Rating: 
Summary: First Step on the Path to...
Review: Stop waisting time and read this book, then read the 2nd book. Then read them both again and again!! This book is for anyone (beginers or those already on a spiritual path) and should be read by everyone! Its not a self help style book, its a story that everyone can relate to.
This book is one of my favorites and I highly recomend it as a first read if you are new to the spiritual scene.
It goes hand in hand with so many other "non preachy" spiritual books and it doesnt sound like a grandmother preaching the bible.
If you liked - Celestine Prophecy, Power of Now, Life & Teaching of the Masters of the Far East, anything written by Krishnamurti, The Spiritual Tourist, Sanctuary - Path to Consciousness, Carl Jung, Deepak Chopra..... just to name a few. or... if you read this book I suggest reading any of the above as each book is connected to the other and will point you to the next step on your path.
I am a true "Spiritual Seeker" who wants answers to the many questions that haunt us all and have led us to the spiritual relm. I owe it all to this book as it was the first spiritual type book I read and it became the First Step on the Path to my awakening and it gave me the drive to continue to seek and become more conscious of what is.
I have no idea what my life would be like if I did not read this book. I would probably still be an MTV drone like most people out there who is only concerned with themselves and creating a fake image that we like to think makes us a superstar, which I now realize is as far from reality as it gets. If the whole of society would only wake up!!!!
The book is such an easy read with such an impact.. you dont even realize that you have changed until you catch yourself thinking in a different way that then makes you realize that this world we live in is fake, ignorant and is made up of bad habits. But not to worry, its a good thing!!! because the more conscious of it we are, the easier it is to get off this crazy train we call everyday life. That is what this book does, it shows us the way off the crazy train of our own life situations!
If you want to break free, if you have a desire to seek for the truth, if you want to be YOU and not a fake image of someone or something.... than this book is for you!!! You wont have to dress like a monk... you wont have to light candles and incense or chant like a freak, you wont have to look in the mirror and pretend to like yourself, you dont have to give up your job and posessions. You just have to wake up and be the REAL YOU. The YOU that you have always been.... and this book will show you the way!!
Now think about this...If you are reading this review and are thinking about reading this book, you ARE READY to start on your journey. Something has brought you here that is beyond our comprehension. Dont fight it, just accept it. It will change your life one way or another!!!!!Remember this - To dwell on your past is to rob your future. To worry about the future is to rob the present....
We all do it and that is why we are so angry, anxious, grouchy, bitter, and depressed.
So, in order to be free from the haunting past and the "what if" future. YOU MUST LEARN TO LIVE IN THE NOW. (how you ask? just read the book - what do you have to lose?)
Rating: 
Summary: changes lives?
Review: This book is enjoyable to read. The principles that the author expounds are sound, solid and valid. There is nothing original here. The few ideas presented are basically taken from zen buddhism, daoism and maybe a hint of Confucianism. The ideas are presented in an elementary almost child-like way. I think the claim that this book "changes lives" is a bit overstated and somewhat wishful thinking. Why is it that when someone learns a little about themselves and about life that they feel a need to write a book about it? I think the author's main problem is one of an enlarged sense of self-importance. The story in the book, while presented as a "basically true" story, is actually just a collection of dreams and a vivid imaginations. It really insults the intelligence as he mentally toys with the reader regarding the authenticity of the characters and storyline. Like I said before, he is really full of himself. If someone has mastered themselves then they should write a book or teach if they choose. But, why write a book or teach when you are still in the process of testing the options? The author has in no real way mastered himself at all, he only has exposed himself truthfully in his search to quench an inflated ego. The question is: can the reader learn anything from this book? Maybe so... maybe not. I guess it depends upon your level of self-awareness. This would be a great book for a person who is just beginning to open himself up to the possibilities. But, not a good book for someone who has been travelling the path of self-improvement for any decent amount of time. Of course, the author plans to make a movie from the book. Why am I not surprised. I think if someone truly masters themself in the disciplines mentioned in this book they would feel no need to be famous, prove themselves, become rich, etc. One more complaint I have with this book is that the author seems to have little concern for the principle of responsibility towards family, keeping a job, paying bills, etc. In other words: REALITY. If one cannot blend the abstract ideals of buddhism, zen, daoism and Confucianism into normal regular life then what good is it? Most true masters, teachers and sages realize this very point and present their teachings in such a way as to promote the student to remain "IN" life, and not to seek a cave to live in. Buy this book if you enjoy cute stories with a little bit of wisdom for the beginner. But I would pass on it if you are more advanced in your journey.
Rating:
Summary: this is my favorite book
Review: this book really does change lives...i've had a whole new outlook on life since i've read the book, which was two years ago
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