Book Review: "One" by Richard Bach

I love to reread my favorite books and I just reread "One" by Richard Bach for the umpteen time. I can't give a more precise number, because the book has been in print for 20 years and I've read it often. Richard Bach has created in "One" a book that is fiction, but could be nonfiction; is a fantasy, but could be reality. Bach has used metaphysical principles that broaden the reader's mind and stretches the imagination and gives the reader permission to think about "what if?"

The back cover has two sentences "I gave my life to become the person I am right now. Was it worth it?" Right away you know you are going to be asked to do some deep thinking about your own personal philosophy. The two main characters are Richard Bach and his wife, Leslie. At first it is confusing because you need to wrap your mind around that this is an autobiography and not an autobiography at the same time. It is a novel based on the author's and his wife's life and marriage.

Richard and Leslie are traveling by plane (Richard's the pilot) to Los Angeles when a rare opportunity happens: they are able to visit themselves in the past and in parallel lives. Wise words are sprinkled throughout the novel. One of my personal favorites is when Richard of the present explains to Richard of 30 years ago that mistakes aren't just mistakes they are "unexpected learning experiences." I like that because I've had more than my fair share of unexpected learning experiences and am most likely to have another one soon.

The novel soon has you pondering over your own life. What if I could go back and talk to myself. Knowing that all my past experiences has made me who I am today; would I try to change my path in the past? If there is such a thing as parallel worlds what would the other versions of me be doing today? If I can change my path, can I do it today without having to travel in the past? How can I apply the words of wisdom in this book to my own situation? What if...?

"One" is a well crafted and well written novel that packs powerful messages in an entertaining manner. This isn't your average novel, if you don't like thinking or exploring your inner self then don't read this book. If you like philosophy, metaphysics, pondering what makes the universe tick and you are into self-help books this is definitely the book for you.

Other book reviews by Genie Walker:
"At First Sight" by Nicholas Sparks
"Blow Out" by Catherine Coulter
"The Husband" by Dean Koontz
"The Remains of the Dead" by Wendy Roberts