The Celestine Prophecy (Paperback)

Not that there's anything wrong with that; this is often the best way to explain deep concepts to people - I seem to recall that an ancient preacher called Jesus used the same tool. Nonetheless, contrary to what many seem to believe, there is no ancient Prophecy on a lost (and recently found) scroll.

What there is in this book is a series of tools that can help anyone to make sense of their life, their problems and the way that they interact with the world and the people in it. It appears to be culled from a mixture of religious philosophies (especially Tao and Buddhism it seems) and psychology (Jung and Eric Berne's "Games People Play" are obvious references).

If it's original in any way it is, perhaps, in the nature of this synthesis and the way it is expressed. Does the fact it's derivative mean it's worthless? Certainly not - as a way of looking at, in particular, interactions between individuals and the manipulation that goes on between them it is singularly useful. The meditation techniques work too - to a point. And, I admit quite openly, I've known a number of people that have found it invaluable as have many of the reviewers here.

But, for me at least, there's something missing. Maybe it's because of the very fact that it is expressed as a story but it seems unreasonably glib whilst at the same time asking us to accept things that ordinarily we would reject as impossible. For this reviewer, there were simply too many holes, too many unanswered questions and too many assumptions.

So it's an interesting starting point and will certainly give a different perspective on life. It could well be the first step you need to find a new approach to life - I have no doubt that it can radically change your perception of the world and your place in it ... and to a very large extent, your perception IS your reality.

If you really want your eyes opening though and can live without the science-fiction, can I suggest the Barefoot Doctor's eminently readable and entertaining "Handbook for the Urban Warrior" as an alternative or a follow-on? Take a look at the Tao philosophy at source, which after all plays such a large part in the Celestine Prophecy. You might just find that this puts the Prophecy into its proper perspective: a philosophy for everyone else.

This book really has changed my life. It's philosophy is both psychological and spiritual - without being sanctimonious or religious.

It is really easy to read and get the point of - I am not sure how simply reading a story could give me such a deep understanding.

I tend to be a bit depressive at times, but this book has taught me to look into why these things that get me down happen, and what I can do about it - using my own intuition.

I would recommend this book to anyone - indeed, I have had to buy it a few times as I have lent it out so often to people!