Customer Reviews for

The Secret

Average Rating 3.5
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Most Helpful Favorable Review

34 out of 38 people found this review helpful.

A Re-Packaged Secret.

A movie first and then turned into a book, "The Secret" is about getting what you want by knowing what you want and keeping it at the forefront of your thoughts. It gets this concept across really well and is a quite entertaining book. The downside is that there is real...
A movie first and then turned into a book, "The Secret" is about getting what you want by knowing what you want and keeping it at the forefront of your thoughts. It gets this concept across really well and is a quite entertaining book. The downside is that there is really nothing new here that hasn't already been published many times before, many decades ago (I'm thinking of books like It Works).

Thinking is great, but life also requires us to "do" a little too in order to make things happen- recommend The Sixty-Second Motivator for more info on that.

posted by 233291 on October 26, 2008

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Most Helpful Critical Review

105 out of 141 people found this review helpful.

P.T.Barnum was Right and this book is proof of it.

I am 75 and have been reading 50-60 books a year since I retired. I resisted reading "The Secret" for a very long time but finally gave in to curiosity in that I wanted to see what all the excitement was about and what would cause it to remain on the best seller lists ...
I am 75 and have been reading 50-60 books a year since I retired. I resisted reading "The Secret" for a very long time but finally gave in to curiosity in that I wanted to see what all the excitement was about and what would cause it to remain on the best seller lists for such a long period. I am sorry to report that there is no secret. Norman Vincent Peale told us all we needed to know about the power of positve thinking back in the '50s and the "law of attraction" is nothing but new age psycho-babble. What an incredible waste of time and money. H.L.Mencken once wrote "no one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public". I don't know whether the author is incredibly cynical or the victim of an, as of yet, undiagnosed mental illness but this book is a clear demonstration of the concept that good marketing can sell anything. I must admit that I am no fan of "New Age" pseudo-philosophy. Nevertheless, I tried my best to read with an open mind and assumed that the success of this book must indicate SOME socially redeeming features. The "ideas" are simplistic, superficial and repetitive and the only "secret" of this unfortunate book is that the author has been made a multi-millionaire and the reading public has been bamboozled and is too dazzled or embarassed to admit that the emperor has no clothes. This book is the written equivalent of snake-oil however cleverly marketed. If anyone is truly interested in an inspirational book, much better to spend your time, money and emotional energy on "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith.

posted by Richard_the_Reader on September 15, 2009

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  • Anonymous

    Posted September 5, 2008

    Not literally...

    I can't see why people are taking this book so literally. Obviously by thinking about something isnt go to put that thing in your hand. It's the meaning behind the words not the literal words. Basically it just wants you to redirect your thoughts to positve things. All the people that think it's a fake, just don't see the truth behind it and obviously they just dont want to try and change anything with their negative reviews. The people that take it for the meaning in the words are going to be the happy wealthy successful ones who are greatly satisfied with their lives. Some people need this book just to reiterate their ability. Yah most people know these things because its common sense and then there are the some that don't need this book at all and can get the wealth happiness and success without it. But don't crush other peoples hopes in finding happiness. Some people just need a push in the right direction and this is definitely mine. I don't think this book is a scam in anyway and I belive it has great meaning and value.

    6 out of 10 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted April 9, 2010

    Inspiring

    I am going through a tough part of my life, and I was reccommended this book by my personal trainer. I wrote down my "perfect life" scenario and what I am greatful for - and it is keeping me much more happy. Hard to believe what they say, but I do see that it can cheer you up. I think everyone that needs to get out of a rut should read this book, and with an open mind. I also watched the dvd, but there is more information in the book.

    5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted April 12, 2010

    Secrets

    Firstly I've never heard of this book or movie. My niece`recommended it to me.I went on line to find it, then I ordered it.I haven't finished it yet but I find it very inspiring, and very spiritual. I found information in the book related to a seminar that I did last year called Mirrors. It speaks about the same thing , "the power of the mind. It changed the way I look at life and the things I've done in my life, which gave me a new perpective on how I see things and how I react.
    Thank you for putting it on the market.

    3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted January 27, 2010

    I Also Recommend:

    A life-changing book

    This is a book that anybody can use. Keep an open mind and a positive attitude. In a world of complainers and downers, it's so refreshing to have clear illustrations on how to avoid that mindset and live far beyond it. This book helps one to identify their true potential in life. It made me hungry to learn more which brought me to "The Law of Attraction - the Basics of the teachings of Abraham" by Esther & Jerry Hicks. "The Secret" is a good introduction to that book & concept. There's so much to live for, and now I know why.

    2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted July 23, 2009

    more from this reviewer

    The eye-opening introduction to a more positive mindset was worth spending $15.

    First off, I want to clarify that this book is for motivation, not to change personal beliefs in religion. On that note, the book is very interesting to say the least. The book offers a new, positive thought process that eliminates discouraging thoughts by only allowing positive thoughts and aspirations to be present within the mind. Although scientifically, the law of attraction is true, it seems that the author really stretches the truth and tries to hard to scientifically prove the idea of the "secret." Another thing that she stretches is the length of the book. The book is very repetitive, predictable and vague at times. It seems that she could have condensed it much more than she did. The most important quality to maintain while reading this book in order to experience personal growth is open-mindedness. Although the book is far-fetched at times, especially when maintaining other religious beliefs, it offers a new way to look at your life. You can control what happens in your life, and you can succeed with positive thought and productive actions. A good, entertaining and inspiring book, the read and new point of view is well worth the money. I'm not sure if it's worth keeping for my personal library or if I should return it though. The concept can be life-changing if you let it manifest.

    2 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted October 30, 2008

    more from this reviewer

    Great Book

    The DVD and this book is exactly the same (the dvd is more useful for visualization). It's a very good book - I highly recommend it. It's not a miracle working but it makes one wonder about how we all take things for granted - it definitely will motivate you to think positive (which is always good). Read this book (with an open mind) as educating yourself and not trying to create miracles overnight because its not.

    2 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted May 6, 2010

    Excellent the third time around!

    I forgot how inspirational this audio book was! I wasn't crazy about the movie, but I really enjoyed the audio book. I have been "down in the dumps" lately, and decided I needed a pick-me-up. This was a good answer. Whether you believe in everything they say or not, it makes you smile and feel good about yourself! Try it!

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted July 1, 2009

    Empowering and thought-provoking

    This book is just that. It's a book that is to be interpreted and used at the discretion of the reader. How much the reader wants to believe in what the author and contributors say and how much the reader wants to incorporate it into his/her everyday life is up to them. I may try a few techniques myself, but overall the book gave me a more positive outlook and improved my mood as I read it. I loved the personal stories inside as well.

    1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted August 13, 2008

    Have an open mind

    I bought this book because it was on Oprah's list. Although much of the words are nothing new, it opened up new directions for me. It got me thinking again about goals and envisioning a better life and believing in myself. It's not gospel but food for thought.

    1 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted July 16, 2008

    See it , Believe it, Achieve it!

    Well, there is nothing secret anymore about this book, as you've probably heard about it by now from a friend or a relative, but I think it helps to hear the message from the source. It's a reminder of the power of positive thinking and projecting your goals into reality. There's lots of opinions about 'The Secret,' but the bottom line is that it simply can't hurt. It's only natural that when you focus your mind, you are more likely to achieve it. See it , believe it, achieve it! It's really that simple.

    1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted December 23, 2007

    Believe

    At first I wasn't thrilled with this book. It's not one that you can read from cover to cover in a sitting even though it's a short book. I finished it over a few weeks and decided to give it a try. I told myself that I would have a best friend and I started living my life as if I had a best friend. I became more outgoing, joined clubs and was more pleasant to all. One day I met her. It was almost instantaneous that we became friends. Although I've only known her a few months I feel that I have a friend for life. I do believe that this works, but you have to change your life yourself for it to happen. Read this book and it will change your life too.

    1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted January 30, 2008

    A reviewer

    I have read other books regarding the same subject. I have always known that you can control your life by the way you think. I have tried so hard to keep my mind positive but it's just human nature to 'worry' this is the first book that has shown me that feelings are thoughts and it's given me a guide to change them to positive feelings and thoughts.

    1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted February 7, 2008

    Good concepts

    If you start reading this book thinking you will love every page you'll probably be disappointed. However, I found a lot of good insight and examples of how to be aware of your thoughts and how you can control your feelings and outlook on life. Granted, I wouldn't call it a 'Secret', but I did get some new perspectives and practical applications I can use to improve my life.

    1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 5, 2007

    I was Only Disappointed in The Review of the Church School Teacher

    This book does not assure that God will make you rich, but it certainly advances the notion that 'God Helps Those Who Help Themselves'. Discovering and using the talents that God has given you is not wrong, and there should no guilt if doing so DOES make you a millionaire 'in some cases that may happen'. Success should not be a source of guilt, as this reviewer seems to suggest. Teaching people that the essence of a faithful person is one who avoids success, feels guilty when they succeeed 'even if done so honestly' and relishes in misery and misfortune as the only way to heaven is sad. God gave us each talents. Developing and using them is not a sin. Not using them is the real sin. It's a shame people like this can't see that.

    1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 9, 2007

    Idea's Strectching Back To Einstein!!

    This is not a theory about God! It is a way to open your mind and free it from negativity. This has nothing to do with praying or religion. In fact, it never states that this is a religion. It quotes Albert Einstein who openly rejected religion. This is a great book with awesome ideas about what makes each of us human and connected as a whole. If you want to hear a new perspective that could turn your life towards a positive note, pick this title up! Do not look at this as a religious statement because it is not about asking God, it is asking yourself what you truly want deep down!

    1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted July 26, 2007

    This book makes a lot of sense!!!

    NICE JOB ON 'THE SECRET'!!! This book is formulated from a lot of advice that is common sense. It seems to advocate that we have power to make positive changes in our lives with determination. Life will throw challenges at us and SO MANY TIMES, OUR ATTITUDE DETERMINES HOW WE GET THROUGH THINGS!!! I also recommend a lesser known book: Brian's World: Personal Perspectives and Insights from the Mind of an Ordinary Everyday Philosopher by Brian Chulik.GREAT FOR ADOLESCENTS FOR DISCUSSION!!! This book has a lot of the same type of ideas. The Road Less Traveled is also highly recommended but more technical than Chulik's.

    1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted September 8, 2007

    I read this, and highly recommend it

    The Secret is a really interesting book...and one that should NOT be a secret! The Law Of Attraction IS definitely real, and this book helped explain it to me, and point me in a better direction and EMPOWER me to command my own life and my experiences.

    1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted March 8, 2007

    You Have to Believe Before You Can Achieve!

    Isn't that the Truth about people throughout history that reach the greatest levels of life we all aspire to. If we were all created in God's image, and we do not doubt His Greatness, why do we believe that we are so undeserving of a life of abundance. We struggle through a maze of daily, earthly challenges of our own making and choose to believe that we are the 'victims' of various circumstances. What if there was a better way??? The Secret offers an empowering view on how to approach life which can be inspiring for those who come with an open mind, an open heart, and arms open wide ready to receive all of the day's blessings that surround each one of us.

    1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted December 24, 2012

    Great place to start

    Very basic, but this book is a great start to discovering the laws of attraction, and living a positive life

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  • Anonymous

    Posted May 6, 2012

    Life changing!

    A great book! Everyone should read it. I actually held off reading it for quite some time because I was so skeptical. Glad I gave in and read it.

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