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| The Celestine Prophecy | 
 enlarge | Author: James Redfield
Publisher: Warner Books, Inc.
Category: Book
List Price: $13.95
Buy Used: $0.01
You Save: $13.94 (100%)
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Avg. Customer Rating:  929 reviews
Sales Rank: 2349
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 246
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.8
Dimensions (in): 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.9
ISBN: 0446671002
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.54
EAN: 9780446671002
ASIN: 0446671002
Publication Date: November 1, 1997
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
 Here we go again April 29, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Every few years a new philosphy appears that the public embraces with enthusiasium for a time and then moves on. Our society has embraced crystals, astrology, Scientology, transendental meditation, Buddism, Mormanism, shamanism, LSD, peyote, fundamental Christianity, channeling and many, many more. Some of these pass quickly and are called fads, others with a bit more staying power stick around and become a part of our main stream culture. THE CELESTINE PROPHECY first appeared in 1993, shot to best seller status and then faded a bit. It has been replaced in the spotlight by other books/philosphies etc which were basically variations on the theme, but has not completely disappeared. The author, Redfield, has managed to spin this into a bit of a cottage industry of additional books, tapes, newsletters, astrological readings etc.
The author has chosen to present his version of the 'New Age' as novel, an interesting concept but unfortunately his fiction writing skills don't seem to be up to the task. As a work of fiction this one would be marginal at even a high school level. His characters come and go quickly, but are so poorly written that only the names and Insight they deliver differentiate them from each other.
His hero begins his journeys, both physical and spiritual with a encounter with a former girl friend who told him about a mysterious Manuscript discovered in Peru, written in 600 BC in Aramaic (the language Jesus would speak 600 years later) composed of nine Insights. Even though she claims that these Insights do not undermine either Christianity or any secular power, the Catholic Church and Peurvian government are both trying to destroy the Manuscript and stop the spread of the Insights. The hero is intrigued by this, and spurred by subsequent events, embarks on a journey to Peru to discover the Insights for himself.
The ideas behind these 'Insights' is hardly new, "we are poised on the brink of a Great New Age", "there are no coincidences, all is guided by a Higher Power that we can all learn to draw from" and so on...and on and on for 246 pages in this, the first book (not to be confused with the sequel outlining the tenth Insight, the workbook, the newsletter....you get the picture). In and of themselves, the Insights are worthwhile ideas, ones that will certainly not harm anyone who embraces them, and which would probably benefit them. If this particular version of "The Truth" doesn't happen to appeal to you (remember you have to be 'ready to accept' the message) then check out one of the other versions that can be easily found in the self-help/pop psychology/New Age section of your nearest book store or library.
Possibly the worst I've ever read April 15, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
The idea is solid - an idea that's unique and explored in the book. But the execution is just horrible. Painfully so.
It's based in a completely nondescript Peru. Everything is a house, a tree, a plant, a mountain, or a town. Redfield couldn't find the time to crack open an encyclopedia to get some knowledge of the place he wants to take us in his story. "Lima" is about as specific as he gets, giving the impression that he looked at a world map, saw "Lima," and called it a day. What are the people like? The weather? The fauna? C'mon, Redfield, throw me a bone!
And why are there evil government guards always chasing our heroes the entire time, willing to use deadly force to stop them? Who knows? Redfield sure doesn't. I guess scary government guards help a plot move or something.
And where does the name of the prophecy, "Celestine," come from? Total mystery. Never explained. In fact, I don't remember the word "Celestine" ever being in the novel once.
To sum up, it's a very interesting idea of human consciousness and spirituality. But only read this book if a total lack of literary skill doesn't bother you.
Life Is Too Short April 13, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Some may enjoy this New Age novel for its kitsch appeal but for me, it is so poorly concieved and poorly written that I just couldn't finish it.
Just one example: one of the main premises of the book is that throughout the world, "coincidences are happening more and more." No particular reason was given for this assertion. The main character didn't seem to have a coince-a-meter in his pocket so as to measure the relative proportion of coincidences over time. But no matter - he bases major decisions about his life's direction on his unquestioning belief in the increased incidents of coincidences.
Please!
A Very Basic Introduction to Metaphysics April 13, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Having been a spiritual mystic for about twenty-five years before reading this book, I was attracted by the title. The first chapter about human consciousness reaching a critical mass in preparation for a higher collective awareness resonated with me, but I found the plot to be less than stellar. I continued reading because I was interested in the insights, and I usually finish books I start.
I liked the ideas about being guided to follow your hunches by noticing synchronistic events, but the story line is very basic and not believable. There was no character development, so it was difficult to care much about the people the author included in his story. Still, the ideas are based on both ancient and modern mysticism as well as psychology. The chapter about control dramas was interesting but again, very basic information for anyone who has already explored personal growth through NLP-based workshops.
I would recommend this book for people just starting out on their personal and spiritual growth journeys, or for someone who just wants a light read and enjoys metaphysical concepts.
Moonstone Star White is the author of High Way from Hell: Using Emotion to Fan the Fire of Enlightment.
 The Celestine Prophecy April 12, 2008
A great book! For the ones that are interested in the subtle world and insights beyond the material world - it is remarkable and definitely will make one thing and look things in a different level. At the same time is very interesting since it is written like a story. Definitely could leave a mark in one's perception after reading it!
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