The Gift of Pain

Physical. Emotional. Mental. Spiritual. Pain comes in many forms, diligently avoided by most of us, even at the risk of sacrificing the quality of our lives. But pain can—and should—be a catalyst for change, a doorway through which we travel on our journey from suffering to joy.

In The Gift of Pain, author Barbara Altemus links her personal journey of discovery with parallel experiences of world-renowned visionaries, artists, healers, and peacemakers to explore and understand the nature of pain. By drawing on themes of pain—failure, loss, addiction, lack of community, and loss of homeland, among others—these contributors share their intensely personal times of darkness and how these experiences ultimately lead to spiritual awakening and even joy. 

Includes stories of transformation from:

Isabel Allende • Butch Artichoker • Chief Arvol Looking Horse • Margaret Ayers • Rev. Michael Beckwith • Blaze Bonpane • Joan Borysenko • Barbara Brennan • Rickie Byars • Jack Canfield • Deepak Chopra • Larry Dossey • John Funmaker • Dick Gregory • Alaine Haubert • Goldie Hawn • Dr. Gerald Jampolsky • Rigoberta Menchu Tum • Dr. Roy Nakai • Kahu O Te Range • Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi • Martin Sheen • Jana Shiloh • Steven Simon • Frieda Tomosoa • Iyanla Vanzant

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs