If the words “Jonathan Livingstone Seagull” mean anything to you, the book I am looking at in this week’s #readinglist post will be of interest…if not already something you have read.
For those who do not know about Jonathan Livingstone Seagull, I’d suggest reading it. It held the NYT #1 spot for 2 consecutive years shortly after publication in 1970.
A brilliantly written book about breaking barriers of personal capability and pursuing dreams, written from the perspective of an (some may say hard-headed) aspirant seagull…
Richard Bach wrote another brilliant little book in the 1970’s. “Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah”. Written in 1977 it contains a timeless wisdom put forward in a relatable, quirky and inspirational story. It is also a short read…mainly because it is pointless to keep talking once a message is delivered, I would imagine. (Click the title or the image to get a copy off amazon).
From the opening story about a village of bottom-dwelling creatures, clinging against the current of a flowing river, amazed and awestruck at all the god-like beings the river carried over their heads (read here https://www.awakin.org/v2/read/view.php?tid=575)…this book takes you on a fascinating journey alongside a barnstorming pilot (read the book to find out what this is…) named Richard and his encounter with Donald Shimoda, the "reluctant messiah."
Shimoda, having quit his “job” as a spiritual teacher” in favour of being a mechanic, imparts wisdom that challenges conventional beliefs and offers profound insights into life's true nature.
I read both books (for the first time) in 1990...first Illusions, then Jonathan...
Both were catalytic in kicking an already emerging existential worldview into rapid development, in that I started to question everything...especially my own limitations; most of these imposed upon me by the expectations, spoken and unspoken, of an existentially narrow-minded society.
The story weaves together elements of adventure, spirituality, and personal growth, making it a compelling read for those intrigued by the exploration of deeper truths and the questioning of reality as we perceive it.
Through the adventures and dialogues between Richard and Shimoda, the book delves into themes such as the power of belief, the illusion of limitations, and the potential for each individual to manifest their own reality.
"Illusions" encourages readers to look beyond the surface of life, to question the 'rules' that bind us, and to discover that the limits we often accept as real are, in fact, self-imposed. It's a call to break free from these confines and to recognize the extraordinary capabilities within ourselves.
If "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" is about finding freedom and joy in pursuing one's passion, "Illusions" takes it a step further, urging readers to rethink what they know about the world and their place in it.
It's an invitation to embark on your own journey of self-discovery, to uncover the magic that lies in believing in yourself and in the infinite possibilities that life offers.
Go on! Let go!
It is a bumpy ride..., but worth every moment!