REVIEWS
LITERARY LUMINARIES REVIEW
ROMUALD DZEMO
Appearance: 5
Plot: 5
Development: 5
Formatting: 5
Marketability: 5
Overall Opinion: 5
Phil Sisson's Too Far from the Tree is a groundbreaking book exploring white supremacy's genesis, addressing “its incongruence with what can only be characterized as a spiritual revolution.” This thought-provoking work is not just a history lesson but a spiritual journey that explores the very fabric of humanity's existence. The author's personal experiences and reflections serve as a powerful catalyst for examining the roots of white supremacy, its impact on society, and the need for a spiritual revolution. The book is littered with historical events and philosophical musings, creating a rich, informative, and emotionally resonant text for readers to explore. The writing is infused with a deep sense of spirituality as the author seeks to understand the complexities of human nature and the interconnectedness of all people.
Phil Sisson uniquely balances his personal experiences with historical facts. His book serves as a powerful backdrop for exploring the themes of racism, nationalism, and communism, allowing readers to connect with the material on a deeper level. The author's use of storytelling as a medium for sharing his experiences and insights is nothing short of masterful as he weaves together disparate threads to create an intimate and expansive narrative. Each chapter is meticulously crafted to explore a specific aspect of white supremacy. Sisson's writing is characterized by its clarity, precision, and unwavering commitment to truth. His exploration of the transatlantic slave trade, colonialism, and the erasure of African history is particularly noteworthy as he highlights how these events have contributed to the ongoing legacy of white supremacy.
The book features disturbing historical facts like how papal bulls, eugenics, and scientific racism combined to devastate the kingdom of Kongo in the 1900s. He argues that a spiritual revolution must recast humanity's story and create a more just and equitable world. This is not a call to fanaticism or dogma but rather an invitation to explore the depths of human consciousness and recognize our shared humanity. Too Far from the Tree is a unique book on white supremacy and the color line, a reality that is as resonant today as it has been in the past.
Reviewed by: Romuald Dzemo
LITERARY LUMINARIES REVIEW
GRANT LEISHMAN
Appearance: 4
Plot: 5
Development: 5
Formatting: 5
Marketability: 5
Overall Opinion: 5
Too Far From the Tree by Phil Sisson is a deep, spiritual, and thought-provoking exposition into the root causes of the systemic racism manifested in the world but especially prevalent in Western society. The author examines the justifications used by the European countries to enter into the abhorrent practices of the slave trade in the fifteenth century and then to attempt to subjugate and often eradicate the native populations in the name of colonialism, greed, and civilizing the savage creatures that they found there. Of course, many of these supposedly savage populations had a thriving culture and highly functioning societies but that was an inconvenient fact that the conquerors could overlook. Specifically, the author focuses on the Papal Bulls issued by the Vatican to the rulers of Portugal and Spain instructing them to spread the word of Catholicism to the developing world and to defeat, enslave, or eradicate any native populations they might discover in these lands. Eventually, rulers of Western European powers would take these instructions as an implicit invitation to colonize the world in the name of Christianity. The author also offers some realistic and cogent options to unite the world and recognize the oneness of humanity before it is too late to save our fractured and contentious world.
Too Far From the Tree is one of the most powerful statements I have read on the problem of systemic racism and its root causes, which many of us recognize but feel powerless to do anything about. Author Phil Sisson has researched deeply and his extensive endnotes will show the integrity of his source information. I was particularly pleased that he encompassed the idea that thought is the most powerful tool we possess to change our world and the universe in general. Although I was familiar with many of the religious and spiritual aspects of the history of race and religion mentioned, I was particularly drawn to the Baha’i doctrines of which I knew very little. Their concepts of one humanity, the essential worth of all religions, and the chronological progressive revelations from God resonated deeply with many of my worldviews. The author’s clear evidence that the constructs of man have created the schisms in religions, races, and systems of government over the millennia is a ringing endorsement as to why we need to seriously consider the precepts of Baha’i and its concept of one humanity. One of the biggest takeaways I hope readers get from this book is a phrase attributed to many over the years: “History is written by the victors.” As this author points out succinctly, the history of colonization, slavery, and systemic racism was written by the conquerors and the enslavers. This is a book that I will return to frequently as I seek more information and topics on this subject to research for myself. This is a wonderful read and one I highly recommend.
Reviewed by: Grant Leishman
LITERARY LUMINARIES REVIEW
K.C. FINN
Appearance: 5
Plot: 5
Development: 5
Formatting: 5
Marketability: 5
Overall Opinion: 5
Too Far From The Tree is a work of non-fiction in the historical writing, spiritual, and sociocultural exploration genres. The work is best suited to the general adult reading audience. Penned by author Phil Sisson, this fascinating book delves into the historical landscapes of the 15th century, exploring the social and spiritual dimensions that shaped world leaders' decisions toward imperialism and world domination, reflecting on their lasting impact on today's fractured world. Sisson adeptly navigates the complexities of 15th-century geopolitics, illuminating the ambitions and actions of influential figures driven by the pursuit of power and dominance.
Author Phil Sisson has crafted a journey through history that will spark new perspectives for readers, leaving them pondering the enduring challenges of our contemporary world based on the trajectory of those who came before us. The narratives of historical personalities were well-paced and easy to get into, with plenty of historical context and detail so that we never feel left out or confused. The parallels to our current era are increasingly and naturally obvious as history unfolds, and Sisson draws them with resonant and memorable quotations as he compares cause and effect in complex but clear terms. The exploration of how past ideologies and ambitions continue to shape our present-day realities was both enlightening and thought-provoking, and Sisson's wise and measured approach sheds light on these contexts and prompts deep reflection on the quest for harmony and unity amidst today's global divisions. Overall, Too Far From The Tree serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of understanding history's lessons as we navigate contemporary challenges, making it a compelling read for those interested in the intersections of history, politics, and societal harmony.
Reviewed by: K.C. Finn