Religion and Spirituality Books

This book requires more concentration than others to comprehend. However it is worth the effort. Am still reading and will reread again. We can explore other dimensions ourselves, given enough energy and correct techniques.

With a deep interest in Toltec philosophy, I purchased this book based on the reviews on Amazon. My initial reading along with my experiental unfolding of the content of the book, simply does not comport with the claims of others in the review section of Amazon. I have no malice against the author, nor do I wish to impugn his work. I am only reporting my experience. Within the context of my expereince, Lujan's book read as any novel might. As far as the book being a catalyst for non-ordinary states of perception - never happened for me. That is not to say the relative merit of the book is to be avoided. The only one that can make that judgement is you!

I will say that my most powerful experiences of the Toltec Teachings have mostly been driven by the work of Theun Mares and Carlos Castaneda. Both of whom stand alone in my view.

Most of the 5 star reviews here are the ONLY reviews that the reviewers made.

What's up with that?!

I found the book to be well-intentioned while also rambling and perhaps a bit confused.

obviously the author is doing his best to convey his experiences through the written word and that is something to be commended. the allusion of the author's name to Castaneda's "don Lujan" is a bit comical.

Im quite fond of this book, I have read all the carlos castaneda books easily 30+ times, taken notes.. the works. This is definitly worth checking out if you have an interest in this type of thing, I find it to be much more practical. Im on the verge of buying a few more copies to give to my friends and family. Onward to infinity!

I am a long-term student of the study of consciousness, altered states, Castaneda (and his crew), Chi Kung, Gnosis, Lucid dreaming and meditation. These have allowed me to understand what it is like to objectify not only "external" reality, but also the various levels of the mind/personality, mainly and formost the EGO!

This type of inner objectivity will come and go, as consciousness moves in and out of it's phases of distraction and "waking sleep". This sleep and distraction cause us to lose track of the fact that we are unconscious psychologically when we are walking around with our eyes open daily or in bed snoozing. This means also being unaware of our reactions to our environment, impulses from other levels of the Universe and to our own inner workings.

Though i have done my best to remain vigilant and wakeful, when it comes to recognizing all of the shrouds to consciousness, moment-to-moment in my life, i have never recieved such an immediate boost (over the course of a week) to this ability (besides, occasional spontaneous inner experiences) as with the slow reading and digestion of the imagery created by this book .....imagery seems to be the key factor here. I now view my own inner activity in minute detail, and remember, when interracting with impressions from beyond me, that they are indeed that. I also keep a-mind that what we call "reality' is shifting cosmic dust, that i, less and less, need to be reactive to. This type of awareness also now naturally accompanies me on my way in and out of the sleep state, which i think will lead to breakthroughs in dream awareness, as i continue.

For those who have not responded to this work with changed perception, it may be due to not having a foundation for knowing what to look for.....otherwise it may be that they may already be "there"! There may also be a problem if you have trouble allowing imagery to unfold in your mind's eye.

I also have plans to accompany my reading with Carlos's Tensegrity/Magical Passes work. This, as well, has caused an immediate energetic response in me, after viewing the beginning of the Magical Passes disc, while casually trying only four of the basic movements......i can't even imagine what full-blown practice would produce! Having a strong prior foundation in Chi Kung (Qi Gong), may afford me an edge with this though.

Whether or not Castaneda and these guys are authentic, in the eyes of their critics, i have to say, personally, that they have truly hit upon something that carries monumental significance to our race. Why not try it before you trash it?

The Force is out there for us all.

This is an amazing story of God's love, grace, and saving power at work here on the earth! It was hard to put this book down and go to sleep at night. An inspiring, faith building and encouraging story. I recommend it!

This book held my interest and gave me good insite in and about the drug dealers in Hong Kong. I strongly recommend it.

The first time I read this book was in 2001, and it made a tremendous inpact on me. It's about an English woman in her early twenties being called to go to Hong Kong and start working among the drug addicts in the so called "Walled City". A couple of years later she met someone telling her about the importance of speaking in tongues, and she started praying in tongues 15 minutes each day. She had been talking to people in the "Walled City" about Jesus from the time she got there, but after 6 weeks of praying in tongues each day, the people she was talking to started believing what she was saying and received Jesus. She also saw that there was no way the drug addicts were able to get off drugs, if they didn't imediately started praying in tongues. "Each had his fascinating story and all without exception came off heroin without pain and trauma." This book is not only a story about what happened to Jackie Pullinger, but also a great teaching about the power source we have on the inside of us. Before she started praying in the Spirit she said: "Lord, I don't know how to pray, or whom to pray for. Will You pray through me - and will you lead me to the people who want You?" All of us who are baptized in the Spirit and received the gift of speaking in tongues can say the same thing and then start using what He has given us. We have "dynamite" on the inside. Let it "explode" each day, and people around us will want to have what we have!

My wife and I could not put this book down as we read it together. It is filled with excitement as the author battles against opium and drug abuse as well as every other kind of demonic evil. In every case, she wins the battle for the souls, minds, bodies and spirits of men and women in Hong Kong. There is one victory after another as men and women are set free by the power of God's Holy Spirit. We highly recommend this book for those seeking release from drugs, alcohol and demonic bondage.
Sincerely, Rev. Richard and Holly Lang

I LOVE this book so much because it is one woman's testimony of what GOD did & is doing with her-through her.
HIS HOLY WORD IS TRUE!
HE IS With Us, and just as HE did with the first Disciples of JESUS,
THE HOLY SPIRIT still works with those who preach the Gospel with signs and wonders following, confirming THE WORD.
I must confess, I don't have the book now - I gave it to my daughter.
I actually came in search for another copy for myself.
:) Well, for me until I give it away again. :)

For those who have not considered spirituality before, this is a great book, it is very thorough without being confusing. For those who are natuarally introspective -- this is also a good book, one that will either stregthen or validate what you already know in your heart.

An incredible work of art. I've sent copies to a devote Catholic and Orthodox Jew that I know and both were equally impressed. If you have any interest in the Spirituality of the World's great religions, read this book.

This is an interesting and somewhat unique book because the emphasis isn't theological or philosophical at all, but rather on spiritual practices one can apply in daily life.

As such, the author doesn't burden himself (or the reader) with trying to rigorously justify the recommended practices, nor does he attempt to build a theoretical framework. Instead, he simply presents the practices and suggests that readers give them a try. I agree with this approach, because it seems that sometimes, especially in spiritual matters, we have to first take action and experience the consequences of that action in order to develop our understanding, rather than the more typical (and skeptically cautious) western approach of first developing understanding on rational grounds, then acting on that understanding.

Although the book doesn't include rigorous argumentation, the author does link the practices to a variety of spiritual traditions, including many quotes from sages and spiritual texts. I presume this is mainly to show the universality of the practices, and also to increase the chance that each reader will find things they can resonate with. Here and there, the author also mentions cases in which modern psychology and neuroscience provide scientific evidence supporting the practices, but this is a minor component of the book.

The book is divided into short chapters, and I think that reading a chapter a day will work well for most readers. I've read the book once, and I think it's valuable enough that I'll periodically reread it in the future.

Overall, I highly recommend the book to anyone motivated to grow spiritually, and who is open-minded enough to not be troubled by seeing references to many different spiritual traditions. Also be sure to check out 50 Spiritual Classics: Timeless Wisdom from 50 Great Books on Inner Discovery, Enlightenment and Purpose, which I think nicely complements this book.

As a final note, please remember that the key is to implement the practices in your daily life, not just read about them and understand them intellectually.

I've been a fan of Roger Walsh for a long time and was extremely honored that he endorsed my latest book, Beyond the Secret. In many ways this book inspired my own. Though the sub-title says this book is about seven practices, there is much more here than that. the book is filled with practical advice and exercises on how to reduce craving to find your soul's desire (similar to the theme of my book to move from consumption to contribution), to cultivate emotional wisdom (which inspired the chapter in my book on tapping into your feelings), living ethically by feeing good by doing good (are you listening followers of the popular book The Secret that only emphasizes the feel good part), calming your mind, developing wisdom, and learning to embrace the joy of service (service being a spiritual "law" that I emphasize in my own book is far more important than any law of attraction technique). In short, I am indebted to Roger Walsh and especially this book for having done so much to open my own heart and inspire my life. And, you will do very well to have this book in your library as it will truly help you make a difference in your life. - Dr. Lisa Love, Beyond the Secret

If you are on a quest of spirituality, this book is a must for your libarary of references.

A revealing portrait of a great saint, this book contains the correspondence between St. Therese and her spiritual brother Maurice Belliere, a struggling young seminarian. As you read the letters you can see the growing friendship between the saint and the seminarian as they learn about each other more. Even though the letters were only intended for Maurice, we can learn deeper throught them the meaning of her " little way ". It is also amazing that despite of her own struggles with illness and the spiritual darkness she is experiencing, she is still able to uplift and encourage Maurice in his difficulties. The author also gives explanations after each letter which gives us a picture of what is happening in thier lives while they were answering the other one's letter. A book I would highly recommend especially for those interested in St. Therese and her little way.

This book changed my life!
I never have shown much of an intrest in St. Therese. Many people are devoted, but I never understood why.

This book helped me to see why.

This book taught me how to love and taught me much about mercy and trust.

Therese, a doctor of the Catholic Church, writes beautiful letters to Maurice, at times a somewhat confused seminarian. Therese meets us at our level to show us the love of Jesus.
This book is a one that points past the works of Therese, and straight to Christ.

God is nothing but mercy and love.
Thank you for showing me St. Therese!

This is a fantastic book! I enjoyed reading it immensely, and I want to give copies away to friends. I am sad to see it is out of print. It really should be brought back. It has a powerful synthesis of the Little Way, and the correspondence with Maurice brings this out very well. It becomes a correspondence and a comparison between a saint and someone who is trying to become one. Most of us can relate well with Maurice. The way St Therese relates with him helps me see the role of the saints in our life.

Bring this book back in print!!!

if you admire and hold lots of devotion for St. Therese of Lisieux as I have for so long now- she always said she was Little Therese. However in this book the most moving charisma of her love and personality are seen in a "big" way regarding her friendship with Maurice. We see a saint so full of love and compassion for his shortcomings and never does she once in this book show anything but encouragement to Maurice. There are many lessons to be learned in reflecting on this book . One of the most significant things I feel is our should be support to our priests, bishops and clergy in the universal catholic church. As Maurice radiates in this book as an aspiring semanarian our clergy does have up's and down's also. May we all love our clergy as St. Therese did, does and symbolizes her special love for the priests, and bishops. A most marvelous book. As the late John Cardinal O'Connor said in his review to Ahern's book " We see Therese now more as a woman and we are fascinated. :)

What a wonderful book about a wonderful saint! This book, while not a difficult read, is certainly rich in emotion, beauty, and spirituality. If you have read St.Therese's "Story of a Soul", this is an excellent "second book" to read. It tells of the story of a relationship between a seminarian/priest and St.Therese in her last days. I recommend it for anyone's spiritual edification, especially Catholic Christians.

Absolutely outstanding.

At times, the truth contained in this book physically makes me ill. It's one thing to know about the evil in the world and quite another to see it with your eyes while you're reading.

Christians, particularly American Christians, need this book to help them break the spell of "Patriotism being equivalent to Biblical faith".

This country and it's Satanic monuments are disgusting and repulsive and, if not judged, God would have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah.

Having reseached the illuminati, new world order, globalism, etc for many years, I can say this is a must for any library on such subjects. Texe, truly this is your greatest work to date. Your courage is laudable.

Thanks

This book is excellent. Has great historical information and great pictures for illustration. Really helps the reader to understand why these Illuminati think the way they do, and why they make the architecture look the way it does. It was a page turner for me for sure. I even bought one to give as a birthday present.

excellent book texe marrs has done a great job my research in this subject has been helped by this book by 1000%

This massive book goes into symbolism which can be found all around us, their meanings and believes held by the people who create them.

I can think of a few more building to be included, but I guess that is the point there are so many structures around us you can not put all in one book.
Perhaps there will be another book?

Also look at "Codex Magica" by the same author.

Texe's powerful book awakens us to the fact that we are immortal Spiritual Beings temporarily entrapped in the realm of Illusion ... these symbols are indicators that we are in the "prison" planet of the "counterfeit god", the god of this world, who uses every means of deception to keep us prisoners in his domain of matter.
This "Negative power" is the prison warden ... our role is to purify ourselves by reconnecting inwardly , through Meditation, to the audible life stream (light and sound) ... thus escaping ... and return to our true home beyond the stars. Help others to Awaken read this book .

If you are truly after understanding the nature of Zen Buddhism this book will be the greatest gift ever. Infinite wisdom of this man will touch you with every phrase, not colored, not wrapped in unnecessary complications, simple, deep and true. This is a book to read many times and to feel lucky time after time.

I am very new to Zen and have read several books on the subject. I have practiced zazen for a little while, so I am, by no means, advanced on the subject of Zen and zazen meditation. This book is geared more for those who are more advanced into the world of Zen and Buddhism than I am as there are a lot of things written that I really don't understand (I know that's somewhat Zen in and of itself), but seriously there are better books for beginners. Hopefully in a few years I can pick this book back up and get more out of it.

That being said, the essays are short and wonderful and even though I didn't "get" all of them, there were a lot of great little nuggets inside. For the price, this book is packed with great stuff, I'm just not sure it's for beginners.

Ed Brown definitely knows Master Suzuki's heart.
And he presents the warm heart of his master in a logical and progressive ordering of a few of Suzuki's lectures.

After 30 years of daily meditation (15 in the style of Monk Dogen) and always failing to reach calmness of mind in every session,
a book like this gives a nugget of hope.

For example:
specifically, on page 6 of the Chapter on "Calmness of Mind," it offers:
"Exhaling, you gradually fade into emptiness--empty, white paper."

This is as clear as it gets;
the essence of the connection between breath, body, mind and emptiness.
Thank you very much.

Other concepts are also explained nicely.

For example:
Suzuki explains the meaning of the koan of "Jumping Off the 100-foot Pole,"
starting at page 16. (Myself, I've never really understood this one. I've always pictured myself reaching the top of the Pole and then trying to decide what to do next.)
Suzuki explains that this is precisely where I make my big mistake--stopping at the top of the pole and thinking. He says that the secret is just to say "Yes!" and jump off from there--forget the top of the pole and extend your practice.

One last example:
In the Chapter "Stand Up by the Ground" (page 139)
Suzuki explains "Immo,"
which can also mean a questioning, "What is this?"
A very subtle point here.
"What" or "It" is both something very definite ( "What" is "it"? may refer to that specific table right over there, and at the same time something beyond description and comprehension, maybe this table has only one leg and functions more like a chair and is merely drawn by an artist to symbolize some basic human emotion.)
Oh boy, my mind really runs wild with kind of "stuff."

Maybe Ed Brown will write a new book, giving his own commentary on these concepts.
Didn't Zen successors always write commentaries on scriptures?

Well, maybe "not always so."
Yet this book is like a Zen scripture.

Thank you very much Mr Brown.

Outstanding book with insight into a true Zen master. Written after the passing of Suzuki Roshi by one of his students, it is an insight into a beautiful man.

Not always so is a simple book with a single teisho or talk every couple of pages. This allows you to read one talk and digest it without having to delve into any serious brain bending. Suzuki Roshi presents the most complex ideas of Zen in a refreshing and accessible way. I enjoyed reading the 1-2 pages and then going to sit, just as if he gave me a personal teisho.

It is a thin book, but would you expect anything less from someone who could say one word and hold everything in it?

If you are new to Zen or an old master there is probably something wonderful to find in here for you.

On page 110, it is written: "Because we do not cling to any particular standard for thinking, for us there is no true way and not false." Is that not a meaty philosophical idea that could lead to endless intellectual discussions about the Buddha etc. etc.? His life will be prolonged in your mind and get in the way of your practice.
The book does end on what Zen really "is"; "So the point is just to sit..." (page 152). "Even though our practice is not better than a frog's, we continue to sit." (page 151). "Just sit for the the sake of zazen" (page 152).
But you won't make a best-seller with: Just sit. Just sit. Just sit., page after page. Sazuki's best-seller "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind" was already too much more than enough to get across the simple idea that Zen is what happens to you when you sit still and follow or count your breaths. And what happens to you cannot really be put into words and ideas.
I give the book four stars for the interesting personal stories, philosophical and psychological discussions. But for the real practice itself-- sitting and meditating in Zen fashion--it was entirely unnecessary.

This is an amazing book! I read it through twice and now I'm using it as a study and meditation tool. I've read, seen and heard a lot about positive thinking and all has been helpful, however this book has been the one thing that has gotten me to another level with the entire concept. The information provided is easy to understand and apply. The principles are much like that of other books that teach about positive thinking, but this one comes from a highly spiritual place. It got me to a new level of understanding. Previously, I was having trouble with some of the concepts of attracting great things into my life based on my beliefs of self worth. When I realized I am not only worthy, but that it is my divine birthright, amazing events and feelings came about. Our purpose is to express God on earth so how could love, joy, health and prosperity be anything but the natural flow. I highly recommend this book and challenge you to reach a new level of truth within yourself.

This book is a tremendous avenue to reawaken the senses and uplift your belief system in realizing that we control our destiny. Through constructive and positive thinking we ca have it all- health, healing, happiness, and a liberated spirit. Power Through Constructive Thinking

"To be afraid is to have more faith in
evil than in God."
--Emmet Fox

This quote from Emmet Fox, taken out of Power through Constructive Thinking is just one small example of powerful moments of insight to be found throughout this book. Much of what Fox says back in the 1930s and 40s is echoed by today's new age teachers. Abraham-Hicks comes to mind specifically.

To me - Emmet's "Power Through Constructive Thinking" is the foundation stone of all his powerful, inspiring & motivational books.

This one outlines in detail & comprehensively the technique for turning your thought processes into power to achieve peace, prosperity, health & happiness.

The process is easy & logical as soon as you see it. He uses Bible tracts to expand his ideas & show that this is nothing new. Mental science & the power of the mind has been around & recognised for thousands of years. Some successful people take the idea for granted & may not even realise they're using this system.

Despite the books age & the period from which it came, Emmet writes clearly & with fluidity that makes you want to carry on & finish the next chapter.

If you can just hold his ideas in place, remember them (write them down if need be) & daily put them into practice, you'll see your success's grow from day to day, followed health, happiness, prosperity & peace. All of which is nothing more than we're all clambering for - isn't it?

To me - Emmet's "Power Through Constructive Thinking" is the foundation stone of all his powerful, inspiring & motivational books.

This one outlines in detail & comprehensively the technique for turning your thought processes into power to achieve peace, prosperity, health & happiness.

The process is easy & logical as soon as you see it. He uses Bible tracts to expand his ideas & show that this is nothing new. Mental science & the power of the mind has been around & recognised for thousands of years. Some successful people take the idea for granted & may not even realise they're using this system.

Despite the books age & the period from which it came, Emmet writes clearly & with fluidity that makes you want to carry on & finish the next chapter.

If you can just hold his ideas in place, remember them (write them down if need be) & daily put them into practice, you'll see your success's grow from day to day, followed health, happiness, prosperity & peace. All of which is nothing more than we're all clambering for - isn't it?

This 1st book in the Series is a very spiritual "how to" for young and old which transcends all new age, self help books.
Leez Garlock, Grandmother and Little Girl

if you are a abraham-hicks fan i would highly recommend the sara book series. the books wrap up the whole abraham teachings into easy to understand words and explanations. i have all the abraham books and when i read the sara series, it was like "ah-ha" now i get it.

A profound message is presented in the ideal format for a young person to grasp. For a mature person, it is a delightful reminder; I also considered how beneficial the story would have been to me years ago.

I am familiar with the Teachings of Abraham and was so delighted when I found the Sara series that I could read to my children ages 7 and 4. They loved all of them and are hoping for a fourth. These books made the Abraham teachings easy for me to understand and the children soaked it all in easily. The books have changed our lives as a family. I have recommended the series to friends that don't have children because it is such an easy way to understand the Law of Attraction. Great book for children and adults.

Esther and Jerry Hicks, and the Abraham counsel, I salute you all.

I was worried this might turn into a thinly-veiled attempt to basically brainwash kids through a story, perhaps poorly written. I am pleased to inform you that it is nothing of the sort.

While it certainly does have an agenda, it never comes across as propaganda by any means. It also happens to be exceedingly well-written. I was brought back to simpler times (which is good and which is where we all belong) and to a sense of wonder that I often sadly lack in my "adulthood". The images painted in these pages are good ones, well-conceived, and powerful, reminding me even of C.S. Lewis, or Lewis Carole for that matter, and that is no doubt the highest praise (depending upon whom you ask and how they feel about either Lewis!).

I myself learned from this little book to the point where I immediately purchased the second and made plans to re-read this one. There is no greater gift than to teach these attitudes to children. I can't even imagine growing up with such thoughts. It would be incredible, the antidote to the poison we drink with such eagerness.

If you're buying this for a kid, check it out with their parents first. Have their parents read it. I can all but guarantee they'll enjoy it, and they'll be exposed (pretty seamlessly) to some astonishing ideas and concepts, where as if it was given to a child without parental consent, they might be suspicious (and would have every right to be). I can't imagine them denying it to their child, though, after experiencing it for themselves. And if you are the parent, read it yourself first and make the decision on your own, regardless of what we say.

Also, I should note this is a book written so most all ages could enjoy it; it is not, per se, a "children's" book. The second book in the (as of now) trilogy is honestly even better. Esther turns out to be quite a storyteller! She could easily make a living with storytelling as her primary occupation. She is much more than just a "tool" for Abraham. Well done, my dear friend. We hear so much from Abraham (and gratefully so) that we neglect to realize what an amazing, talented and incredibly beautiful person Esther herself is (and let's not leave Jerry out, so content most of the time to ride gleefully in the backseat, Abraham driving, Esther taking shotgun).

This is a fictional book, but Solomon's lessons are not fictional at all, and that gives me a greater joy than I could ever convey with words, and it truly takes me back to a time, before I had been inundated with society's norms, when that kind of joy and wonder came to me excessively easily. Just writing this review and reflecting upon my thoughts, I am brought nearly to tears.

Don't lose that joy, and don't let anyone take it from your kids. And for God's sake, don't take it from your kids yourself, something adults continuously do unconsciously and with the utmost well-meaning (I know I do this myself, but we can learn to stop as soon as we realize that "All is truly well").

Please give this book a chance. It is, as of yet, something of a secret. Humanity deserves for this secret to be spread.

And speaking of "The Secret," there is a reason that became "pop" and this did not, the reason being this is the real stuff. This is the real secret, and it is a secret to be shouted from the rooftop.

Esther, thank you so much, from all of us.

I have purchased many copies of this book to share with friends for its thoughtful and compassionate look at life and its challenges.

John O'Donohue has used ordinary language creatively, often turning
negatives into positives: e.g. "laboratory of the soul".

I had previously been turned off by some of his ideas and bought the
book because the price was right at the WRITERS ALMANAC web site.
Turned out to be a great idea.

John O Donohue introduces the reader to the art of blessing. "It is the modest wish of this book to illuminate the gift that a blessing can be,the doors it can open,the healing and transfiguration it can bring."(ODonohue)
The author poured his heart and soul into creating blessings that speak to the human condition from the cradle to the grave and beyond. He intoduces each of the seven sections of the book with a poetic grace that draws the reader in while linking them to the Source of their own creativity and spirituality.

This is a beautiful book, a treasure! I've purchased additional copies for friends, and I'm certain they will love it.

I absolutely LOVE this book! My husband & I are planning for a family, when I got this book in the mail I opened randomly to a page somewhere in the middle and magically turned right to the blessing for "The Mother-To-Be"! So amazing! My yoga instructor reads us passages from this book sometimes (how I heard about it) and everytime she does, the peaceful, blessed effect is palpable.

I've always enjoy Og Mandino's self-development books, both his nonfiction and fiction. The Twelfth Angel is trademark Og Mandino - it is a powerful self-development lesson taught through emotion and by example. It's a story of hope for the future, even when the future appears hopeless.

In my opinion, you don't just read an Og Mandino fiction book, you "feel" an Og Mandino book and The Twelfth Angel is no exception. He is one of my favorite self-development writers, so this review may be a bit partial.

Have you ever been through such a powerful life changing and emotionally devastating experience that you instinctively know life will never be the same again? You begin to realize that you are at an emotional fork in the road, you're either going to learn from the experience or end up wallowing in it. That's exactly what happens to the main character John Harding in The Twelfth Angel - his life is facing that powerful and often frightening life-changing fork in the road.

After the tragic loss of his wife and child in an accident, John Harding believes he is faced with the choices of either to go on living or to end it all. When it seems the bleakest, a friend comes to him asking for help. He's asked to help coach a boys little league baseball team. And slowly but surely John's life has hope and purpose once again.

We can learn so much from children. They have such an unstoppable optimism and enthusiasm. And in The Twelfth Angel, this is just what John needs in his life. This book is also about never, ever giving up. John begins to mentor Timothy Noble who is not the athletic type yet becomes one of the most important players on "The Angels" baseball team. Timothy teaches everyone about the power of possibility and persistence.

What can this well written story teach us? It teaches that life is full of purpose and wonder. You were placed on this earth to make a difference and it's up to you to find that purpose. As John discovered, with purpose you have the willpower to keep going even when the going looks impossible and hopeless.

This book is about courage, belief, hope, persistence and the power of purpose - that's how I'd summarize this powerful little story.

The Twelfth Angel is an easy read and in fact you can probably read it in a couple of days. Be prepared to read with your mind and emotions. Give yourself some quiet time to absorb the self-discovery lessons and feel the emotions these lessons can invoke.

If you decide to read The Twelfth Angel, please read with an open mind and heart because then you'll truly appreciate Og Mandino's wise lessons about the wonder of living a meaningful life.

This book just makes you want to count your blessings! I absolutely loved it!

I've read every book that Mandino has written. This was the first book that got me hooked on this author. He is a great story teller and a great motivational/inspirational writer! This is a must read for anyone over the age of 12. If all little league coaches read this book, there would be less problems with out of control coaches. This is not about baseball but about how to deal with life and how to treat people.

I have read everyone of Og Mandinos Books and all I can say is that he writes with brilliance, clarity, enthusiasm, and spirit. You can never go wrong with any of his books. He points out the path to success and motivates the spirit within to achieve all that we as human beings are capable. He helped me to tap into my innate genuis and create a life of prosperity and creativity. If you havent raed his books, start now and your journey of the spirit will begin. He was a born writer and even after his passing continues to have a great influence on many people old and young. He truly lived a purposeful and divine life. Go buy all his books and enjoy the growth and enlightenment. After that Buy my Book " Your daily Walk with the Great Minds of the Past and Present". Enjoy and rememeber you are capable of great things in your life.

The Twelfth Angel, by Og Mandigo, is truly an inspiring and heartfelt story. This story left such an unforgettable impact on me that I know I'm likely to ponder it for years. Everyone should absolutely read this book, especially those in need of inspiration and hope. This book leaves you with tears, with hope you never knew you had, and with the wanting to never give up.

I don't want to give away too much, but this book is about a young, diligent, succesful, loving man who moves back to his small hometown of Boland, NH, with his wife Sally and their young boy Rick. When tradegy strikes, John has to struggle to cope. His life is shattered and he ultimately looks to suicide as an answer. Fortunately, his old friend, Bill helps him out of the gutter, which is where his life now lies, by asking him to help coach the boys little league. Uncertain, John finally accepts.

The day of tryouts John notices a boy who is smaller than any of the other kids, whose baseball hat and clothes look about two sizes too big on him. This little boy isn't very good at baseball, but he kept on trying, the whole time with determination and a big smile on his face. Although some of the older and better kids laughed and smirked at his constant mistakes and misses, this little boy was never put down and never stopped. And to John's surprise, this boy was amazingly the splitting image of his boy Rick! At first John had even thought he could have been Rick. This little boy, Timothy Noble, was by far the worst player of all the kids who tried out, and who had managed, almost as if by destiny, to end up on John's baseball team, receiving a jersey with number twelve on it.

Early on in the baseball season, John noticed that there was something very genuine and original about Timothy. What John and Timothy both don't know, is that their relationship will become very close, as they both need each other more than they can imagine.

I absolutely loved this heartfelt story. I even had tears gushing down my cheeks as I neared the end of the book. I think that this book is truly inspiring and comforting. I loved how caring and concerned John was of Timothy, and I especially loved little Timothy Noble and how happy he was. I was truly touched by this story and will always cherish everything I learned from this book. The lesson I think that Mandigo was in a way trying to get across is that you must be positive and have at least a good-maybe even a great-outlook on life, no matter what comes your way. If you are positive, you have a positive feedback, making your life richer everyday and in many different ways.

I really enjoyed Og Mandigo's writing style, as he was very, very vivid with his descriptions. I definitely plan to read more of his books in the future, and I would recommend this book to anyone who can read!