Book Review: The Secret By Rhonda Byrne

The Secret was launched in 2006 and by now it has sold more than four million copies throughout the world. It has also been either already translated in 30 other languages or the translation work is in the process. The Secret by Rhonda Byrne is likely to go on to become the best selling self help book of all times, as is evident from the constant barrage of celebrity endorsements and sales of the book.

Remarkably Popular

Look around in the book stores or airports, people waiting for flights (or for anything) can be seen immersed in the book. On Amazon alone, you will come across more than 1400 reviews and the average rating given to The Secret is 3.5 out of 5. This shows majority of people actually believe in what the book teaches (or at least a part of it) and the law of attraction. The Secret began its journey as a DVD which became a remarkable success soon after its launch. The DVD was created after the author faced a very difficult time in her life and came out of it with the help of thoughts which later went on to become the basis of The Secret.

The Most Powerful Law

The Secret makes a lofty claim, it says there is nothing in life which you cannot get with the help of the book (read positive thoughts), irrespective of where you are or what you do. The author Rhonda Byrne says The Law of Attraction is the most powerful law and the experiences people go through are the results of what they are thinking. She says people have more control over their lives than they imagine. It is an absolute law and the thoughts will affect you no matter what you are doing. Therefore the thoughts you are having have the potential of manifesting in your life as things or possessions. Therefore the power of your own thoughts shapes your own destiny.

Friendly Universe

According to the law of attraction, we need to know what we want and we have to ask the universe for it. We have to believe what we want is coming our way and finally we need to be open to receive it. We have to believe universe is a friendly force and that it is working for us and not against us.

Unanswered Questions

At the same time, there are several questions and doubts that go unanswered in The Secret. The Secret doesnt take the human evil into account. There have been instances when numerous people lost their lives in one stroke (such as 9/11), its not possible for so many people to have thoughts similar negative thoughts at the same time. If somebody has suffered greatly due to some extraneous reasons, the book doesnt offer anything concrete to them. But then, arent we expecting too much from what is just a self help book?