New Releases by David Kherdian

David Kherdian re-creates his mother''s voice in telling the true story of a childhood interrupted by one of the most devastating holocausts of our century. Vernon Dumehjian Kherdian was born into a loving and prosperous family. Then, in the year 1915, the Turkish government began the systematic destruction of its Armenian population.

A classic of Chinese literature, this beloved folktale is part adventure story, part spiritual allegory—now reimagined by a National Book Award nominee Part spiritual pilgrimage, part historical epic, the folk novel Journey to the West, which came to be known as Monkey, is the most popular classic of Asian literature. Originally written in the sixteenth century, it is the story of the adventures of the rogue-trickster Monkey and his encounters with a bizarre cast of characters as he travels to India with the Buddhist pilgrim Tripitaka in search of sacred scriptures. Much more than a picaresque adventure novel, Monkey is a profound allegory of the struggle that must occur before spiritual transformation is possible. David Kherdian''s masterful telling brings this classic of Chinese literature to life in a way that is true to the scope and depth of the original.

Here is an opportunity to approach one of the world''s greatest spiritual teachers through the timeless tale of his search for enlightenment and the end of suffering. This is the first account of the Buddha''s story that blends the elements of history, legend, and Buddhist teachings into a compelling, page-turning narrative.

Aurhor''s note: "Nearly all of these poems have been edited and revised, some have been deleted, and others, that were unfinished at the time of the publication of the first four books (in three limited editions) have been rescured and completed to my satisfaction. This then is the complete collection of this series -- the first four volumes set in a Gurdjieff community in Auroro, Oregon, now called Two River Farms, and the final book of poems, Book Five, written during the first year of re-entry into life, completing in time a ten year period of inner work." (title page verso)

Meet Alvin Tolliver, a quiet boy who seldom fits in with other kids. He doesn''t have any real friends, and he likes spending time alone in the forest near his home. Becoming a nature tracker is his dream. Life begins to change for Alvin when he meets four special people from whom he learns important lessons about the natural world. First, there''s Crazy Eli who is laughed at by everyone because he''s different. Then, Old Joe Krensky, the fabled wilderness guide, enters Alvin''s life. Next comes Hannah the Bird Lady who rescues hurt animals and seems to like them better than people. Lastly, Alvin meets Philip Sunbear, the famous Indian tracker that few people have ever seen. Hecause of his new friends, Alvin discovers that he''s not really alone in the world. Even more, he learns that the world is more magical than he ever realized.

Poetry. David Kherdian is the author or editor of over fifty books, which include poetry, novels, memoirs, and children''s books as well as critical studies, translations, and retellings. His numerous awards include a Newbery Honor Book, the Jane Addams Peace Award, the Friends of American Writers Award, and a nomination for the American Book Award. With simple and assuming means, like one of the great Armenian artisans who built the acclaimed original Christian churches, Kherdian creates the very life of the neighborhood of his childhood, and at the same time lets us see into the mind and spirit and heart of the poet himself -- Aram Saroyan.

David Kherdian tells the uncompromising inside story of his time in the Gurdjieff Work. He describes his interaction with the hierarchy of various groups involved in the Work and tells the story of his own awakening. Kherdian offers a brutally honest account of the confrontations that arise in the spiritual process.

A biography of the author''s mother concentrating on her childhood in Turkey before the Turkish government deported its Armenian population.

Only the courage of the beautiful Farizad is able to bring happiness out of the evil deeds of her mother''s two jealous older sisters.

While trying to make it through elementary school in Racine, Wisconsin, a thirteen-year-old Armenian American boy must come to terms with his heritage, his parents'' expectations, and his own uncertainty about what he wants from life.

A young boy relates his special friendship with his Armenian uncle.

The author relates his experiences and explores the joys and difficulties of growing up as a first-generation American in an Armenian household.

A newcomer''s enthusiasm for everything causes the animals to speculate on the nature of perception.

Two boys discover a cache of jewelry in the woods, are laughed at by the police, and determine to capture a thief themselves.

Despite his family''s objection, a cricket develops a friendship with a grasshopper.

Continues the biography of Veron Dumehjian who comes to America as a mail-order bride and adapts to life in a new country.

When Ted and Joe return to the McCable river on a camping trip, they secretly hope to contact a hermit living in a nearby cave.