A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of "A Course in Miracles" (Paperback)

by Marianne Williamson (Author) "What happened to my generation is that we never grew up..." (more)
Key Phrases: holy relationship, Holy Spirit, Son of God, Los Angeles (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
This book is based on Williamson's discovery of A Course in Miracles , a self-help guide whose provenance she doesn't explain. Age 26 at the time and feeling lost and desperate after indulging in the excesses of the 1960s, the Jewish author had no real hope for inspiration from the course because of its Christian terminology. But, she writes in this guide to the guide, the program works "miracles" for herself and for others who adopt its principles. Her extrapolations may appeal to readers in need of spiritual sustenance, but one questions Williamson's advice to the gravely ill. When she encourages them, for example, to "write a letter to AIDS or cancer or whatever illness they might have, and tell it everything they feel"--even to fabricate "replies" from the disease--readers are likely to consider that a serious situation is trivialized. Williamson is founder and president of the Los Angeles and Manhattan Center for Living, a support service. BOMC alternate; author tour.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal
This book is based on the author's experiences as a teacher and lecturer on the self-study guide A Course in Miracles (Foundation for Inner Peace, 1975), the students of which attribute its authorship to Jesus Christ. Using humorous personal narrative, Williamson explains how applying love to all difficulties, as advised by "The Course," can aid in healing. Some may find the theories and practices presented here somewhat off-putting (e.g., Williamson counsels people with AIDS to write letters to the disease, rather than use fear and hatred to fight it). However, New Age followers or fans of Gerald Jampolsky ( One Person Can Make a Difference , LJ 11/1/90) or Louise Hay ( You Can Heal Your Life , Hay House, 1984) will enjoy this title. Purchase by demand. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 10/1/91.
- Linda S. Greene, Chicago P.L.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Harper Paperbacks (March 15, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060927488
• ISBN-13: 978-0060927486
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (157 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #3,722 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

396 of 405 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, January 7, 2001

By A Customer

Marianne Williamson takes Course In Miracles concepts and shows how they apply to her personal life. The book is honest and inspiring. I enjoyed the book. I would also highly recommend the book An Encounter With A Prophet for more honesty and inspiration derived from personal spiritual experience.

54 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An incredible book that will change your life!, March 22, 2000

By	Teresa (Florida) - See all my reviews

Where do I even begin with this review? This book has entirely changed my life, my perspective, my attitude, my feelings about myself and others, I could go on and on. This is something that I cannot stop talking about. Anyone who is lost, confused about religion, who feels poorly about themselves or others, depressed, or just doesn't feel like life is much "fun" anymore.....read this book! I can't even tell you what a load it takes off and how wonderful it is to learn that God LOVES you, is not out to punish you, and only has your happiness in mind. I can suddenly walk into a room and feel GREAT about myself knowing that I am a BEAUTIFUL, wonderful child of God. It is the most amazing thing I have ever felt! From this book I have learned what life is about, and what it's not about. After reading it, I bought an additional 10 copies and hand them out to anyone who seems interested. My hope is that everyone can find this love that Maryanne teaches so that they may be as incredibly happy with themselves and their lives as I am today!

Thank you so much Maryanne, for changing my life!

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thought Changing, September 21, 2000

By	Lisa M. Brown (Philadelphia, PA United States) - See all my reviews

I first discovered this book 2 ½ years ago. I specifically say discovered, for it's like unearthing a treasure. I can't begin to express the impact this book made upon my life & continues to do so. Williamson explains in vivid detail how thoughts & perception can literally alter your life. Happiness isn't something we're innately in contact with, it requires cultivation, something we actively choose every moment of everyday. Anguish & suffering is a part of the human condition, but it doesn't have to consume your life. Oftentimes modern society is so consumed with success, competition, and acquiring material things, we forget the concept of joy is also a part of the human condition. We have a right to anticipate it, but it doesn't just saunter up & plop in your lap. It's labor intensive. I found concrete steps on how to redirect my energies & thoughts, and eventually my reality. What value does life hold if we can not love, permit ourselves to be loved, & be joyful? This book is the ultimate "how to" improve your consciousness book. I refer to it every time I feel a bit blue. It's really my blueprint of reaffirming or correcting my thought patterns. I've highlighted points crucial for my life & refer when necessary. Most importantly it works without fail. That is indeed the true litmus test. I also strongly recommend Williamson's various cassette lecture series. If you're weary because of some negative things you may have read about Williamson I urge the reader to disregard them. Truthfully I don't care if she has some inconsistencies in her life, don't all humans? You're not moving into her home, you just want to benefit from some profoundly wise & inspiration advice. The basic truth is, the principles she details quite simply work. I am forever grateful to her & have purchased this book for my friends. If you desire to live & not just exist, this is a great gift for yourself & loved ones. Enjoy.