Inspirational / Spiritual
Idea: Like Rich Dad, Poor Dad and some other popular works of personal and financial inspiration, Denis Hachey's Mind to Mind Conversation presents a fictionalized memoir of acquiring the knowledge to succeed and find happiness from a dedicated teacher. Here, that teacher is "Aunt Sally," who shares advice both practical (visualize goals, plan for retirement) and philosophical aspirations. Such a familiar premise can be wildly effective, of course, and Mind to Mind Conversation offers some fresh quirks, such as its narrator's conversations with his literal subconscious.
Prose: Hachey's sentences are smooth and polished, and his dialogue -- especially between the narrator and his subconscious -- can be funny or poignant when appropriate. Like other books in this subgenre, the tone of Mind to Mind Conversation touches upon a fabulist simplicity. Hachey handles this well, line to line, though the narrative passages -- where the narrator is doing something or observing life -- tend to be more compelling than the ones where he's discussing life advice with Aunt Sally.
Originality: Many of the guidelines for living in this work echo those in comparable books. This book's most original and provocative idea, the conversations with the subconscious, gets dropped early in the text, when Aunt Sally takes the narrator under her wing. Nothing about her is especially distinctive, and she seems less a character than a conduit for working lots of advice (and book recommendations) into a fictionalized narrative. Inspirational quotations from familiar sources open most chapters, and at times Aunt Sally's advice seems to rewrite some of these. If Aunt Sally's dialogue and advice sounded like it came from the mind of a singular, fascinating woman with a unique perspective, Mind to Mind Conversation would likely feel much more original.
Execution: Mind to Mind Conversation offers familiar advice in a narrative format that only is compelling as storytelling in the earliest and final chapters, when the author's framing device (involving the narrator telling his story to a protege's son) imposes a structure upon it. The figure of Aunt Sally never becomes fascinating or unique, and most of the book is spent with her sharing reasonable but familiar advice.
Idea/Concept: At the basis of this thought-provoking presentation are Buddhism and Hinduism, popular philosophical and spiritual journeys for people who have rejected traditional Judeo-Christian ideology, a stance apparent throughout this book. Experiences and revelations intertwine with deep enlightenment on a spiritual plane of existence.
Prose: Steeped in heady verbiage that lulls the reader, perhaps intentionally, the stylistic mode is suitable for open-minded individuals seeking an alternative window to the soul, and ultimately, a higher power. A touching look at human vulnerability clarifies the experience.
Originality: Books that search for an inner purpose, or God, from a borderline scientific standpoint, have increased in popularity as the interest in faith-driven doctrine dwindles, quite evident in this intriguing self-help memoir. Buddhist ideology, however, is nothing new to the publishing industry, as innumerable titles grace the market.
Execution: This word-heavy cross between a memoir and a theological exploration preaches as much as it educates. Addressing serious health concerns, along with a dire need to resolve a common unanswered question—does God exist?—every chapter zig-zags through a maze of celestial discussions, leading to a transcendental conclusion.
Blurb: Discover evidence that God may exist in this illuminating journey to the heart of humanity.
Idea/Concept: The concept behind this Bible study workbook is solid. While there is a degree of repetition within the content, the author provides provocative questions for devout readers to consider, allowing them to further contemplate their personal relationship with God and scripture.
Prose: Wagner writes in a straightforward manner with emphasis on succinct lessons over narrative texture. The daily affirmations, observations, and prompts are clearly presented and plainly delineated.
Originality: While Wagner's offering is not entirely original in concept or execution, the author delivers a solid guidebook for faithful readers seeking to further enrich their lives.
Execution: The author provides a targeted, tightly organized study of the Bible for daily reading.
