A Mouthful of Sadness

Overview I have written a book called A Mouthful of Sadness: The Spiritual Wisdom of Bossa Nova. The book reveals ten spiritual lessons I learned while living and having adventures in Brazil, each one illustrated by the poetry and wisdom of a classic Bossa Nova song. In each chapter, I identify a universally important spiritual lesson, recount an experience I had in Brazil that helped me to learn it, and tie the theme of the lesson to a Bossa Nova song, which I have translated with fresh insight. It is approximately fifty pages long. A CD audio companion with each song listed in the book should accompany the book. I have contacted a number of record companies about this project. This book has a unique integration of emotional sensuality and divine longing that is a natural reflection of Brazilian culture. About the Author I am a psychotherapist in private practice, and therefore an ardent observer of human nature. I have an anthropologist for a mother, and grew up interacting with different cultures. I speak Portuguese, I sing and play drums, and have been in a Brazilian band for nearly ten years. I am an experienced workshop facilitator, and have taught workshops at The Omega Institute, as well as having taught samba to corporate clients around the country. I have written a number of articles published in magazines such as New York's The Chronogram. See more details about my work by visiting some of the links above. Potential Audience This book will appeal to: - An ever-growing population interested in alternative spirituality and self-help - Travelers - Music lovers, particularly those interested in world music and jazz - Psychotherapists and holistic practitioners - Poetry aficionados - People looking for a new way to relax

Promotion I plan on promoting the book through workshops, lectures, my website, and by submitting articles to magazines such as Psychotherapy Networker, Body and Soul, and O, The Oprah magazine. This book would appeal to National Public Radio listeners. I live in upstate New York, not far from New York city. There are many bookstores and workshop venues in the tri-state area such as The Omega Institute, Kripalu, The Open Center, and The Learning Annex where I already have personal connections. Market Assessment The interest in books about alternative spirituality learned through experiences with other cultures has remained consistent from Journey to Ixtlan by Carlos Castaneda to The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. This book shares spiritual lessons learned from another culture, but it also has something in common with sacred poetry books. The specially translated Bossa Nova songs read like sacred poetry. The recent passion for the works of Rumi, Kabir, and Lalla, translated by the likes of Robert Bly and Coleman Barks, has shown how inspirational reading can be a wonderful practice in todays hectic and complex world. Ten Poems That Will Change Your Life by Roger Housden gives further evidence of how people are responding to poetry as a tool for self-improvement. I have studied Psychosynthesis psychotherapy, and the book has some philosphical resemblance to Kitchen Table Wisdom by Rachel Naomi Remen, also a Psychosynthesis psychotherapist. I have also practiced Tibetan Buddhist meditation for many years and, although I do not write directly of Buddhism in the book, there is a Buddhist flavor that may appeal to people who enjoy the writings of Pema Chodron. The main difference between this book and other books is its unique combination of elements, at once spiritual and sensual, full of romantic yearning yet playful, which is the essence of Bossa Nova music. The recent resurgence of interest in Bossa Nova music plays a part as well. Bossa Nova has had a comeback. It is now often mixed with electronic beats and samples and played by deejays in lounge or dance mix compilations. The Bossa Nova classics, recorded by the masters themselves, are beloved of a previous generation and by people who appreciate jazz. Like the film and soundtrack to The Buena Vista Social Club or even the soundtrack to the film Oh Brother Where Art Thou, a spotlight on the mastery of older musical traditions brings the rediscovery of hidden gems to us all. This book and CD will appeal to young and old alike.