Rating: 
Summary: To Free or not to Free
Review: Bach is at his best with this modern-day "Holy Book" written as an allegory with two barnstorming pilots. Bach himself becomes the mesmerized "disciple" of a Messiah incarnated in today's world. Through trial and error, skepticism and wonder; Bach learns to be free of mortal barriers. Vividly described passages let the reader imagine what it would be like to defy phyical boundaries and to truly be free of what the Messiah shows are simply "imagined realities," ie ILLUSIONS. The book is laced with imaginative and thought-provoking quotes from what Bach calls,"The Messiah's Handbook". It is a book within a book and is an excellent piece of literature by itself. This accounts for the book getting repeated readings. "ILLUSIONS" is a layman's way to approach religion, philosophy and metaphysics; thus its massive appeal. In a time when more and more Americans are turning away from organized religions, "ILLUSIONS" is a new and unconventional way of relating to God, and a refreshing breath of fresh spiritual air
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Summary: Men Discussing God and Having Fun too.
Review: Illusions by Richard Bach is the kind if book that your either getting nothing out of, or walk away from changed. I first read Illusions during High School, and NO book effected my way of thinking about life and my relationship with God. To read the story of two guys barnstorming around the wheat fields of the Midwest, and their adventures along to way is enough alone to make it enjoyable. To scartch beneath this book and to go back to the story again and again after years or months, makes it a magic book. I return to it's pages time after time in order to restore my relationship with God and the magic of life that this book reminds of that exists, If you enjoy this book I would also recommend an earlier book that had an equal effect (Nothing by Chance
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Summary: Truly inspiring
Review: By far one of the best books I've ever read
Rating:
Summary: touches your soul
Review: One of the most amazing books I've ever read. A good story on it's own, but Mr. Bach forces the reader to open their mind to a new way of seeing faith and life
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Summary: Life's most perfect parable. An inspired gift to us all.
Review: Illusions is a rare and refreshing splash of perfection in an
overcrowded sea of metaphysical wannabes. No reviewer's
words could possibly do it justice. Read it once a year and it's a different book each time. Give a copy to everyone you love. They'll thank you. Profusely. I promise.
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Summary: One of those rare books that really could change your life.
Review: The story is short and simple, with engaging characters and funny situations, and teaches us about people, our lives, and the interactions we call friendship. In other words, it does everything a parable is supposed to do, and it does it well. Through the 1st person perspective of Richard, we meet a "messiah," Donald, who has become frustrated preaching to the masses because no one is willing to think for him/herself. He begins to instruct Richard in how thoughts and beliefs really do control our lives and that ultimately we are each responsible for ourselves. Donald's teachings are almost certain to provide insight into your life and friendships and the power you have to make them better. The truisms presented are inspirational without being pedantic or obscure. It is definitely one of those books that changed me and that I will refer back to throughout my life.
For similar stories, see Bach's _Jonathan Livingston Seagull_ and Max Ehrmann's free verse "Desiderata."
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Summary: Your life won't be the same, it will be BETTER!
Review: ILLUSIONS, by Richard Bach, was THE book that helped me live a better life for the REST of my life. Within its pages, you can find the strength to take control of your life and take it in directions you'd only dreamed of before.
Through the adventure the author and the "messiah" that
comes to him share, the reader is revealed the secrets of happiness, acceptance, and of not only assuming responsibility for one's life, but for taking the steps to make it a more vibrant and productive experience than you would ever have thought possible. This is a book I return to again and again for inspiration and the simplicity of enjoying life. I welcome any questions from anyone on this book and my heartfelt recommendation of it. Mike Weiner (76702.2213@compuserve.com)
Rating:
Summary: Your life won't be the same, it will be BETTER!
Review: ILLUSIONS, by Richard Bach, was THE book that helped me live
a better life for the REST of my life. Within its pages, you
can find the strength to take control of your life and take
it in directions you'd only dreamed of before. Through the adventure the author and the "messiah" that comes to him share, the reader is revealed the secrets of happiness, acceptance, and of not only assuming responsibility for one's life, but for taking the steps to make it a more vibrant and productive experience than you would ever have
thought possible. This is a book I return to again and again for inspiration and the simplicity of enjoying life.
I welcome any questions from anyone on this book and my
heartfelt recommendation of it.
Mike Weiner (76702.2213@compuserve.com)
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding read... with a punch!
Review: I've read Illusions easily 30 or more times. It's a book that should be on everyone's list. And, unless you are a religious zealot, you will surely find the book entertaining and stimulating. First of all, regardless of the message, the book is very well written and enjoyable. Moreover, it was written long before the "new age" trend and "dime-a-dozen" inspirational stories, so it's not written with the intent to sell you on a new self-help plan. In this story (as in most of his stories), Bach tries to enlighten readers that maybe life is not as complicated as is often thought. Everyday, from religion to politics, we are constantly presented with the message that life is difficult and you had better follow the highly complex set of rules that governs what you are, where you will go and how you had better get there. In Bach's story, however, the reluctant messiah learns a new perspective. Maybe, he comes to find, he already has the answers to his life, or at least the answers to how to pursue a good life... if he would just stop listening to his pre-conceived ideas of limit and complication. I highly suggest reading the book. I also highly suggest remembering the book is fiction! Think about the message and concepts. Instead of trying to "vaporize clouds," try maybe to vaporize some of your problems. And, instead of walking the world professing a new faith or perspective on "God" after being inspired by Bach's ideas, try instead to overcome one of your own, preconceived limits, or re-examine what you've been taught about the Having met Mr. Bach, hearing him speak and reading every one of his books multiple times, I can assure you he is a real person with real ideas. Moreover, I feel sure that he would agree, that he writes "stories" to help people expand their minds. Too often, his work is misinterpreted to be a "gospel." Instead, in my impression, he simply wants to share new ideas, or as he said, "when he get's an idea, it bothers him until he writes it an let's it go..." We as humans evolve not from one or two ideas, but from a lifetime of learning. Mr. Bach, in my opinion, is one of those highly insightful individuals who has inspired millions to look at life through a slightly different lens. Mr. Bach's Illusions is a fantastic journey - one of many - on the lifelong road of growing as a person. I hope you enjoy it!
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Summary: One of "those" books that stay with you always
Review: Although this book was published in 1977, it didn't find its way to me until the mid 80's. "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear." No truer words were ever spoken, at least not in my life. I've read this book over 30 times in the last 15 years, and I never fail to find something new to learn from it. I've given countless copies away to friends who then give copies to their friends. When "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" was first published, an elderly relative told me Bach was the devil incarnate. Imagine what she'd say about THIS one! I've not had the good fortune to run across a Donald Shimoda-like character, but I think I'd be ready to hear what he said. Two quotes from Shimoda's 'The Messiah's Handbook and Reminders for the Advanced Soul' are worth repeating: Your friends will know you better in the first minute you meet them than your acquaintences will know you in a thousand years. and The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life....Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof. This book has been a great gift to me and I'm thankful it found me! Enjoy!
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