Rating: 
Summary: Just call me cynic...
Review: Well, I've been on a quest to figure out what my "authentic self" is, if there is such a thing as an "authentic self," and what the point of developing my "authentic self" actually is, when I pretty much am my own self. But that's highly irrelevant beyond giving you a bit of background as to why a cynical skeptic such as yours truly would even consider picking up a book on prophecies, especially prophecies with distinctly un-Peruvian-like names.Unfortunately, my quibbles with this book are on many levels, from the extremely flaky and silly philosophy and pseudo-Christian claptrap that the author espouses, to the HUGE factual errors that totally eroded what limited credibility I initially extended the author. I was originally intrigued by the idea behind the first "insight," and so, was at least looking forward to an interesting ride, even if it proved to be less than enlightening philosophically. But my problems began in the first few pages, when a friend of the lead character began to tell him about the Prophecy, which had been discovered in Peru, of all places. Apparently, it was written in Aramaic, and was dated back to 600 BC. This little impossibility was only explained away with a shrug by the friend, "I don't know." And the matter was never pursued further, beyond noting that since the document was written in proper Aramaic, it was indeed authentic. Authentic to what or to whom was never addressed, and locating such a document a continent or more away from where Aramaic was actually spoken seemed highly improbable, if not downright silly. Inca civilization wasn't that old in the Andes, so the later factual problems became even more glaring in light of that first inconsistency. My other problem with the facts stems from another major inaccuracy when the author and assorted characters start to experience the "Ninth Insight." The last insight refers to the vanishing of the MAYAN culture, due to all of the Mayans becoming able to "vibrate on a higher level," and vibrate their way into heaven. Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't the Mayan ruins in CENTRAL (and NORTH) and not SOUTH America, specifically in Guatemala, and the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico? Why on earth are they mentioned in a document found in Peru, the land of the Inca (who "vanished" themselves), and a land found on a completely different continent? Perhaps if Redfield had set the "adventure" in Central America instead, perhaps in Guatemala, it would be a bit easier to swallow. But what's even worse about the assertion about the civilizations "vanishing," is that they really didn't. The cities fell, but the Mayan people are alive and well, practicing their spirituality in Guatemala, and are also the backbone of the Zapatista movement in Mexico! So much for a "vanished" people, eh? Another thing that completely rubbed me the wrong way was the inherent endorsement of the codependency movement, and also the tacit endorsement of Christianity. The "Ninth Insight" chapter was especially nauseating for this atheist in that regard. Part of the explanation of said insight centered around the example of "the Christ," who showed humanity how to vibrate themselves into heaven. Um. Funny, there is no justification in the book for a belief in heaven, nor is there justification for the blatant endorsement of Christianity. Paganism, which is much closer to loving the world and connecting with nature than Christianity, is never explored or endorsed. Nor is Wicca, which is also tied into the Earth and evolution in a more intimate way than Christianity. And there was the token nod to the codependency movement, when one of the explainers of one of the insights mentioned that everyone has a codependency problem. Well, that's just the beginning of a laundry list of things I find fundamentally insane about this piece of stupidity. I could discuss the absurdity of "vibrating" into higher "levels," but I'll spare you, much the way I wasn't spared by Redfield. Thanks in the form of money is much appreciated and encouraged! ;-)
Rating: 
Summary: Insightful Yet Elementary
Review: As you may have read, this book does offer some useful insights into one's life. However, there is a catch 22 apparent with the reading of this literary "masterpiece". The concepts are something which appeal to a more mature crowd, however the writing itself (the story) seems as if it were submitted by a 13 yr old who won a writing contest. There is no development of characters, the story constantly makes ridiculous jumps in plot, almost to the point that it hardly flows as one story at all (the only thing held equal is the main character and his "quest").
I gave this story two stars because I had to fight through it, however, the philosophies found with in are worth giving critical thought. If you find this book for $5 or it is given to you, by all means read it, but do not expect more than what I have said because you will not find it. If you do not trust me, read it and see for yourself.
Rating:
Summary: Looking to waste your time & your money?
Review: This "American Sensation" would be best used as a doorstop, or perhaps to place under an uneven table leg. Better yet, take it along on your next camping trip and use it as a fire-log. If you're looking to waste your time and your money, you've found the right book!
Rating: 
Summary: Spirituality in an entertaining Indian Jones Story
Review: I agree with the previous commenters that the plot and writing was a bit shallow, but I did enjoy that instead of a boring lecture non-fiction book. The writer choose to write a wannabe Indiana Jones inspired fictional story to get his thoeries across without losing the interest the reader. Though the story could have had more dimension, and it was a bit implausable, it did keep you interested to see how it ends. He wasn't out to write a great fictional novel, he is trying to teach, but in a more entertaining way. I'm sure there are better books that teaches spirituality with more details and broader theories from different cultures, but they are usually in a dry, sleep-inducing format with so many 10,000 dollar words that take four pages what could have been summed up in less then a paragraph. It really has changed my life to realize basic principles in all spiritual writing: you & life situation are a mirror of your thoughts (negative or positive), there's no such thing as coincidences, and everyone you meet has a bit of wisdom they can teach you if you treat them with kindness. How can anyone nay-say that?
Rating: 
Summary: Inspirational
Review: This is a wonderful inspirational story that really does make you look at life in a different way. While the story is fictional, it really makes sense and is based upon many facts of different religions. It is a story that is an adventure, has you hanging off the edge of the reading chair a bit, and yet inspires you. That's what makes it a wonderful book to read. Treat yourself to this book, it's worth it!
Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I read at least one book per week. This was so boring that it took me a week to read the first half. Finally I've decided to give up on it (which I NEVER do). It's just not worth reading just to finish it.
Rating:
Summary: A Thrilling, Fast-Paced Spiritual Adventure
Review: To start reading THE CELESTINE PROPHECY is to embark upon a journey of the spirit and the imagination. Seldom has a book elicited such deep emotional response and spiritual longing as does this fast-paced adventure through the jungles and back roads of Peru. Nine key insights into the meaning of life are revealed one at a time as the story unfolds, with each one's meaning made clear in the context of the story. This multi-dimensional book is rewarding on many levels. It tells a tale of adventure, it presents ideas that have the power to reshape one's life, and it transports readers to a higher state of awareness. From considering the significance of increasingly common coincidences and synchronicities (the first insight), to perceiving what had previously been considered an invisible form of energy (the second insight), all the way to the understanding that our increased perception and vibration will open us to directly experiencing a Heaven that is already before us (the ninth insight), this book keeps readers hungry for more. -- Cynthia Sue Larson, author of KAREN KIMBALL & the Dream Weaver's Web, and editor of RealityShifters News ezine.
Rating:
Summary: I could not believe it!
Review: I came through this book really by accident(thanks flatmate). When I read the back of the book saying "A book that can change your life", I said to myself it cannot be (something more vulgar). Another commercial lines trying to sell this book. So to prove myself, it was true, I started reading the book and found myself reading it straight for hours. This book takes you on an adventure towards spirituality. It is well written, described as a story and takes you on different corners of the planet. You don't get bored. I almost eat the book. I could not help myself reading it. So definitely very enthusiastic about this book! Recommended!!!!
Rating:
Summary: The story is fine but the message is great!
Review: Have you even had a situation where you thought to yourself, "wow, that was a coincidence" or "funny seeing you here. I was just thinking of you" etc., etc. You know what I mean. Well, The Celestine Prophecy protests that these "coincidences" may be more than coinciedences they could be signs or messages or perhaps patterns. If you like to explore the relm of worldly possabilities then this book offers an interesting view and a pleasant perspective if nothing else. I read with an open mind which is necessary if you want to truly explore all of the messages that lie within The Celestine Prophecy. Prophetic and "Heaven on Earth" - maybe, a bunch of hokey "new age" religion - maybe, solid wisdom that we all could apply and learn from - most definately! If you're searching for a "tranquil path" this could help, if you're already on the "tranquil path" this may aid in giving you more conviction. In any case this novel could improve your life. Believe what you believe but you can only believe what you want to. -Stratos
Rating:
Summary: The story is fine but the message is great!
Review: Have you even had a situation where you thought to yourself, "wow, that was a coincidence" or "funny seeing you here I was just thinking of you" or etc. you know what I mean. Well, The Celestine Prophecy protests that these "coincidences" may be more than coinciedences they could be signs or messages or patterns. If you like to explore the relm of worldly possabilities then this book offers an interesting view and a pleasant perspective if nothing else. I read with an open mind and that is necessary to truly try to explore all of the messages that lie within this book. Prophetic and "Heaven on Earth" - maybe, a bunch of hokey religion - maybe, solid wisdom that we all could apply and learn from - most definately! If your looking for a "tranquil path" this could help, if you already are on the "tranquil path" this could give you more conviction. In any case this novel could improve your life. Believe what you want but you can only believe what you want to.
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