Rating: 
Summary: Refreshing
Review: The Conversations With God series was instrumental in my awakening. As a recovering Fundamentalist Christian, I owe a great debt to God and Mr. Walsch. Of course neither would see it that way. Without revealing too much detail I will just say the turning point for me was discovering this: If God is Perfect Love, how could He/She possibly conceive of, much less create, a place of eternal torture for those of "His Children" who do not follow "The Way". I'm paraphrasing but when I read that, a light came on and I was awakened from the nightmare of horror and guilt that is Fundamentalist Christianity. Holy Wars, Sin, Retribution, Sacrificing His Son, these are not God concepts but are man's concepts turned into religion to control. Perfect Love could never, ever condemn anyone. What happened to "turn the other cheek"? If you have spent years of your life trying to be good, do all the right things, pray, tithe to the church, and nothing seems to work, READ THIS BOOK! You'll discover God has really been there all along waiting for you to listen to Him/Her instead of man's religions.
Rating: 
Summary: Utopia ?
Review: The second book in the series proved less awe-inspiring than the first book, possibly because I had overcome the initial shock of reading the first book. Book 2 deals with global (as on Earth) issues regarding socio-economics, politics , "Acts of God" etc. It delves quite deeply into God's observations on how we have basically stuffed up our whole organization of the world, from cities to whole countries. I however still enjoyed the book, which shows that the Utopia we would all like to live in is quite possible, just highly improbable as true Democracy does not exist therefore the Big Chiefs will still make all the decisions, unless we ship them the CWG books and make them meditate ! The only negative aspect of the book that I found is that it focuses alot on America, and how the US is the closest country to come to how the world should ideally be run, although not completely,i.e. when all the various states became one United State. Living in South Africa, I would have preferred the book to be more general when discussing countries etc.Although the book focused on issues I dont normally find interesting, such as politics, I still maintained that fuzzy warm feeling that this is "real", that thie words were God-spoken. No matter how I try and doubt the word of Neale Donald Walsch using all the indoctrination that I have been raised with, still I cant. I just have a feeling of knowing that these are the answers I have been looking for...
Rating: 
Summary: Not your ordinary review
Review: Book one was good it laid the foundation to the Series. Two started off pretty good and the way it was going you would think it would be better. But in the 2nd Book it continues mentioning of the previous book. As in, "If you haven't gotten out and bought the first book, go buy and read it now". At first mention wasn't bad, but he kept doing it over and over again. Give me a break. The guy wrote the first book you think he would remember the questions he was asking God. If not just the questions, but the answers at least? I'm not entirely certain if he was purposefully selling his Series and newsletters, etc., but I hate to see this turn into one of those Chicken Soup for Soul package deals. Nothing against the books, but it's the "got to buy the whole set" series with the complimentary ginsu carving knife that bothers me, but I'll get over it. Why the popularity with this book, the series? People want to believe. They want to believe there is a God and our souls may be the only proof of such things. And at the same time we are trained mice. A book upon interpretation has brought more fear of a huge celestial bearded judge in a long white dress is at our judgment. And this little gem comes up with its embracing of all we encompass and posses inside of ourselves. But at times it becomes a selling tool beyond just mere suggestion. And well the politics become a little speculative as well. You'll see in the book where trade-offs are discussed for "hair-spraying over the ozone layer"? I would have chosen large chemical factories spewing their poisonous fumes into the air, but that would have been too obvious. One could say from funnels of all types, man and not man made. Or going back to industry and man with automobiles even. He goes with hair sprays here. Come on, even God knows they have virtually eliminated CFC's in compressed aerosol cans even by 1997 when the book was published. Maybe book 3 apologizes for most of the inconsistencies? In fact he explains the use of such devices over our environment as unhealthy or detrimental to our growth/health, but applauds advancements in technology in the 20th century, of course in due part to extra-terrestrials or aliens. Yeah I became a little disillusioned half way through the second book, but I was able to manage through it. There are two things I really like about this book that not many reviewers here covered, fear and sex. Not together, but on there own subjects I think are covered pretty well. So where do I stand amidst all this? Still in the middle, but for the most part I like these books. I'd rather read this book then the reviews of this book. Those that have gotten the most out of these books to me seem happy and have accepted this as a voice/a tool from God. Most have just merely suggested buying the book, using their own lives as an example of a positive force in this world. I think that is what would help me decide on buying and reading Book 2. With some inconsistencies in the second book as I have mentioned and the other reviews here, one question you have to ask yourself, does it do harm or good here? I think this book does more good than harm. With all the variances in this second book and to serve as a practical tool in the teachings or observations of God, it succeeds as the Bible does that we are still left to pick and choose. But in the end I don't think this should deter our faith, only strengthen it. A good deal of this book and the Conversations with God series as whole is factored around love. And well if it "insults" my intelligence for a little bit on some other matters then I think I can put up with the rest of it; as an intelligent person should. ~D
Rating:
Summary: Who Are You?
Review: I came to read this book (and also the trilogy)through a friend who said she found comfort and wisdom in its pages. She said that whenever she felt depressed and hopeless she would simply open the book and read, and before long her depression would disappear. Because of my respect for my friend I decided to read a few pages myself. I found myself reading all three books very quickly. I found the dialogue between Walsh and God captivating to say the least. As a person who has studied the Bible for a large portion of my life I can say that much of what is covered in Book 2 and the trilogy is hard to accept(and I'm not so sure I can accept some of its messages). But I am trying to keep an open mind. Overall, the message of CWG (to me) is to treat others as you want to be treated and know that all things begin with love. While this is a message that we all should have heard before(the teachings of Jesus? ), the New Age slant to the message was unexpectedly attractive. The idea that there is no Devil, and that Hell is only a harsh mythology, is quite refreshing to someone taught to fear both of these things. Finally, I don't know if Mr. Walsh is talking to God or not. I don't really care. What I have read in these books has caused me to ask questions about my own belief system and ask questions about my understanding of me, God, and the Universe. The real treasure with this book and this trilogy, is that we are asked to question our understanding of our Self. We are asked to do the unthinkable and question the validity of organized religions. We are asked to question the direction of our life and determine if that direction will define Who We Really Are. Any book that helps people do that is well worth the read.
Rating:
Summary: Conversations with God? Why not?
Review: Well, some of those who have read the book seem to bee off on the right track. Some sound sceptical or outraged and some - outright naive. This is to be expected. Assuming the conversations are real (I assume so), Mr. Walsch is not as much the author as the first reader of this book. The best practical point is that everything in the book is reproducible for anyone. Mr. Walsch has no monopoly on communicating with God. What, I wonder, is in the way of those sceptical, if they want to try it all for themselves? Some who met Mr. Walsch say he is rude and does not fit the image of someone who could be chosen by God to converse with. Yet doesn't God say that for Him there is nothing right or faulty, since these are human terms?
Well, let me put it short. Do not stop at just reading about someone else's experiences. God speaks with everyone (hasn't He said so?). Go ahead and make it your own reality. Whatever Mr. Walsch's personal character, his book is there and it gives all its readers a start in the right direction. Good luck! After having read some of other reviews, I have something to add to this one. There are some people who just said what they felt in a couple of words. Others exceeded the limit many times and had to keep going in new and newer review windows. Why don't they just write their own books instead? Mr. Walsch happens to be American, so some say "What's this god speaking American for Americans?". God doesn't speak English. Mr. Walsch does. If Mr. Po Quong had written the book, God would have spoken Chinese. Once again: there is nothing preventing you all from having your own similar experience, that is, outside of your scepticism, which kills it all. Jesus said (this is not an exact quote but the meaning is there), "If you had faith even no more than a mustard seed, and told that mountain to throw itself in the sea, truly believing that it would happened the way you commanded, the mountain would obey". So go ahead, get some faith and, when you have it, try it and God will speak YOUR OWN language.
The book is not without fault, yet I gave it 5 stars.
Rating:
Summary: Preachiest of the series
Review: Presumably you've read the first book in the series. The second one concerns itself with global issues - ones affecting the planet. As such, this is the one I found least inspiring as I felt much of it was a vehicle for the author to spout his own political views. On the other hand, they are still presented from a philosophy of book 1 and so even if you disagree it will get you thinking about alternative solutions to humanity's problems. Also, the book will foster a caring for people which is good for any political persuasion.
Rating: 
Summary: HANDICAP PEOPLE DO NOT ASK FOR THEIR LOT IN LIFE!!!
Review: I am so tired of people trying to answer the question "Why is there suffering?" I guess I am not tired of people asking, but I'm sick of the answer, "because it is what they chose." I think if you were to ask any person with cancer or with a CHILD with cancer, it would be appalling and downright insulting to suggest that it was "something they decided before they were born to have." "There are no accidents" is a comment that is so common now. Major cop-out alert!! Whatever happened to the phrase "sh*t happens." Our job is to find ways to make the ones that sh*t happened to a little more comfortable, and to try and not make it happen again to other people. I keep reading these books, and I keep going back to my science books. In this case, I think even the most hardened scientist/atheist would have a kinder view of those more unfortunate than most. As for God saying that people are hiding cures and conspiracies, I don't think so! If you pick up any basic science book, you would see how elusive and difficult it is to cure some diseases. This book is definitely for the layman, or I should say "stupid person." By saying that a person choses to suffer, that is the biggest escapism for us who do not suffer. It lays the blame of their suffering somewhere else but not on us. This book is dangerous, because it lays the blame on the one that is suffering. They thought, they chose, etc... No people, the suffering of every individual is not something they chose, it is something that just "happened". It is our duty as a feeling human being to try to alleviate their suffering and try to find ways of it not happening again. How we do this, is where freewill comes in. Maybe this is why we are here on earth. To alleviate the suffering of others. Wow! What a concept, maybe I should write a book. I think I hear God now, oh, gotta go. God wants a ham sandwich. What's that God? Oh, with no mayo or cheese, God is lactose intolerant... That explains alot!
Rating:
Summary: Toilet paper at best
Review: As someone who works for a hotel which has housed the "Conversations With God" seminars, I can safely say that the author of this text is amazingly rude for someone who claims to speak to God. Remember Mr. Walsh, the Divine loves all people, even those underlings who work the front desk and arrange your overpriced 'classes' :)
Rating:
Summary: another wonderful opportunity to develop your spirituality
Review: I reccommend all of the books in the series, each reminding me of my purpose and meaning in the bigger picture. Thank GOD for the gentle reminder.
Rating:
Summary: Neal Donald Walsch's Get-Rich-Quick Idea
Review: About 30 pages into Conversations With God, my intelligence was already insulted by Walsch's manipulative style of writing. This style is the kind that beckons you to do things like "Reread what you just wrote" or "Think about what I just said to you, Neal" (Note: not actual quotes from the book, just analogues of the style). It's designed to get you to believe that reading this particular book right now is the most important event in all of your life, and in all human history for that matter. It's an age-old guru/huckster mental manipulation, which usually results (as in Walsch's case) in the the guru/huckster fattening his bank account and garnering fanatical support. Yes, I too have had experiences in life in which "everything seemed to fit" and patterns in life seemed to emerge mysteriously. But I don't write a book chronicling it and then disingenuously give up half the writing credit to God (who is really "each of us") while collecting all the proceeds from the book's sales. If I am God, too, then where's my share of the royalties? And you--reading this review right now--since you are God as well, shouldn't you demand your own share of the royalties from Walsch? It is no coincidence that you're reading this review at this moment, I assure you.
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