The Truth Behind the Secret: A Reasoned Response to the Runaway Bestseller

James K. Walker, Bob Waldrep
Harvest House Publishers (2007)
ISBN 9780736922982
Reviewed by Vicki Landes for Reader Views (11/07)


Just as “The Da Vinci Code” had its skeptics, so does the more recent bestseller, “The Secret.”  Authors James K. Walker and Bob Waldrep release their counter to this current phenomenon titled “The Truth Behind the Secret.”  And it’s much more than you think…

“The Truth Behind the Secret” is a well-organized, comprehensive discussion covering several aspects including its primary origins, paranormal sources, its science, and Oprah’s big role in its popularity.  Appropriately self-described as ‘a reasoned response,’ “The Truth” explores these points with a professional, mature, and educated tone.  Initially, I expected that this would be a book of emotional lash-outs.  Instead, Walker and Waldrep convey a calm and measured style – respectfully enlightening their readers and backing their points up with substantial research. 

“The Truth Behind the Secret” is an eye-opening jolt into what “The Secret” teaches, both on the emotional and supernatural levels.  Most surprisingly is that it’s not a new concept.  “…[The Secret] appears with some regularity about very five years or so.  It just changes names.  Ten years ago it was ‘The Celestine Prophecy.’  Five years ago it was something else.  They keep appearing… The astonishing thing is that every five years it comes out and jumps to the top of the best-seller list.”  Another surprising point Walker and Waldrep point out is that the concept behind “The Secret” allows and even promotes inactivity. “The broader concern is that it encourages an incredible kind of passivity.  You don’t actually have to do anything.  You don’t have to work for something.  You just have to think it, and it will come your way.”  I’m no expert but I imagine this is not a good attitude to pass to a society already struggling with health, weight, and ‘couch potato’ issues.

“The Truth Behind the Secret” is the perfect read for the Christian, those looking for a composed and alternative analysis, or simply more than just Oprah’s endorsement of the emotional bestseller.  Walker and Waldrep write a rational and articulate clarification of this trend that’s both easy to read and quick to absorb.  Before getting caught up in the sensationalism of “The Secret,” balance your information with “The Truth Behind the Secret.”

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