What Others Have to Say

     I'm really enjoying this one [Chasing the Avatar]. It's full of adventure, intrigue, suspense, love, hate, faith, determination, promises kept, prayers answered, alleged defeat, and triumph. I'm lovin' this book! "Chasing the Avatar", oh my goodness!

—A.B.

     As a person intimately involved in Cha Ma’s group for many years, I see myself reflected in every page of Maya’s story. For me, Jovan’s words have provided an unsettling yet invaluable opportunity to critically view beliefs that I had clung to for many years. As a part of this group, I thought of Cha Ma as my “mother” and accepted her actions and words unquestioningly. My relationship with her was fraught with intense fear and an insatiable desire for her approval. No matter how hard I tried, I never found myself to be good enough and struggled for many years with the desire to end my life.

     As I read of Maya’s struggles with these same issues and the spiritual forces at work behind her thoughts and actions, I become even more convinced that leaving that group was the right choice for me. Maya’s story also confirms my belief that it was the effectual fervent prayer of faith-filled Christians that enabled me to do so.

—Former Western renunciate who lived in the
India ashram for 18 years and who
wishes to remain anonymous

     The debut novel "Chasing the Avatar" by Jovan Jones surprised me. I admit I had no idea what to expect from this Harvard graduate who spent two years in India. An autobiography mixed with a simultaneous tale from the Spirit World was quite fascinating and imaginable. This tale of good versus evil was told in the most mesmerizing way. I found myself identifying with this "desperately unsatisfied searcher." I was intrigued to see what "truths" the reader had discovered while chasing her Avatar [a human incarnation of a god or goddess]. 

     I found the story of a mother's love and fervent prayer. A tale of a Heavenly Host sent to protect and demonic minions lured to destroy. In the midst, I discovered a woman in search of her destiny and willing to travel the World in order to experience freedom through spiritual enlightenment. It didn't seem odd or unbelievable. It's the journey that we all seek in one way or the other.

     I loved the chapter entitled "The Name." I could clearly envision the Spirit of Death and Despair forced to bow at the name of Jesus. At that moment I realized that the author had a wonderful ability to take Scriptures from the Bible and bring them to life in a convincingly vivid way.

     I was frightened by the description of Kali Leela and found the transformation of Kartika [one of the beautiful ones] disturbing but riveting. Maya's Avatar was Cha Ma, a Guru, who claimed to be the incarnation of Kali. Kali was a wicked Hindu Goddess. She was often depicted with a severed head in her hand and a bowl of blood beneath it. I anticipated the time when Cha Ma would show her true colors. She demonstrated her cruelty in no time.

     As the author's journey continued in the natural, the spiritual battle remained unrelenting. The prayers of Maya's mother travailed until her intercession changes the expected outcome. However, in the midst of the battle Maya experiences challenges in the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual; that leave her standing at the edge of eternity by the end of book one.

     "Chasing the Avatar: descent book one" dabbles in the mystical and explores the supernatural in such a dramatic way until it must be read, whether you believe it to be non-fiction or fantasy. I look forward to reading book two "Dancing with the Avatar" when it's released soon.
—Dianne Rosena Jones
Author of "Tragic Treasures: Discovering Spoils of War in the Midst of Tragedy"
African American Literature Editor at BellaOnline

     Worthy of her Harvard Education, Jovan Jones writes in a poetic, briskly paced, and original style. I could not put this book down. She has written a powerful, true to life account, that literally thousand's can relate to from their own experiences.

     I have lived in Amritapuri, India and traveled with Ammachi. This book is A MUST READ for anyone who has been a devotee or thinking about becoming one. "Chasing the Avatar" will be shocking for those seeking enlightenment with a so called "Avatar".

     Jovan writes brilliantly, and personally, through the eyes of a Christian, but relevant from any religious background, or context. This tale attests to the reality that destructive cults can arise in religious as well as secular organizations.

     Jovan was brought up Christian, but was also a "spiritual seeker" in her early adult life. And naturally curious. She, like so many, could not see the danger going in. As the main character, Maya (Jovan) learns, spiritual quests are not without danger,

     Thank God that Maya, grew up in a loving, spiritual household. Without that, I don't think she would have lived to tell her story. If you are a Devotee reading this, I mean no offense to you. Many committed, wonderful people can be deceived, and are being deceived. I am one of them. Amma, is playing god. No question about that. She demands submission, also. She "is" the only "authority" in her twisted and, at times, disgusting world.
I know of the 9 deaths at the Ashram that were not investigated. That doesn't include the other mysterious deaths, of devotees, who died when they were outside the Ashram in India. Some of those deaths were predicted by Ammachi. Some said: "oh Amma told him not to go to Varkala, He fell off the cliff, on the first day". " Amma knows everything". etc. Many of these kinds of stories are circulating at all times. Little mythologies, that all boil down to one thing: worshiping Ammachi, as god. No Devotee of hers can deny it. They openly worship her as god. Their god. Even if some can't quite get that she "created everything" they still ritualistically worship her. Mindlessly. Unquestioningly.

     I am a witness to Amma's rage, and cruelty also, and I will not soon forget it. Thank God for you, Jovan! for telling it like it is, in a way, that for me was emotionally gripping, and sometimes terrifying, Thank you for telling my story through your's.

     I am greatful, that you have exposed the dark side of the so called "Hugging saint."

     Thank You!

—Anonymous

     To be honest, I have no Idea whether someone unfamiliar with the ashram, of which she writes, would think of this work. However, I could not put it down. I put off meals to read. This is true life! For me, I was Maya, the main character, living her story. I only have one criticism, and that is, I still have to wait for yet another book, and possibly several more before I find out what happens. I cannot wait. Though, I am grateful that she and I have survived.

     There is something universal about Jovan's deeper perspective. And, indeed there may be lines that should never be crossed. For any reason. Not for the sake of gaining power and influence, no matter what the cause appears to be, and no matter how spiritual and altruistic the claims.
I finished the book yesterday, I have not stopped contemplating it's effect, since. It is a real life, powerful drama to me, having been in the next wave of devotees after Jovan left the ashram in India.

     This book is a must read for anyone on a spiritual journey. And a must read for anyone thinking about embarking on one.
I was under "Cha Ma's", Amma's influence for 10 years. This is no joke. Many of us are afraid to speak. I know, I am one of them. Thank God, for you Jovan!

—Former devotee who wishes
to remain anonymous