'Reiki Fire' is a classic amongst Reiki books. Most people read it early on in their Reiki journey, and I was no exception...Knowing little about the subject, I found it engrossing, inspiring and pleasantly down to earth. Frank Arjava Petter writes with an affable enthusiasm for his subject, drawing on his own life experiences to demonstrate the power that Reiki can have in your life, if you let go and allow it to work.
So, several years down the line, I find myself buying and reading it again (my own copy having disappeared on a very longterm, probably permanent, loan). I'm delighted to say that it still inspires me. The 'fire' that Petter predicted has certainly spread throughout the world, and along with it a plethora of genres of Reiki and associated books.
What I really like about 'Reiki Fire' is the lack of self absorbed pseudo-spirituality which pervades so many New Age and alternative books. Reiki is actually very straightforward - certainly it can be dressed up in all sorts of ways - but Arjava describes it in its pure form. His research into its history is legendary. Before 'Reiki Fire' all sorts of outlandish folklore was rife (and accepted) as to how Reiki was re-discovered. Petter's very thorough research in Japan blew many of these myths out of the water, much to the chagrin of some steadfast upholders of the 'old' stories. Well you can't please all the people...
So whether you're just setting out on your own Reiki adventure, or, like me, you've been treading the path for a while, I'd thoroughly recommend 'Reiki Fire' as an essential text. Trust me though - put your name in it.