Second Chance

By Syd Banks

Book Overview

The inspiring philosophical journey of a man who goes to Hawaii to recover from the shock of his wife's death, and who finds the mystical Mama Lila, who helps him begin the journey to inner peace. " Second Chance is a quietly powerful book that has much to say to those of us who have spent too much time innocently complicating our lives."--Mavis Karn, family therapist , The Bridge for Runaway Youth

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0449902439
• ISBN13: 9780449902431
• Release Date: March 1987
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Length: 108 Pages
• Weight: 0.34 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Give Yourself a Second Chance; I Did

As CEO Coach, Poet and author of a leadership book that helps leaders unleash their genis, the genius of teams and the genius of corporations, I have found the teachings of this book to be a foundation of my work. It uncovers the deepest understandings of life in a simple yet profound manner. Syd Banks is a master, read his books and listen to him speak. Paul David Walker Unleashing Genius: Leading Yourself, Teams and Corporations

Like listening to the stars crackle

No, this book is not a scientific treatise on how to channel positive thinking and better your chances of being happier. Its power lies in its simple message, conversational tone, and loving subconscious aftertaste. Don't try to analyse it - just enjoy the moment. If you are looking for a 10-Steps-To-Happiness book, buy this book, but don't read it. Instead, give it to someone who really needs it, and watch what happens. This will probably be one of the best "self-help" books you will actually finish from cover to cover.

New beginnings are possible

I read Second Chance when it first came out in '83 and have recently re-read it again. This is a very quick read and one can probably finish it in a couple of hours. This is a very simple story, not very complicated, of one's man's quest for happiness and answers, in his seemingly hopeless and disparaging life. While visiting Hawaii for a much-needed respite, he encounters two strangers who profoundly affect his life and leave him questioning and searching for answers. So much is known today on the incredible power of the mind, yet in '83 this book was a precursor and the ideas presented here were probably just as startling to the reader. Bernie Siegel and others have since paved the way, and mind-body books, seminars and tapes are now mainstreamed. The messages of the power of the ego, living in the past with our mistakes and re-living them to keep us trapped, are eloquently presented so that the reader cannot miss the message and comprehend its powerful force in our lives. The book also addresses the power that one's own fear can debilitate them. "It is the thought that is the seed, the failure the form. Without the thought it is virtually impossible to be a failure."There are gems contained within this simple story and the ending is amazing! I have not read the sequel, but intend to do, to find out "what happens next"! For some the messages will not be new and they will probably find the book so-so, but for others, this story will serve as a gentle reminder and help to open the door to expand one's paradigm.

Out of print.

This edition of Second Chance has been out of print since 1989.

A simple story with a beautiful message.

This novel is written simply, yet it's message is profound. A man who is suffering, both physically and spiritually, journeys to Maui, Hawaii, where he encounters two people whose wisdom changes his life. Reading this book is a journey in itself, gentle and powerful at the same time. It is an intimate visit to the timeless beauty of Maui, and an opportunity to experience deeper levels of one's own inner awareness. The sequel, IN QUEST OF THE PEARL, is equally intriguing and uplifting.