Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

John Russell's true stories in The Crying Tree and the Magic Rock tell of the mystical and paranormal experiences of himself and others. He describes the magnolia tree, named The Crying Tree, which showed signs of distress and growth after being cut down. Russell recounts unsettling childhood experiences and a mysterious rock that changed properties. He discusses his cat, Gizmo, whose unusual behavior and subsequent death led to a belief in reincarnation when another tabby appeared and vanished. He includes stories about a malfunctioning bus, reappearing items, and reflections on a glowing orb and a wild gopher tortoise. Russell speaks on his sightings of extraterrestrial life, and his skepticism of their intentions and government secrecy. He also reflects on life stories like wind sprint training, overcoming phobias, and reliance on Guardian Angels, among many others, and considers the disparities in life experiences and death.

John Russell's The Crying Tree and the Magic Rock is an engrossing compilation that is all the more interesting given that these are often stranger than fiction. Russell writes each story in clear and simple language, allowing them to stand on their own. His capturing of the eerie essence of childhood fears and the unsettling experiences of a séance naturally contain a deft touch. I liked Russell's discussions on ethical considerations and the interconnectedness of life. For example, the contrast between his own experiences with a moth and those of a boy saving starfish are beautifully metaphorical and followed by the realities of the circle of life. I thought his critique of fraudulent psychics and his observations on spiritual exploitation to be refreshingly sharp and fitting as one of only a couple of critical outlooks he displays. Overall, this is an excellent anthology of the dimensions of human life and those that hover beyond us. Very highly recommended.