Illusions

Rating:
Summary: The Lessons of Illusions
Review: Bach's novel, Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah was a book that I greatly enjoyed. Although when I looked at the book I expected to be a preachy novel geared to try to impress some concept about the meaning of life on the reader, upon reading it I did not continue to have these feelings. Instead I discovered a book that allowed me to think through the printed material in order to create my own meaning from the text. Another enjoyable aspect about this book was that it was prevented in a readable manner. The philosophical material was written in a manner that created an enjoyable storyline. Many other psychological and philosophical books that I have read presented the content in a dry manner that made their reading unenjoyable, but this was not the case with Illusions. The book gives a pilot's account of the coming of a new messiah. This messiah, however, does not share the same view of the world that many others face. Removed from society in order to avoid the crowds that follow him in hope of witnessing miracles, the Messiah, Don, becomes a pilot that gives airplane rides to townspeople. In doing so, he befriends another pilot, Richard, who he shares his knowledge of life with. Although Richard is originally taken aback by the strange teachings of this new messiah, as he continues to converse with him he realizes that there appears to be truth to the peculiar theories that he hears about the meaning of life. Another enjoyable aspect to this story is the Handbook for the Advanced Soul which acts as a guide during times when Richard is in doubt. This handbook acts to provide guidance during times of uncertainty about Richard's beliefs. This book was very enjoyable because it allowed me to question what it said, and in fact seemed to encourage it. This book provided many examples of quotes in the handbook that allowed individual interpretation, allowing readers to not be forced to accept a strange philosophy about life, but instead to create their own.

Rating:
Summary: There was a Master...
Review: After reading Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach, I went looking for his other works, thus, Illusions. Once I started I did not put the book down until I was done and then I was ready to read it again. By far one of the most spiritually enlightening and inspirational works I have ever read. It could be the book I would like to keep with me at all times since it feels like some sort of a manual guide to life. In his introduction Bach writes, "What if I could meet a super advanced... what if a Siddhartha or a Jesus came into our time, with power over the illusions of the world because he knew the reality behind them?" This sentence sums up the author's inspiration behind the origin of the idea. This book seeks for the ultimate educator, guide, and an enlightened master to lead us through life in these times that are much different than the times of Siddhartha and Jesus. Illusions, The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah, will take you on a voyage of discovery as Donald Shimoda takes Richard Bach on one. Awakening, bringing him to realization of the obvious, making him discover what he has always known... Join him on this wonderful explorative journey of self-discovery...

Rating:
Summary: TIMELESS
Review: There is a little bit of Richard Bach in all of us -- an adventurer, a thinker, a believer, an experiential being. What each reader takes from this book will be different, because we are all different. Each time this masterpiece is read will provide new insights into life and how we live it.

This book is life changing, a guide to spiritual awakening, a game plan for making the most of what you have been given.

Rating:
Summary: A Modern Day Master
Review: Bach has the very rare ability to spin reality and fiction, story and pedagogy, and mix humor with one line truisms that touch you at your core.

When I first read Illusions, I wept at many times during the book. They were tears of joy, at reading the words of someone who could express so eloquently so many of my beliefs. So many of the truths that I hold in the highest regard in my life.

What he has woven here is much more than a story, though as such it is also entertaining. What he has woven is a tale of Biblical aspirations, offering up a tree of knowledge and allowing you to pluck those fruits which you most need.

I have read this book so many times I have lost count. I have given away this book more times than I can remember. And still, each time I read it, I find new brilliance and worth. And each time I give away another copy, I am truly filled with joy when the recipient comes to me the next day full of elation.

Is this book for everyone? Certainly not. A cynic may be angered at the way Bach passes off what is 'obviously fiction' as reality. But Bach asks us to take a moment to put aside the doubts society has engrained in us, and to for one instant consider the possibility of endless wonder which exists in our world.

Do yourself a favor, and read this book. While it -may- not be the book for you, if it is, I guarantee it will have a profound impact on your life for many years to come.

Rating:
Summary: Let Go Of Your Rock
Review: This is a fabulous book for anyone who likes to think, and likes books and works of art that help them to think in new ways. But it's not one of those dull philosophy books that feel like a chore to read. It's lively and funny, and realistic. I find myself reminded of it constantly by things that people say that I know to be "wrong" ways of thinking, and want to give them this book to read so that they may strip away their facade, and become less plastic.

Rating:
Summary: Great Book, Beautifully written!
Review: I really love this book. I have read it many times. It is a parable that really helps you find the inner greatness in yourself.

It is beautifully written and the ideas, images and parables in the story have stayed with me, and are close friends that have helped me grow in wisdom and inner happiness.

Thanks to Richard Bach for all his writings...Illusions is one of his best...It helps free you from the illusions in your life!

Another book about Personal Growth which has simple, powerful ideas and parables is called "Working on Yourself Doesn't Work" by Ariel and Shya Kane. Lovers of Richard Bach will really enjoy the simple wisdom of the Kanes - they let you live a full and rewarding life - by living more in the moment.

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant Illusions!
Review: I truly love this book. It's one of those profound simplicities. Here, in a fairly short and entertaining volume is the connection between our lives and the works of great masters from across time. By painting a picture of the modern messiah, Donald Shimoda, Bach shows which lessons we should have taken from the previous messiahs of our history.

There's a practical spirituality contained herein. It comes across in Bach's style, in his characters, and in the simple truths his book conveys, and which we all know. I liked this especially: the practicality of this book's lessons.

You'll love this book, and Bach's other books as well (I believe I've read them all). ...

Rating:
Summary: Illusions : The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah
Review: I absolutely love this book. I excites me to talk about it. I don't know how many times I have read it. Too many to count. Everytime I am having a trying time and when I'm not. It came to me at a time when I was lost and couldn't find my way. A truly wonderful friend shared it with me. It helped me soooo much. Now when I have a friend who is asking me for guidance I find myself quoting it. Then sharing it with them. It is such a simple outlook on life. It clarifies that when I can't see. Know matter what page you open it up to it can free you of your troubles. It helps me to let go of the problems at hand and let go. I can only hope it will touch everybody this way.

Rating:
Summary: A way of life
Review: Being a fan of Richard Bach for a long time, I didn't expect Illusions to be anything less than his other books. In only a few pages, he is able to change one's way of looking at life. The book gives the reader different perspectives, strength, and hope. The book is amazing, and for those of us who are a bit different from the regular, "flow-with-the-river-live-your-life-like-a-parasite-society" ...we find that we are not the only ones, that there's others like us out there, in the world, and finally, that this is the right, healthy way to live life, viz. to expand constantly.

Rating:
Summary: A Fantastic start to spiritual enlightenment
Review: I was told to read this book by a spiritual teacher/healer I met whilst doing a course and thought to myself, if this lady thinks its a great book, well Im going to read it. Wow I was so glad I did for it really hit home, it made me feel alot more compfortable about my spiritualism, I dont worry about what's happening in the future or the past, I just live for the moment how I want to live it.

Love & Light to all xoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoooxoxoxoxo