In December 2004 and January 2005, Joseph Anderson traveled for thirty days in India, a trip which he chronicled in a journal and then, when time permitted, transferred to a travel blog so his mother and friends could follow him on his journey. Joseph planned to study yoga with one of the great yogi masters, Bikram, a trip he had planned for more than a year. Shortly before his trip, however, his father died unexpectedly. He wanted to cancel the trip, but his mother encouraged him to go, saying it would be good for him to get away. So he went. What began as a sometimes awkward journal by a highly successful trial attorney developed into a deeply moving dialogue by a man coming to terms with his own life and the lives of those around him, both physically and spiritually.
The Light Within: A Travel Log of India is a moving and sometimes shocking look at the streets of India, from Mother Teresa's orphange to the high-tech halls of Bangalore; from the pristine archetecture of the Taj Mahal to the tsunami-ravaged southern coast; from the plush five-star hotel rooms to the children of Calcutta, who, in spite of their overwhelming poverty, could still smile.
Joseph Anderson has pledged 100% of his royalties from the sale of this book to the Calcutta Children's Permanent Fund, a nonprofit organization, which he established upon returning to the US.
A Wonderful Read and a Great Cause, October 30, 2006
Reviewer: G. Capuzzo "GMC" (NC) - See all my reviews
This is a ferociously honest book. I devoured it in a few extended sittings, and am now rereading it more slowly. With clarity and verve, Joseph L. Anderson parses the assault on the senses that is India. A red thread running through the book is the idea that opposites converge at the n-th degree. Most prominently, Calcutta emerges as a place of abject poverty and inspiring scenes of humanity. Anderson's experiences in Calcutta led him to form a foundation that provides financial assistance to Calcutta's poorest children. All proceeds from this book go to the fund, so buy the book and you'll get a great read *and* the satisfaction of helping Calcutta's most needy children.
An inspiring narrative, with depth, compassion and spirit..., October 29, 2006
Reviewer: Neelam Bhardwaj (Greensboro, NC USA) - See all my reviews
Mr. Anderson's travel log takes us on a truly spiritual, yoga inspired journey through India. The reader is "transported" through crowded, chaotic city streets, dark slums and opulent, fancy hotels - in Delhi, Agra, Calcutta, Rajasthan and Bangalore...meeting along the way many beggars, homeless children and severely disabled people. He quietly describes the homeless children he encounters, who survive in the midst of dire poverty; their forlorn images will pull at your heart strings.... His writing is descriptive and colorful, blended with humor and pain - but containing a touching and profound message. He prompts us to question our own surroundings, how is it that so many live in utter squalor with nothing to call their own, while we have every comfort...? The moral of this narrative is clear; we must be content to live with less and focus more on helping those less fortunate, especially children. Our time on this earth is transient, but we can all make a difference by serving others. This is our collective duty and Mr. Anderson's book reminds us of this duty. Aptly named, the "Light Within" awakes the dormant conscience in one's soul and is truly a delightful read - it will leave you wanting more...
