"The Sword of Heaven is very beautiful and the story has an intensity and inwardness that moves me." --Robert Bly, poet and author of Iron John

"...a timely passion." --James Houston, novelist and Wallace Stegner Fellow

"A remarkable spiritual odyssey. Aaland turns fundamental philosophical questions into a compelling personal narrative."--Michael Rogers, novelist and managing editor, Newsweek Interactive

This is a journey through time as well as geography, a meditation on a generation coming to terms with its dark patrimony. It is a hopeful reminder that technology cannot extinguish humanity, much less the mysteries that surround us all." --Paul Saffo, director of the Institute for the Future

"A powerful story reverberating with meaning, steeped in mythos, and as carefully tempered as a steel sword." --Mark Powelson, former publisher, Focus Magazine

"A captivating and enchanting tale..." --Bernard Ohanian, managing editor, National Geographic Magazine (International editions)

"The Sword of Heaven is a story of a remarkable spiritual journey that will cause readers to examine their own belief systems and perceptions of cultural differences. It is inspiring, uplifting, and deeply moving." --Anne Russell, former editor-in-chief, Folio Magazine

"Few books capture the soul of the road like The Sword of Heaven. A beautifully rendered memoir that will inspire anyone in search of healing travel tales." --Phil Cousineau, author of The Art of Pilgrimage and The Hero's Journey

"Wonderful! The Sword of Heaven is a soulful tale exploring the fine line between fear and love along travel's magical path to inner and outer peace." --Steve Zikman, author of The Power of Travel and coauthor of the forthcoming Chicken Soup for the Traveler's Soul