I purchased this book because I’ve always wanted to read A Course in Miracles. But reading the entire book seemed so daunting to me; like reading the bible all over again. It even has those bible thin pages. The title of the book appealed to me. It felt like the Cliff Notes to ACIM. And hey, if I can pass tests on Cliff Notes then I am sure I can grasp the ACIM principles the same way. From the first chapter of this book I found myself with an intense desire to actually read A Course in Miracles. I have even pulled out one of my 18 copies of ACIM. I swear I don’t know where they all came from. I know I’ve never bought a copy. It’s like the Universe pretty much yelling at me, “Read this please.” Like the joke where the guy asked God why he didn’t save him from drowning and God replies, “Look I sent you two boats and a helicopter.”

One reviewer commented that Michael used a mishmash of ideologies/religions/thoughts which misrepresent the course. Personally, I feel that incorporating the use of varied religions, ideology and quotes is a cultural courtesy and helps a broader and more diverse audience to understand the concepts in ways that speak to them personally. Interpretation of “The Course” or any such text is and always has been personal. This book is an outline the concepts or principles and not an interpretation. At least this is the way it reads to me.

I can really appreciate the 12 concepts which put me in mind of the 12 disciples or 12 states of consciousness. I am really enjoying this book. I find myself reading just a few pages at a time and taking time to digest them. With a tendency toward speed reading this is a new experience for me. I feel that I really have a great primer for the ACIM and am excited to get started reading it.

I am also really enjoying the exercises at the end of each chapter. I love how Michael expands on things like Ho’oponopono and Corinthians. The one thing that does not resonate with me though is the line “I’m sorry.” Just can’t say it, I choose to say “I apologize.” Saying that I’m sorry sounds too much like an affirmation of what I don’t want to be and doesn’t sound like an action. Saying that I apologize sounds like an action and not a statement of being. But that is a personal preference!

I am not sure how or why but the book has given me not only the desire to start ACIM but an excitement about it. That, in itself, is a miracle in my book.

 
Patrice Ellen