Find out for yourself why virtually everyone you know has this book, described as an "adventure in pursuit of a spiritual mystery", on their coffee table. In the tradition of Carlos Castaneda's The Teachings of Don Juan.

From Publishers Weekly
Redfield's debut is a fast-paced adventure in New Age territory that plays like a cross between Raiders of the Lost Ark and Moses's trek up Mt. Sinai. Originally self-published, the book sold phenomenally, sparked by word of mouth, and may be this year's The Bridges of Madison County --with which it shares some regrettable stylistic similarities. The saga begins when the unnamed middle-aged male narrator whimsically quits his nondescript life to track down an ancient Peruvian manuscript (pretentiously called the Manuscript) containing nine Insights that supposedly prophesy the modern emergence of New Age spirituality. South of the border, he encounters resistance from the Peruvian government and church authorities, who believe the document will undermine traditional family values. While dodging evil soldiers, paranoid priests and pseudoscientific researchers, our hero sequentially discovers all nine Insights during a series of chance encounters. Redfield has a real talent for page-turning action, and his lightweight quest employs auras, energy transfers and other psychic phenomena. But several of the Insights are incredibly vacuous and politically correct, and long stretches of dialogue are banal and cliched. The book ends with the protagonist poised to discover the 10th Insight in a promised sequel. 250,000 first printing; BOMC selection; author tour. Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From AudioFile
Is this book fiction or nonfiction? Those of us who staff reference desks often hear this question asked about Redfield's spiritual/adventure tale. The adventure is undoubtedly fiction; however, the prophesies (spiritual insights) in the tale are harder to classify. Jesse Corli's reading of this best-seller adds to the mystery. He reads in hushed, anticipatory tones, almost whispering the secrets of the prophesies. Dialogue makes up much of the narrative, and Corli handles it well. Voices of both genders and several cultures are clearly distinguishable. New Age music carefully placed throughout adds suspense to the adventure and authenticity to the prophesies. D.W.K. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

FROM OUR EDITORS

A parable filled with truths that reads like an adventure-tale, this story begins with the disappearance of an ancient Peruvian manuscript containing the nine insights the human race is predicted to grasp as we enter an era of true spiritual awareness. This New York Times bestseller draws on ancient wisdom to tell you how to make connections among the events that occur in life everyday so that readers can make clearer their perceptions of who they are and the path they are taking. With an afterword by the author.

ANNOTATION

Redfield's book appears on one plane as an engaging tale of adventure, yet the reader gains so much more from this traverse through the Peruvian Andes on a search for an ancient, missing manuscript which holds the provisions for human spiritual awakening. This literary journey is especially pertinent as the human race prepares for the 21st Century, and Redfield has provided the light that illuminates tyhe way to spiritual readiness.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The Celestine Prophecy continues to cause a widespread sensation. Its nine insights into the spiritual awakening of the human race, our purpose on the planet, and life itself, have taken the world by storm. This beautifully designed guide, including original essays never before published, will let listeners reflect on James Redfield's philosophies wherever and whenever they like.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

Redfield's debut is a fast-paced adventure in New Age territory that plays like a cross between Raiders of the Lost Ark and Moses's trek up Mt. Sinai. Originally self-published, the book sold phenomenally, sparked by word of mouth, and may be this year's The Bridges of Madison County --with which it shares some regrettable stylistic similarities. The saga begins when the unnamed middle-aged male narrator whimsically quits his nondescript life to track down an ancient Peruvian manuscript (pretentiously called the Manuscript) containing nine Insights that supposedly prophesy the modern emergence of New Age spirituality. South of the border, he encounters resistance from the Peruvian government and church authorities, who believe the document will undermine traditional family values. While dodging evil soldiers, paranoid priests and pseudoscientific researchers, our hero sequentially discovers all nine Insights during a series of chance encounters. Redfield has a real talent for page-turning action, and his lightweight quest employs auras, energy transfers and other psychic phenomena. But several of the Insights are incredibly vacuous and politically correct, and long stretches of dialogue are banal and cliched. The book ends with the protagonist poised to discover the 10th Insight in a promised sequel. 250,000 first printing; BOMC selection; author tour. (Mar.)

AudioFile

Jessie Contie's sensitive rendition of this bestselling work offers an unpretentious spiritual adventure. Some might prefer a more dramatic production, laden with music and a speaker who is charisma personified, but the choice here is sound. Rather than overproduce, Contie offers a vehicle that carries the listener through the mystical terrain in comfort, leaving plenty of room for speculative thought and personal reflection. The understated sound is ideal for right-brained ramblings into the unexplained and inspiring. If you're not among the millions who have read this book, treat yourself to a listen D.J.B. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine

AudioFile - Diane W. Kazlauskas