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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
I can see the widespread appeal for this book, as it would have left quite an impression on my 18-year-old self.
Much like [b: The Secret|52529|The Secret (The Secret, #1)|Rhonda Byrne|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1391995828s/52529.jpg|2001660] and similar books, this tale tells you that if you dedicate your heart to your true desire, the universe will allow it to happen. That's fine and dandy for many of us (which explains the high accolades), but I've been ground down by life enough to know that's not how it works. That said, I'm still probably going to follow my hunger and write a book next year. Endless riches await, I'm sure.
Side note: I love the concept of alchemy and this book presented it in a much more spiritual way as opposed to scientific. I appreciated that. But nothing will beat [b: Fullmetal Alchemist|870|Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 01 (Fullmetal Alchemist, #1)|Hiromu Arakawa|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388179331s/870.jpg|1959820]. One of the best endings of any story I've seen or read.
Much like [b: The Secret|52529|The Secret (The Secret, #1)|Rhonda Byrne|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1391995828s/52529.jpg|2001660] and similar books, this tale tells you that if you dedicate your heart to your true desire, the universe will allow it to happen. That's fine and dandy for many of us (which explains the high accolades), but I've been ground down by life enough to know that's not how it works. That said, I'm still probably going to follow my hunger and write a book next year. Endless riches await, I'm sure.
Side note: I love the concept of alchemy and this book presented it in a much more spiritual way as opposed to scientific. I appreciated that. But nothing will beat [b: Fullmetal Alchemist|870|Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 01 (Fullmetal Alchemist, #1)|Hiromu Arakawa|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388179331s/870.jpg|1959820]. One of the best endings of any story I've seen or read.
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This was one of those books that I read faster and faster with each turning page. I felt my body tremble and cold sweat forming. I also felt that my heart was excited to be reading this. I guess I was really enthralled haha. I think this book resonates a lot with me and my experience with the universe. It's apparent that there are many dreams that I no longer indulge in or spend hours feeling. In a sense, it has lined up with me having less time and less motivation to do the things that feed my soul and creativity. Once I stopped, everything slowed down. I had many dreams and visions about my journey and trajectory the summer of 2019. For a long time I went back to that feeling from that Summer. What I took from this book is that I should go on even more journeys and listen more attentively to the whispers of the language of my heart and the soul of the world
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I think this book is so beautiful in the way it approaches the themes of personal drive, unrequited achievement and regret, and at its core self-worth.
In the midsts of my own personal struggle with imposter syndrome and the pursuit of long held goals (or goals I think I should have, compared to goals I think others want me to have), the allegories concerning fear of failure or lack of motivation towards completing a goal were a point of reflection.
Near the end of the book I the passage “My heart is afraid that it will have to suffer,” is such a poignant way to express the ways self-doubt can manifest itself to prevent one from becoming what one wants to be. (Your Personal Legend) Overcoming the fear of suffering that you may experience on your personal journey is something that can be stated so easily, but is seemingly insurmountable at times.
Critics seem to discount this book on account of simply applied themes, but sometimes simple, beautiful prose just hits different. Listen to the things your heart used to say before you quieted its voice and go touch some grass. <3
In the midsts of my own personal struggle with imposter syndrome and the pursuit of long held goals (or goals I think I should have, compared to goals I think others want me to have), the allegories concerning fear of failure or lack of motivation towards completing a goal were a point of reflection.
Near the end of the book I the passage “My heart is afraid that it will have to suffer,” is such a poignant way to express the ways self-doubt can manifest itself to prevent one from becoming what one wants to be. (Your Personal Legend) Overcoming the fear of suffering that you may experience on your personal journey is something that can be stated so easily, but is seemingly insurmountable at times.
Critics seem to discount this book on account of simply applied themes, but sometimes simple, beautiful prose just hits different. Listen to the things your heart used to say before you quieted its voice and go touch some grass. <3
This is a self help book disguised as fiction. I enjoyed reading it even though I don't agree with all of the life lessons in it. For example the concept of 'Maktoob' - 'It is written' (fate) but it cannot be changed. I wholly disagree with it. If you look at it from an Islamic perspective (which is heavily present in the book), Maktoob can be changed if Allah wills, but the believer must also strive for that change because Allah makes it easy for those who work hard.
The lesson about listening to your heart also didn't sit well with me. I think the author confused 'intuition' with the reasoning of the heart. Although I agree that the heart speaks with our intuitions and emotions, it is important to keep the heart in check, and let the rational mind kick in before making any hasty decisions. The importance of the heart (Qalb) is at the point of convergence where humans can meet Allah. This interaction is multidimensional, encompassing both cognitive and moral dimensions. So it is not a simple matter of listening to your heart for everything.
I found that not all of my philosophical and spiritual ideas matched with the author's but I thoroughly enjoyed the book because of it. I think the reason it's disguised as a self help book is because it is meant to be taken light heartedly. Its best to not delve too much into its meaning but enjoy it for its spiritual pleasures.
The lesson about listening to your heart also didn't sit well with me. I think the author confused 'intuition' with the reasoning of the heart. Although I agree that the heart speaks with our intuitions and emotions, it is important to keep the heart in check, and let the rational mind kick in before making any hasty decisions. The importance of the heart (Qalb) is at the point of convergence where humans can meet Allah. This interaction is multidimensional, encompassing both cognitive and moral dimensions. So it is not a simple matter of listening to your heart for everything.
I found that not all of my philosophical and spiritual ideas matched with the author's but I thoroughly enjoyed the book because of it. I think the reason it's disguised as a self help book is because it is meant to be taken light heartedly. Its best to not delve too much into its meaning but enjoy it for its spiritual pleasures.
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Easy to read, but the overall message comes across as simple and possibly even pretentious.
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No