Books by Gabriel Constans

Papa's Favorite Smoothies
Thirty-two healthy, delicious smoothie recipies everyone will love

Join Gabriel (Papa), and the Smoothie Goddess, for the healthiest, most delicious, drink creations on the planet. Families everywhere love Papa's Smoothies! Easy to make, pore & enjoy! Brilliant illustrations by Jane Cornwell, at Jane’s Studio Press. @JC_STUDIO_Press. Available around the world in paperback, kindle and hardcover.

“What delicious smoothie ideas. Love the artwork and the dedication to nutrition.”

“I can’t wait to try every one of these mouthwatering recipes!”

“Something for everyone. Very yummy!”

Zen Master Tova Tarantino Toshiba: The Illustrious and Delusional Abbess of Satire

This fictional short-story collection challenges perceptions and illusions about religious masters, spiritual teachers, gurus, charlatans and holy men and women of all persuasions, while simultaneously tickling our funny bone and exercising the muscles our faces rely on for laughter. Zen Master Tova Tarantino Toshiba takes liberty with questionable material from the living sea, near Egypt; tofu paper, in Okinawa; a tomb, in Italy; a shaman, in Ethiopia; and a half-sister, in India. The words, quotes, koans and stories, of this soon to be classical work, include the timeless insights of Let the Worm’s Go, Dead Food, Reality Bites, Stealing the Buddha, Drip After Drip, Sound of One Eye, Catching Wind, Looking Good, My Cat’s Enlightened, Chocolate Box, and Sex, Drugs and Sushi Rolls.

Enlightenment or laughs? With Gabriel Constans' book you don't have to choose. Zen masters usually have a sense of humor, or need one. Gabriel's got it, and he gives us a world of illusions to laugh about. 
— Bob Fenster, author of Duh: The Stupid History of the Human Race

This is a blessed book that can be read during the rapture or while burning in hell. 
— Rev. Paat Robertson

“World leaders and politicians could learn a thing or two from the teachings of Master Tova Tarantino Toshiba. She understood and transformed the inspiring, Yes. No. Maybe, into Yes, we can, long before its use in politics.” 
— President Ohlama

Zen Master Tova Tarantiono Toshiba is a splendid collection of wit, women and wine. It reminds me of a night on the town with Mohammad Ali in drag. 
— Lady GaGaGa

There are no teachings that are outside of you, except the ones inside this book. Unless, of course, you've eaten this book. 
— Bob Tzu, guru, avatar, wisdumb teacher at www.duhism.com

An incredible onslaught of insight and universal truth - like Yoda on estrogen. 
— George Lucus

An endearing and soul searching work that reveals hidden treasures of this infamous master and hysterically questionable abbess. My brother loves it. 
— Llama KanChew, Sister of the Dalai Lama

What a stitch!! It made my day!!! 
— Jerilyn Elise Miripol, author and poet

Gabriel Constans’ divine book about the humble Abbess can be used as a book of prayer, inspiration or before communing with the poor or the filthy rich. 
— Pope Fransis, Bishop of Romen

For those who are old enough to remember, the original Golden Girls sitcom was based on the real life teachings of that zany grand lady of Zen, Master Tova Tarantino Toshiba. 
— Bettie Whyte

Zen Master Tova Tarantino Toshiba was my inspiration for Huckleberry Finn.
— Marc Twain

Quirky, novel, off-the-wall.
— Pen and Paper, Reviewed by Tracy Terry

Therapy Doc says, “Zen Master Tova Tarantino is a mystery wrapped in an enigma, which is the books charm.”
— Everyone Needs Therapy

It is deceptively simple, or it could be called simply deceptive. It is a book to wrestle with…
— Djibril, Future Fire Reviews

The Last Conception - A Novel

A successful embryologist (Savarna) must make difficult and life-changing choices. Should she continue devoting her soul to work and party with her girlfriend Magdalena or settle down with Charlemagne (Charly) and have children? If she decides to have children, how and when will they start the process and what will it take to convince her conservative East Indian mother to stop trying to marry her off to a “good man”? If that isn’t enough pressure, throw in the bomb her parents plant when they tell her she MUST have a baby because she is the last in line of a great spiritual teacher who reportedly never had children.

Buddha's Wife - A Novel

Buddha’s Wife is a novel about compassion, inspiration and forgiveness. Thousands of books, texts and stories have followed Siddhartha’s teachings and his path to becoming The Buddha, but little has been written about his wife Yasodhara, their child Rahula or their relatives, until now.

Yasodhara was the first woman in Siddhartha’s life, but not the last to follow in his footsteps. Why did he call his son “a hindrance” and believe women were a trap of desire and attachment “not fit to follow or understand my teachings”? How did Yasodhara and the nuns fight for equal treatment and rights? How could The Buddha have such compassion for others, yet be so scared of intimacy, emotion and love? What happened to sixteen-year-old Yasodhara and her two-day old son, Rahula, after her husband (Siddhartha) left her sleeping in the middle of the night to seek enlightenment?

tells a fascinating story, little known in the west, about the woman whom Buddha left behind. Gabriel Constans focuses the reader’s attention on the strong and complicated women who surrounded Buddha and makes us re-think the nature of spiritual life.
—Chitra Divakaruni, international best-selling author and American Book Award winner, whose books include Mistress of Spices, Sister of My Heart and Palace of Illusions.

This book is an awesome read, insightful, woman loving - a challenge to all spiritual seekers to rethink, re-vise, and dream anew.
—bell hooks, professor, activist and author of national bestseller all about love.

A remarkable recreation of Yasodhara’s life. It is very readable and engages readers in the complexity of issues many women have raised about Gotama the Buddha’s life and practice.
—Katherine Thanas, Abbot, Santa Cruz Zen Center.

One of the best books I’ve read this year.
—Elephant Journal, Review by Todd Mayville.

Every so often, a book comes into your hands that touches you—I mean really touches you—deep in your heart. Buddha’s Wife by Gabriel Constans does just that.
—Gather Reviews, by Martha Jette

Buddha’s Wife is a brilliant contribution to the genre of literary fiction. Gabriel Constans combines traditional stories of the heroism of Siddhartha (Buddha) with an imaginary fictional account of the story of Yasodhara and her son Rahula.
—Midwest Book Review, by Richard B. Blake

Constan's novel raises the questions that thoughtful students of Buddhism have been wrestling with since the beginning and provides a perspective that becomes a deep teaching in it own right.
—Deena Metzger,, Renowned poet, essayist, teacher & storyteller. Most recent novel is Feral.

One of the most thought provoking books and authors I came across this year (2010) was Dr. Gabriel Constans, who wrote the book, Buddha’s Wife.
—Kala Ambrose, Examiner.com

I highly recommend this novel, especially as a group reading selection. I think that it will stimulate very interesting conversations and provide a great deal of ideas for journaling.
—Reviewed by Paige Lovitt, Reader Views

Those ready for an easy, quick read that leaves a feeling of forgiveness and inspiration should pick up Buddha’s Wife.
—Reviewed by Allena Tapia,

A remarkable recreation of Yasodhara’s life. It is very readable and engages readers in the complexity of issues many women have raised about Gotama the Buddha’s life and practice.
—Reviewed by Allena Tapia, Sacramento Book Review.

Luscious Chocolate Smoothies

Luscious Chocolate Smoothies is a delicious collection of recipes that combines the rich, intoxicating taste and benefits of dark chocolate, with a tantalizing balance of fruits, nuts, tofu, liquor, juices and other unique combinations to create cool, refreshing, mouth watering drinks for all ages.

The book is interspersed with chocolate anecdotes, humor and history, as well as tips for blending and information on its vivacious ingredients.

Discover the connection between love and chocolate; delve into The Hurricane, Coyote's Howl or The Nutty Professor; and blissfully empty every cup to the last drop.

Saint Catherine's Baby - Stories

An eclectic collection of short stories that include Ruthie and her obstinate elderly student from Germany (The English Lesson); Stephanie, who waits for the unorthodox return of her deceased father (Dressed In Black); Walter O'Brien, who discovers a young couple and their child in an abandoned monastery on the West Coast of Ireland (St. Catherine's Baby); Shannon, on the run at a shoe store in Chicago (Sizing Up Shannon); Jacque, meeting Rosalita's shocked parents in New Mexico (Framed); and Joshua Johnson, a school custodian whose mother may have interfered in his love life for the last time (The Sweetest Man).

Dr. Leff—Stepping Into The Fire

Biography of an idealistic boy from New York who joined the Civil Air Patrol for God and country and never looked back. Capt. Arnie Leff, MD has fought many wars, overseas and at home. He attended Hebrew Union College; served as a physician and Jewish chaplain during the Viet Nam War (when he was stationed at Udorn and U-Tapao Air Force Bases in Thailand); locked horns with corporations and state bureaucracies as health commissioner of Cincinnati; worked in the Nixon administration in drug education programs for the military; started some of the first free clinics in the country; jumped into the trenches at the beginning of the AIDS pandemic; and has pulled no punches with his often controversial opinions about drugs, euthanasia, health care and medical marijuana. He is presently a professor at Stanford University School of Medicine. 

Solar Girl and Lunar Boy

Solar Girl and Lunar Boy is a delightful collection of children stories that includes siblings tapping into their inner light to vanquish fear of the unknown (Solar Girl); humorously transforms a common experience from sadness to joy (No Smiling On Wednesdays); breaks stereotypes and teaches earthquake safety in Quake, Shake and Roll; and explores the world of ants and the environment, in As Precious As Gold.

The Skin of Lions

This is a picture book collection from Rwanda. At one time all of the children in this book lived on the streets. The stories are from their personal experiences, traditional folk tales or creative imaginations. They continue a thousand-year-old oral tradition and speak for all of those that have been silenced. Author royalties go to the Rwanda Orphan's Project at www.rwandanorphansproject.org.

101 Ways to Strengthen Your Marriage

Nothing strengthens a relationship like communication and intimacy. Whether you have been together days, months, years or decades, sharing your love and your time with your partner is the glue that binds. Everyone wants to be adored and appreciated. You don't need a lot of time and money or a doctorate in relationships to keep your marriage alive and growing.

The Penis Dialogues, Handle With Care

After seeing the Vagina Monologues, Gabriel realized the value of a similar investigation into men's feelings about their penis and its influence on them and others. Men of various ages, occupations, sexual orientations and cultures talk about love, sex, relationships and painful, humorous and joyful moments with themselves and others. This book investigates and lays bare the facts, myths, experiences, misperceptions and stories of that part of men's bodies by which they are so often defined. It goes beyond the cliches, jokes and comparisons of male virility and power as men speak from the heart with honesty, curiosity, shock, bemusement and surprise.

What people have been saying about The Penis Dialogues:

“I was struck by this book’s humor, probing curiosity and genuine compassion.”
-- Eve Ensler (Author of The Vagina Monologues)

“Constans has created a heads up, hands on exploration of the male member. It is both amusing and informative.”
-- James McElheron (Building Consultant and Supervisor)

“The book is an excellent starting point for men who have previously wondered about aspects of their sexuality, genitalia or whether or not they were “normal”.  Whilst much of the book is made up of men telling of their own experiences, the book also covers a range of penis health issues and a number of entertaining tales related from the penis’ point of view.”
-- www.altpenis.com

“The Penis Dialogues is an informative and funny book about the life of our penis and its affect on love, sex, relationships and our health. The book explores myths, clichés, and misconceptions in a funny and curious way.”
-- Gary Johnson (Publisher of Black Men in America)

“If you live in any city, you have probably seen THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES. Well, along comes THE PENIS DIALOGUE by Constans, published by Aslan publishing. Not only is it hugely funny, it provides so much information about this part of a guy's anatomy. Because there so many myths and misconceptions about what is good and what is bad, this book is reassuring and comforting, and you can even laugh at your penis and its idiosyncrasies. Ladies, do your partner a favour and give him this book.”
-- W Network, (Television network for Canadian women).

“Eve Ensler watch out! This is a funny yet interesting insight into the world of the penis. This book is mainly collections of short stories from men and their experiences with their penises. It is interesting for both men and women to see how the penis affects men’s lives and outlook on life. Look out for sections such as “women’s eye view”, “if your penis could talk”, “penis facts” and “sing along with dick”. A great read.”
-- Andrew Kelly, Library Technician, Healthy, Sexy & Wise, E-Newsletter, Volume 3, Issue 1, 2005 - Family Planning Association of Western Australia Inc. (FPWA).

Don't Just Sit there, Do Something!

-- Grief's Wake up Call

Events that can and often do, devastate us emotionally, can also be used for personal transformation and growth. Some individuals find hope and opportunity in the midst of adversity. They reach out to help others find comfort and healing. Some succeed to change laws, institutions, policies and assumptions.

Meet Leah Rabin, Le Ly Hayslip, Maggie and Reg Green, Jeanne White, Hazel Johnson, Lee Mun Wah, Nane Alejandrez, Candace Lightner and others, to discover how they have found strength, courage and sheer tenacity to overcome the worst that can happen and use it as a catalyst to rediscover them selves and help others in the process.

What People have been saying about Don't Just Sit There, Do Something!:

“In Don't Just Sit There, we have the privilege of listening to these inspiring people as they tell us what they have endured and how. These are lessons on living that come direct from experience, lessons we all need. I hope this book reaches many, touching hearts and infusing us all with its wisdom.”   
-- Ellen Bass, co-author of The Courage to Heal

“A deeply moving work ... highly recommended for hospice workers, grief counselors, and ministers and as a powerful affirmation for life.”  
-- NAPRA ReView

“Gabriel Constans searches out the key to living after a loss by interviewing survivors who use a variety of activities to cope with a death ... this book is an inspiration to both the bereaved and those who support them.” 
-- Lynne Ann DeSpelder, author of The Last Dance: Encountering Death and Dying

Goddess of Cancer and Other Plays

A collection of one act plays about: cancer incarnated in human form as the Goddess of Cancer; a twelve-step meeting for disposed or deceased dictators, entitled "Dictators Annoymous"; "Good Intentions", which portrays four famous proponents of communism discussing their intentions at an American greasy spoon diner; and a short screen play about violence and its aftermath, entitled "A Murderous Rage".

Just a Heartbeat Away

"The next day Grandy and Grandpa came. Mom told them she had AIDS. The door to her room was open. We could hear Grandy crying, and Grandpa saying, 'I can't believe this. My own daughter!'"

The only book for children that realistically talks about a heterosexual parent dying from AIDS. Based on a true story about children who learn to cope with their mother's illness and death.

Great American Smoothies

This fun filled book contains a large collection of healthful, tasty drinks from fresh fruits and vegetables that were originally created for his young daughter and later for his growing clan of picky eaters! He was delighted at how easily and happily they consumed them. The book presents a wide variety of recipes for healthful smoothies (including some for adults only which are probably not that healthful!), shakes, and slushes, plus advice on blenders and ingredients. Delightful, whimsical line drawings by illustrator John Wincek enhance each recipe. See a page from the book to wet your appetite!