The Secret (Revisited) - DVD Version

In my previous review of the Secret (book version), I wrote that the book was somewhat hard to get through. If you share the same sentiments, then you should take a look at the film version.

Recently, I got a copy of the film version on DVD. The film is definitely much better at getting across the message of The Secret. It is much more convincing (given that the Secret is rather unbelievable for someone new). And the film brings to life the quotes given by the successful people. This is much better than the book version because in the book, the quotes tend to break the flow of the narration. Furthermore, from the film, the illustrations bring examples quoted to life, making it easier to grasp the idea that the story is bringing across.

Having first read the book and then viewing the film, I would say that the film is much better. It has changed my views from being skeptical of the Secret to one that is willing to believe and apply the Secret in my life. Both the book and film versions are the same. The film goes in the sequence of the chapters in the book. Hence, you will not lose out if you just watched the DVD.

The 7 Habits of Happy Kids by Sean Covey

About the story:

When I first saw this book, I think to myself "is this another of those fairy-tale story books for kids?" I was proven wrong. It is much more than just a simple children book.

The story is set in a beautifully illustrated place known as 7 Oak. And the story evolves around the 7 friends living in 7 Oak - Goob Bear, Jumper Rabbit, Lily Skunk, Sammy Squirrel, Sophie Squirrel, Pokey Porcupine and Tagalong Allie the Mouse. Through these characters, the story unfolds into seven short stories, each illustrating one of the 7 habits. At the end of each chapter, there is a discussion page that provides tips and activities for parents to engage their children in practising the 7 habits.

The story is more than just a kid's storybook. I am sure that adults or any other people will benefit from the story because the 7 habits are fundamental habits for everyone and across any age group. To put it bluntly, some of us adults may not even live up to the 7 habits! Personally, I find myself in need of these 7 habits as well, which I would summarize as:

1. Be proactive - Take charge of your own life
2. Be organized - Plan for what you want to achieve
3. Don't procrastinate - Get down to doing what you need to do NOW!
4. Think win-win
5. Be a good listener
6. Work as a team
7. Balance all aspects of your life - Mind, Heart, Body and Soul

Besides the good habits to cultivate, I simply fall in love with this book because of its beautiful illustrations. These colourful illustrations on every single page. They just make you fall in love with 7 Oak and I wish I were a character living in 7 Oak too! :)

About the book:

The book is paperback, with a slightly waxed cover. It has beautiful and colourful illustrations that are certain to mesmerize any kid and even adult. I bought it at S$22.42 from Popular Bookstore (Singapore). It may seem a bit expensive for a book that is only 93 pages. But if you think about the colour prints and the quality paper used, it is a worthy investment. I highly recommend this book for children, parents, and non-parents as well. Happy reading and may the world be as beautiful as 7 Oak!

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

About the story:

The book reveals to us what The Secret is about in the first chapter. Then it goes on to explain and illustrate how The Secret works. Further chapters then describe the application of The Secret in the areas of money, relationship, health, the world, You, and your life.

So what is The Secret?

The Secret is the Law of Attraction! As simple as the phrase "like attracts like". In our day-to-day activities, this can be seen when we associate ourselves with people or friends with similar personalities or views as ours. However, The Secret works on a more profound level - our thoughts or thinking. The Secret states that our thoughts bring about our life experiences. For example, if we keep thinking that we have not enough money or sour relationships, then according to the Law of Attraction, we attract the same experiences over and over again, i.e. we will keep having not enough money and keep having sour relationships.

According to the book, to use The Secret to improve our life, instead, we should live our life as what we wanted. For example, if you want a million dollars, then you first need to put your request forward by asking the Universe for that million dollars, then you need to believe that you already have it, and receive the fact by living your life now as if you have that million dollars. And soon, without you knowing, it would have happened... you have a million dollars! When I first read this, it seems unbelievable. But the author is very witty in the way that she kept mentioning that The Secret cannot be doubted and that IT IS A LAW and will ALWAYS be true and valid. I guess it is up to the reader to decide... I decided to take it with a pinch of salt.

It kept me pondering that if The Secret is so powerful and it always grants anything to anyone who uses The Law correctly, then isn't it very prone to abuse? For example, if robbers know about The Secret, does it mean that by asking, believing and receiving the fact that they will make a big hit at a bank and get away unscathed, it will be granted to them? What about school children sitting for exams? Does it mean that as long as they apply The Secret and visualize themselves passing the papers with high marks, then it will come true? I don't know... may be I should take a look at the official website (http://www.thesecret.tv/) and find out more.

On the flow of the story, I was rather put off by the way the story unfolds by stating that if you are having a nasty life right now, it is because of your negative thoughts in the past. And that you have brought this upon yourself! It is hard to swallow and this makes it harder for me to accept the power of the law as it is being revealed. To make things worse, I find that the flow of the script is rather choppy, due to the numerous quotes inserted. It makes me lose track of what I was reading. It is quite a tedious read for me.

About the book:

The book is in hardcover, 198 pages in length, priced at S$36.38 from Popular Bookstore (Singapore). It is mentioned in the book that The Secret was made into a film as well - so there is a film version (which I have not got to see yet). Hmmm... regarding recommendation, I will leave it up to you to decide whether you want to read it or not.

One Fifth Avenue by Candace Bushnell

About the story:

It is a story about life in New York City, and on one of its most high-end, uptown street - Fifth Avenue. And in the most expensive and sophisticated building with the house number 1. The story revolves around a group of uppermost-class people, including movie actress, publisher, script writer, hedge-fund manager, lawyer, and people who are trying their best to be associated somehow with this building or the people living in it. The story beautifully unfolds the daily events of the lives of those who live in One Fifth or are related to One Fifth in one way or another. The beauty of the story lies in the way the fine minute details are being captured in a vivid way, giving the reader the feeling of being absorbed into the story, as if I am right there at One Fifth. You get to see the entanglement in relationships, the hidden motives, the sexual politics, the spiritual loneliness (behind all the glamourous lives they have), the friendships and many more. I simply love this story for a leisure as well as entertaining read. I feel like I am a hidden camera somewhere in One Fifth, seeing and hearing all the gossips (ugly or beautiful).

My favourite section of the story is when Enid ticked off Lola when she posted those sex stories about Philip. Hats off to Enid for being able to manage that pestering Lola! Credits to Lola for her sexuality that sizzles up the story. I love those sections too.

About the book:

The copy I have is paperback, 433 pages, S$29.91 from Popular Bookstore (Singapore). A value-for-money read, especially for the story that you are going to get, it is worthwhile. Highly recommended if you have not read it.