Don Miguel’s second book starts with a summary of the four agreements that he wrote about in his first book. He added the fifth agreement. I agree, only partially, with the fifth agreement. In my view, it should have been framed differently.

The rest of the book is a rehash of the second half of his first book. It is useful to reread it because you – the reader – get a chance to look at the material with fresh eyes.

Most of the writing style is quite straightforward, and he does call a spade a spade. Don Miguel does not beat about the bush.

I am not sure why he keeps talking about Toltec wisdom because the five agreements lie in the realm of practical advice. ( )

4 stars! ( )

Review first published on my blog: http://memoriesfrombooks.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-fifth-agreement-practical-guid...

The Fifth Agreement is a follow up on the book The Four Agreements written in 1997. Both books are meant to be life guides based on Toltec philosophies that originated in Mexico. This book reiterates the four agreements - be impeccable in your word, don't take anything personally, don't make assumptions, and always do your best. The book elaborates on each of them and introduces a fifth that according to the author "wasn't included in my first book because the first four agreements were enough of a challenge at that time." That agreement is to be skeptical but ready to listen.

As is the case in books of this genre, the base ideas are simple and understandable. Implementation of them is quite another matter, and that is where the book and many like it falls short. It presents the ideas but without the practical suggestions as to how to implement them.

As a framework, I agree with many of the ideas and principles in the book. It seems like it should be accompanied by a "how to" guide, or perhaps my need for that is a statement to where I am on my own spiritual journey. I do know, however, that certain descriptions and imagery like the quote above do stand out and will stay with me for a long time.

As with many books in this genre, I will take what benefits me from it and leave the rest. ( )

Companion book to The Four Agreements and The Mastery of Love, The Fifth Agreement focuses on "Be skeptical, but learn to listen". In truth, the message was difficult to grasp. However, the original four agreements: 1. Be impeccable with your word 2. Take nothing personally 3. Make no assumptions 4. Always do your best still are the best lessons to learn for finding happiness. In essence, the Fifth Agreement is about truth and happiness and to allow yourself to go beyond the symbols of our daily life to simply live. ( )