Changing the World... One Book at a Time

Ever read a book that's changed your life? Most of the today's most beloved authors and spiritual teachers can recall a book that started them on the journey toward spirituality and success.

In fact, that question has become the foundation for a new book club called the Transformational Book Circle (TBC), created by bestselling author and relationship expert Gay Hendricks.

Hendricks says the inspiration came from a gathering at the home of Chicken Soup for the Soul author Jack Canfield's one evening when there happened to be many transformational leaders gathered. "The subject of books that changed your life came up and everyone had one," recalls Hendricks. "Their eyes would light up as they recounted the wisdom from these books and began to relive the story about how these books changed their lives. It was fascinating, especially since a number of the people there were authors who had also written bestselling books that have changed the lives of millions."

Just thinking about the powerful transformation that books had brought to the lives of so many of the people in the forefront of spirituality today, Hendricks was reminded of the great power that is passed from generation to generation in books that are sometimes forgotten over time. He was curious to know more about how books of the past had inspired the people who inspired millions today.

So Hendricks set out to ask Jack Canfield, Deepak Chopra, Neale Donald Walsch, Louise Hay, Doreen Virtue, Barbara DeAngelis, Kenny Loggins, Debbie Ford, Bill Harris, and many other transformational and spiritual leaders this question: "Which book changed your life?" And the answers surprised him.

"Every person I asked told me a remarkable story about how one or more books had opened the gateway to a new dimension. Nearly all of these books were virtually unheard of and many were hard to find," explains Hendricks.

What began as a curious conversation evolved into the Transformational Book Circle, designed to be the world's first transformational reading community with books devoted to creating powerful changes in our lives. Hendricks asked many to suggest a book that the Transformational Book Circle could republish each month, along with additional inspirational material to further illuminate the lessons of the book. Says Hendricks. "Our goal is to build a community of people around the world who are reading the same book at the same time. This is a potent way to create change."

The bestselling authors participating in this project are people who have devoted their lives to assisting others in transformation, so they are delighted to pass on the wisdom of the ones who came before them.

Louise Hay, author of many bestselling books and founder of Hay House Publishing, attributes the genesis of her success and evolution to a book that changed the way she views life. "Many years ago I read a book by an author who opened my eyes, and my heart," recounts Hay. "I believe that her book helped make me who I am. Her work is obscure, not easy to find these days, but her message is just as powerful today as it was many years ago. As someone who has great respect for the power of the written word, it is a thrill to see her work come to life again through the Transformational Book Club."

The book that changed her life, ultimately, contributed to helping her change millions of lives... and will continue to do so. Same is true for Neale Donald Walsh.

Millions of people have read his Conversations with God series, yet Walsh credits a certain other book for preparing him to receive the messages he has shared with so many. The Transformational Book Circle offers its members an exclusive edition of The Power of a Single Thought, available only to its members.

"Some authors more than others inspire us to honor the true voice within," says Walsh, the modern messenger who helped shape the way we commune with Divine Source. "Some authors open us up and clear us of doubt while filling us with hope. I was blessed to read a book that helped prepare me to receive insight and empowered me to share it."

Walsh is happy to share the book that helped shape his own life's work with his faithful readers, and newcomers, through the Transformational Book Circle. And so is Kenny Loggins. As one of the most successful singer/songwriters in the world, his powerful, soul-stirring songs such as "This Is It," have changed many lives. "Music is a universal language, yet sharing the message of a special book is a powerful way to unite people and create change in ourselves and our world."

The Transformational Book Circle couldn't come at a better time. In a world beset with so many challenges, inspiration is a welcome friend to members who join the circle. Each month they receive one life-changing book along with a CD that features exercises to bring the book's material to life, spoken by the famous author who recommended it. Members will also have access to a web-seminar with the transformational luminaries, learning from them how their lives were changed and improved by the book. Most importantly, everyone who is part of this circle becomes part of a growing community seeking and devoted to transformation. (To find out more, please visit www.transformationalbookcircle.com)

"This is a way to create communities of people who believe that personal and global transformation is possible," says Hendricks, who is also co-founder of home delivery DVD club, The Spiritual Cinema Circle, which is dedicated to movies with heart and soul (www.spiritualcinemacircle.com). "The written word is a power tool for changing ourselves and our world."

Arielle Ford has long been devoted to bringing the work of top transformational authors to the public. She has worked with icons such as Deepak Chopra, Marianne Williamson and Jack Canfield. She is author of seven books including Everything You Should Know About Publishing, Publicity, Promotion & Building a Platform: A Step-by-Step Guide for Authors. http://www.EverythingYouShouldKnow.com. She is a founding partner of The Spiritual Cinema Circle: http://www.spiritualcinemacircle.com and the Transformational Book Circle. http://www.transformationalbookcircle.com.