Reviews for Guidelights

Reviews from local newspapers in Lynchburg, VA

The News and Advance, Lynchburg, Va.- Sunday, July 15, 2001 (pg. C3)
Guiding lights, a private eye, and long drives
by Darrell Laurant

Like a lot of us, Kurt Venables has spent considerable time thinking about the meaning of life. Unlike most of us, he's written a book on the subject. And yes, he knows that sounds a little pretentious. "I don't want to come across like I've got all the answers," the Bedford resident said last week. "I'm not trying to be some kind of guru."

On the back cover of "Guidelights" (self-published, less than 100 pages and $5.95 at several local bookstores), Venables declares: "As we stand at the dawn of a new millennium, I see a growing spiritual crisis. Although our science and technology have brought us unprecedented material well-being, we seem further away than ever from true spiritual wholeness." And yet, he adds, "the beliefs of each and every one of us hold value. They are lights shining in the darkness, guidelights. The beliefs of others guide us on our own journey. I sincerely hope that within this work, you will find some glimmers of truth to help you find your way."

Interestingly enough, Virginia Tech graduate Venables is neither a minister, a counselor or a "self-help" healer. He is, rather, an engineer who helps design cell phones at Grayson Wireless in Forest. Moreover, he has no ax to grind or creed to push. His own philosophy seems to be a mixture of Christianity, Buddhism, New Age and other influences, but he stresses that this worldview is very much his own. For lack of a better term, Venables comes across as spiritually androgynous. "I don't have a problem with organized religions," he said. "I would just like to see us expand our minds to explore different ways of viewing things. I think every religion has something of value to teach us. I believe our biggest obstacle right now, and one I address in the book, is our addiction to materialism."

Venables writes well (he also graduated from law school at William & Mary before discarding the law as a career) and accessibly, sprinkling his little volume with personal references to his mother, wife and daughter. You get a sense of chatting with him over a cup of coffee or a beer, one of those "heavy" conversations we've all found ourselves occasionally drawn into.

"Guidelights" can be purchased as Bookends in Forest, Givens Books, the Labyrinth Wellness Center on U.S. 221 in Forest, Sacred Tree in Forest and Uboro African Imports.


The Burg, Lynchburg, Va.- August 8, 2001 (pg. 4)
Guidelights: A Journey of Spiritual Renewal to the Light Within
by Megan Smith, Burg Editor

In his publication, "Guidelights: A Journey of Spiritual Renewal to the Light Within," local author Kurt Venables leads the reader in an educational journey into the world of spirituality. His first writing, this book is a moving and poignant collections of spiritual works, mixed with touching stories of Venables' personal life.

Venables wrote this book as a way of promoting spirituality and "to help readers gain an appreciation for the diversity of different spiritual beliefs." Venables said that at the time he began writing this book, he had been reading authors such as Gary Zukav, who penned the highly popular "The Seat of the Soul." Although influenced by writers like Zukav, he notes that he takes a bit of a different approach to his subject, trying not to present himself as a spiritual guru.

In this book, Venables is able to do just that. He presents his subject matter in a way that is down-to-earth and easy to understand. In presenting this subject matter, Venables hopes that he will be able to lay a foundation that will help others to develop an appreciation of the different spiritual beliefs that exist in the world. He adds that his belief is "if you develop an appreciation of different spiritual beliefs, then this will help in the development of your spirituality." Venables feels that it is important to emphasize that he is not discussing religion or promoting any one religion throughout these pages, but rather he is discussing spirituality. It is his hope that this book will help people become better able to synthesize their personal spiritual beliefs and spirituality.

The book is divided into three major sections, plus an overview and a conclusion. Each of these sections discusses different aspects of spirituality, including the meaning of life, love, and goodness. At times, the writing get a bit intense, but Venables possesses the ability to make these intense passages easy to understand and comprehend.

Sprinkled throughout the book are personal memoirs. These additions allow you to gain insight into Veanbles' life, seeing where much of the inspiration for his spirituality lies. Of particular poignancy, of which I could relate, is Venables' discussion of losing his mother. He tells the story beautifully, in a way that anyone who has lost his or her mother can relate. This story, along with some of the other memoirs, portray Venables' intense love for his family.

Venables wrote this book in about a year. This initial run was self-published and financed, but he is currently hoping to one day have a larger printing. However, this process is quite lengthy. "Guidelights: A Journey of Spiritual Renewal to the Light Within," is currently available at several local shops, including BookEnds, Givens Books, The Labyrinth, The Sacred Tree and Uboro African Imports.

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