Rating:  Summary: The Book on Lucid Dreaming They Don't Want You to Read Review: Although his followers have a tendency to view Laberge's as the only important research ever done in this area, his work, like that of every contemporary scientist, draws on much older research. The exercises presented by Harary and Weintraub are based on thousands of years of human exploration of this fascinating subject, including Harary's own considerable work on altered states. Harary and Weintraub are careful to present accurate facts and references, including references to Laberge, to whom they are very kind. They do not take credit for the work of others, nor do they try to sell accessories or classes. Nevertheless, it appears that some of Laberge's followers are very threatened by this unpretentious and enjoyable little book, which does not present itself as an academic text. Its stated purpose is to provide natural, step-by-step exercises for safely exploring the lucid dream state, and it does this very well. Harary, a veteran researcher and longtime contributor to OMNI Magazine, and Weintraub, an editor of OMNI for most of its long life, are both talented writers. Like their other books, this one is a pleasure to read. They are careful to present accurate facts and references, and while they never demean the implications of the lucid dream state, they also don't try to interpret the experience for their readers. They respect their readers enough to expect they will ask their own questions and draw their own conclusions.
Rating:  Summary: Great Introduction to the Subject! Review: Discerning readers will be able to tell when any comments are placed to promote another author by disparaging an excellent book. I will avoid such tactics and go for an honest assessment. This inexpensive and well written little volume successfully makes a complicated subject easily understandable to the general public. The authors are clear that it is a handbook of practical exercises and not a book of theories of anecdotes, and openly credit and refer readers to other authors for that side of the subject. For readers who want to get right into the practice rather than theory, this book is highly recommended. The exercises are based on modern research and methods proven and tested throughout human history, dating back to the ancient Greeks and Egyptians. These are the same techniques used by LaBerge and others, but Harary and Weintraub are careful to note the historical context. Another difference I find between this book and others is that the authors encourage a balanced approach, and do not urge people to try too heavily to control their dreams, at the risk of unknown complications. They are also careful to let readers discover their own experiences, instead of giving so many anecdotes that you cannot tell the difference between your original thoughts and the power of suggestion. They also do not try to sell or promote expensive hardware, which can induce seizures even in some healthy people, to induce lucid dreams. This distinguishes them from others, who have turned lucid dreaming into a minor cottage industry. The fact that they have managed to craft such a well researched program and present it so effectively in this inexpensive little volume is an impressive accomplishment, which helps to explain why this book is becoming a classic in the field. This is a great introduction to the subjection and may be the only guide most people need to explore the personal experience of lucid dreaming.
Rating:  Summary: Interesting Review: I have several points about this book. It certainly does work, although I have never finished the book being not dedicated or constant enough in my energy. It takes work, as it should, and some of the exercises aren't practical to say the least.
The comment about the authors not being legitimate researchers, well, all I can say is the exercises are very effective if you can actually stick to them so legitimate or not, they've got something right.
The main thing about lucid dreaming exercises that I think the book can't or doesn't help with, is that you don't get any spiritual guidance with it, and some dreams I have had have really made me wonder if thats something you need. There is a "realness" too it where I feel that I am navigating in foreign lands without a map. It depends how you view things, but for me it has called a lot into question.
However, I think its an excellent book and with determination is definately effective.
Rating:  Summary: Not bad, but get the other one Review: I've read both this book as well as Laberge and Rheingold's _Exploring the World of Lucid Dreaming_. Neither are bad, but Exploring is by far the better book, and clearly the definitive work on the subject.
Rating:  Summary: The perfect guide to be a lucid dreamer Review: If you want control of you as of your dreams, this book will give you the power to do that. When I started reading, I was an skeptic of this kind of things, but one week doing the excercises in the book I started to remeber my dreams and have control of them. It tells you day by day what to do, and the rest is up to you.
Rating:  Summary: The Book on Lucid Dreaming They Don't Want You to Read Review: If you're looking for a serious book about lucid dreaming, this isn't it. The authors included a few tips they learned from legitimate dream researchers, such as Stephen LaBerge. Unfortunately, most of this book is pure fluff, concluding with instructions on how to use lucid dreaming to promote ESP and out-of-body experiences. Oh, PLEASE! I'm surprised the authors didn't suggest putting aluminum foil on your head and sleeping under a pyramid.If you're serious about lucid dreaming, pick up a book written by legitimate dream or sleep researchers who know what they're talking about.
Rating:  Summary: There are far better books on the subject Review: If you're looking for a serious book about lucid dreaming, this isn't it. The authors included a few tips they learned from legitimate dream researchers, such as Stephen LaBerge. Unfortunately, most of this book is pure fluff, concluding with instructions on how to use lucid dreaming to promote ESP and out-of-body experiences. Oh, PLEASE! I'm surprised the authors didn't suggest putting aluminum foil on your head and sleeping under a pyramid. If you're serious about lucid dreaming, pick up a book written by legitimate dream or sleep researchers who know what they're talking about.
Rating:  Summary: We spend one-third of our lives asleep... Review: Ignore the cheesy title -- this one really works. Harary and Weintraub's 30 day plan gradually immerses the reader into his/her own subconscious until s/he can't help but develop a greater awareness of his/her dreams. Faithful practice lays the groundwork for more vivid and frequent dream recall, incubation, reentry, and, finally, recognition of the dream state while dreaming. For those who believe in Doing Something with that "lost" third of their lives.
Rating:  Summary: Lucid Dreaming and Happy Review: OK the tittle is true. I am finally having lucid dreams, and I am so happy. I now can have tea with Neil Armstrong or Little Bo Peep if I want to. Or I can fly to Pluto to see if there are aliens and find some if I want. This power I have never had over my dreams, so I treasure it. PLus from this book I learned all this. Now I am going to bed to sleep, and dream...<(o^_^o)>
Rating:  Summary: It works! Review: This book is excellent! It gives you a lot of practical, detailed exercises, and it works! I was quite skeptical at the beginning, because I used to see (or remember) dreams extremely rarely, once a year (!) maybe, and overcoming the first barrier - remembering my dream - I thought was my biggest challenge. I decided to try just for fun, and I was amazed that I could remember my dreams four nights in a row - something that has never happened before. Several weeks later I saw my first lucid dream (that is the dream where you realize that you're dreaming), and it was truly amazing and FUN! I'm sure I could have progressed much quicker, but I wasn't consistent in my practice. This book is very fun, easy and interesting to read, it explains in detail how to reach lucid dreaming stage, and it also gives a lot of advice on how to use your dreams for self-discovery and self-development (like exploring your subconscious or finding a teacher in your dream). I was never interested in this subject and started reading this book accidentally (recommended by a friend). After reading this book, I got so interested in this topic, that I started reading other books, like Laberge, Garfield etc. Laberge is excellent as well. But he gives a lot of theory (what is dream, how it works, history of dream research, modern lab research etc.) and some exercises (not particularly structured and not given in the order of difficulty), while in this book by Weintroub and Harary the main focus is exercises, and how to experience for YOURSELF, it's very structured, step by step approach (exercises for day 1, day 2 etc. - exactly what's needed for a beginner, who wants to EXPERIENCE, not just READ ABOUT). If you're a serious researcher, I recommend you read both, Laberge (better on theory) and this one (better on practice). Good luck! P.S. I've read one comment here about Astral travel, and how it was all silly, and shouldn't have been mentioned in the book etc.. Well, maybe for people who just start exploring dreaming, it really is too early to talk about astral travel (W & H do talk about it briefly at the very end of their book), but I wouldn't recommend jumping into conclusions before trying, practising, experiencing first. Who knows...
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