My boyfriend and I had a philosophy class together last semester, and when the professor was talking on and on about the "duality of man" my boyfriend I should read the balance books. He said it would cover all the boring stuff but in a funny and exciting way.

I don't know that I'd call them funny. They weren't really my sense of humor.

I did enjoy the philosophy, or what I guess was the philosophy. I got a C in my 101 philosophy, so I'm no expert.

I like the idea of life after death, but as energy. It's a nice change from heaven and hell or ghosts haunting people. Mind over matter.

The books are worth a read. ( )

There aren't many works of fiction that can adequately and interestingly combine the Eastern philosophies with action adventure.

"Grey" is one of those few books.

The storytelling is raw in places. Having read the rest of the series, I believe that to be intentional. I think that even though the story shifts around in perspective that the author wanted this first book to feel like its title character. That's how the rest of the Balance books feel to me, like the whole story is about the character even if the main character isn't in every scene.

Our culture is so fast-paced, instant gratification-driven that it is nice to read about the Eastern mindset that I was raised in (both of my parents are practicing Buddhists. And read those perspectives in a story that flows and isn't a stilted lecture.

The Balance books add the spice to Buddhism that Westerners feel is lacking in the thought sciences, and they add rationality and believably to some of the Western religions. It's a well blended story that anybody curious about life after death should read. I'm not saying I believe this to be our afterlife, but it makes the reader think and expand their boundaries if they are willing to open up their minds. ( )