Rating: 
Summary: Magnificent Obsession- an appropriate title
Review: After reading The Robe, I knew I wanted to read other books by Lloyd C. Douglas; Magnificent Obsession did not disappoint me. Although at first I was a little bothered by Douglas' referring to God as the "higher personality" and to Jesus as "the Galilean", I soon got over these terms and saw that the book followed Christ's teachings. The story is about Bobby Merrick, who indirectly causes the death of a beloved surgeon, Dr. Hudson. Eager to make up for his death, Bobby follows in his footsteps and becomes a brain surgeon. When he reads Hudson's personal journal, which is in a code that he is miraculously able to break, he learns about Hudson's belief in helping others anonymously. Bobby soon discovers helping others is the key to becoming successful, and becomes obsessed with giving himself to others. This lifestyle causes him to become an outstanding surgeon and Christian. Although Douglas does not use figurative language in his novel, it is extremely well-written. The reader witnesses the magnificent transformation of Bobby Merrick from a rich, egotistical young man into a selfless individual. There are several subplots in the novel, such as a romance, the downfall of Hudson's daughter, and friendships between the characters. This book will make you want to go out and help others, and it will not bore you. The story of Bobby Merrick has made an impact on my life, and I'm sure it will affect yours. Although it isn't quite as good as "The Robe," it is worth reading.
Rating: 
Summary: Don't waste your time on this one.
Review: Based on others' reviews, my expectation was that this book would fan the flame of my desire for Jesus. Turns out it's not terribly biblical. It borrows a few isolated ideas from Jesus's teachings, but it doesn't promote the gospel. It purports to discuss a life-changing, amazing philosophy, but the philosophy pales in comparison to the truth. Sure, it's nice and all to philanthropize without getting recognition for it, but that's _not_ what fulfills you in the long run. _MO_ discusses this concept of the Major Personality (who is supposed to be God), but doesn't acknowledge it as God, and doesn't recognize that Jesus is God in the flesh. Even the reverend who plays a part in Bobby Merrick's life toward the end of the novel fails to acknowledge the truth of the Bible. The story line is mildly interesting, but for me, that didn't redeem the whole reading of the book.
Rating:
Summary: An insightful path to a meaningful life...
Review: Douglas's approach to Christ's injuction to find meaning in life through service to others is written in a readable and engaging story. The novel (about a wealthy young playboy who reorients his life to fill the shoes of a famous surgeon who died as in indirect consequence of his actions) is rewarding on three levels: first, as a story about relationships between people that find higher meaning and stronger attachment through patience and persistence; second, as a parable about redemption, and; third, as a moral play about the power that can be realized through selfless and anonymous sacrifice. Though written in the 1920s, this is a book for our time. Similar to Tolstoy's "Resurrection," "Magnificent Obession" is filled with hope and inspirational asides that give simple fiction a profound spiritual dimension. In reading the book, however, one wishes that Douglas would have -- as Tolstoy did -- broken free of the cautious limitations he placed on his story and penned what the reader can clearly see that he wanted to pen, without worrying about how it would be accepted. The book makes a lasting impression and leaves the reader with a greater awareness of the needs of others
Rating: 
Summary: Christianity's Kabbalah
Review: Four stars for the enjoyment of reading it and the other for how often I think about it.
This is a great (if far-fetched) story and an easy read. The message is timeless and in the same basic direction. It's irony is that the plot promises a payback for generosity regardless of the fact that generosity is motivated by the payback.
Rating:
Summary: A Book of Spiritual Enlightenment
Review: Having read and loved THE ROBE, another of Lloyd C. Douglas' books, I began reading THE MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION with high expectations. The book greatly exceeded my expectations. It presents many important messages about Christianity without sacrificing entertainment. THE MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION is a story of the conversion and faith journey of a troubled young man. In order to be at peace with himself about the negative effects his poor decisions and actions have on a beloved surgeon, Robert Merrick begins a series of philanthropic deeds. He follows in the path of Jesus Christ, the perfect model of philanthropy, and in the paths of others before him, including the surgeon whose death may have been prevented if it were not for the reckless actions of Merrick. He becomes consumed with the task of helping others--sacrificing his time, effort, and money in order to do so. Merrick asks that stories of his good deeds are not spread in order that he may be rewarded in a more meaningful way than glory. Christ teaches people to be humble and not seek glory on earth but in heaven. The messages of Christ appear frequently throughout the book. As a result of Merrick's philanthropic deeds and newly developed spiritual life, he gains a more "powerful personality," the goal of all his efforts. His life is turned around and he greatly affects the lives of many others. His actions are emulated by those around him. One many can truly help to change the world. This book shows that humanity on the whole is good if humanity is able to overcome worldly temptations. THE MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION helped me on my faith journey and I believe that it would have the same effect on other readers. I recommend this book to all Christians as it provides the messages of Christ in a clear and modern way.
Rating:
Summary: A magnificent story!
Review: I decided to read MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION because of the enjoyment I found in reading Lloyd C. Douglas's other acclaimed novel, THE ROBE. Each of these novels is very interesting and inspirational. I find Douglas's writing style reads easily; it is fairly descriptive and never dull. He uses several similes in this novel to help the reader better grasp his descriptions, and his use of dialogue is effective in making his characters come alive.
MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION tells the story of Robert Merrick, a rich, young man who seeks to make better use of his life after his actions indirectly result in the death of a renowned brain surgeon. Merrick feels obligated to carry on the good deeds of the man for whom his life was spared. He becomes a doctor and, inspired by Dr. Hudson, sets off on a journey to find himself through performing philanthropic deeds and giving much of his time and money to his new cause. He emulates the actions of Jesus Christ, whose life revolved around doing good deeds for other people. Douglas, a former minister, makes several allusions to Jesus Christ and God in this novel.
Just like Dr. Hudson, the philanthropist who preceded Merrick and the man upon whom his actions are based, Merrick asks that his deeds are kept secret. Merrick's newfound humility is made evident; he follows Jesus' teachings to seek glory in heaven rather than on earth.
This novel presents an inspirational story that we, as Christians, can relate to today. Merrick's actions make a great modern-day parable about recognizing the world's needs aside from our own. I recommend this book to anyone in search of a spiritual read. It has helped me to recognize the needs of others and has deepened my faith by providing Christ's messages to me.
Rating:
Summary: A magnificent story!
Review: I decided to read MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION because of the enjoyment I found in reading Lloyd C. Douglas's other acclaimed novel, THE ROBE. Each of these novels is very interesting and inspirational. I find Douglas's writing style reads easily; it is fairly descriptive and never dull. He uses several similes in this novel to help the reader better grasp his descriptions, and his use of dialogue is effective in making his characters come alive.
MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION tells the story of Robert Merrick, a rich, young man who seeks to make better use of his life after his actions indirectly result in the death of a renowned brain surgeon. Merrick feels obligated to carry on the good deeds of the man for whom his life was spared. He becomes a doctor and, inspired by Dr. Hudson, sets off on a journey to find himself through performing philanthropic deeds and giving much of his time and money to his new cause. He emulates the actions of Jesus Christ, whose life revolved around doing good deeds for other people. Douglas, a former minister, makes several allusions to Jesus Christ and God in this novel.
Just like Dr. Hudson, the philanthropist who preceded Merrick and the man upon whom his actions are based, Merrick asks that his deeds are kept secret. Merrick's newfound humility is made evident; he follows Jesus' teachings to seek glory in heaven rather than on earth.
This novel presents an inspirational story that we, as Christians, can relate to today. Merrick's actions make a great modern-day parable about recognizing the world's needs aside from our own. I recommend this book to anyone in search of a spiritual read. It has helped me to recognize the needs of others and has deepened my faith by providing Christ's messages to me.
Rating:
Summary: Less than magnificient.
Review: I found Magnificent Obsession a disappointment. Another book by the same author, The Robe, gets my highest rating. Perhaps I expected more from MO because of that. Frankly, I was not drawn into this book and found it boring. A short story in Eleanor Farjeon's book, "The Little Bookroom," portrayed a similar them to the one in MO but it was far more compelling and touching. It was about the change in a man's character as he he felt a compulsion to be kind.
Rating:
Summary: Compellling Reading!
Review: I read this book at the suggestion of another guru - Marc Allen. He referred to it in his book "The Millionaire Course." So I read this, expecting some Universal Truth to be revealed, and then to smile knowingly at this truth splayed for my viewing pleasure. Surely it's something I already know or have seen. But no such thing occurred. I spent an hour after reading it looking for the answers to the questions on the back cover. I searched the book itself and a bible to identify Randolph's mysterious page. Then I came online and learned about the book and the followers it attracted. The author is SPOT ON with his denouncing of modern Christianity. (Or as modern as it was back when he wrote!) The futility of religion to act as a true balm to the hearts of modern people is a cavernous void. I suspect that like I did, Douglas left the ministry dismayed that people not only don't think for themselves, but expect the truth to be handed to them on a silver platter so they can ignore it. Good for him for "hiding" the truth in the book - the truth is hidden in other Books, too, and only the wise will reveal it to themselves and recognize it when they do. He's a brilliant author with a deft hand for weaving a story to divert the attention from the truths at hand.
Rating:
Summary: Compellling Reading!
Review: I read this book at the suggestion of another guru - Marc Allen. He referred to it in his book "The Millionaire Course." So I read this, expecting some Universal Truth to be revealed, and then to smile knowingly at this truth splayed for my viewing pleasure. Surely it's something I already know or have seen. But no such thing occurred. I spent an hour after reading it looking for the answers to the questions on the back cover. I searched the book itself and a bible to identify Randolph's mysterious page. Then I came online and learned about the book and the followers it attracted. The author is SPOT ON with his denouncing of modern Christianity. (Or as modern as it was back when he wrote!) The futility of religion to act as a true balm to the hearts of modern people is a cavernous void. I suspect that like I did, Douglas left the ministry dismayed that people not only don't think for themselves, but expect the truth to be handed to them on a silver platter so they can ignore it. Good for him for "hiding" the truth in the book - the truth is hidden in other Books, too, and only the wise will reveal it to themselves and recognize it when they do. He's a brilliant author with a deft hand for weaving a story to divert the attention from the truths at hand.
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