Nobody can read this book and not feel inspired. I read it about a year ago when I was feeling down. By the time I got through I was filled with hope and Joy. I loan it out to my friends. When I do I purchase a new copy so my friends can have a copy too. I think everyone should have a copy.

The secret is full of COMMON SENSE!!! It's like me writing a book saying "don't set your self on fire" or "save money", ect. Are we really this stupid that we NEED to read this??? You can get better advice from ready dear abby and her column is better written!!!

I went to a church with a friend of mine on Sunday and the pastor of the church preached about this book and how it refered to God. The Pastor said that he trust God and God alone. I agree with him. There is only one God and he sees and knows all. Everyone who thinks that there a little God's running around here they are going to hell. How could someone write a book like this. It just makes me sick. Don't waste your money on this book......

I have very mixed feelings about The Secret. I think this book can be an amazing catalyst for change and growth for certain people. I also think it can spell huge disaster for others.

Let's get the bad out of the way first. The book uses quotes from many famous people throughout history to say that if you want something - just BELIEVE you have it with all your heart and you will get it. Don't "want" it or dream about someday having it - instead, believe with every fiber of your being that it already is yours. If you want to go on a cruise, act as if you already have the tickets. Don't go around saying "I can't afford that" - believe in your heart that you can afford it.

I think most of us can see the problem here. If you have an instant gratification personality, you will easily believe these things - and go max out your credit card. You will honestly believe you CAN afford these things, that you WILL have money soon to cover all your bills, then bankrupt yourself and destroy your life. I know people who have done that.

Rhonda applies the Secret to health and weather too. So if you simply believe your cancer is going away, it will. I am ALL for positive attitude (and I'll get into that later) but what if your chosen belief is "I will beat this cancer completely naturally, without medicine"? We have seen in the news families who believed 100% with all their heart that God would heal them - and the child died. Someone who believes with all their heart "My ex will come back to me!" might waste their life away - bypassing wonderful men - because of that incorrect belief.

So yes, this book can certainly be mis-used by people who do not apply its words wisely. But you could probably say that about anything. People out there lose lots of weight on low carb diets - and then some people think it means "eat only steak and nothing else" and do poorly. Any system can be followed properly or badly.

What is the GOOD about this book? There is a lot of good in here. Many of the basics of other books and religions are covered. To summarize - start with a quiet mind, meditation and calmness to think about what you want. "You must feel good about You. This is important." Really focus on what you have now and honestly enjoy it - feel gratitude for the good things already in your life. Focus on positive goals - instead of thinking "I have to get out of this debt" focus on "I will be financially stable." Help out others around you - not as a "sacrifice" of your time and money, but because you honestly enjoy doing it. Learn to enjoy your own company, to be happy with who you are. Only you can make yourself happy - not others, not possessions. As for the past, "Let it all go no matter what it is. Do it for you."

You might think some of these things are cliche, but they are all SO true. There's a reason the concepts show up in book after book. They are critical to long term contentment. Maybe it takes some people 4 or 5 readings before it starts to sink in. If that's the case, The Secret does its job to help keep emphasizing these points.

To remind people that this wisdom is ancient, Rhonda adds in quotes from many well known personalities.

"Whether you think you can or think you can't, either way you are right." -- Henry Ford.

"All that we are is a result of what we have thought." -- Buddha

Rhonda talks about the placebo effect - something we all know about. In studies, lots of people react just as well to a sugar pill as they do to real medicine! They believe so strongly that they are going to get better that they really do. Our bodies are rather powerful healing machines. If we honestly believe a bracelet will reduce our stress, we will begin to relax - and our stress really will lessen!

So I do believe wholeheartedly in the underlying message of this book. It is important to appreciate what you have in life, and to find contentment in it before you start reaching for your goals. It is important to have goals, and to focus and strive towards them with healthy energy. Rather than being jealous of others, realize how many others don't have what you do now. Rather than live your life full of stress - which causes numerous health problems - find a way to lead it as relaxed and content as you can.

The Chicken Soup author explains succinctly how this all helps. When he first wrote his book, he was stuck on what to do with it - and he was extremely poor. But he made it his focus to get the book to sell. Once he was focused, he started noticing things around him that he might otherwise have not paid attention to. Because he was actively thinking all the time about selling the book, and talking about it, he was able to make contacts and arrangements and the book became a top seller. If instead he had just sat in his house, watching TV, never thinking about his book, it's unlikely it would have gone anywhere.

This brings up one of my concerns again. Much of the book talks about the process "working itself" without ANY input from you. The book talks about simply "placing an order" with the Universe and then waiting for it to happen. That reminds me of the Joplin song "Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedez Benz? My friends all drive Porsches, I must make amends!" There's also the classic joke of a devout parishioner who prays every day to win the lottery. Finally God's voice booms out, saying "buy a lottery ticket!!"

Now, I realize WHY Rhonda wrote it this way. People really do honestly need to believe their goal is achievable. If they get stressed out and wound up in the "How"s, they might never start. They just need to believe they WILL get a better job and then start working on the task every day. They can figure it out as they go. There are one or two SMALL comments in the book about "Inspired action will not feel like work at all". The point is when you're working towards a goal you honestly love and adore, anything you do towards that path will be thrilling. Sort of like working in a Broadway Theater as an understudy - this might be a fantastically amazing experience for someone who has always dreamed of being a Broadway star. Yes, they are "just" an understudy and not the star, but this is a step on the path and inherently fantastic in and of itself.

So I agree with her that getting people to focus on their goal is a good thing. I wish there had been more caveats of "you need to work on it every day, not just lounge on your couch watching TV and eating bon-bons and waiting for the world to give you millions". But I also understand that many people have to start slowly. They have to even acknowledge that there is a chance for them, to have the ability to dream. The Secret gets them started.

This brings me to another point. Nowhere in The Secret does she talk at all about priorities. Deciding your priorities is SO important before you start heading towards goals. What if your goal is a big house - when really what you want is a happy family? What if you get that big house and now you never see your family members because they're all off in a different part of the house, and you're sad and miserable? Goals should *always* spring from core priorities in your life. The book almost drives home a message of "be a millionaire with a mansion and a yacht! Grab grab grab!" That concerns me a lot. Again, maybe if she "cluttered" up the message with priorities and planning a lot of people would think it was too much work and not bother. But I really wish she had a chapter on healthy priorities, all the same.

So The Secret should be taken in conjunction with other books that DO go into priority setting and non-complaining, to help provide the tools to achieve your dreams. I do think The Secret is a valuable part of that library, though. Its core message is straightforward and completely true. Wake up each morning feeling grateful for what you have, and positive about your opportunities for the day. Help out others around you, and focus on your goals. Feel good about yourself. Instead of complaining about your past and problems, be enthusiastic about your dreams and future. It really can make a HUGE difference in your life, one step at a time.

I'm not sure that it matters if you believe or don't believe totally in The Secret. The book is filled with some thought provoking ideas and concepts. It is one of those books that makes you think in a slightly different way. You begin to think about things from a point of control. It's very powerful to take control over your thoughts and feelings. That was the biggest thing that I got from the book.

I don't necessarily believe in all the concepts within The Secret. I do however believe in some of them. The power of the law of attraction is amazing. I've found that applying, if only just a little, in my life has made a difference. It brings me more confidence and I feel more empowered to take risks.

You don't have to feel as it you are joining a cult to enjoy this book. Just go into with an open, but discriminating mind and you will find a few things that you can apply to your everyday life.

The Science of Getting RichHemp Eco Friendly Dog Bone Toy: Pink (Large)Robbie Dawg Organic Dog Biscuits: Turkey Sausage & Romano CheeseOrganic Quilted Car Seat Cover: SilverOrganic Catnip Leaf (Small)Eco Friendly Pet ShammyHurley Dog Chew Toy: Aqua Blue (Large)

I found this book to be extremely inspirational, it actually changed my very negative life incredibly fast, to one of peace of mind. I highly recommend this book. If you are ready for it, it too can change yours.
I have proven that the concept outlined in this book definitely works. It came as a blessing just at the right time of my life. Try it, I challenge you.

Two things:
1. Babies who enter the world with major negatives such as sickness etc are somehow just not handling their thoughts in the right way?

2. Did King Midas have a copy of this book?

I laugh at all of the people that give this less than five stars. The principles outlined in this book can be used to change anything and everything you want in your life.

As for the marketing of the book, I agree with some who say its great marketing, but thats not a bad thing. Why did you buy your last car where you did? You probably saw an ad for a great deal on that type of car. Even if you didn't, the point of advertising is still to make people buy, period. If the information sucks the public will say so and stop buying.

But this book is one in a series that should be on everyone's bookshelf in the entire country! I praise her for efforts in awakening the world.

"The Secret" is a book that I finished in two days. It held my interest and gave me a great outlook on how we should look upon our lives. With this type of positive motivation.. I believe you can conquer any obstable that might appear in your path. I pick up this book each day to read a few passages and to begin my day with an upbeat mood. I highly reccommend this book to all that want to change their lives for the better. As an Author myself, although a Poetess.. I found her words very uplifting and encouraging. Christina R Jussaume www.Poetesscrjussaume.com

Our desires go out to the universe? I wonder if they hear them on the frozen planets in our own solar system? (Come in Pluto, I'd like a new Beemer, do you read me?) Do they hear them in the gaseous wastes of another galaxy? If we are mentally concentrating on said BMW in England, do those who only speak Tamil resonate with our desire?
This claptrap comes out of the Dhammapada's first lines, if we like our Eastern con-men, and from New Thought types like Wattle and Haanel with their Science of Getting Rich and The Master Key. It is made more dramatic, more glossy, in The Secret.
But you dress up a jackass in a tuxedo, and you still have a jackass. The point is all of those people in the Twin Towers on 9/11/01 weren't visualizing a fiery explosive death for themselves, weren't desiring being forced out a hundred stories and splattered on a sidewalk. Probably many of them were thinking positive, and desiring with all of their hearts and minds glowing futures for themselves, instead of burning destruction.
If it's science, if it's a law, than it works all the time. Apparently, historically, it hasn't worked all the time--this secret. If we become what we think, does that mean a person with delusions of grandeur might actually be Napoleon? If a hebephrenic thinks his knees are made of mayonaisse, should we spread them on a sandwich? The universe is vast. This planet is tiny. The universe that we can detect is downright hostile to human life. It doesn't care. That's the real secret. Want to read a good success book? Try Marcinko's Success Secrets of the Rogue Warrior.

Is this some kind of joke? I blindly purchased this book upon the recommendation of an online companion, and it is horrible. The secret is, in a nutshell, sending good thoughts into the universe. It tells you that the reason you are fat, if you are, is not because of the food you eat, but because you think fat thoughts. Do not buy. Way overpriced, and not worth a penny of your money. I left mine on an airplane.

SG

This landmark book and DVD open the doors to a new reality for millions. People have begun to understand the power of their thoughts and universal principles like the Law of Attraction. Once you take responsibility for creating your life and partner with the infinite intelligence of the universe, anything is possible.
Divine Wisdom at Work: 10 Universal Principles for Enlightened Entrepreneurs

The Secret' has served a great purpose; it has stimulated a conversation we all need to have, about who we are and how to realize the divine power within us. However, the main problem with The Secret" is that it largely leaves God out. It extols the virtues of using Mind power to amass material abundance, based on the law of attraction. But it ignores the primacy of God, and Spirit - the underlying eternal essence that enlivens and uses the mind. Ironically the author and several references invoke the names of several God-men as ones who used The Secret. But they don't, like many saints and sages, stress the importance of seeking knowledge of self as spirit, in order to know God. Instead The Secret claims that you can get anything using The Secret. The implication is that you can even win God, using this method. This is problematic. Yes, using the mind man can invent tremendous technology and even bombs that might upset the balance of the planet; but, do you really think man can attain the ultimate omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent powers of God just by using his intellect and mental powers? The Secret doesn't even explain how your mind was used to attain the material conditions you inherit at birth. Yet, it implies that your thoughts can be powerful enough to negate seriously limiting conditions which you could not have caused by your thoughts in this lifetime. To explain this would necessitate venturing into the controversial waters of Karma and reincarnation - a discussion which puts conventional proponents of religion at odds with those who espouse the mystical path. While all of the above proponents might agree with the Christian precept at the root of The Secret -"pray believing that what you pray for you already have". They might also agree with another Christian scripture that trumps the basic premise of The Secret: "What profiteth a man who gains the world but loses his own soul"? If The Secret helps stimulate this more important discussion - the purpose and destiny of man as a spirit "made in the image of God", and how to use the mind as a good servant rather than master of the soul - then it will have been worth it.

This is the best book I have ever read for increasing positivity. The book was given to me as a gift from a good friend of mine, and after I read it I bought one for each of my daughters and recommended it to several friends and co workers. My daughters liked to say that the book said the same thing over and over again in the beginning, but I told them to keep reading because they were just trying to drive home the point. They have both read the book now and have become more positive in the things to say and do. After reading the book I can look at and see the good thing in everything instead of looking for the bad or being negative. My new attitude has even changed the way other people act around me in a good way. I would recommend this book to anyone!

I have to say that this book is a total waste of money, I had in mind to leave an extensive review to explain why until I read the review of the Secret by another review I read prior to what I had in mind, but this person just does it so clearly and as I agree with all the points made, please see: longhorn24 review, it says it all in an excellent and accessible fashion - I am returning this book back for a refund.

The Secret is a very good book making us more aware and conscious of our thoughts the more negative our thoughts the more negativity we receive The Secret shows us how we can transform our thoughts and live a happier and more excitiing life!. A Walk Through Life

I am so tired of chiropractors claiming to be experts in curing cancer and heart disease, and now in this book being experts in psychiatry. When is some govt. agency going to get after them and force them to clean up their act. As for all of the "philosophers" who contributed to the Secret, I would be curious to know how many actually have degrees in philosophy, and who are either professors of philosophy or written books on philosophy. It is interesting that although the book states that the Law of Attraction was known and practiced by a lot of very famous people throughout history, it gives no references to any statements by such people supporting their knowledge and practice of such a law. It is one big lie. Unfortunately, it shows how gullible most people the majority of the people who read the book thought it great.

Thank you Rhonda Byrne for sharing the law of attraction with us and it's ancient teachings. It shows us more than just positive thinking and the power to have abundance lives inside of us.

Very inspirational!

Merna

I have been a follower of the Law of Attraction for many years. I am so glad that Rhonda Byrne has brought its principles to the masses. This book plus Living The Secret Everyday: My Secret Workbook are the only tools you need to live the life you want. It has for me.

Here's another one I tried reading but could not finish. The book is well written, I will give it that. I also have to give the editors credit for doing a good job; however, it is quickly so repetitive along the thought line that it becomes very monotonous. The power of positive thinking coupled with materialism is quoted repetitively throughout the entire book. Many of the quotes and concepts shared have been around for quite some time. The quick fix philosophy has many flaws in it as one can imagine. I recommend reading the Bible; you will find "Many Secrets" to provide self-help and positive thinking as well. Save your money, this book is not worth your time or money.

I am thinking this book is complete b.s. and wait... it is!!! I have the Secret!!!!

Loved the book so I bought the CD version. I listen to it daily which along with the workbook Living The Secret Everyday: My Secret Workbookreally keeps me focused and on track. I've never been happier.

I like these cd's sooo much better than the video. It is easy to listen to and more convenient than reading the book... you can listen in the car :)

I found this book to be life-changing. I so wish I had read it when I was in high school. What a different world this would be if we started teaching this to our youth! It has become my favorite gift to give to others. What a fast read, too.

Why not just read the Bible? There's stuff in there like 'as a man thinks, so is he'... 'you reap what you sow'... 'let the weak say 'I am strong''... 'faith is the SUBSTANCE of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen'... 'guard your heart with all due diligence'... 'if anything is good, noble, etc, think on these things'... i could go on for a while here.. but the Bible also says of Jesus 'without Me, you can do nothing'.. 'with praise and thanksgiving, let your requests be known to THE LORD'.. calling God 'the universe' as if the moon and stars will move on your behalf, is mumbo jumbo. I just bought this book because I wanted to learn more about the scriptures I have just quoted. But I just don't think a lot of this book is what God MEANT. Just a thought, I am still reading the book with a grain of salt, because it did start me thinking 'i feel good', and 'i'm healthy' etc.. and i DID begin to feel a whole lot better. But like I said, why not read the Bible?

Law of Attraction handbook: Revealing the Secrets to Manifest Your Desires Instantly to Success

Anything about Law of attraction is mentioned in this book "The Secter". Even, the great teachers like Jack Canfield, and the rest giant thinkers, already contributed here. Affirmation, meditation, visualization, and emotions are all explained as trigger points. If you want to learn someting new about Law of attraction, then this is your best bit.

How to Attract Wealth, Health, Love, and Luck into Your Life Immediately: A Concise Manual for Personal Success

I was recommended this book by colleagues and friends.

I read through it and realized if one truly follows the suggestions in this book, one is more likely to suffer from delusions than to actually get what they want. I mean how on earth can one imagine that the universe will work toward making our wish come true just because we express it?

Common sense would tell us to make the best of our situation. To take life as it comes. being positive works when we see the good of our situation, not worry about what we cannot have and enjoy the present moment for what it is. This book does the opposite. It tells us go all out and wish hard for things we want. To not accept the way things are and to not make the best of things!

In my opinion, totally unoriginal. The professed "secret" I don't believe is any secret at all. This information has been purported and regurgitated throughout the ages. The 'law of attraction' is no secret, it's just been peddled to the masses in a variety of different ways with different labels attached.

Sure, the law of attraction can work, but nowhere near as profoundly as this incredible, earth-shattering book "The Secret" would have us believe.

It's delivered in typical glossed-up, info-mercial style blockbusting presentation. But the initial excitement, novelty and ensuing adrenalin rush soon wear off when nothing life changing seems to happen.

All in all an entertaining read and an interesting concept, and it does have some merit, but don't expect instant miracles, and don't hold your breath waiting for the miraculous to happen.

Real Life Dramas - Volume One

Darren G. Burton

As co-author of Living The Secret Everyday: My Secret Workbook, Rhonda Byrne inspired me to write my book. We thank her for bringing this topic to the world. Yes, it was out there but the topic of the Law of Attraction was only practiced by some and now is known to the world. I feel her book is a must read.

A compelling read, as soon as I finished it I started again at the begining. I am ordering additional copies for close friends and family. The person that suggested I read this is a very close friend who is reading it again for the third time. This little book, which is a very easy read, has the power to change your life...and change it for the much better! I highly recomend this book to anyone of any age and in any circumstance.

The Secret


Some of the finest gobbledygook ever published.

And Oprah Winfrey should be proud. She has deluded so many Americans into believing just about everything they see on her show or book list, that people incapable of composing more then three sentences, and who are functionally illiterate, bestow high praise on a book that they couldn't possible understand, and cannot discuss in public, either, owing to the fact there mind is lost where conceptual abstractions are concerned.

My congratulations to the authors. Not only have the borrowed every idea from other nonsense already in print, they've resold it to an unthinking American public who actually are deluded into thinking they possess KNOWLEDGE.

I just learned about the Secret a few months ago and bought the book after I borrowed it from a friend. It has really been helping me and gives me tools to use when I have questions.

The only thing is, it's so colorful sometimes it was a bit much to read so I had to take breaks. But the book is wonderfully put together and if you're looking for a good book to start with about the Law of Attraction, this is it. The chapters are broken down in a way where you can skip around if you wanted to.

Law of Attraction handbook: Revealing the Secrets to Manifest Your Desires Instantly to Success

As I started reading this book, I realized my options and choices expanded and I am beyond what I am now. This book worths millions of wisdom and secrets that can swiftly change your reality and life.

It is really a must read for anyone seek breakthru in his or her life and at no time.

Long before this book came out, I've been trying (ever since 1990!) this exactly type of positive thinking and it DOES NOT WORK!

The biggest lie they tell you is that you don't need to plan for your goal, just imagine it and it'll come true. But guess what? If you really don't plan ahead, you WILL FAIL.

If order to achieve your goal, you need the combination of three things, and they're equally important:

1) The IQ and EQ that you're born with.
2) What you have learned (from experience, books, internet, etc.) and applied.
3) Luck/opportunities.

Unfortunately, there're books/people like this "Secret" that will mislead you and steal your money at the same time. Of course, thinking positively is a healthy thing to do, but to achieve significant goals you need to do a lot more than that!

Rhonda Byrne's book 'The Secret overall is a thoughtful compilation of wisdom about prosperity & abundance. More specifically it's a book about awareness & focus of your thoughts/feelings/consciousness & how this awareness impacts you experientially.

What I like about 'The Secret' is the way fragments from oral traditions, literature, religion & philosophy come together to promote life transformation. I also like how awareness about how to tap into your latent inner powers is revealed as an effective means in order to bring joy to all aspects of your life. Contributors to the book are contemporary, diverse and assist you in discovering how to achieve health, wealth & happiness.

What I don't like about 'The Secret' is that it focuses too heavily on gaining materially. I also think that this book over-simplifies some of the processes needed to achieve results and you may therefore be left with enormous expectations & results that seem to be too little too late! The Secret is not a cure all for every difficulty or imbalance in your life! Action may still need to be taken on various levels to improve your life, such as medical, educational, social, international, environmental, physical, psychological & spiritual. With this in mind I would think that The Secret teaches about one and only one important component for creating a better life- that being 'positive thinking.' Intentionality is also of utmost importance to consider and I would ask- 'who' are you transforming life for? If your intention is to transform your life only for the benefit of 'yourself' then I would have to say that this is promoting lack of consideration & selfishness & materialism. The intent of 'creating a life that works for everyone'is a more 'universal intentionality' and leads to effective results that create 'a world/reality that works for everyone' thus eradicating the turmoil, problems, and imbalances generated from selfishness & materialism in favor of an expanded vision of true spirituality in action.

Overall I recommend 'The Secret' as a thought provoking & useful book.

Also recommended is a fabulous book by Deborah Morrison & Arvind Singh called 'Nexus'

Nexus: A Neo Novel

1.This book is very good as it spells out tools to be positive and successful. It is not, and should not be considered, a spiritual book though. As many reviews state, the so-called secret has been mentioned in many important places, bible, sayings, sages, etc, for a long time. But what makes The Secret, this book, important is that the author chose the right time to paraphrase an important equation in the language of the 21st century, and with the marketing that accompanies such an effort. It undoubtedly has helped many people in many ways, and if only for that it is highly commendable. Notice I write "equation", I do not believe the so-called Law of Attraction is a Law per se, as Karma, for example, is.

2.In early/mid 1900s you had masters of this same approach here in the USA, especially Emmet Fox, from whom I think I read everything long ago, and then the one and only Florence Scovell Shinn, check out this last author "The Wisdom of Florence Scovell Shinn" and you will see what I mean, regarding the law of attraction, so on and so forth. This topic is indeed very American, though the author is Aussie, most "Masters" (as she called them) are Americans. In reality, this approach is very in-tune with the Anglo-Saxon idea of the world.

3.Books like The Secret should be used to round up, polish, provoke, and help, but understanding their shortcomings and that many questions will remain open, the ultimate search is, as the Oracle of Delphi stated, self-knowledge, or as Vedanta agrees Self-knowledge. That is why there will be frustration, visible in many of the negative reviews, when people expected it to be a panacea, which is not and cannot be.

4.But thought-importance leads us to thought-control, and now we are talking about a very important matter. In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali there is an interesting concept: Pratipaksha Bhavana. It means the mind can only entertain one thought at a time. Ideally by using this concept one reverts back to the thought of the Divine: this is Brahma-Abhyasa. So, finally, the use of a mantra or Mantra Yoga is nothing else that using the Law of Attraction to concentrate our mind on the Divine. This is the highest thought or mental modification.

Believe or not, it is very true, needless to say that what is written is what you get,, years before reading this book I already experienced the ATTRACTION LAW.

Great buy,
tks,
Luiz

I agreed with the other reviewer that read The Secret and then Living The Secret Everyday: My Secret Workbook. However, it appears I did the reverse and read My Secret Workbook first and loved it because it showed me how to live the life I wanted on a daily basis. Then I read The Secret and it was a let down because it did not go deep enough into the Law of Attraction or its application. I felt it was too superficial.

As a desperate father of two who has recently been layed-off during this burgeoning recession, I wanted to believe anything that gave me hope. My girlfriend suggested The secret. I sat in the bookstore and spent a couple hours reading it. I'm still wondering what the big SECRET is, as if I had missed something crucial. I wonder like many desperate readers, "am I too thick-headed to buy into this "law of attraction" as a cure-all device for the needy?" Am I too pessimestic that I cannot fully quench the message to make success my reality?

I was quite unsatisfied and confused after reading the Secret. Positive thinking should be a state of mind that bolsters our confidence in times of doubt and crisis, not a scheme to arbitrarily take and expect the riches that are not due. This book is hokum and doesn't articulate it's message but rather reiterates it in various phrases. I am dissappointed to say it is a book promoting false hope.

There has been so much controversy on this book some saying to simplified others loving it. I am one that did it backwards. I had read many books on the subject of Law Of Attraction and so decided I did not need to read another especially since reading Living The Secret Everyday: My Secret Workbook This book takes you from The Secret and carries it further as the title says a workbook to show you on a daily basis. After reading this book, a friend gave me The Secret. And yes, it was easy reading, covered the topic through the passages of other teachers and I am grateful because it reinforced my beliefs that you are your own creator.

This book was overall very informative. You have to wade through the book and decipher what you want to believe and what you don't. The information on the law of attraction is very informative. What you place in your mind is what you will receive. However, there is some information that you have to take with a grain of salt such as, if you associate with fat people you will be fat. That just isn't so. Also it says if your sick it's because you want to be sick. Do infants want to be sick too? Do the people dieing miserable deaths decide thats how they wanted to die? I think not. Before reading the book keep in mind some information is worth attaining and some is not.

I watched Rhonda Byrne's The Secret DVD and as I reviewed it thought it was great. I followed it up with Living The Secret Everyday: My Secret Workbookwhich was wonderful because the workbook format gave me a true understanding of The Law of Attraction and how to incorporate it into my daily life. Now I just finished The Secret which was easy reading but not too much of ...can finish in about 1-2 hours and if I were you read Living The Secret Everyday: My Secret Workbookinstead because it shows you how to live The Secret.

The Secret was given to me as a gift, two years ago. After reading this book I received a book deal, I opened a business and my husband got a promotion at work. This book, changed the way we think and opened up doors that had been closed for years. I know the secret and my life is turning around. I can picture things I want and they are appearing. I'm a new Me!Characters of Lust

I borrowed both the audiobook and film version of The Secret. After watching and listening to The Secret, I have placed a request to the "Genie" of the Universe. Please let me win the Michigan Millionaire's Raffle. I can picture myself with more than enough money and in turn, generously offering more than a tithe to family, friends, and charities. I certainly can visualize a new car, a mortageless small house or condo (furnished with Ethan Allen and antiques), all those student loans repaid, and a closetful of Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, and Ralph Lauren clothes. As promised, green-causes, charities, and relatives will receive an abundant allocation.

Okay, well if this really happens ('cause God knows I want to believe it will) I will write another review and share with the world that The Secret really works.

Meanwhile, let me offer a few thoughts about The Secret. I believe that positive thinking can buffer life's "slings and arrows." I'm all for programs that encourage positive thinking--not to the point where you deny legitimate feelings of loss and anger, but to the point where you can frame your life experiences in such a way that you can cope with whatever comes your way.

I think that expectations are important. Without becoming delusional and irrational, you can expect things to work out and plan for a successful completion of personal goals. Well and good. The Secret and I are still on the same page.

Okay, here's where I'm turning to a different page. I only have so much control. Susan Jeffers, a self-help guru, helped her readers navigate the "Let go, let God," and "I can only control my reaction" personal philosophy. While I'm loved and valued by a higher power, I can't control many of my own life's circumstances, much less the Universe at large. The Secret reassures you that once you know how to apply (hush) "Le Secret," that the Universe will rearrange itself for you. Your wish is its command. The Aladdin legend is an extension of The Secret, hence the genie reference at the beginning of the review. According to The Secret, you have enormous power not only over your own life, but over the entire known (Stephen Hawking-has-yet-to-map) Universe. This feeling of empowerment beats the victimhood mindset, but this sense of control could be misapplied.

Byrne implies that victims of the Holocaust and natural catastrophes unwittingly played into their own demise. Their worst fears were realized, and this mass expectation (unconscious or conscious) sent out that collective negative energy into the Universe. Byrne directly asserts that you don't have to age or get sick. That's just the wrong energy frequency sent out into the Universe. If someone is sick, well, tell them The Secret and see cancer defied and the hands of time reversed.

Okay, some good and bad points about this book, DVD, promotional materials. Yes, positive thinking helps you cope with whatever curve ball you are thrown. Great (but realistic) expectations can foster self-confidence in a cyclic relationship.

No, I only have so much control. I can choose how I react to whatever curve ball life throws me. I can pray and hope for the best (I'd really like to win the Michigan Millionaire's Raffle; I'd really love World Peace; and I'd love to see an end to hunger, disease, and animosity). I volunteer with community meals, have signed petitions for stem-cell research (a potential goldmine for disease research), I'm voting for the Democratic candidate, and I pray a lot)---those are things that I can do to help the Universe within my limits.

No, the victim shouldn't be blamed because they were tuned in to the wrong frequency. They should be empathized with and taught coping skills. Instead of just thinking "thin" thoughts, people can learn to make healthier food choices and incorporate exercise into their daily routine.

Yes, we can visualize what we want and send out positive energy. We can begin to attract into our life what we want and not what we don't want to a certain extent. The extent of control that The Secret promises is controversial at best, and delusional at worst. But if I win the Millionaire's Raffle, I will happily recant any doubt of The Secret and will "rumor mill" The Secret to all who will listen. I will realize how powerful positive thinking (taking to the upteenth level) can be in our lives.

The Secret is a first step to understanding our thought process. It's beautiful and will make you feel good by just reading it! What you think is so important. How you view yourself and the world and in the world draws things to you no matter what...positive or negative. The Law of Attraction...read and and see what YOU THINK!

The Secret
I found the book very profound and thought provoking. I am presently putting some of it`s advise into practice to enrich my life.

I thought The Secret was excellent. However, it did not explain why individuals were unable to successfully accomplish their goals other than stating that they focused on what they did not want. I partially agree, but there is a DVD that explains why people sabotage their success. It is titled Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life. It explains how the physical body can sabotage your success and how the hemisperes of the brain participate in this sabotage. I believe The Secret and Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life will give you a more complete understanding about the sabotage phenomenon.

I was intrigued by the book and the movie, but found myself wanting to know more about how to really apply this in my life. I think the movie in particular did a great job at bringing this information to the masses in an especially unique way- but it kind of left me hanging as to what to do next.
I finally found the answer to that question in Jack Canfield's new book on the Law of Attraction- Jack Canfield's Key to Living the Law of Attraction: A Simple Guide to Creating the Life of Your Dreamsit picks up where the Secret left off and shows me how to really apply this principle in all areas of my life. Ultimately, I suggest Jacks LOA book as a primer and a companion to the Secret dvd so that you have the information and the action steps for really living this way!

You can wish, dream, pray, and meditate your way through life with any montra and The Secret has just become another one of the OHMMMMS mass madness has decided to adopt. But don't give up on the power of positive thinking. Here's a book that really does work: its called How to Find Yourself and Your Best Match Socionics by Rod Novichkov. In Mr. Novichkov's book. In Mr. Novichkov's book, you'll find the real value you didn't get from The Secret.

There are an abundance of contributors to "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne, including such great luminaries as Michael Bernard Beckwith, Dr. John Gray, James Arthur Ray, Neal Donald Walsch, and Fred Alan Wolf, etc.

If you understand the premise of this book then you'll understand the message of all the contributors which are in essence a play on this primary message. The basic premise of the book is based on the message of the EMERALD TABLET, circa 3,000 BC: "As above, so below. As within, so without." The author & contributors of The Secret enhance & expand on the meaning of this ancient quote, each in their own unique and insightful way.

The reader is also provided with practical wisdom that may readily be integrated into daily life. The result being a more complete experience of abundance.

I especially like the quote by Joe Vitale "If you turn it over to the Universe, you will be surprised and dazzled by what is delivered to you. This is where magic and miracles happen."

Even better read together with a New Age novel I've fortunately discovered about a transformative life journey, NEXUS by Deborah Morrison & Arvind Singh.

Nexus: A Neo Novel