Rating: 
Summary: Good for a week or so...
Review: I never felt the need to review a book before, but felt it necessary this time to warn off potential future readers (especially given the # of stars it has received.)I've had anger management issues, and joined a local support group to help me deal with my problems. They stated that this book was their Bible and that I should read it. So, I read it (in one sitting) and felt really good about things. Sure, it was a little repetitive, but I figured that was just my negative side coming out, so I ignored my feelings. I re-read parts of it over the next couple of weeks, and slowly started developing doubts about the book (especially as compared to other books I was reading at the time, more specifically dealing with anger problems.) What I finally realized was that this book is crap. The ideas aren't crap, the book is. In terms of my own problems, this book was about as helpful as somebody telling me that "Your anger is just the Parasite. Starve the parasite, and the anger will leave you." Well, gee whiz, why didn't *I* think of that?! I finally started seeing the truth of this book, when I started looking online for references to Don Ruiz. I found his website, and all of the hokey "retreats" and "power journeys", and a picture of people gathered around a bonfire, all wearing white clothing. Give me a break. I felt like I had just been the victim of brainwashing by a cult. Again, the ideas in the book are good ones. They are just not presented in a way that will actually help you to achieve real change. Real change is hard. It takes concerted effort, and practical day-to-day tools that you can use. Change doesn't come about simply because you "decide" to kill your parasite (a term used in this book which I found to be very creepy.) If I were a Toltec, I would haunt Don Miguel in his dreams until he stops profitting off of my well-intentioned ideas.
Rating: 
Summary: Good ideas
Review: The Four Agreements are basic guidelines that if followed, will make your life better. No doubt! This book is repetitive on occasion, so be warned. If you want to make the most of every situation, understand and master all feelings, and live your best life, I recommend Optimal Thinking: How To Be Your Best Self.
Rating: 
Summary: Words have the power to create, as this book explains
Review: "Be impeccible with your words" is one of the four agreements -- and it's worth more than the price of this book itself. Words have the power to create new worlds, but we're just learning that now. For decades, we've been studying the fact that "our thoughts create reality." Now, a new teaching that "our feelings create reality" has been added to give us a broader understanding of the creation process -- and words play an important part in this new teaching. Words carry the power to "animate" thoughts and bring thoughts to life. Give it a try. Do you want more success or prosperity? Are you going after love and appreciation? Look up the word that describes your desire in a dictionary. Read the definition. You'll feel as though the word has come alive -- because it has. That's the power of words, and this book is a great place to start learning about that. Review by Mary Anne Thomas, author of "Ask and You Shall Receive," email Mindletters@aol.com.
Rating:
Summary: Life Changing
Review: This book is life-changing especially the agreement about not taking anything personally. This had never even occurred to me before. Even in my mid-thirties I have always lived my life based on what others say or don't say. I never knew I had the option of not taking anything personally. It transformed my life the moment I read it i.e. 'got it' and my life has never been the same since. It is an enlightenment. Thank you Miguel Ruiz for writing such brilliant things.
Rating:
Summary: Please!
Review: What I find most atrocious about this despicable little attempt at a self-help book is its hipocracy. If the author thought that he was giving true insight for the best of other people, that would be one thing, and he would give the book away for free. Instead, the book costs thirteen dollars, two dollars of each copy probably goes to the author. I don't think that he is in it for the good of others or to "share the truth". I think that he wants to milk this little cow for all it is worth. All he needs now is a celebrity sponsor to "change their life" and he would have a fortune on his hands. If you want more proof, look at the seminars, companion books, workbooks, etc that he allows to be put out. This isn't about what is right; it's about what is profitable. Even that wouldn't be so obnoxious if people weren't willing to swallow it. Instead, people say that this book changes their lives. It doesn't. Only you can change your life. No book will do it for you. This book is annoying, obnoxious, and hypocritical. If I had the chance, I would go back in time and refuse to read it. I am terribly happy that I borrowed it from a friend instead of buying it myself, because I would have to throw it in the trash. I wouldn't rent it, I DEFINITELY wouldn't buy it, and I wouldn't even read it. Pass.
Harkius
Rating:
Summary: A great book to supplement your spiritual practice
Review: Spiritual practice might be defined as attempting to live your true life, rather than living out of your conditioning. And this book has been an excellent supplement to my daily spiritual practice. The key, in any transformative idea, is that it has to be easy to remember. That is the real value of the Four Agreements. You will remember them. And remembering them, you will put them into practice. Where I find this book to be the most useful is in conjunction with daily meditation. Rather than simply drawing your attention away from the voices of your conditioning, the Four Agreements actually shows you how to gently transform them. Also, I think parents will find a little something extra here. Though not a parenting manual, the Four Agreements will speak to parents, and perhaps help lighten their load. Lastly, Ruiz' writing style is so simple and clear that you will never find yourself saying, "I just don't get it."
Rating:
Summary: Simple and easy to follow
Review: Although I didn't find anything ground breaking, The Four Agreements is written in such a simple way that it makes you commmit to the basics (or recommit) for self-reliance and happiness, which makes the book worthwhile and an asset on your bookshelf. If you want to make the best choices in any situation, obtain the best results, be your best and bring out the best in other people, I suggest Optimal Thinking: How to Be Your Best Self by Rosalene Glickman PhD.
Rating:
Summary: Great book for insomnia!
Review: I was very disappointed after reading this book. I guess I was expecting something different or unique. The Four Agreements are nothing new, especially if you've read any other self-help book. The writing style is simplistic and very, very repetitive. I give it one star, because the book helped me fall asleep each night...which is something I've been having trouble with lately. Yawn!
Rating:
Summary: A must read on your quest for understanding
Review: The Four Agreements is one of those books that you keep because it has on your spiritual growth and understanding. It enriches your life. This book is a quick and easy read that re-enforces the fact that all of life's important lessons have already been learned and past down to us by the folks that came before us. Like the ten commandments, Don Miguel Ruiz explains four commandments of Toltec wisdom guaranteed to make everyday life better. (1) Be impeccable with your word; (2) Don't take anything personally; (3) Don't make assumptions; and (4) Always do your best.
Rating:
Summary: Four great ideas, with one major flaw...
Review: A great book. In fact, I have read the Four Agreements 20 times, learning more every time. This book will help you improve every aspect of your life. And, it's beautifully written, in a simple and thorough style.
Yet one thing recently struck me about this book: there isn't a trace of humor in it! The book is all rational, clear, direct, explicit. I think that if the author was that happy and content, he would tell a joke once in a while.
Otherwise, I recommend it. My second favorite book just after "You can be happy no matter what" by Dr Carlson.
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