Rating: 
Summary: Nothing new
Review: This book was less than I expected. There is good practical advice - like cultivating distance from your own thoughts and other people's words and replacing old ideas with new beliefs. However, there's really nothing new here, it's more of a common-sense book, and I see little, if anything, that hasn't been taught many times over by other popular authors and most major religions. I prefer the book of wisdom by Taro Gold called "Open Your Mind, Open Your Life."
Rating: 
Summary: Very simple
Review: This book has some good advice. However, I found the narrative style to be aggravating. The style is didactic and somewhat childish. I finished the book only because a friend encouraged me to try to put the writing style aside. I think it was a good message, just bad packaging.
Rating: 
Summary: GOOD THINGS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES!
Review: I know what some of you are saying, "Not another self-help book." But please everyone do yourself and others a favor and read this book. What could be so difficult about reading four simple agreements that will change the way you view certain situations in your life forever. Plus, its not like some books that have hundreds of pages of useless information that requires some scientologists to translate before you can even grasp what the author is saying. This book is simple to understand and the author uses a language that we can relate to. Four simple things is all you have to remember and you will find yourself dealing with life more successfully. Simple things that use to bother you will become unimportant. And when people talk bad about you or to you remember the 4 agreements and their words will be their baggage and problem and not yours. Suddenly you will find yourself saying more meaningful things that will create more of an impact around you, because you have learned to "Speak impeccably" as the author explains.
I worked in a book store for years and I highly recommened this book to alot of customers. I also told them that they would be back to buy more copies for their family and friends. And sure enough they returned not only to buy one more copy but several. At Christmas time I couldn't keep the book on the shelf. My customers were buying 10 copies at a time and giving them as stocking stuffers. I gave one to my daughter who just recently got a taste of what it is like to work in an environment with different personalities and she couldn't believe how cut throat people can be. She read the book and now has a new attitude about the way she deals with her co-workers and customers. So please don't walk by and think its another self help book, pick it up and read it and you will agree that the "Four Agreements" is a must read for everyone. You owe it to yourself and others around you. And besides, it is a fast read that gets right to the point and it doesn't cost much.
Rating:
Summary: Simple and true
Review: This book was short and simple. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. I read the entire book in one evening. It would help anyone pursue true peace and happiness in their life. I would highly recommend it!
Rating:
Summary: Read it
Review: Quick and easy, yet it can change your life!
Rating:
Summary: Great, as a step
Review: My thoughts continue to evolve about an axis of two books I have read recently. For those of you who read books (a vanishing breed it seems to me) they are, _The Four Agreements_ and _Getting Real_. In some ways I think these books compliment each other perfectly. In Getting Real we have a practical way of living life after you accept The Four Agreements (TFA). I don't know if the authors know each other but that is how I view their books.In any case, TFA is an interesting take on the concepts I have long held regarding the Universe but it expands on them and as such was really an amazing book to read. The things I already knew about life and my place in it were not very helpful in making me a happy person but Ruiz has put together a suggested framework where one CAN be happy when you know what "we" know. For myself I see Getting Real as one way of implementing parts of the Four Agreements. Let me try to explain briefly...as if that is possible. In the TFA, Ruiz is essentially making the case that life, as we know it, is a dream. Further, he makes the powerful assertion that the current world we live in is embroiled in a dream of hell (for reasons related to the four agreements). He suggests we need not die to go to hell because we are already there. I tend to agree. Through his Four Agreements a method wherein we can walk through this hell and be unaffected is put forward. In some ways I think his way of looking at this is dangerous because it _can_ create truly self-centered monsters who believe they are God of the universe. That may not even be a false assertion but how many people are evolved enough to handle that kind of power and not make the rest of us miserable in the process? I think he underestimates, somewhat, the role other people play in our dream of the world. To say we can live a life utterly unaffected by others...well I don't quite like it or buy it. Perhaps it is too "Ivory Tower" for my sensabilities. That, I believe, is where Getting Real comes in. In this book the author, whose name escapes me, suggests a method for getting closer to the people in your life by being authentic with others regarding your feelings, thoughts, emotions. I have actually used some of the techniques in the book and they have worked beyond my expectations so I know it is a useful text but it is the kind of book you have to read for yourself. It is not easy reading and has several exercises to help one Get Real. In any case, I think if you combine the two books what you get is a framework for accepting the truths Ruiz puts forward (that I tend to agree with) with a practical method for living with your fellow humans that does not downgrade them to the level of mere bit players in an external dream of hell. I'd recommend reading Illusions Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah, then The Four Agreements and then Getting Real. Getting Real is last because it is the toughest book to get through (at least it was for me). Illusions is an interesting and fun book and will be a painless introduction to the concepts underlying TFA. ...I am torn. On the one hand I can understand how this book is "incomplete" and I think Ruiz acknowledges that by writing a companion book. But at the same time, for a person already thinking about these truths Ruiz speaks of, it is a great extension/angle of looking at them. If you were already asking "What is the matrix?" then this is a great addition to your library. If you disliked the book maybe this is all too new to you and I'd strongly suggest you read the books I suggested in the order I suggested. If you have lots of time you can even start with the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas.
Rating: 
Summary: The book that wasn't there ...
Review: Ruiz's basic assumptions are faulty, and his descriptions of human behavior do not ring true. Silly book.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book! Very spiritual!
Review: I first heard of this book on Oprah and I had to check it out. Don Miguel Ruiz gives us four simple agreements to follow to make ourselves happier and fill us spiritually. While reading this book, the ideas sound so simple, yet profound. For anyone who is looking to better themselves or trying to attain inner peace, I suggest this book. I have read it time and again!
Rating:
Summary: The best way of thinking for life
Review: This book is absolutely the best I've heard. (I have the audio tape). I was told about this book by a friend and I listen to it in my car every day over and over. The first time I heard it, I have to admit, I thought it was quite strange. But, I stuck in there because I trusted the opinion I had received about this book. I am so glad I listened to the whole tape. My life has changed because of my new way of thinking. If you're looking for self-esteem enhancement, a motivational book or a new way of looking at life, this is the book to get.
Rating:
Summary: This book makes an impact...terrific!
Review: This is one of the best gifts I've ever given my children entering adulthood. It's short, caring, and a quick easy to read up lifting book. The writing explains to the reader to pay heed to your "second attention" which is the fact that you have what you need inside and to use it. Reading this book helps the reader to understand that none of us should take the reactions of other people so personally. The teachings here are so very basic and reading this book just basicly helps the reader understand life and tolerate it better. I highly recommend reading this little piece of knowledge and see how it will change the way you react to situations and feel more in control of your life. A small book with big returns for your spiritual future and outlook on life.
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