This is a very inspirational book in the positive thinking genre. It quotes from several persons both alive and dead to illustrate this point: that the secret has always existed. Great religions know it, great people know it and it is the intent of the book to reveal it and transform lives and ultimately the world.

And the big secret which all successful people know is that the Universe offers all good things to all people through the law of attraction. Your wish is my command says the universe. All you have to do is think it, see it, feel it, and be grateful for it and let go of all limitations. See what you want as if it were an absolute fact.

This book says you can look at everything you like and say, "I can afford that, I can buy that" and the universe will know the shortest, quickest, fastest most harmonious way to meet your needs. This is a very encouraging message.

The books says that if you believe, then you can do and have and be what others say is impossible to do and have and be. These are life changing words.

Most importantly, if you have baggage from the past, you simply erase what does not serve you and start over again. This is very encouraging to people who have been abused and feel defeated and discouraged in life.

I have read several positive thinking books,what I call, the name it and claim it books. I have read books on visualization and affirmations. I heard the buzz about this book but I missed the Oprah show and the Larry King show about it so I bought the book. I wanted to know what was going to be different about this book.

Firstly, I loved the cover. It really presents an image of secrecy and mystery.

Secondly, I loved the quotes from different people both alive and dead who affirm that The Secret works.

I was however hard pressed to find what was different about this book but I think I found it.

Most religious books tell you to find your purpose and mission in life in God. The book The Purpose Driven Life for example, tells us that our purpose is to serve God and serve our fellow man. This book says, your purpose in life is whatever you say it is; your mission in life is whatever mission you give yourself. You are in control.

The book has a section on praising and blessing as a way of giving love to others. It may be coincidence or the universe sending me a message confirming the power of blessing others, but here is my personal story. I watched a repeat of the Oprah show with Denzel Washington on the afternoon of Friday, March 9. I had bought The Secret that same Friday morning.

Oprah asked Denzel's mother, sitting in the audience, if she knew that he would be a successful actor. She answered with an anecdote which Denzel himself seemed unaware of till that moment. Mrs. Washington's mother used to pray and ask God to bless her children and her children's (yet unborn)children. The implication of course is that she believes that Denzel's success is linked to the loving word of blessing from his grandmother. Well confirmation from the universe or not, the book says we are always to be aware because answers will come to us from different channels.

The thoughts expressed in this book are worth practising. They are uplifting, motivational and inspiring. The one thing I would strongly disagree with is Bryne's point about food and overweight. Food in excess will make you fat. It is foolish to suggest otherwise.

Overall this book has a simplistic message but it certainly can't harm us to think and feel joy and love and peace while letting go of the negative.

Recommended: Yes