and Teacher
"An inspirational miscellany from one of the braver souls on the planet…a menagerie of lyrics, haiku, short personal essays and even briefer aphoristic words to live by--all on the theme of leaping over seemingly insurmountable hurdles…
"For those ready to be eased of their burdens, Cheng provides a lift." -Kirkus Discoveries
"…a masterpiece…" -Ken Bossone, President, World Positive Thinkers Club
"Her wisdom and captivating writing style reveals a rare beauty of the heart. Humorous haiku blends effortlessly with devotional selections as quotes sing a wisdom we want to hear and live." -The Rebecca Review, Amazon.com Top Ten Reviewer
Some of the proceeds from the sale of Waking Spirit: Prose & Poems the Spirit Sings, will go to Christian Blind Mission International and Be the Star You Are!
Christian Blind Mission International (CBMI), based in Germany with affiliate offices in ten countries, is the oldest and largest ministry with the primary purpose of improving the quality of life for the blind and disabled in 113 developing countries, providing preventative, medical, rehabilitative and educational services in more than one thousand projects. Their aid is available to all people regardless of religion, nationality, race, or gender.
"Being blind or disabled is already hard enough without having to endure the suffering resulting from economic barriers. I have always wished to help anyone in need, and this is my chance to do so. I hope people will support me in this good cause," says Shirley.
Be the Star You Are! is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation founded by Cynthia Brian in 1999 that collects and distributes books and other positive media to youth at risk as a way to raise their life skills and self esteem.
Order your autographed copy today!
Experience a spiritual transformation while supporting a great cause.
Paperback: $14.97
About the Author
Shirley Cheng (b. 1983), a blind and physically disabled award-winning author (with twenty awards, including nine Parent to Parent Adding Wisdom Awards), motivational speaker, self-empowerment expert, poet, author of nine books, contributor to seventeen, and a parental rights advocate, has had severe juvenile rheumatoid arthritis since infancy. Owing to years of hospitalization, she received no education until age eleven. However, after only about 180 days of special education in elementary school, she mastered grade level in all areas and entered a regular sixth grade class in middle school. Unfortunately, Shirley lost her eyesight at the age of seventeen. After a successful eye surgery, she hopes to earn multiple science doctorates from Harvard University.
Shirley is available for interviews, speaking engagements, book signings, and inspirational events.
(A media kit and photos are available on request both electronically and by post.)
