In this animated tale, the reader experiences the magical adventures of a soul's quest for truth.
If pain was harsh, death was harsher.If she had known that the consequences of the choice she made back then were going to be like this, then perhaps she would have chosen differently or perhaps not.Many Faces was sorry and hoped that she would be absolved, then she could be free.She sunk back down to the ground, buried her face in the dirt, and cried herself to sleep.
“Many Faces, Many Faces, wake up,” the pair of smiling eyes lovingly called.“It’s a bright new day.Rise up and claim your strength, for you have been given the eyes of a falcon and the strength of the bear.”
There was no doubt about the voice.It was Eyes of Faith.Many Faces jumped to her feet and looked straight up.“Eyeez -- Oh Eyes, you are back!I thought that I had lost you forever,” she squealed.
“You almost did, Many Faces.Had you not listened to the painful truth that Pain and Death told you, you would have never seen me again.They were the ones who sent for me.They said to tell you that although you have been pardoned, you cannot be freed until the scars on your soul are healed.They also said that you will never be as carefree as you once were, but that if you follow the instructions of your spirit, then all of your gifts will slowly come back to you,” replied Eyes of Faith as they blinked.
Excerpt
Some of the "golden nuggets" that Many Faces finds on her journey include: "I am not called Elusive, the Great Golden Butterfly of Happiness for nothing, the more that I am chased, the more elusive I become." (pg. 15) - "To be paralyzed in the face of fear is only temporary, but to never go beyond is crippling for life." (pg. 12-13) - "To have a friend, you must be a friend, and to be a friend, you must first make friends with yourself." (pg. 18) - "You are the gold and love is within your heart." (pg. 48)
Professional Reviews
Bravo! Excellent!
This Weeks SPOTLIGHT Book -- May 2006
Very rarely a book comes along that impresses me with it's wit, charm and clarity in dealing with all the emotions, traits and frailties of the complex animal known as human beings, as well as Many Faces to Many Places by Judy Azar LeBlanc. LeBlanc's latest book shines like a diamond in a coal mine and is a gem is of rare quality indeed. Her metaphors are unique and crystal clear and offer insight and timeless wisdom into the art of living life to its fullest. Her use of familiar characters in a very illuminating manner brought smile after smile to my face as I read this nearly magical book. To author Judy Azar LeBlanc, Bravo! Excellent!
Many Faces to Many Places is an outstanding, thoroughly enjoyable, and powerful book. One that everyone should read and a book that anyone reading it will benefit.
Judy Azar LeBlanc is the author of Things My Father Never Taught Me, The Compromise and The Unveiling
Inspirational and Timeless
Every soul must follow its own path. In Many Faces to Many Places it is a path that allows for the freedom of happiness, the hard lessons of life and the reward of growth and understanding. It is our purpose to learn life's lessons and allow our souls to grow.
In a story that is full of beautifully descriptive moments, the reader is led through one soul's journey and is allowed to witness its transitions. "Many Faces" communicates with nature and her surrounding elements, she is guided by faith and truth, and eventually comes to find herself.
Judy Azar LeBlanc has written a memorable book that is inspirational and timeless. Her creativity abounds and her ability to impart words of wisdom through her characters is uniquely executed. You won't soon forget the journey in this tale and may be inspired to take a closer look at your own.
Review by Heather Froeschl of BookReview.com
A short but powerful, inspirational read
You look at this little book, and a part of you sees it as just another allegorical treatment of the spiritual journey to fulfillment in life. There's nothing new here, you might think. You might even wonder if you'll get anything out of the book at all. As I started reading it myself, I had a few doubts of my own. This seemed like another happy-feely book set in a world of flowers and beauty, tracing an allegorical path that was just too easy. Then a funny thing happened; the book didn't end when the main character found her happy place. Instead, it took a drastic turn down into the valley of loss and trial before finally forging a path back toward faith and fulfillment.
Many Faces is the name of the girl in this story; as her name suggests, she is pretty much representative of any and all of us. Even so, she is unique and has the ability to commune directly with nature. She has been locked up by a witch, but she escapes and begins her life's journey. She meets with different guides along her way, including Elusive, the Great Golden Butterfly of Happiness; overcomes the lure of Hate, Greed, and the like; finds herself presented with the gifts of truth and faith; and follows the Eyes of Faith to her intended destination, where she discovers the true meaning of love and beauty. She has more than she ever dreamed of, but the joy and wonder of it all proves fleeting.
For some reason, she grows tired of her idyllic situation, spurns the gifts she was given, and heads out on her own, eventually arriving at the gates of the Land of the Forgotten. She sees the women of the land parading around in their beautiful gowns, seemingly beloved by all, and then King Eslaf takes her for his own. In this world, though, everyone is forced to wear a mask; who you are is defined by how you want others to see you. Imperfection is not allowed - if no one can see it, then it essentially doesn't exist. The kingdom also works on a distorted interpretation of the Golden Rule: he who has the gold, rules. Many Faces willingly does dark and terrible things here, losing herself and her very soul piece by piece. Eventually, though, the true self buried inside her increasingly hollow existence sees the wickedness of her ways. Part III covers her attempt to regain what she has lost.
This short book is at its best when imparting spiritual teachings and knowledge. Most of this knowledge consists of things we have all heard a million times, but LeBlanc succeeds surprisingly well in imparting a sense of understanding and focus on what really matters in life. She makes ideas we all too often ignore or conveniently neglect refreshingly relevant. I found this to be a quick but powerful read. I wouldn't recommend it for children, however, as some of the issues involved in Many Faces' fall from grace might lead to some uncomfortable questions for parents. I think this book is principally for all of us adults who "know better" than to do some of the things we do and really just need someone to hit us on the head with the simplicity of truth and spiritual common sense.
