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Book Reviews of The Secret

The Secret
The Secret
Author: Rhonda Byrne
ISBN-13: 9781582701707
ISBN-10: 1582701709
Publication Date: 11/28/2006
Pages: 198
Rating:
  • Currently 3/5 Stars.
 511

3 stars, based on 511 ratings
Publisher: Beyond Words
Book Type: Hardcover
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

62 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

Snowball7470 avatar reviewed The Secret on + 129 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 29
This book is an excellent introduction to The Law of Attraction and to the science of thoughts and feelings attracting what we experience in life. It has many respected authors and teachers quoted and gives a few ideas of how to use the information. I felt it fell short on offering very many practical applications though. Esther and Jerry Hicks have written: The Law of Attraction and Ask and it is Given and both those books go deeper into practical application. Another very practical book is Quantum Success by Sandra Anne Taylor. The Secret is an excellent introduction or reminder but you will want to read more deeper books on the subject in order to fully make The Law of Attraction work for you!
reviewed The Secret on + 78 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 25
This book was the biggest disappointment ever! I heard from a friend that it was the book to read, it is not. She quotes other people & then tells you what it means, are you kidding? I haven't seen the dvd maybe I'm missing something. Bottom line think it and you can get it, really? I am a huge believe in the power of a great attitude and positive thinking but not to make me rich, thin & beautiful (those are supposedly the things you can get, which are the only things that make you happy, right?) if those are what you are looking for you are looking for the wrong things for the wrong reasons. If you want to be a better person there are lots of great books that can help you get what you want, try Covey, Sarah Ban Breathnach, or even Zigler. Hope her millions $$ make her happy...
reviewed The Secret on + 153 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 20
The Secret is, don't waste your time reading this book. I was so disappointed because I heard such great things about it. But it didn't tell me anything I didn't already know and don't believe in.
gdcleary avatar reviewed The Secret on + 21 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 14
I just don't understand what the big deal is about this book. It is just a bunch of stuff that is supposed to be inspirational. The secret is that the author made millions on this book. It didn't give me any information that I didn't already know or have read before. I guess if we take the information literally if we all want it bad enough then we can all be miltimillionaire, super models with no cares in the world. Lesson learned: If Oprah speaks everybody bombards amazon.com and purchases. (At least she is getting people to read) Glad this book was given to me!
Kairbear avatar reviewed The Secret on
Helpful Score: 14
I've been practicing the methods described in this book for awhile now. It's a challenge at first, but, if you keep at it, and "remember to remember", it can be life changing.
reviewed The Secret on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 10
A lot of hype, but it is motivational and inspirational. Main point is to stay positive and positive things will come into your life. Think good thoughts, good things will happen for you. Envision what you want and as you work towards your goals, things will fall into place and the universe will put what you need in your hands.
reviewed The Secret on
Helpful Score: 7
I found this book to be predictable and not worth the time it took to read. I read only about 50 pages and was sorry I spent the money to buy this useless book!
goldenraysofsun avatar reviewed The Secret on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
Unless the big secret is common sense, then this book will not impart wisdom or inspiration. All it will do is make your wallet a little lighter. Someone made a lot of money off this book and it is not the readers themselves.

I believed in the power of positive thinking before reading this book and the annoying "get rich" theme highlighted throughout the book insulted and annoyed me. As if that is the ultimate goal (certainly shows where their hearts and minds are though).

I wish I would have listened to the bookstore owner when I asked where I could find a book I saw on Oprah. He chuckled a bit to himself and said "Oh you mean the secret; the book we couldn't get rid of until it showed up on Oprah". He then went on to say that the best secret and imparted wisdom he could share with me was that if ever there was a grandious secret to life, they wouldn't be peddling it out on Oprah and bookstores for just $9.99 (with a 20% off sticker on it's cover). I think I would have been wiser and richer to have listened to his wisdom. =) Live and Learn.
reviewed The Secret on + 7 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
This book is hard to read I have been trying for over a month to finish it. I even watched the dvd and still could not get back into the book. Guess I am just not one to be told to change my ways of thinking.
njmom3 avatar reviewed The Secret on + 1389 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
The secret is truly that there really is not a secret. It is a thought that has been put forth by many different people in different cultures and different time periods - The energy and thoughts you send out into the world are what comes back to you. Positive energy begets positive energy. Negative energy begets negative energy. This book takes about 200 pages to express this idea in different ways, in different contexts, and through the voices of different people.
reviewed The Secret on
Helpful Score: 2
i do agree there is a lot of fluff...remember "over and over again"...
However, I did like the book, and whole idea of "we are what we attract", I just think she spent too much paper to express "The law of attraction". The whole idea is great, and positive think DOES help. Personally, I gained very important information, and I follow some advice.
reviewed The Secret on
Helpful Score: 2
Some don't beleive in the teachings of this book, but I do, as do many. I think it's wonderful and life changing.
reviewed The Secret on + 29 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This book has got to hold the record for promising the most while providing the least since the pet rock. It makes "if you build it, they will come" look like deep theology. Wrapped in shrouds of mystery (think Og Mandino's, the Richest Man in Bablyon) it purports to offer jewels of great wisdom which turn out to be little more than the same old drivel we have heard many times before from Napoleon Hill and his devotees. Skip this book and read Paul Coehlo's book 'The Alchemist'. It's a heck of a lot more interesting and doesn't pretend to be something it clearly is not.
reviewed The Secret on
Helpful Score: 2
This book put things in perspective. Got me on the right track. Well worth the read if you are serious about wanting to make positive changes.
reviewed The Secret on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Very good introduction to the law of attraction. I do think there could have been more practical examples for those just starting out trying to use it but overall not a bad book.
reviewed The Secret on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I thought was very very good enjoyed it still have it..
reviewed The Secret on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The positive message of the book is uplifting, though what it describes is no secret at all. It is a well known psychological fact established in the twentieth century about positive thinking. The script follows very closely that of the movie by the same name. It is well worth the read.
reviewed The Secret on
Helpful Score: 1
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!
reviewed The Secret on
Helpful Score: 1
This appears to be a bunch of baloney. "The law of attraction:" Not science, not even sensible. It only takes 15 pages to invokes quantum physics, a red flag for bunk. While I'd like to unload this book for a credit, you'd spend your time more fruitfully reading from the American Library Association's list of banned and challenged books. They, at least, relate to real human experiences, and have won prizes for literature. This one rates a Razzie.
reviewed The Secret on + 347 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I've read many New Thought authors (Shinn, Collier, Ponder, etc.), yet found the material presented here a good re-enforcement of the Truth message. While the audio worked for me, I'm not sure the print book would've resonated nearly as much without hearing the author's enthusiastic tone, and that of her various colleagues.
rmcotton avatar reviewed The Secret on
Helpful Score: 1
This book is empowering, yet also a bit mind boggling. But after the initial shock that we are actually in control of our own realities, I can definitely see a change in my life from embracing my own ability to attract the things I need and want into my life. I have been purposely overpaid on jobs since practicing attracting money, and by remembering that the energy I put out there is attracting similar energy, I am more intune with each moment of my life - living in the present. Fantastic. I think I will keep it in my permanent collection.
reviewed The Secret on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
My impression is the book is fair to good. There are pros and cons to the Secret. Book stresses the idea of being positive and only good things will happen to u. On the one hand i thought i was watching the twilight zone. this book is unrealistic; it does not take into account all the times a person is positive and very little positive comes into ur life. On the positive side, no pun intended, The Secret does discuss in details the pluses for being positive. Being positive cannot be harmful,but being cautious and not too positive can be advantageous in life. I did get 1-2 ideas from the book,yet found it unrealistic;e.g. you don't become a millionaire because u wish or desire it. I do believe u can make money if u are positive and less negative.
reviewed The Secret on
Helpful Score: 1
Yes, that's right. What a bunch of junk. Of course Oprah recommends it so half the free world rushes out and buys right into it.
You cannot become a millionaire by thinking positive about it. You cannot do ANYTHING just by sitting around thinking positive about it. Life is hard work. Use common sense, work out and ya, have some positive perspective, and you should be just fine.
crytal avatar reviewed The Secret on + 155 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A book club pick that just about everyone went into reading with doubts. We all only made it about 1/2 way through because the advice was the same in every chapter, they just substituted the subject (love/money/relationships...) At the end of the read, we all did notice that we had changed (or at least tried to change) our mindset, and things did seem to get better for us.
knrbury avatar reviewed The Secret on
Helpful Score: 1
An amazing book. If you really take it to heart, this book can really help a lot of people out. I won't tell you what it's about...that's a secret...But it is a helpful book and teaches you about something that not many know about.
berd avatar reviewed The Secret on + 214 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book was a huge disappointment for me. It basically tells you that if you dream something, you can make it happen. It was meant to be inspirational I suppose, but I don't consider the information in it to be a big secret. My opinion: don't waste your time.
reviewed The Secret on + 6 more book reviews
They made us watch the movie on this in school. It was nothing that I didn't already know. Basically the message I got from it was if you want something then put your energy into it.
reviewed The Secret on + 26 more book reviews
I actually listened to this on CD. I would like to acquire if for my personal collection. It was motivational and uplifting with a positive message. I believe we have the power to create our own experiences and The Secret provides assistance with maintaining a positive outlook.
reviewed The Secret on + 5 more book reviews
Shows you the power of positive thoughts
reviewed The Secret on + 5 more book reviews
Couldnt quite get into this book, not sure if it was bad timing or just a very confusing book. Heard many good reviews of the Secret yet just cant jump on the bandwagon. :( Maybe I was hoping for a real secret... like lottery numbers haha
weatheredstone avatar reviewed The Secret on
When you're down about one thing or another, everyone keeps telling you to "Just think positively," but they seldom say more on the matter...

The Holy Bible states, "...whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

Buddha said, "All that we are is the result of what we have thought. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him."

Peter Pan said, "JUST THINK HAPPY THOUGHTS."

It's all around us from as far back as we can remember to present and yet we've heard it so many times it's become nothing more than a novel idea. Yet even though it is seemingly intangible, a myth for happiness- all around us are people we view as superior, they have more money than us, they're healthier than us, they have found loving soul mates and have formed those amazing relationships only depicted on the big screen or in stories concerning people that are not you. But those are the people that know the secret to happiness. You're not that lucky, or so you think. But the simple truth of the matter is this:

"If you think you can you will. If you think you can't you're right."

This book is a must read as far as I'm concerned. I've never before heard it put in terms so easy to understand. The Secret is literally the secret to happiness- there's nothing more to it. This is a manual that helps you change your way of thinking and for the better.

For me, the most shocking part about this book is discovering all the times you actually used The Secret without having ever realized it. And in turn discovering that The Secret is a real thing and yes, it really works.

Go and know that you are blessed.
grammyteach avatar reviewed The Secret on + 192 more book reviews
There was no real secret in this book.
reviewed The Secret on
very inspirational. To actually find out how to apply the laws of attraction discussed in this book you need to read additional books
reviewed The Secret on
This is a great book. Everyone should read.
reviewed The Secret on
A great book for reinventing your life. Parallels the movie, but with more practical tips.
thebeakeeper avatar reviewed The Secret on + 167 more book reviews
**spoiler alert** my mom got this book as a christmas gift. she said she read the first 20 pages and hated it (she was expecting a novel, not a self help book). so im going to start it tomorrow...

so i finished it in two days. it was a cheesy start and well- overall cheesy. extremely redundant, but i get it was to get the point across. which is very simple. the secret is attraction. you attract what you bring to yourself. basically- treat others as you wish to be treated, karma, etc. if you want something put it out there. you want to be healthy, ask for it. you want money, ask for it. you want to weigh a certain number, ask for it, just ask.

it does have some good things to do. it said to write a list of what you wanted and thats your way of putting it out to the universe. so i tried it.

first day i asked to get a position working my trip in economy. i got it.

second day i asked to be able to deadhead home, first class, drink champagne, eat great food, make it to my moms by three so i could get my nails done. i got it all.

the next day i asked to work first class- which is an easy position- and i got it.

yesterday i asked to get to san fran on time, catch a flight to orange county, get on, make it back to long beach by 3 and see a movie and have dinner with my girlfriend and our friend. i did it all (which is amazing because of the storms and the airline i work for)

so each day i make my list, picture doing it, ask for it, pretend its happened, and it does.

my life list of wants..well...soon, right?!
reviewed The Secret on + 28 more book reviews
The Secret was inspired by 1908 classic book "The Science of Getting Rich."

About 5 years ago I began following the advice of this book and in 2006 "The Secret" was born as a documentary. Experts from diverse fields all agree, wealth, health, great relationships, and wisdom are found within yourself. How to unleash the power already encoded in your cells is what this book will reveal.

Grab your copy before it's too late. Believe me, when all the events I put in my list started happening I went catatonic, especially when Oprah people called. Do you imagine???

I still am making many mistakes, however life seems sweeter with the confidence you gain from discovering The Secret of The Law of Attraction.
reviewed The Secret on + 5 more book reviews
That this whole book is the same set set of platitudes re-hashed over and over and over and over...
reviewed The Secret on + 28 more book reviews
The Secret got me called by Oprah's Harpo Productions when I imagined I was doing their PR.

I was flabbergasted since I really wasn't (back then). Yes, I had purchased an audio course on how to get Oprah producers to calls you in 8 easy steps (thank you Susan Harrow); However, I was only on step two, subscribe to Oprah.com.

After this event I have watched and listened to The Secret DVD and CD's several times and have actually been contacted by officials from The Secret LLC.

Focusing on what you want is guaranteed to come to you, if you let it!
LTOT123 avatar reviewed The Secret on + 12 more book reviews
I learned 1-2 helpful things - this just isn't my cup of tea.
reviewed The Secret on
I listen to this 3 times. Makes a person think about life.
Very interesting to look at things in a different way. Enjoyed it very much.
reviewed The Secret on + 7 more book reviews
Very inspirational.
reviewed The Secret on + 60 more book reviews
Life changing for me. i listen to it in the car most days and find I am more grateful, positive. opptomistic, and kind. I skip over the minute or two I don't completely agree with, and find no conflict between these ideas and my life as a Christian, and someone who cares about others' lives. I the audio version is what works best as a positive reminder each day to follow the Law of Attraction.
reviewed The Secret on + 57 more book reviews
Great book. Not for the closed minded.
reviewed The Secret on + 28 more book reviews
WARNING: DO NOT Wish for this book, rather search ISBN-13: 9781582701707 or ISBN-10: 1582701709 (ONLY a handful wishing for The Oprah edition 11/06)

Review:

The Secret was inspired by 1908 classic book "The Science of Getting Rich."

About 5 years ago I began following the advice of this book and in 2006 "The Secret" was born as a documentary. Experts from diverse fields all agree, wealth, health, great relationships, and wisdom are found within yourself. How to unleash the power already encoded in your cells is what this book will reveal.

Grab your copy before it's too late. Believe me, when all the events I put in my list started happening I went catatonic, especially when Oprah people called. Do you imagine???

I might still be making many mistakes, however, life seems sweeter with the confidence you gain from discovering The Secret of The Law of Attraction.
reviewed The Secret on
Very interesting. Love the power of positive thinking!
reviewed The Secret on + 9 more book reviews
Honestly, while reading this book, I felt like I had tripped into a motivational seminar where everyone tells you this inspiring story and then tries to sell you all of their books, tapes, and T-shirts. I do agree with the main point of the book. Nevertheless I feel it is very overrated and overly hyped for what it is.
reviewed The Secret on + 3 more book reviews
Loved it- Thanx
uncannyem avatar reviewed The Secret on + 6 more book reviews
Quick & fun read. Positive thought is powerful but I'm not 100% sold that it's all powerful.
reviewed The Secret on + 4 more book reviews
Easy and wonderful read that inspires!
reviewed The Secret on
Love the book! Very good read!
reviewed The Secret on + 25 more book reviews
The secret is up to you how you will use this information. If you act on it you will get results.
reviewed The Secret on
Great Spiritual Advice!
reviewed The Secret on
I don't see what the big deal was about this book. It was pretty much alot of common sense stuff.
reviewed The Secret on + 29 more book reviews
Awesome!!!!!
reviewed The Secret on + 16 more book reviews
Excellent resource for reframing what we want to receive in this life. I have given out several copies to friends and highly recommend The Secret.
reviewed The Secret on + 41 more book reviews
This book was a huge disappointment. There is nothing new to be learned here.
flowerchild1969 avatar reviewed The Secret on
Alot of fluff............
buzzby avatar reviewed The Secret on + 6062 more book reviews
Now, if I wrote about it, it wouldn't be a secret any more, now would it?
reviewed The Secret on + 10 more book reviews
Not a good read.
reviewed The Secret on + 174 more book reviews
I wasn't into it
reviewed The Secret on
some writing in front cover.