Who would have thought that a fictional seagull named Jonathon Livingston could have become such a timeless hero of the modern self-discovery movement? Here I am thirty-eight years after the first publication date reviewing this powerful classic. Why is this little story about a seagull such a powerful read? What makes this tale about a nonconforming gull so timeless? Here’s what I think and I hope you’ll let me what you think.

I’ll confess, I read Jonathon Livingston Seagull when it was first released in 1970. Part of me “got it” and the other part was trying to figure out why there were so many pictures of seagulls? Then, came the movie sound track written and recorded by Neil Diamond. That was it - I was a “believer!” I got the message big time. I realized that with effort and belief, I could potentially conquer the world. Jonathon gave me permission to spread my wings and become my own person.

Jonathon Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach is a short read – in the 2006 edition it is 91 pages including many filled with photographs of seagulls. It’s not about how long this book is, it’s about the power of the message. This is a tale of one bird striving to live his life’s mission, no matter the effort.

There is a Jonathon in all of us . . .

** The one that wants to not blindly follow the flock but fly out on our own

** The one that wants to discover our greatest talents and live our “bliss”

** The one that doesn’t care what other people think

** The one that knows that there is something great to be learned by trying new things.

** The one that believes in being the best by loving and living our life’s passion.

In order to really “get this book” be ready to appreciate the beauty of your dreams and the power of persistence. You’ll get out of this book what you’re ready to learn at this moment in your life. If you’re at the place in life where you truly believe you can make a difference, find happiness and live a life filled with self-satisfaction – this book could very well have a powerful and emotionally uplifting impact on your life.

My suggestion: Pour yourself a glass or cup of your favorite beverage, put on the Neil Diamond sound track and curl up in your most comfortable chair. Get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of Jonathon Livingston Seagull. Fly to new heights, perfect your talents and never, ever give up on your passion. Be prepared to enjoy the most celebrated seagull in literary history – Jonathon Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach.

“Jonathon Seagull discovered that boredom and fear and anger are the reasons that a gull’s life is so short,
and with these gone from his thought, he lived a long fine life indeed.”
From page 26 of Jonathon Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach

I’m including a link to Amazon.com if you’d like to read more about or purchase this classic best seller by Richard Bach or buy your own CD of Neil Diamond’s amazing musical adaptation of this book - The Book - Jonathon Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach

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