Rating: 
Summary: Believe... and you shall be free
Review: When I started to read this book I almost wanted to quit immediately after it stated that it was based on the Christian principles of the Bible. Even though I have been brought up in the Roman Catholic faith, I thought "Oh, no. I don't want religion jammed down my throat," ESPECIALLY not in a book. Well, may I suggest that I could have committed one of the worse mistakes of my whole life had I stopped reading then and there? Dr. Norman Peale affirms the Christian principles once and again, but the reader has no need for desparing, for he does not sell religion in his book. Instead, he suggests a new approach to it, purely practical. Here we have a look at the most read book of all time in a way few people could have imagined. He suggests we all use the Bible as a tool for successful living. Interesting? You bet! The use of religion in everyday life is unavoidable, but you've never heard of using it in way so that your life flows easier, happier, with less stress and much rewards. After all, this is the way we were intended to feel in our brief passage through this world, since we were made to the image of God. The wonderful suggestions don't stop there. Being a partner in a small business, the idea of "taking God in" as another partner in order to make it successful, seemed incredibly original to me; and yet, could you think of a more natural way to talk to God? After reading Dr. Peale's book you'll probably start to wonder how you never thought of these possibilities even though they appear to be indeed so natural and will definitely make life so much easier for you. Although he does say the reasons we became (and that is "became", not "were born with") the way we are today, is something you'll have to turn elsewhere to discover; the techniques for a new outlook on life, one that will allow you to reap the fruits of success and both personal and professional achievement, are given and shown here: the power of prayer. I decided to keep this book by my night table. I have it marked to passages of special prayer and so far, it's done wonders for me.So start right away, get your copy and periodically, as Dr. Peale says, read passages of Scripture. There's no reason why you shouldn't reap the benefits of the most wonderful vineyard of all.
Rating: 
Summary: Power of mental discipline!
Review: This book should really be called "The Power of Prayer" so the title is half misleading. I say half, because prayer is a type of mental discipline, therefore, it is a special type of thinking, but not quite "positive thinking" per se. This is a wonderful book on prayer, and you cannot fault anyone for trying to help other people draw closer to God, since that is what prayer is: speaking with the infinite. Dr. Peale encourages intercessory prayers, that is, sending our prayers in behalf of other people, especially random prayers for people you don't know. Being a very praxological-heavy book, the theology and orthodoxy comes in only to explain the proper practice. In other words, this book has strong legs and busy hands, and is a real "hand's on" book. It tells you what you need to do to become better. As I said earlier, prayer is a type of mental discipline thane involves control, focus, and a concern for other people and other things beside you. And that is what good religion is all about: love for your neighbor. The title has become a bit of a byword, but it is nice to see what Dr. Peal is really talking about. It is not a mere chanmge of mind, or mental technique, but he is advocating a fuller life in Christ. This is a very spiritual book, and not some pop-psychological mumbo jumbo.
Rating: 
Summary: Dr. Peale
Review: The power of positve thinking is ok if you want to learn a few successful techniques you can apply to your life. However, there are much better and more intelligent books out there that will give you more sophisticated principles without the religious indoctrination found in Dr. Peale's books. You will be much happier with titles such as: Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz, and Feeling Good by David D. Burns, M.D.
Rating:
Summary: Great book regardless of your religious leanings
Review: ------
I was looking over the reviews, and there were some really negative ones which complained about the religious messages, the repetition, the self-cheerleading, and the dated-ness of the material in the book. These people don't get it. I'm a totally avowed atheist, so I ignored the Jesus talk. The repetition is important, because it's really a set of principles being taught, that the author is trying to hammer into your head. I agree that Dr. Peale is more self-congratulatory (and frankly, more status-conscious) than I prefer in an author, but that doesn't change the fundamental correctness of the message. I think the dated-ness of the material actually helps, because it shows that there's nothing new under the sun in terms of the human condition. Sometimes we think we live in unique times, and while that's true in some areas, the area of personal difficulty is always the same, regardless of one's external surroundings. This book is worth every penny. Better than the Bible, in my mind, for those who are inclined to Christian beliefs.
Rating:
Summary: VERY motivating FANTASTIC book!
Review: This book will change your life! You will never go through any situation the same way again! Your thinking will change, your actions will change and all for the better! This book contains the solution to every problem there is and ever will be. If you are seeking to build your faith to overcome obstacles in your life this book will do it. This book reminds me of the fact that anything is possible with God! I almost didn't buy this book because of some comments I'd read on certain Christian websites about the author. But I had the condensed version at home and loved it, so after reading all 45 reviews on this book with 99.9% of them being in favor of the book I went ahead and bought it and I'm VERY glad I did! I am over halfway through with this book and I count it 2nd in importance only to the Bible! Do yourself a favor that will last a lifetime and buy this book NOW!
Rating:
Summary: The Book on CD and more...
Review: When I bought this four CD set, I expected it to be basically a reading of the book on CD format, but I was pleasantly surprised when I found that it was a compendium of the book, "The Power Of Positive Thinking" plus further thought and reflections on life by Norman Vincent Peale. What makes this set so enjoyable is the practicality and simplicity of the ideas. Since the tragic events of September 11th, we all need a further boost in keeping a positive attitude and this set will help you do just that if you faithfully apply what you hear and do it on a consistent basis. In my opinion if everyone: rich, poor, young, old, liberal, conservative, and everyone in between would listen to this set of CD's for one week, we would experience a radical change in this country-one person at a time. Norman Vincent Peale knew how to speak to a multitude, yet make it seem he was speaking directly to the individual. Just as in the case with the book, you will find yourself referring back to these recordings often. You owe it to yourself. Also, be sure to check out the works of Dale Carnegie, particularly, "How to Stop Worrying and Start Living."
Rating: 
Summary: I'm positive thinking I didn't like the audio tape ....
Review: It has been some time since I had read this 'famous' book and found that it helped me at a time when I had a loss in the family. The book helped so much that even after some 20 years I can recall some of Dr Peale's suggestions and thoughts quite vividly. I bought this tape to really give it to a friend who is quite depressed, and, not being sure that he would read the book decided to get it in tape. Unfortunately this is certainly not anywhere close to the content of the book. The tape has none of the rich anecdotes and wonderfull stories that the author used to put his point across in the book. Not only is this tape abridged, but is simply and nothing more than a summary of the book.... and, it's depressed me even more than my friend that I was trying to help ....
Rating:
Summary: IT'S NOT WHAT YOU MIGHT THINK...
Review: It's a religious book. And an extremely boring one. The only real advice is that one should pray...After sometime you pray to finish the book soon...
Rating:
Summary: Your thoughts will form you...
Review: "Tell me what you think about when you don't have to think; and I will tell you what you are and largely what you will become" Brother Peale uncovers the learning of his lifetime, "I think, therefore, I am". He combines his learning as a religious leader and as a person to teach how thoughts create your situation. I particularly enjoy this book because he includes how belief in God can help each of us. The book mostly covers how to use your thoughts to improve your situation. Positive thinking will help you emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and physically. Positive thinking will also help you in your endeavors at work. I have applied the principles in this book and have experienced a change in myself and the world around me. The power of positive thinking has spread to my wife and to my friends. I have also read "Think and Grow Rich". "The Power of Positive Thinking" will greatly supplement the chapters on the power of thought in TAGR. By applying the principles taught in "The Power of Positive Thinking" you will enhance your spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical life. This is a book for Jews, Christians, Muslims, and any other religion that believes in a loving God.
Rating:
Summary: When you are distressed, read this book.
Review: When you are distressed this is a good spritual booster. When you are not, you will still like this book.
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