“Your only obligation in any lifetime is to be true to yourself.” ― Richard Bach, Illusions
First things first, thanks to Novemberchild for making me introspect on this… it has been long since I thought about which book I love the most, and how it changed my life.
‘Illusions – The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah’ was introduced to me as a geeky teenager by an equally nerdy friend. I still vividly remember asking him his favourite book at that time, and him replying ‘Illusions’ by Richard Bach. Now I considered myself decently well-read nerd, and it made my ego hurt a bit that I wasn’t aware of this acclaimed book… but then, I wasn’t quite into self-help books then,right? smirked my ego.
Hence started my quest to find a copy of ‘Illusions’. We didn’t have Amazon in days back then, and money to buy mint copies from bookstores like Crosswords was limited. Hence, off I zoomed on my scooty to a second-hand bookseller, who used to sell his dog-eared copies of books near a footpath on the railway station. Travellers of all kinds were his fans, a good book was the best companion on a long journey on the train.
Asking him about this book yielded no results… he had never heard of it. So there I went searching his piles and piles of books for the next half hour.
And lo! Finally I got a copy of the book, albeit in questionable condition. Still, I was as delighted as a child who gets ice-cream cone in freezing wintery December! I couldn’t wait to start the book!
So I got home after my classes that day, and went to my favourite reading place… my terrace. And hence started my love affair with Bach. There were many evenings we spent under the blue skies, with chirping birds returning home, clouds teasing us forming into characters and contours, and cool breeze caressing my hair while I lost myself into musings of this remarkable author.
Bach has been one of my all time favourites since then… and I return to Illusions, whenever in doubt. There have been times in my life, when I have looked for answers, and not finding them anywhere, I have opened a page, just any page, in this book, and found my peace.
One of my many favourite quotes from this book,
“You’re never given a dream without also being given the power to make it true.”
― Richard Bach, Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah
This keeps me going on days when going gets tough…
If you haven’t already, do get your copy… and delve into this myriad of life changing experience with a steaming, soothing, soul-stirring cuppa coffee… you’ll not regret it! I promise!
“THIS POST IS WRITTEN FOR NOVEMBERSCHILD IN ASSOCIATION WITH KALAMPEDIA – QUEST FOR KNOWLEDGE”
I love the way you express it.
And m gonna read this book
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Anurag! Hope you enjoy it 🙂 Do let me know!
LikeLike
That quote is my new go-to one nor SurbHi. You will have to share it with me now😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Most happy to Richa 🙂 Do read the book… it is a treasure of life changing quotes to reflect on!
LikeLike
Richard Bach takes to the air to discover the ageless truths that give our souls wings: that people don’t need airplanes to soar…that even the darkest clouds have meaning once we lift ourselves above them… and that messiahs can be found in the unlikeliest places–like hay fields, one-traffic-light midwestern towns, and most of all, deep within ourselves. Loved the main idea of this book and definitely I am adding it in my TBR. Thank you Surbhi your post and making it a part of my blog’s birthday celebration. Best wishes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for your wonderful comment… definitely do read 🙂 And then let me know whether you liked it!
LikeLike
We can lift ourselves out of ignorance, we can find ourselves as creatures of excellence and intelligence and skill. We can be free! We can learn to fly! – Jonathan Seagull Livingston by Richard Bach. This quote has stayed on with me ever since I read Bach for the first time. Your post reminded me of my first introduction to Bach and the strong impact of his stories and quotes on my life. Very well written Surbhi.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much dear! Yes… I love Jonathan Livingston Seagull too! He is amazing isn’t he?
LikeLike
I wish I was this vigilant a reader as a teenager but then better late than never. I think I am going to bookmark this book, for myself and my son who will be able to read it in another decade or so.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww… yes really better late than never for this book dear! And it’s a really quick read( most Bach’s are..) but a treasure of wisdom. Am sure both you and your son will enjoy it 🙂
LikeLike
This sounds like a lovely read. Loved the way you wrote about it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Tina! It’s a life-changer… do read, and let me know if you like it 🙂 Btw… love your writing 🙂
LikeLike
This seems like a very interesting book and I think I should get a copy for myself soon. Thanks for sharing 🙂
[@samantha_rjsdr] from
Whimsical Compass
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely, it’s a treasure! Do let me know if you read it, how you liked it 🙂
LikeLike
This sounds so interesting- somewhat reminding me “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”. Thank you for the review. Would add it on my TBR list.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now that’s one added to my TBR ! Thanks for sharing !
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s such a beautiful post. It’s surprising how much one would like to read somebody else’s story with a book… amazing 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
We all try to find ourselves in somebody else’s story, don’t we? Thanks for the comment 🙂
LikeLike