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In the cloud-washed airspace between the cornfields of Illinois and blue infinity, a man puts his faith in the propeller of his biplane. For disillusioned writer and itinerant barnstormer Richard Bach, belief is as real as a full tank of gas and sparks firing in the cylinders...until he meets Donald Shimoda—former mechanic and self-described messiah who can make wrenches fly and Richard's imagination soar....
In Illusions, the unforgettable follow-up to his phenomenal bestseller Jonathan Livingston Seagull, Richard Bach takes to the air to discover the ageless truths that give our souls wings: that people don't need airplanes to soar...that even the darkest clouds have meaning once we lift ourselves above them... and that messiahs can be found in the unlikeliest places—like hay fields, one-traffic-light midwestern towns, and most of all, deep within ourselves.
amy010
Posted November 18, 2012
This book tears down the fabric of reality and alters perceptions, yet it is light, entertaining and engrossing. It is a story as unlikely as an auto mechanic turned messiah, turned barnstormer from the holy lands of Indiana; a glass of spring water in a literary world polluted with the lead and chlorine of writing for the mass market.
Richard is a barnstormer pilot of a Fleet airplane who flies out of the cornfields of the American Midwest selling ten minute rides for three dollars. His is a free existence, sleeping under the stars with a belly full of pan bread that only he can love. His unburdened mind flies with the idea that reality isn't. That men could fly if they could only forget that it was impossible. One sunny day he lands his Fleet next to a better-than-mint Travel Air 4000 and finds the teacher for whom he has been searching.
This is a book that belongs on life's reading list.
Richard rediscovers a bond of friendship with Don Shimoda that extends beyond this life. Don teaches Richard what he has yet to remember; that he can walk on water and swim through dirt; that this life is a story of our own creation from which we are meant to simply learn and enjoy.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 19, 2010
This a story that explores the spiritual by an author who inspires speculation on the metaphysical. It is impossible to read "Illusions" without some examination of ones own spiritual journey. It inspires kind living and faith in the divine.
At the same time, this story insipres depth without being too heavy. It is definately good for a relaxing escape. It turned my attitude around many days some years ago when I first read it. If the mataphysical is a tempting topic for you, read this book! It inspired new preferances with the development of my own library.
However; if you read this book, be prepared to have a thirst for more of Richard Backs work. His book "One" may be of particular interest if you ever imagined a multidimentional existance. "Illusions" examines the journey of a "reluctant mesiah", a journey which has profound implications. It's a must read! Enjoy!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 21, 2010
That's what this book is about. Merging the human with our inner divine nature, and what that looks like in our lives.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.My all time favorite book!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.This is Richard Bach¿s masterpiece. If you want to invest 2 hours straight in reading a book, this will be the one, and this will probably be the best investment ever. Bach¿s adventure is full of inspiration, get ready to be blessed with joy, beauty and wisdom.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 8, 2006
I first received my copy in the late 80's. Its been my favorite Chrismahanukwanza gift since then. To say, ¿Thou art G-d,¿ starts to grasp the power and joy this book can bring you. It may, however, challenge you to question your beliefs or relationship with your higher power. This challenge may be blasphemy to organized believing. I hope you see past that. The discovery of your being a part of that power can be your salvation and let you acknowledge your personal state of Grace. The friend that gave me my first copy told me it was magical. She said I could randomly open the book to any page and, like an I-Ching, see what answer I needed. She was right. Besides all the religious overtone I got from the book, its a nice story and any easy read. I read it every year and highly recommend it.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 14, 2013
The most amazing book I have read.
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Posted April 19, 2013
Purchased this for a friend that has worn out 6 previous copies. He found it helped him stay centered. Very inspiring.
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Posted May 14, 2010
An amazing book! I keep buying it because I keep loaning it out and not getting it back. Whenever I buy one for a friend, I end up having to buy another one for myself b/c I get engrossed in it all over again. This is NOT the book for the devoutly religious! However, the open minded reader will find lots to chew on in the book and in their lives. HUGELY recommend!
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted March 3, 2009
I Also Recommend:
A powerful book that allows you to reflect upon your own life with a greater sense of creativity.
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Posted June 25, 2008
Just when I think that I've figured out the meaning behind the book my life shifts and I'm finding a new meaning. The book is fantastic. I've officially bought twelve copies of this book because each time I loan it to someone to read, they end up asking to keep it. Actually, I've just purchased my 13th copy as a gift for someone so I can keep my own since I finally got a hard copy edition. I also keep the 'handbook' in my purse and have introduces so many to it that I really should work for Barnes & Noble or Mr. Bach himself!
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Posted December 21, 2007
The perspective of a spiritual being on a physical journey seems totally lost--although very well written--on the author. Had I come down to earth with the mission to teach and save the Godseed...my boredom and the humdrum wouldn't affect the outcome. Sorry, Richard...not your best work, philosophically speaking.
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Posted June 4, 2007
Richard has been to the mountain top! As someone said, 'truth embodied in a tale shall enter lowly doors'. This book was given to me over 10 years ago. I read it, thought it was good, however, I did not get the real essence. The teacher was present but the student was not aware. This is the news that was behind the veil in the holiest of holies in the temple. Thank God that veil was rent in twain. Now we must open up our gates and remove our own /illusion/veil in order to see the Divine light that resides in you and everything else. MESSIAHS! Forward! March! .......did you hear the call....???
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 14, 2007
This book was given to me in 8th grade by my Astronomy teacher and it COMPLETELY changed my point of view in life. At the age of 14 you start doubting so many things, but this book ceratinly helped me see what life really is and means.
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Posted January 15, 2007
I got this book from my guitar teacher Matt like two or three years ago and I couldn't put it down. This book is like candy for the mind and imagination. If you believe in God or you don't, if you want to believe, or if you just want insight this book is amazing.
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Posted January 2, 2006
Many readers claim that Jonathan Livingston Seagull was Bach's best book. Although a similar concept that is more digestable for young readers Jonathan Livingston Seagull did not compare. In Illusions Bach sets your mind free with a new and outlandish concept of the world and life that begs to be considered. Being a Catholic it nagged at my preconceived notions of Jesus, his message, and his struggle. I think the notes on the first couple of pages say it all with no religious overtones! What a great read.
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Posted January 6, 2006
The author's creative genius shines in this outstanding masterpiece. I have gifted this book to all those wanting such information. Because of its brevity, so called non-readers are suddenly looking for more similar style evolutionary pieces of work (albeit few and far between). The smudged and handwritten 'notes' prefacing the story in the later printed paperback edition render this book near perfect. You rule, Richard Bach.
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Posted June 14, 2005
THIS BOOK SAVED MY LIFE BECAUSE AT A TIME WHEN ALL SEEMED LOST A FELLOW SOROR OF THE ROSAE CRUCIS HAD ME READ IT AND AT FIRST I DIDN'T WANT TO DO ANYMORE READING ESPECIALLY BY AN AUTHOR WHO WROTE A BOOK ABOUT SEAGULLS! BUT LIFE IMITATES ART AND ALL I CAN SAY IS I HAVE A HEALTHY OUTLOOK ON LIFE AND THERE IS NO GOOD OR BAD, RICH OR POOR, SICK OR HEALTHY PEOPLE ON THIS EARTHLY PLANE. WHAT WE SEE, HEAR, TOUCH AND LOVE CAN ALL BE EXPLAINED IN THIS ONE IN A MILLION BOOK, THAT COMES ALONG AND TRANSFORMS A PERSONS LIFE FOR THE BETTER AND OFFERS A NEW WAY OF SEEING LIFE UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL. IF YOU NEVER READ A BOOK IN YOUR LIFE AND DECIDE TO? THIS *is* THE BOOK FOR YOU! *WINK*
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Posted November 11, 2004
An Amazing Book! It's a great for everyone. No matter how old you are you should READ THIS BOOK!?!? My only complaint is that its too short but still definitely one of the best books I have ever read!?!
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Posted December 3, 2004
I can't say enough good things about this book! Possibly the most touching and enlightening book I've ever read. It might just change the way you look at life (for the better). You'll feel like walking on water after you read it:))
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Overview
In the cloud-washed airspace between the cornfields of Illinois and blue infinity, a man puts his faith in the propeller of his biplane. For disillusioned writer and itinerant barnstormer Richard Bach, belief is as real as a full tank of gas and sparks firing in the cylinders...until he meets Donald Shimoda—former mechanic and self-described messiah who can make wrenches fly and Richard's imagination soar....
In Illusions, the unforgettable follow-up to his phenomenal bestseller...