Marie-France's Reviews > The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment

I couldn't finish this book. I got through 2/3 of it before it was just too ridiculous for me to continue reading.

First off... while some books will have a short dedication or interesting quote at the beginning of the book, Eckhart Tolle quotes himself. It made me wonder if the man was full of himself. Which, upon reading more of the book, I realized was indeed the case.

The copy I was given included a note from Eckhart Tolle about his book before diving into it. And immediately in the intro, he writes that not everyone will enjoy this book or understand it because they are still "totally identified with the voice in their head-- the stream of involuntary and incessant thinking--" and will of course fail to understand what this book is all about. So clearly, anyone who didn't like this book is just too hard-headed to really be able to become enlightened.

While he does bring up some good points about living in the present moment, not dwelling on the past or obsessing about the future (i.e. try to enjoy the journey along the way to the goal), the format in which he chooses to share his insights is very condescending and repetitive.

I couldn't get into the book when I was feeling as though I was being looked down on for being a poor un-enlightened being burdened by my ego and my thoughts. He talks as though he is the only being who is enlightened, the only one who truly understands what it is to simply be.

I also got really irritated with his claims that once you understand how to be present, your body ages slower. The scientific proof of this? Why, try it yourself and see!

I found this book very grating, and simply could not push myself to finish it. Especially after reading a book such as Positivity by Barbara L. Fredrickson which was filled not only with suggestions on what to do to increase your positivity, but also was able to back up the claims with actual data, Tolle's book pales in comparison. Sorry mom, I'm returning this one to you unfinished.