Oh, where do I even begin with this book? "You Can Heal Your Life" by Louise Hay is, in my humble opinion, an utterly unscientific, shaming, and absurd piece of writing. Frankly, I can't help but worry about the harm it might cause to anyone who takes its claims seriously.

Assigning blame for a condition that no one knowingly chooses to experience is absurd. Not only does this dump a heaping helping of guilt onto someone who's already suffering, but it could also lead to destructive family dynamics that are far from helpful.

If you're sick, particularly with a life-threatening illness, get evidence-based treatment! I'm horrified to think about the potential loss of life caused by Louise Hay's followers' refusal to seek medical attention.

Of course, there's nothing wrong with having hope and maintaining a positive attitude, but let's get real—it won't magically cure cancer. A cheerful outlook may enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatment, but it is not a panacea.

Could we also talk about how Louise Hay believes that people are to blame for their own ill health and misfortunes? This notion is absurd on top of being ridiculous.

Overall, I think this book is offensive and harmful, especially for those who are vulnerable and easily influenced. I wouldn't suggest it to anyone looking for serious guidance or insight. ( )

The time is right for me and this book. I've already started re-reading it. Some dicey stuff at the end, but on the whole practical ideas that work for me. ( )

I tried to read this. However with so much negative self talk that I couldn’t align myself with. I decided this one is not for me. ( )

This book is controversial but I think it comes from a misunderstanding of what she tried to do with this book. She is giving ideas to transform your life and she gives examples of some best case scenarios. Nowhere does she say you are at fault if you don't heal your illness, nor does she say ignore traditional medicine. This is a tool and like all tools they can be misused.

Personally, I found the affirmations at the back pointed to issues I had never thought about. They didn't eliminate my fibroids, for example, but they brought me to a place where I could accept myself which led to a smooth experience in my surgery and recovery. It didn't cure my mom's dementia but she would find a measure of peace when I was able to get her to do the affirmations.

This book was never meant to lay blame or guilt for being sick. It's sad so many people have chosen to interpret it that way. ( )

I dipped into this book some years ago, and reading it through now see I used some of the tools to change things. It came back to me again as a gift at Christmas, so I decided that was a sign to move forward again, and see if there is something else I can unblock.

I know some folk think of books like this as a bit 'woo woo', but the best of them, and I'd put this one in that category, can certainly help improve your life. I've learned to use affirmations to quiet that negative chatter in my head effectively, and to treat myself with the degree of compassion I offer to friends. That is big progress in my book.

You don't need to agree with everything in any book, but just finding one thing that works for you could change your life. ( )