The Secret
by Rhonda Byrne
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Book Reviews of The Secret
Book Review: It's NOT a Secret...
Summary: 3 Stars
If you read the introduction, back cover, or the inside flaps, and the subject matter does not sound familiar, this might be a great buy for you. I enjoyed this book. Its well organized and written, but I had two issues with it for those thinking about a purchase. 1) The ideas and tools the book discusses have NEVER been a secret. Further, they've been written about many, many times before, and in recent works, such as The Aladdin Factor; Excuse Me, Your Life Is Waiting: The Astonishing Power of Feelings, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People(and others aptly listed by other reviewers) and also in other not-so-recent works such as The Science of Getting Rich. The editor of the Secret admits she discovered Wattles' writing, which is almost one hundred years old, before beginning to put The Secret together. Wattles' work was supposedly a catalyst for her, and 2) The book talks more about the theory and ideas behind this internal work than it does about putting it into practice in your life. And it does require something of a person, to put into practice in your daily life, the ideas given here. It isn't magic, it's hard, internal work. Although it's true that many people will find the ideas radical if they've had no previous exposure to them, and do need some grounding in the mindset of it, practical examples of how to execute the ideas are scant, and needed to be beefed up considerably in this book. Practical examples abound in other books, including the ones I mentioned above. We are living in a society, and a time, when we have ceased to learn by theory, memorization, or by simple telling. Sad but true. Experiential learning-by-doing, coupled with analysis, extrapolation, simulation, and performance testing etc., are the only *measurably* successful methods of adult learning in use today. Children learn differently than adults do. It is much more difficult for an adult to learn by theory, or by simply being "told" something. Science is just learning that it is indeed possible for adult brains to remap pathways and make new connections, and to basically unlearn/relearn information in ways we previoiusly thought only possible for the child brain to do during various stages of active growth and development. However, the fact still remains that it is more difficult for adults to implement major changes in their lives, and to stretch the boundaries of their comfort zones without practice or measurable exercises to use. The ideas set forth here do work!! It *is* absolutely possible to implement them in your every day life and see measurable, *physical* results. I simply would have liked to see more exercises and tools than what was provided. I think this is especially critical as we move into a time of social upheaval where being on the same page together, globally, will make or break our ultimate survival. We have created, collectively, what we see around us. Those individuals who are hearing that idea for the first time through this book, and are beginning to understand how they/we physically create our world on a daily basis need more than theory and ideas to become active creators. To help them participate in creatively adapting to the paradigm shift that's required of them to fulfill their full potential and power, practical tools are essential. If you purchase this book, please don't stop reading when you put this down... keep going, and put every suggestion you find into practice in every way you can. Happy Creating. Namaste!Book Review: The Secret by Byrne
Summary: 5 Stars
The theme throughout the volume focuses on transitioning from the formulation of an idea or concept through actualization by utilizing
the power of positive thinking. Negativity only gets in the way of progress by blocking creativity and leading to depressive modes of behavior and ultimately bad outcomes. In addition, the book provides a considerable argument on how to break out of negativity through relaxation and imagination.
The author demonstrates how frequent contemplation of our goals will lead to creative strategies to reach them in an iterative process of
experimentation. The presentation covers another important aspect which impacts on whether or not we can help people. That is, we must have a positive image of ourselves. Otherwise, it will be more difficult to help others.
In many respects, this is the stuff of great thinkers, inventors and social reformers. A beauty of this book is that the author sets forth the conditions for "positivity" to grow and flourish. A weakness of the
presentation is that meritable goals require considerable effort to
guide the idea from the initial inspiration to ultimate achievement.
In some respects, the author gives an unrealistic impression ; such that,
imagining a goal leads to some instant attainment of it. Goal attainment
can be a complex process which requires time, effort and the active involvement of strategic constituencies of people. Very often, simple goals
are easily reached. More difficult goals require a higher level of
commitment described earlier.
Other books; such as, SUPERLEARNING by Ostrander teach relaxation modes
as a condition precedent to advanced learning . This work is reinforced by dozens of quotations from famous persons in various contexts throughout history. In order to reach a goal, the author states that we need to imagine ourselves doing it in an iterative process leading to a successful result. Many times, we can facilitate reaching a difficult goal by imagining it first and tracing through the myriad of steps necessary to achieve success.
In some respects, Mrs. Sullivan utilized these techniques in training
Helen Keller to overcome the hopelessness of her situation. This was accomplished by associating words with concrete concepts in a carefully contrived series of encounters marked by a complex interplay of rewards and punishments. For example, Helen Keller learned to associate liquid water
with rudimentary speech; such as "wah-wah". This successful association
lead to greater and greater positivity and ultimately to progressive
language acquisition. The encounters transformed Helen Keller's personality
from bouts of sporatic neurosis to a more unified and tranquil human being.
A book of this nature would be very helpful in today's world. It provides
a step-by-step roadmap on how to overcome a variety of negations in our
everyday local lives and in the greater macro-community of this world.
There is certainly much negativity to overcome in the world at large.
Few authors address the consequence of extreme negativity with specific
steps to break loose from this cycle of hopelessness and destructive
self-perpetuation/absorbtion.This work can lead to scenarios where we can articulate solutions to the most complex problems. The acquisition would be a worthy purchase for any personal library.
Let's say that you don't agree with the thrust of the book or my description of it. How can you move any considerable agenda forward without an atmosphere of positivity or formulation of potential alternatives to present to strategic constituencies for a formal critique?
Do the readers have better ideas? If so, what are they?
Book Review: Always good inspiration, though not the best book on the subject
Summary: 4 Stars
I have a few books I like to reference in the morning to get my mindset on track, usually being this one and Chopra's "Seven Spiritual Laws of Success." My problem with this book is that it comes off as slightly inauthentic. Why? Because it has very successfully, and continues to do so as you read it, marketed itself to the public. The book is charged with buzz words like "turbo-charge" to give you the idea that it is really that easy to manifest what you want. In essence, I believe it is actually so easy it is hard, if that makes sense. But here's the thing: it markets itself to people by being the "answer" to your hopes and dreams. Great. The problem I have sometimes is how much it refers to the "answer" as being something outside yourself--money, a spouse, a beautiful house, vacations. Granted, Rhonda Byrne says many times that the real secret is to FEEL GOOD NOW, and to be thankful. However, I feel that some of the commentators' comments in the book contradict that. As often as it tells you to embrace what you have now, it also keeps putting the carrot in front of you telling you that you can have a multi-million dollar mansion and a beautiful wife (as one of the people mentions he has--blech). In my understanding, wealth should never be your goal. Spiritual enlightenment and service to the world should, wealth hopefully being a byproduct of that.
In its defense, to get the word out there and to market to people wanting a better life, and then revealing that spiritual awareness is the key is ok. I just feel like it's definitely very carefully marketed, which makes me feel like I'm being lied to, as many people do when they feel someone is selling something. Is spirituality something to be sold? Well, if it works, why not?
The other main beef is how little it mentions contributing to society, making it somewhat selfish for a "spiritual" book. The reason I compare it to Chopra's book mentioned above is becuase I believe they both say the same thing with different approaches. I think Chopra's really comprehensive and specific about process and ideas, something Byrne is a little wishy-washy about. For instance, the 3 steps are ask, believe and receive. But the 2nd and 3rd are the same thing, arean't they? It even says for #2, "believe that you have received." Kind of redundant and weak for a "process." Chopra's book--and many others--bring up that self-fulfillment can only come from spiritual fulfillment, and an understanding of your place in the world as a whole. Byrne says to give becuase it shows you feel you have enough to give, but shouldn't you give because when you give to someone else it's A. the right thing to do, B. the nice thing to do, C. we are all one, and must keep the flow going, or D. all of the above?
Ok, so now I've gotten that out, I gave this book 4 stars because I DO reference it almost every day, and every time something resonates with me and gives me hope. I think Byrne is delightfully non-pretentious (while some of the other people are, however), and heartfelt in her intention to get the message across. And how could you EVER, EVER not applaud something that tells people to creat their own future, take responsibility, live in the now, be good to one another, and go after your dreams?
I think of this book as more of an inspiration rather than a how-to. The how-to part is actually very difficult. Controlling your attitudes goes beyond conscious intent and can go deep into psychological patterns.
And I would definitely recommend "What the Bleep Do We Know" over The Secret Movie, as it's much more in depth, structured, and informational rather than being a little infomercial-ly, like I felt The Secret was in comparison (but don't get me wrong--I still liked it!).
Book Review: Change Your Thoughts Change Your Life
Summary: 5 Stars
"When you emit the perfect frequency of what you want, the perfect people, circumstances and events will be attracted to you and delivered!" ~ pg. 163
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is, except "The Secret" can be tested in your own life to see if it is valid and true. As I read this intriguing book I started to notice why I was successful in some areas of my life and not in others. What I've been thinking is truly the reality I've created for myself.
For years I've been able to manifest free books and my thoughts about receiving free books was constant until I had over 200 books to review and realized I didn't need as many. The minute I changed my thinking I had less offers and less books appeared. The only thing is, I had to write the first review.
As Bob Doyle says in this book: "Action will sometimes be required." This book almost seems to have a missing chapter, the one where the author explains the hard work most people have to do to see their dreams realized. Very few people will probably see their dreams materialize unless they take some initial action. You should not only imagine your future but also take steps in the direction of your dreams.
Can you really think your way thin? This book claims you can. I tried putting up pictures on my mirror to inspire weight loss and I did lose 25 lbs but this was mostly because I also "literally took steps" by walking one hour a day. If I had only sat around imagining that I was thinner I doubt it would have worked. It also took me over 30 years to produce a cookbook, it didn't magically appear although I thought about it every day. I still had to do the hard work of testing the recipes and writing the instructions. Some of the authors in this book claim to have great riches and neglect to tell you that they also had to do the hard work of writing their books.
I think this book works differently for each person. I have been able to manifest books, an amazing best friend (OK, I also prayed about this one), items that magically appear in the mail (answers to questions I had). So in some way "The Secret" is working in my life on a small scale. I still haven't been able to manifest my ideal house or a car.
At times this book is overly materialistic. Do you really need a new car and all the car payments that come with it? Will a car magically appear just because you wish for one? This book claims that the Universe is a "genie" and it will give you everything you want. (In my own experience, praying to God is more effective than asking the universe for what I want.)
I won't spoil the book for you by telling you the three main things you have to do to see your dreams appear in reality. They are relatively easy and it only takes a small amount of effort - mostly training your mind to think positively.
While for the most part, this book shies away from religion it does go a little far by saying we are all God in human form (A very New Age belief). According to the Bible we are created in God's image. There also is nothing about 9/11 or Katrina in this book. In fact this book claims that negative thoughts are not as powerful as positive thoughts.
So if you want to try out extreme positive thinking and you are willing to "be your own experiment" I can recommend this book to you. I've seen some of the principles work in my own life so many of the ideas are true and testable.
You may also want to read: Keys to Positive Thinking by Michael J. Ritt. This book also promotes visualization and promotes putting pictures of things you want up on the wall.
~The Rebecca Review
Book Review: Shh, It's A Secret
Summary: 2 Stars
Shhh, It's A Secret...
It's an election year, and it's the same old political bull, except it's more fragrant than usual. I read that this might be the first presidential election that exceeds a billion dollars in campaign spending. A billion dollars, just what is a billion dollars? Sure, it's like a million, only with a "b", but what is that really? And how can I get me some? Ok, I'm not running a small country or running for president, and I don't need that much money, but I sure wish someone would let me in on the secret of success. So when I heard Oprah whispering about a secret, I thought maybe I ought to check it out.
A secret, nothing is more compelling, and I just have to know this jealously guarded information hoarded by the wealthy, happy and successful. Rhonda Byrne, New Age guru, is the author of the bestseller, The Secret. You want to know her secret? Your positive thoughts act as powerful magnets that attract wealth, health and happiness. Fleeting negative thoughts are responsible for your bad attitude, your crappy '78 Pinto, and that overwhelming credit card balance. Yep, it's your own damn fault that you are broke and fat, and her "secret" is gonna set you free. I don't know who you blame if you're ugly. She doesn't mention that, but it's implied that you manifested it.
Let me start you on the path to financial freedom. Save your money and don't buy this book. I do think that the power of the mind can help us deal with the strife in our lives, but mostly through our perception. Positive thinking can help us envision succeeding, open new opportunities, and maybe even give you a great idea that can actually help put you in the seat of that cute little Porsche, but it isn't going to pay the electric bill. The Secret is a beautiful, hardcover book with a lot of inspirational quotes from people ranging from Einstein to Beethoven, but it doesn't amount to anything more than New Age fluff and pseudoscience. I think the real secret is getting Oprah to endorse your book.
One book I'd like to see on Oprah is Why You're Dumb, Sick & Broke by Randy Gage. This book also reveals the secrets to obtaining wealth, health and happiness, but not in a manner that you've read before. Randy is blunt, outspoken and brutally honest. He tells you the truth as he sees it, and it ain't pretty. For example: governments are corrupt by nature. Your government actually wants and needs you to be a worker drone. People whose life purpose is to "Serve God" ought to "be in a straightjacket", and Titanic is the most evil movie ever produced. Okay, Randy uses some "shock jock" techniques to get your attention, but if you continue reading, his logic is pretty sound, and I never did trust that James Cameron.
What makes this different than most "get rich by thinking happy thoughts" books is that it's readable. I actually enjoyed reading it. It was well written and thought provoking. Yes, a lot of his views on religion, government and mass media are going to make people angry--that's the point. He wants to challenge your beliefs, well-buried within this book however is, the very important insight "too often, too many of us are unwilling or unable to think independently." It's important to be able to think critically, free yourself of negative thoughts and habits, and to think for yourself. The best innovators and able-bodied minds the human race has produced have done more than think outside the box. They refuse to acknowledge there are limitations. So, I'm going to get a pencil and poke some holes in this cardboard container. It's getting stuffy in here. Now, visualize mailing me a five-dollar bill, care of the Wellsboro Gazette...
Author of "Hobo Finds A Home" editor "Of A Predatory Heart"