Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah Mass Market Paperback – 10 Oct. 1989

I first read Illusions 28 years ago, and it blew me away to find this guy saying so simply and so engagingly all the things that I'd struggled so hard to find out for myself .. all the things that really matter in life, but written like a fairy story, or an hour round the fire with a good friend, or ... well, you get the idea, I'm sure.I kept having to put the book down every few pages, and just go, "oh YES! why couldn't I describe it like that?"I must have bought around 20 copies by now - to give as presents and to replace when someone I'd lent it to said how much they loved it, and I told them "just keep it, then".I still read it now & again ... and enjoy it as much as ever. I wonder how many books have that sort of loyalty? Not many in my (book!) case.It's a fascinating book, because it can be read on so many levels: simply as a light fantasy; as a parable for all the spiritual things that really matter in life; a buddy story ... or indeed all of the above at once.I call it my Bible, because I feel the God I know would prefer it to the Bible we're brought up with .. sorry to anyone who finds that blasphemous and upsetting, but that's my honest belief.And it's so gently amusing while it's telling you something profound ... oh, that school teachers could grasp the value of that!Look out particularly for the part where the vampire appears in order to illustrate the point that it's NOT always a good thing to do whatever you want so long as you hurt nobody .. that's one of favourite bits, along with the Butch Cassidy/tomato sauce blood explanation.If you want a totally feel-good overall experience, and to be reminded of things we all would be better for remembering, do buy Illusions. I'm almost certain you won't regret it.

"The world is your exercise-book, the pages on which you do your sums. It is not reality, although you can express reality there if you wish. You are also free to write nonsense, or lies, or to tear the pages."As first impressions go, I was curious why a simple blue feather appeared on the cover. In just a short time, my 'why' was answered.Narrated with simple eloquence, "Illusions" offers humble sustenance for the soul, welcome food for thought to be taken or left by each reader.When my brain grows hungry for perspective I'm sure I'll turn the pages of this book again.

It's no exaggeration to say this is the most important book in my life - literally life changing. But even if it's not that for you, it's entertaining and intriguing and bears rereading every once in a while to help remind you that you can make life changes on a scale that suits you. Don't underestimate the power and significance of this little book: it definitely isn't just two guys selling $3 rides in a couple of old biplanes and talking philosophy. And you'll never look at a snap-on spanner the same way again.

What is this mad craziness - turning thinking upside down, shunning definition, assumptions, questioning how this material world works. There are rich nuggets here if we chose to see them that allow us to explore outside perceptions. What if… love it

I remember a friend gave this book to me and when i read it I felt life made a little more sense. It is amazing to think we think we have free will and we can change things, but we choose not to. I have read this book maybe a hundred times and it seems always fresh everytime.The book is probulay one of the 20th century classics. I have bought it for a few friends over there years and they have passed the message on "life is an illusion".The main plot is about a byplane pilot that befriends a messiah that walked out on the job and decided to give rides for dollars in his byplane around the midwest of america. Thoughout the journey the author discovers the true meaning of the universe and you are swept away by the lessons that you learn along the way.

My Father bought me this book in 1978 when I was struggling to bring up my son on my own and feeling particularly restricted, but knowing it was a job I had to do. I read this book and it really turned things around for me and helped to change the perspective on my life and circumstances. I would highly recommend this book to everybody as it can be read on so many levels - even now each time I read it I still find something new to think about. My favourite bit is the one about Problems and Gifts and that is something I always think of when things get a bit sticky as they invariably do in life. It's a wonderful book written by a man who was way ahead of his time. I'm a big fan of Richard Bach and love the way he writes - The Messiah is probably my favourite book of his with Johnathan Living Seagull coming an extremely close 2nd. Read this and enjoy it and take what it gives, you can't go wrong. This is probably the book I have given most as a present with possibly the exception of The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran. I can't recommend it highly enough.

This book arrived with a bent cover. The crease made reading uncomfortable, as the cover kept folding back into the book, and the general feel was unpleasant. For a company that began as a bookseller, this is not good enough. The font was also on the small side, making it difficult to read. I want to sincerely thank Amazon for pushing me back toward real bookstores, where I can browse, touch, and inspect what I’m buying. I will not be purchasing books from Amazon again.

You are led through your lifetime by the inner learning creature, the playful spiritual being that is your real self.I have been reading Illusions for nearly half a century and the many messages contained in the story have inspired me to say “yes” to life. I treasure every copy I have owned and I have given several copies as gifts to friends and family when the troubles of the world seem too much for them to bear. We rarely have a second opportunity to meet a soul-mate or embark on adventure so grasp opportunity and live life to the full.