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Summary: Best book I've ever read. Changed my life.
Review: I've recommended this book to many of my friends, as it has changed my life. The problem with doing so, however, is that they inevitably ask a lot of questions about it.The thing is, you need to take a very special approach to this book. You need to approach it as if it's some kind of precious stone you found on a beach, amid the sand and driftwood, a small treasure with untold secrets awaiting you. You need to make it yours. If I were to tell you the plot, or the theme, or the lessons learned, I would take it away from you, it wouldn't be yours. This book has the power to change your life in the best possible ways. So read it. But read it as if I didn't tell you to.
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Summary: Green Eggs and ham as Life Philosophy (emphasis on ham)
Review: Perusing the 200 odd reviews of this book -- 98.9999% of which award a Five-Star rating -- I am compelled to admit... never in my life have I seen the phrase "tears of joy" used by so many people in so many ways. But I am also compelled to admit that Richard Bach's "Illusion" is as others claim: it is a simple and easy read. But so was Robert Munsch's book "The Mud Puddle" and Dr. Suess' "Green Eggs and Ham". And while I enjoyed both of these books at seven, neither, I think, changed my life in fundamental ways. I just got a kick out of the rhymes and the pictures. Unfortunately for Bach, his philosophy is so simple that his pictures can't help. Oh. And he doesn't rhyme either. People complain that philosophy is usually presented in "dull and complex" ways. The reason for this, is that philosophy includes COMPLEX IDEAS. And complex ideas, regardless of literary approach and style will remain complex. Stephan Hawkings' "A Brief History of Time" proves this. Sure, we can all read about wormholes and envision Asimov-esque time machines. But can we place these ideas into their proper context of complex astro-physical calculations? Unless you sign with S-A-G-A-N, I wish you good luck. Truth is, Bach's "Illusions" is simple because the philosophy is simple. In a line: "You can do what you want!" He's taken the story of Christ (the misunderstood, persecuted Messiah - Don) sprinkled on some quasi Buddhist ideas (Illusions / Renunciation - Don "quits" because no one listens) added one part Nietzsche (Be creative! Take control!) and topped it off with miracles to hold the interest of those already bored with the ideas and the pictures. What this books amounts to is philosophical windowshopping -- pluck all the fuzzy happy ideas from some major historical schools of thought and put them into a fuzzy happy feel-good-about-myself story. Be sure to avoid the darker areas of life. Write safely. Take no risks. Cross no lines. It would be nice if we could all walk on water. It would be nice that anyone not born into privilege could "create" the same opportunities for themselves through "hard work" and "will". But this is often not the case. (See HISTORY 1000 B.C. -- circa NOW). Read Herman Hesse's "Siddhartha" for a better literary rendering of the life of the *real* Buddha. And read "Ecce Homo" or "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" by Nietzsche for a truly stylish account of joyish affirmation. In the end, this is a book is simplistic borderline boring. Its for cozy people without a whole lot of real problems. And if you're wondering what I mean by this -- If you can turn to any page of this book and there's a quote there to solve your life's problems, then you really don't have any problems. You probably just forgot your cell phone near the cappucino machine back at the condo.
Rating:
Summary: One of the most important books that I have ever read.
Review: I first came across this book as a teenager. I am now 30, and I can honestly say that it still stands out in my mind as having had the most profound impact of all. Illusions is basically the story of the author's fictional experiences with a modern day messiah. During their adventures, this messiah teaches the author about the truths of life, the universe, or whatever. The message is fairly clear: we can make whatever we want out of this life. Life is like a movie, and we are the director, writer, cameraman, actor, producer, etc. Read this book. It is beautifully written, can be read in one day, and will provide lessons that will stay with you forever.
Rating:
Summary: Powerful
Review: This is a powerful book and the Messiah's book is full of great insights. I got a little more concrete spiritual help from the book An Encounter with A Prophet, but this book Illusions inspires me to a belief in no limitations. I do not know if these levels are attainable, but it sure feels good to believe that way.
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Summary: A powerful message in a small package!
Review: I first read "Illusions" in my teens, and have read it at least once a year since then. I have also given copies of the paperback to many people with the statement "If you like this, please tell someone else about it". The parable in the beginning is extremely powerful and the rest of the book shows someone trying to make it a reality. Even if you don't totally agree with the premises, I bet that you'll spend some time wondering about the possibilities. I'm currently going through a rough time emotionally and am actually scared to read "Illusions" right now because I know it will force me to face some truths that I've lost sight of. However, it waits patiently on my bookshelf for when I'm ready to rediscover the joys of distroying my self-imposed limitations. A suggestion: if you like the sayings in the book, put them on index cards and post them around your house or work to offer inspiration on a daily basis.
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Summary: From the author of The Spirit of Joy
Review: Illusions was the first book I read on my journey to spirit (shared in intimate detail in The Spirit of Joy). New to the wondrous light of spirit, I missed out on much of what I was reading. While I fell in love with the power of the parable the book opened with, the rest of the book was lost to me. Rereading the book years later, and years further along on my spiritual journey, I was delighted to rediscover a book filled with wit and wisdom. This is a book powerful in its simplicity, and innovative in its presentation of undeniable spiritual truths.
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Summary: A Handbook for Life
Review: I've been reading this book for years, and I learn something new from it every time. Richard Bach manages to sum up in one line what would take me an entire page. He'll remind you of the truths you'd forgotten you knew and explain the meaning of life, all while making you laugh and never sounding the least bit preachy. Everyone should read this book; I regularly give it as a gift, and read it several times a year myself. Also check out his "Bridge Across Forever"
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Summary: I read it once a year!
Review: For the past 6 years I have read this book at least once a year to renew my memory. I have also purchased approximately 50 copies since then, as it makes one of the most treasured gifts any one could ever receive....(I wrap them and use them for stocking stuffers or attach to the top of a present instead of a card)....every time I read it, I gain more insight into my life. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for their own focal point in life....
Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: Makes u think about the limitlessness of the human endevaours. I think I need to read it twice to get everything. Or may be with each reading I may have a another interpretation. Any way an excellent book.
Rating:
Summary: Very nice book
Review: When i read this book it felt like i was part of it, now i kinda miss this guy.
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