When I first starting reading this book, I wondered if it would keep my attention as it seemed to be heading in the science fiction direction, of which I am not a fan. But once I finished the first chapter, I couldn't put it down as I became completely engrossed in the unique storyline and variety of characters. This is a story that caused me to stop several times to reflect on my own origins. As a religious person, I'm very focused on life after death, but never gave any thought to a possible existence before birth. Orion Hill is a romantic fantasy and is not based on fact but on the use of imagination. At a time when the news is often scary and our lives are very hectic, I loved being able to escape into another world unlike any I had experienced in any other novel. I think this would make a great movie. The special effects would be amazing!

The Game is deceptively simple in construct. In chapter after chapter,busy people tell how applying simple disciplines worked in their lives when they competed in the "game". The people are real. The changes in their lives are real, and some of them are dramatic. But the practical, simple, transforming work of the book is for each of us to decisively intervene on our own behalf in the sleepiness of daily life so that it becomes for us the miracle it really is. Yes, after a hundred pages or so the format of the story told is repetitive and even a little dull. The real news is however, that the book will do nothing in anyone's life who does not go to the website or call for help in setting up to play the game. Reading about the game will not do it! Only players savor the sweat and reap the benefits. If a prospective reader really wants to do something to enliven areas of her/his life then reading The Game combined with playing it with structure, affinity and community will alter the reader's level of awareness and increase the delight possible only in being present in the moment.

Being a psychiatrist I am exposed to man theories, publications, and other forms of communication regarding improving ones's life. As you can imagine I have become rather skeptical about this genre of "self help" titles. I began reading The Game by Mr. Kelley with a fairly high degree of doubt whether it would have any meaning or standout from other works of its ilk in any way. I must say I was pleasantly suprised and found Part I of to be an excellent outline for the one thing we all strive for... some degree of CONTROL in our lives. Mr. Kelley gives a clear and consise plan to begin this process, followed by more detail in Part II & III, on how to accomplish this life long task. Having been an athlete The Game strikes a cord prompting me to re-examine several aspects of my life and make some changes. This was no mean feat for a cynical physician. I am even going to offer The Game to the employees in my practice as a Holiday gift. One will not find the Holy Grail in any book of this nature, or anywhere else for that matter, but with The Game at least you can begin the search.

I played the game as a participant in the coaching program. It forever changed the way that I look at life. During the game I cleaned and reorganized closets, drawers and rooms. I built a zen garden in my backyard, painted a garden on my bedroom walls, reduced my body fat by 15% and increased my reading speed from 300 words per minute to 2600 words per minute. I recorded over 21,000 concious acts of will during the 90 days that I played the game.

The value of choosing a partner for this game is immeasurable. It's good to have another person to be accountable to. This structure was very effective for me on those days that I was tempted to let a work-out slide or if I just didn't feel like completing on a committment.

The book stresses the importance of structure, community and affinity in achieving goals. It guides the reader through exercises that help to put these in place. There are many real-life examples in the book from past "game" players. This clearly demonstrates that anyone can achieve their goals by putting the principles of The Game to work.

The tone of the book is conversational, making it very easy to read. This is not just another self-help or motivational book. If you truly have the desire to realign your priorites and live your life with passion and purpose, you will enjoy this book.