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Elijah's Coin: A Lesson for Life [With 2 Coins]
In every heart there exists the potential for good and for evil. The question is which we'll choose. Without the right principles and guidance, a traumatic experience can lead one down a barren path. If our view of the world is dark, then further experience will tend to reinforce that view, leading to more pessimism and fruitless or even destructive behavior. How does one break out of this cycle of negativity?
That question is at the heart of Elijah's Coin, a thoughtful fable about one young man's descent into a life of crime... until he discovers an unlikely mentor, who begins to teach him a new philosophy of life. It's a philosophy not so much of words as of deeds. The lessons, therefore, prove to be indirect and not fully understood until they are lived. The point is not to state what you believe but to become what you believe. In doing so, you will come to lead a fulfilling and prosperous life. You'll find that life is not about you but about others and that generosity is repaid in kind.
Elijah's Coin asks readers to reflect even as they are entertained by a fast-moving, suspenseful story. Ultimately, the book confronts the reader with the possibility — and the opportunity &mdash of inner change. Learn the message, then pay it forward.
- GenresSelf Help
128 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2009
4 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
February 21, 2010
Observe, Think, Believe, Act.
These are the instructions given to college freshman, Tom Wagner, as he struggles to rebuild his life. Elijah's Coin is a masterfully written tale, with wonderful characters that reach out and grab your soul. It is a vividly engaging and uplifting story that not only entertains, it teaches. You will not be the same person after you read this.
This book should be required reading in our nation's schools. I could not put it down and I think about its lessons every day.
These are the instructions given to college freshman, Tom Wagner, as he struggles to rebuild his life. Elijah's Coin is a masterfully written tale, with wonderful characters that reach out and grab your soul. It is a vividly engaging and uplifting story that not only entertains, it teaches. You will not be the same person after you read this.
This book should be required reading in our nation's schools. I could not put it down and I think about its lessons every day.
October 31, 2010
WELL WRITTEN. The story is all about pay it forward. I won't say to much about this book. It is one of those stories where everyone will have a different view.
February 16, 2011
Elijah's Coin is a stirring and inspirational story about humanity and doing what is right even when it seems wrong. Its a story about paying it forward, about evoking kindness and how, in order to receive, you need to give.
Tom's life hasn't been the same since his mother's brutal murder. He can't seem to stay focused and finds himself on a path of self-destruction. He sets out one night to rob a warehouse and instead he meets Elijah King, who sets him upon a new path that will change Tom and those around him, forever. Handing Tom a coin, Elijah has Tom promise they will meet for three nights whereupon, Elijah will show Tom the error of his ways. On the third night, Elijah doesn't show and frantically, Tom follows the clues from the words Elijah said during their talks, to track him down. What Tom finds at the end of the trail isn't quite what he expected, but the lessons he learned along the way, help Tom put his life back in order.
I really enjoyed this book, I liked the spiritual message the book shared. Observe. Think. Believe. Act. Steve O'Brien explains this thought-provoking subject in a fresh way that I'm sure all will enjoy. The book is aimed at younger audiences but I feel everyone can walk away with a message from this book. Elijah's Coin will make you laugh, cry (okay, well, it made me cry...LOL) and best of all, it will make you think.
Tom's life hasn't been the same since his mother's brutal murder. He can't seem to stay focused and finds himself on a path of self-destruction. He sets out one night to rob a warehouse and instead he meets Elijah King, who sets him upon a new path that will change Tom and those around him, forever. Handing Tom a coin, Elijah has Tom promise they will meet for three nights whereupon, Elijah will show Tom the error of his ways. On the third night, Elijah doesn't show and frantically, Tom follows the clues from the words Elijah said during their talks, to track him down. What Tom finds at the end of the trail isn't quite what he expected, but the lessons he learned along the way, help Tom put his life back in order.
I really enjoyed this book, I liked the spiritual message the book shared. Observe. Think. Believe. Act. Steve O'Brien explains this thought-provoking subject in a fresh way that I'm sure all will enjoy. The book is aimed at younger audiences but I feel everyone can walk away with a message from this book. Elijah's Coin will make you laugh, cry (okay, well, it made me cry...LOL) and best of all, it will make you think.
October 28, 2010
I won my copy from GoodReads FirstReads. I had mixed feelings when I started this book because of its mixed reviews, and now I understand why. The book may come as a bit preachy for some who wouldn't want to be preached upon, but for those with open minds and hearts, it can be such an enlightening read.
It's like a life manual that even comes with an instruction directed to the reader at the end. The story is centered on Tom, a college freshman who was about to plunge into self-destruction when Elijah rescued him. The book tells of Tom's quest to "learn the lesson", to "observe, think, believe and act", changing his life in the process and being an instrument of change for others.
I read bits of the interview with the author, Steve O'Brien. He wrote the book in his desire to show "how, through human contact and a few guidelines, a person can get back on the right path". This was after he spoke to an alum friend from Virginia Tech after the shooting incident, and thought about why young people "get off the right path".
It is definitely one book whose message is worthy of passing around; the book itself is something to pass around.
It's like a life manual that even comes with an instruction directed to the reader at the end. The story is centered on Tom, a college freshman who was about to plunge into self-destruction when Elijah rescued him. The book tells of Tom's quest to "learn the lesson", to "observe, think, believe and act", changing his life in the process and being an instrument of change for others.
I read bits of the interview with the author, Steve O'Brien. He wrote the book in his desire to show "how, through human contact and a few guidelines, a person can get back on the right path". This was after he spoke to an alum friend from Virginia Tech after the shooting incident, and thought about why young people "get off the right path".
It is definitely one book whose message is worthy of passing around; the book itself is something to pass around.
June 8, 2010
Elijah’s Coin tells the tale of a young man in trouble. It is a story about mentorship and belief.
The protagonist, Tom, is engaged in a criminal act when he encounters a mysterious night watchman, Elijah King. In exchange for learning Elijah’s lessons, the boy will go free. He is given an odd coin to remind him of the lesson. Although complying with Elijah’s demand, an adventure involving a lawyer, computer executive and philanthropist quickly ensues. Guided by Elijah’s unseen hand, Tom learns the message and builds his life around it.
The story rockets through courtrooms, limousines, soup kitchens and graveyards. Tom must overcome his own limitations, dodge bullets and ultimately outsmart a dangerous murderer on the run.
The characters are compelling. The writing is tight and dramatic.
Although Elijah’s Coin was written for a teen-young adult audience, all ages will enjoy it. Read it for the story and enjoy the message, or read it for the message and enjoy the story. It is the type of book Mitch Albom fans would enjoy.
The protagonist, Tom, is engaged in a criminal act when he encounters a mysterious night watchman, Elijah King. In exchange for learning Elijah’s lessons, the boy will go free. He is given an odd coin to remind him of the lesson. Although complying with Elijah’s demand, an adventure involving a lawyer, computer executive and philanthropist quickly ensues. Guided by Elijah’s unseen hand, Tom learns the message and builds his life around it.
The story rockets through courtrooms, limousines, soup kitchens and graveyards. Tom must overcome his own limitations, dodge bullets and ultimately outsmart a dangerous murderer on the run.
The characters are compelling. The writing is tight and dramatic.
Although Elijah’s Coin was written for a teen-young adult audience, all ages will enjoy it. Read it for the story and enjoy the message, or read it for the message and enjoy the story. It is the type of book Mitch Albom fans would enjoy.
October 8, 2010
Amazing book that I am very pleased to have received through the first reads program. Without it, I would not have found this book, and I can say that it has inspired me.
The message in this book is simple yet it is one that most people do not get. And the message is told through a story. Evoke Kindness and Give to Get. Kind of like The Secret and pay it forward.
I loved the book so much that I searched for more information on the book online, and I found the website for it. I want to teach this book in my classroom, and now I have the opportunity to do so. Goodreads gave me the book, and now the publisher is giving me 20 copies of the book. In turn, I will give my students a wonderful opportunity to learn what they can do to be sucessful, and what being successful truly means.
The message in this book is simple yet it is one that most people do not get. And the message is told through a story. Evoke Kindness and Give to Get. Kind of like The Secret and pay it forward.
I loved the book so much that I searched for more information on the book online, and I found the website for it. I want to teach this book in my classroom, and now I have the opportunity to do so. Goodreads gave me the book, and now the publisher is giving me 20 copies of the book. In turn, I will give my students a wonderful opportunity to learn what they can do to be sucessful, and what being successful truly means.
February 11, 2010
This is a story a young man, Tom Wagner, who is experiencing a tough time in his life. He lost his mother and became very angry. While getting in to trouble one night, Tom meets Elijah King. Elijah mentors Tom and sets him on the right path.
I enjoyed how this book was written in two parts. Part one discusses the problems Tom is facing and how Elijah helps him. Part two of the book shares how Tom uses the information he learned from Elijah and helps others who need help in life.
This book is very inspiring and motivating. The message the author is trying to convey can be used for anyone’s life.
January 24, 2012
Passages from the book:
"There's nothing wrong with either of those things. But they are not what you want in life;they are byproducts of doing the right things in your life. If you live your life trying to get rich or important, you'll one day realize you missed the whole point. You will have missed your whole life.........It made me realize that in every life one person can make a difference. There is tremendous power in helping others, in taking a chance on someone, in investing in people to help them find their potential."
"There's nothing wrong with either of those things. But they are not what you want in life;they are byproducts of doing the right things in your life. If you live your life trying to get rich or important, you'll one day realize you missed the whole point. You will have missed your whole life.........It made me realize that in every life one person can make a difference. There is tremendous power in helping others, in taking a chance on someone, in investing in people to help them find their potential."
February 8, 2011
While this book is fiction, I believe it might speak the truth. An interesting fable about making your own destiny, and spreading kindness. that in order to be happy, you must put others first, and always live with kindness. While it was really no new view, it was told in a new way. For that I give it 4 stars.
May 30, 2012
Let's get real - I normally don't feel inspired to go out and save the world after reading a book, even if it's supposed to be an inspirational book. This book is different. There are life lessons taught in this book that are phenomenal. Quick read, and very worth your time.
October 22, 2010
ONe of the interesting and amazing books. It is really a lesson for life.
I like how the main character applied the "Pay it froward" philosophy.
I like how the main character applied the "Pay it froward" philosophy.
August 31, 2010
This was a great quick read with some strong lessons. Its a book I'd really recommend to young adults who are having problems finding direction or for anyone who just needs a little inspiration.
February 8, 2011
This compact book fit nicely into my hands as I opened it to read. It is marketed for teens and young adults, but I have often enjoyed literature for younger age groups. I am curious to see things as the younger generations do, so it caught my attention with the premise of young man gone bad and turning back to good.
I have spent some years working with troubled youth, and that experience opened my eyes to a darker side of society that too few of us are willing to truly see. Where I once feared such unruly youth, I came to realize many of them, if not all, are at heart longing to be accepted and loved. Aren’t we all? And when life for whatever reason has denied them this, they turn to ways that get them deep into trouble, sometimes marking them for life. Few if any human beings turn bad without reason. More times than not, I found, when I gave respect, I got it back, and when I offered kindness, I made new friends.
One of my all-time favorite books is True Notebooks: A Writer’s Year at Juvenile Hall by Mark Salzman, a memoir of his working with at-risk youth in juvenile delinquent homes and young adult prisons, teaching them to write creatively. It is my measuring stick for books dealing with delinquency in youth.
Elijah’s Coin by Steve O’Brien falls far short of Salzman’s book—but it does have real merit. The author is a lawyer specializing in international corporate law and litigation, and I sometimes sense that courtroom orderliness and neat conclusion in this story. Life is not that way. He has an impressive background in law, but, to my knowledge, this is his first book.
The premise of the story is terrific, and hats off for the great gimmick—and I do mean that in the most positive way. Two coins are attached inside the back cover of the book, just like the coins described in the book. Adding something tactile like this to a young person’s reading experience is a terrific idea, keeping the lessons the book teaches much longer in mind, inspiring the reader to pass along the reading experience. Kudos.
It is the story itself that on occasion suffers. It is quite didactic. If there is one thing a teen doesn’t appreciate, it is being preached to, even if it is the most valuable life lesson. Add juvenile tendencies, and you have a quick rebellion on your hands. The character of Elijah, in fact, gets this, and lets the boy in the book find his own way to his life lessons (and there is more than one) after an initial talk. A kid can see a good lesson coming a mile away, and it won’t be appreciated. Offer an example and let him loose in the right direction, and you might have something. It’s a delicate balance.
So I winced here and there in my reading. A lot of telling, not nearly enough showing. That’s a first lesson in good writing. Neither the reader nor the characters are a captive audience in a courtroom, obligated to be there. They must be seduced by a good story. This story cries out for more description that paints a living picture for the reader. Consider:
“Lunch was just ending, and several groups of men were clustered at three separate tables. A smallish woman was picking up trays and plates at a vacant table. Another gray-haired woman was taking pans and trays off the makeshift counter where the food was served. A large overweight man was hard at work scrubbing pots in the back part of the open kitchen. The smallish woman saw me walking forward and smiled.” (pg. 65)
Smallish? Large and overweight? This is lazy writing.
And still, I was drawn forward and kept turning pages. The opening, after all, intrigued me. The premise held me. A boy who had recently lost his mother to a horrific crime was now considering becoming a criminal himself. He was full of defiance and angry rebellion. Only thing in his way was the mysterious figure of Elijah, who placed this odd coin in his hand …
The young almost-criminal is led to follow a path that will teach him life lessons along the way, often by having him reach out to others. While I was unconvinced by the boy’s level of determination to find the disappearing Elijah (why?), I could appreciate the lessons. His search takes him to a young entrepreneur, a corporate lawyer, a philanthropist. Each one has something to offer him, each one has encountered the mysterious Elijah, each one carries a coin just like the one he was given. In the process of searching, the boy finds himself. He finds healing, understanding, purpose, new hope and even love.
While too many of the lessons learned taste like medicine, this is an overall enjoyable book that the thoughtful young person may enjoy reading, if only out of curiosity about the cool coin. The author may not reach the audience I imagine he intended to reach—troubled teens—but he may give pause to other young readers who may yet serve as examples.
I have spent some years working with troubled youth, and that experience opened my eyes to a darker side of society that too few of us are willing to truly see. Where I once feared such unruly youth, I came to realize many of them, if not all, are at heart longing to be accepted and loved. Aren’t we all? And when life for whatever reason has denied them this, they turn to ways that get them deep into trouble, sometimes marking them for life. Few if any human beings turn bad without reason. More times than not, I found, when I gave respect, I got it back, and when I offered kindness, I made new friends.
One of my all-time favorite books is True Notebooks: A Writer’s Year at Juvenile Hall by Mark Salzman, a memoir of his working with at-risk youth in juvenile delinquent homes and young adult prisons, teaching them to write creatively. It is my measuring stick for books dealing with delinquency in youth.
Elijah’s Coin by Steve O’Brien falls far short of Salzman’s book—but it does have real merit. The author is a lawyer specializing in international corporate law and litigation, and I sometimes sense that courtroom orderliness and neat conclusion in this story. Life is not that way. He has an impressive background in law, but, to my knowledge, this is his first book.
The premise of the story is terrific, and hats off for the great gimmick—and I do mean that in the most positive way. Two coins are attached inside the back cover of the book, just like the coins described in the book. Adding something tactile like this to a young person’s reading experience is a terrific idea, keeping the lessons the book teaches much longer in mind, inspiring the reader to pass along the reading experience. Kudos.
It is the story itself that on occasion suffers. It is quite didactic. If there is one thing a teen doesn’t appreciate, it is being preached to, even if it is the most valuable life lesson. Add juvenile tendencies, and you have a quick rebellion on your hands. The character of Elijah, in fact, gets this, and lets the boy in the book find his own way to his life lessons (and there is more than one) after an initial talk. A kid can see a good lesson coming a mile away, and it won’t be appreciated. Offer an example and let him loose in the right direction, and you might have something. It’s a delicate balance.
So I winced here and there in my reading. A lot of telling, not nearly enough showing. That’s a first lesson in good writing. Neither the reader nor the characters are a captive audience in a courtroom, obligated to be there. They must be seduced by a good story. This story cries out for more description that paints a living picture for the reader. Consider:
“Lunch was just ending, and several groups of men were clustered at three separate tables. A smallish woman was picking up trays and plates at a vacant table. Another gray-haired woman was taking pans and trays off the makeshift counter where the food was served. A large overweight man was hard at work scrubbing pots in the back part of the open kitchen. The smallish woman saw me walking forward and smiled.” (pg. 65)
Smallish? Large and overweight? This is lazy writing.
And still, I was drawn forward and kept turning pages. The opening, after all, intrigued me. The premise held me. A boy who had recently lost his mother to a horrific crime was now considering becoming a criminal himself. He was full of defiance and angry rebellion. Only thing in his way was the mysterious figure of Elijah, who placed this odd coin in his hand …
The young almost-criminal is led to follow a path that will teach him life lessons along the way, often by having him reach out to others. While I was unconvinced by the boy’s level of determination to find the disappearing Elijah (why?), I could appreciate the lessons. His search takes him to a young entrepreneur, a corporate lawyer, a philanthropist. Each one has something to offer him, each one has encountered the mysterious Elijah, each one carries a coin just like the one he was given. In the process of searching, the boy finds himself. He finds healing, understanding, purpose, new hope and even love.
While too many of the lessons learned taste like medicine, this is an overall enjoyable book that the thoughtful young person may enjoy reading, if only out of curiosity about the cool coin. The author may not reach the audience I imagine he intended to reach—troubled teens—but he may give pause to other young readers who may yet serve as examples.
October 13, 2011
Originally reviewed on my blog, Books from Bleh to Basically Amazing.
Elijah's Coin by Steve O'Brien is a hard book for me to pin down my feelings for. It's a story about Tom, a young boy who starts making poor choices, and doing 'bad things' and how Elijah, a mysterious man gives him a coin and a lesson that will change his life.
I knew that this was going to be a novel that included life lessons when I accepted the invite from the publisher to review the novel. And I was okay with that. I'm still okay with that. Sometimes, that's what I'm in the mood to read. But this one felt a little... false to me.
For starters, this book felt like a true story trying too hard to be a novel. When I first started reading it, I kind of struggled. It just didn't feel right. When it occurred to me that it didn't feel quite right as a novel, I stopped reading it so much as a story, and instead looked at the lessons it was trying to convey. Once I started reading it with that perspective, the story and I got along much, much better.
The lessons this book teaches are really things that everyone should learn. They are fairly basic things but things that make life better for everyone around you. Things like, offer to help people before they ask. Or better, if you see someone who needs help, just do it. Or, that luck doesn't really exist, and in order to make something of yourself, you need to stop waiting for your luck to change and get to work.
As a novel, I felt that there were some awkward holes and pacing and the ending was given a very pretty, very tidy bow that wrapped up the story a little too neatly to really feel authentic to the rest of the story. Also, I have been very open about the fact that I don't like sudden genre changes in the middle of my books, so I didn't do well with the sudden metaphysical ponderings tossed into the middle of my realistic contemporary book, even though I saw them coming. I want my books to pick a genre, and stay there. I don't like when my contemporary becomes something beyond that.
The author also included a set of two coins in the back of the book, replicas of Elijah's coin. One is for you, and one is to pass along to someone needing to learn what this book teaches. The coin serves as a reminder throughout the story for Tom, and the other characters that Elijah touches, and the coins in the back are supposed to be that for you as well. I'm gonna be honest here- the likelihood of me personally ever using the coin is slim to none and I cannot see myself passing it along to anyone else either. But it's a nice touch, a gesture that I can appreciate and it adds a level of authenticity to the story and the lessons learned.
All this being said, I am glad that I was given the opportunity to read this book. It is definitely not for everyone, and I recommend taking a fairly close look at it before you commit to a purchase, but it is something I'm grateful to have read, and I believe the lessons taught are things that we all could use a little reminding about.
Elijah's Coin by Steve O'Brien is a hard book for me to pin down my feelings for. It's a story about Tom, a young boy who starts making poor choices, and doing 'bad things' and how Elijah, a mysterious man gives him a coin and a lesson that will change his life.
I knew that this was going to be a novel that included life lessons when I accepted the invite from the publisher to review the novel. And I was okay with that. I'm still okay with that. Sometimes, that's what I'm in the mood to read. But this one felt a little... false to me.
For starters, this book felt like a true story trying too hard to be a novel. When I first started reading it, I kind of struggled. It just didn't feel right. When it occurred to me that it didn't feel quite right as a novel, I stopped reading it so much as a story, and instead looked at the lessons it was trying to convey. Once I started reading it with that perspective, the story and I got along much, much better.
The lessons this book teaches are really things that everyone should learn. They are fairly basic things but things that make life better for everyone around you. Things like, offer to help people before they ask. Or better, if you see someone who needs help, just do it. Or, that luck doesn't really exist, and in order to make something of yourself, you need to stop waiting for your luck to change and get to work.
As a novel, I felt that there were some awkward holes and pacing and the ending was given a very pretty, very tidy bow that wrapped up the story a little too neatly to really feel authentic to the rest of the story. Also, I have been very open about the fact that I don't like sudden genre changes in the middle of my books, so I didn't do well with the sudden metaphysical ponderings tossed into the middle of my realistic contemporary book, even though I saw them coming. I want my books to pick a genre, and stay there. I don't like when my contemporary becomes something beyond that.
The author also included a set of two coins in the back of the book, replicas of Elijah's coin. One is for you, and one is to pass along to someone needing to learn what this book teaches. The coin serves as a reminder throughout the story for Tom, and the other characters that Elijah touches, and the coins in the back are supposed to be that for you as well. I'm gonna be honest here- the likelihood of me personally ever using the coin is slim to none and I cannot see myself passing it along to anyone else either. But it's a nice touch, a gesture that I can appreciate and it adds a level of authenticity to the story and the lessons learned.
All this being said, I am glad that I was given the opportunity to read this book. It is definitely not for everyone, and I recommend taking a fairly close look at it before you commit to a purchase, but it is something I'm grateful to have read, and I believe the lessons taught are things that we all could use a little reminding about.
March 13, 2011
Article first published as Book Review: Elijah's Coin by Steve O'Brien on Blogcritics.
Every day we make choices. Sometimes they are good choices and take us forward, but often they are not. There are times that if we only knew what would happen in regards to a particular decision, we might have made a different choice.
Thomas Wagner made a conscious choice to steal. He decided to break into an old time retail house, just to see if he could. He had grown up without his mother, murdered when he was a child; a day never went by that he did not miss her. One day he would find out the story on her murder and he would find the man responsible, but that would be some time in the future, and could not stand in his way now. This was his choice and he would see it through.
Once in the building he hears something, someone else is there. Who could it be, was it possible there was a security guard. Thomas continues to try to stay hidden, hoping only to reach the door without incident, but he is found. The odd thing was that the man who found him was dressed as a rent-a-cop but did not appear to want to take him in. After talking with Thomas for a time, he told him that he was there to help him learn a lesson. He introduced himself as Elijah King.
Before he knew it, Elijah had him agreeing to the lesson. Thomas was spellbound by the message he was hearing and by the people that Elijah had helped. Elijah handed him a special coin after his second lesson, letting him know that he would meet the following night. Showing for the lesson, Elijah was not there and when Thomas panicked thinking something may have happened to him, he found himself on the wrong side of the law. This time the officers called the owner of the building and found out there had never been a night watchman, and no one knew a man named Elijah King. Thomas was extremely worried.
This is a wonderful story, a form of pay it forward.In Elijah's Coin, Steve O'Brien has sent a message of hope and love. It is fun and well told, an extremely fast-paced story, filled with possibilities. Engaged by the story from the beginning I found the characters, especially Elijah King to be very charismatic. Each of the personalities that Thomas met as he searched for Elijah became a part of his learning process, but a part of his inner circle as well. Each member of this group received a coin, a special coin, making them all a part of Elijah's inner circle as well.
I would recommend this book for any one that is looking to learn about hope. Written with thoughtful prose and wit, it would make a wonderful book for a reading group or book club.
This book was recieved from the Cadence Group. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.
Every day we make choices. Sometimes they are good choices and take us forward, but often they are not. There are times that if we only knew what would happen in regards to a particular decision, we might have made a different choice.
Thomas Wagner made a conscious choice to steal. He decided to break into an old time retail house, just to see if he could. He had grown up without his mother, murdered when he was a child; a day never went by that he did not miss her. One day he would find out the story on her murder and he would find the man responsible, but that would be some time in the future, and could not stand in his way now. This was his choice and he would see it through.
Once in the building he hears something, someone else is there. Who could it be, was it possible there was a security guard. Thomas continues to try to stay hidden, hoping only to reach the door without incident, but he is found. The odd thing was that the man who found him was dressed as a rent-a-cop but did not appear to want to take him in. After talking with Thomas for a time, he told him that he was there to help him learn a lesson. He introduced himself as Elijah King.
Before he knew it, Elijah had him agreeing to the lesson. Thomas was spellbound by the message he was hearing and by the people that Elijah had helped. Elijah handed him a special coin after his second lesson, letting him know that he would meet the following night. Showing for the lesson, Elijah was not there and when Thomas panicked thinking something may have happened to him, he found himself on the wrong side of the law. This time the officers called the owner of the building and found out there had never been a night watchman, and no one knew a man named Elijah King. Thomas was extremely worried.
This is a wonderful story, a form of pay it forward.In Elijah's Coin, Steve O'Brien has sent a message of hope and love. It is fun and well told, an extremely fast-paced story, filled with possibilities. Engaged by the story from the beginning I found the characters, especially Elijah King to be very charismatic. Each of the personalities that Thomas met as he searched for Elijah became a part of his learning process, but a part of his inner circle as well. Each member of this group received a coin, a special coin, making them all a part of Elijah's inner circle as well.
I would recommend this book for any one that is looking to learn about hope. Written with thoughtful prose and wit, it would make a wonderful book for a reading group or book club.
This book was recieved from the Cadence Group. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.
March 2, 2011
Book Basics
Title: Elijah’s Coin
Author: Steve O’Brien
Published February 1st 2009 by A & N Publishing
Format Read: Copy for review from The Cadence Group
Number of pages: 128
Summary From Goodreads:
In every heart there exists the potential for good and for evil. The question is which we'll choose. Without the right principles and guidance, a traumatic experience can lead one down a barren path. If our view of the world is dark, then further experience will tend to reinforce that view, leading to more pessimism and fruitless or even destructive behavior. How does one break out of this cycle of negativity?
That question is at the heart of Elijah's Coin, a thoughtful fable about one young man's descent into a life of crime... until he discovers an unlikely mentor, who begins to teach him a new philosophy of life. It's a philosophy not so much of words as of deeds. The lessons, therefore, prove to be indirect and not fully understood until they are lived. The point is not to state what you believe but to become what you believe. In doing so, you will come to lead a fulfilling and prosperous life. You'll find that life is not about you but about others and that generosity is repaid in kind.
Elijah's Coin asks readers to reflect even as they are entertained by a fast-moving, suspenseful story. Ultimately, the book confronts the reader with the possibility — and the opportunity - of inner change. Learn the message, then pay it forward.
What made me keep turning the page?
• The thought provoking message
• They mystery of who Elijah was
• The desire to see if this was a happily ever after
• To find out what the lesson was
• To see what the abbreviations on the coin meant
Any complaints?
• Some of the story did seem too good to be true…
Final Thoughts…
This book had a pay it forward message with a different twist. There was an element of mystery throughout the story that I enjoyed. Not only is it a feel good story, it really makes you think about how you live your life, and how you treat people, and the motivation behind the things you do. This wasn’t an edge of your seat, stay up till dawn type of read, but it is a book everyone should read. As an added bonus, there are two coins attached in the back of the book, which will remind you to live life the way Elijah taught (part of the fun of the book is discovering this lesson as you read, so I don’t want to give it away).
Title: Elijah’s Coin
Author: Steve O’Brien
Published February 1st 2009 by A & N Publishing
Format Read: Copy for review from The Cadence Group
Number of pages: 128
Summary From Goodreads:
In every heart there exists the potential for good and for evil. The question is which we'll choose. Without the right principles and guidance, a traumatic experience can lead one down a barren path. If our view of the world is dark, then further experience will tend to reinforce that view, leading to more pessimism and fruitless or even destructive behavior. How does one break out of this cycle of negativity?
That question is at the heart of Elijah's Coin, a thoughtful fable about one young man's descent into a life of crime... until he discovers an unlikely mentor, who begins to teach him a new philosophy of life. It's a philosophy not so much of words as of deeds. The lessons, therefore, prove to be indirect and not fully understood until they are lived. The point is not to state what you believe but to become what you believe. In doing so, you will come to lead a fulfilling and prosperous life. You'll find that life is not about you but about others and that generosity is repaid in kind.
Elijah's Coin asks readers to reflect even as they are entertained by a fast-moving, suspenseful story. Ultimately, the book confronts the reader with the possibility — and the opportunity - of inner change. Learn the message, then pay it forward.
What made me keep turning the page?
• The thought provoking message
• They mystery of who Elijah was
• The desire to see if this was a happily ever after
• To find out what the lesson was
• To see what the abbreviations on the coin meant
Any complaints?
• Some of the story did seem too good to be true…
Final Thoughts…
This book had a pay it forward message with a different twist. There was an element of mystery throughout the story that I enjoyed. Not only is it a feel good story, it really makes you think about how you live your life, and how you treat people, and the motivation behind the things you do. This wasn’t an edge of your seat, stay up till dawn type of read, but it is a book everyone should read. As an added bonus, there are two coins attached in the back of the book, which will remind you to live life the way Elijah taught (part of the fun of the book is discovering this lesson as you read, so I don’t want to give it away).
April 16, 2011
"Observe, Think, Believe, Act"
Almost without realizing it or even without wanting to become involved with what seems like another self help book, ELIJAH'S COIN gets under your skin and likely will be one of those books that commands attention so strongly that the entire book will be an evening's entertainment - and enlightenment. The full title of Steve O'Brien's little jewel of a book is 'ELIJAH'S COIN: A LESSON FOR LIFE', but what makes this book so different from other books with a similar philosophy of how to improve your life is O'Brien's ability to create a story with characters about whom we care very much. It is one choice to preach to the reader about how to approach the possibilities of success and happiness in a didactic manner, and it is an alternative choice to place those same goals in the experience of a lost student. It just works better.
Tom Wagner is a disillusioned student. 'I'm going to take what I want, when I want it. I'm going to enrich myself. I'm going to set myself on the path to instant riches. The future will be mine. I will be in control. You see, one hour from now I will be a criminal.' And with that degree of anger Tom breaks into a Sporting Goods Store to rob it, but is caught by a night watchman named Elijah King who instead of turning Tom into the police, talks to him and offers a philosophy to act in a manner of 'Observe, Think, Believe, Act' and leaves him with instructions to return for more lessons and gives Tom a coin that has EK on one side and G2G on the other. What follows is Tom's tutelage interrupted by Elijah's disappearance, leaving Tom with three names of others Elijah has helped. The remainder of the book is how these three disparate characters affect Tom's belief system and then how Tom lives a life immutable altered by the sage advice of the mysterious Elijah King.
To relate more of the story would be to diminish the impact of reading this fine little book. Steve O'Brien, himself a lawyer, proves his ability to write not only the ideas in this book, but also some of the more creative courtroom writing around. There are secrets for the reader to discover and there is much to take away from this book as far as philosophy goes - in addition to an included coin that encourages the reader to pay it forward. More books like this would help our current global problems, but start with your own pleasure and edification and read and absorb this fine book.
Grady Harp
Almost without realizing it or even without wanting to become involved with what seems like another self help book, ELIJAH'S COIN gets under your skin and likely will be one of those books that commands attention so strongly that the entire book will be an evening's entertainment - and enlightenment. The full title of Steve O'Brien's little jewel of a book is 'ELIJAH'S COIN: A LESSON FOR LIFE', but what makes this book so different from other books with a similar philosophy of how to improve your life is O'Brien's ability to create a story with characters about whom we care very much. It is one choice to preach to the reader about how to approach the possibilities of success and happiness in a didactic manner, and it is an alternative choice to place those same goals in the experience of a lost student. It just works better.
Tom Wagner is a disillusioned student. 'I'm going to take what I want, when I want it. I'm going to enrich myself. I'm going to set myself on the path to instant riches. The future will be mine. I will be in control. You see, one hour from now I will be a criminal.' And with that degree of anger Tom breaks into a Sporting Goods Store to rob it, but is caught by a night watchman named Elijah King who instead of turning Tom into the police, talks to him and offers a philosophy to act in a manner of 'Observe, Think, Believe, Act' and leaves him with instructions to return for more lessons and gives Tom a coin that has EK on one side and G2G on the other. What follows is Tom's tutelage interrupted by Elijah's disappearance, leaving Tom with three names of others Elijah has helped. The remainder of the book is how these three disparate characters affect Tom's belief system and then how Tom lives a life immutable altered by the sage advice of the mysterious Elijah King.
To relate more of the story would be to diminish the impact of reading this fine little book. Steve O'Brien, himself a lawyer, proves his ability to write not only the ideas in this book, but also some of the more creative courtroom writing around. There are secrets for the reader to discover and there is much to take away from this book as far as philosophy goes - in addition to an included coin that encourages the reader to pay it forward. More books like this would help our current global problems, but start with your own pleasure and edification and read and absorb this fine book.
Grady Harp
March 13, 2012
Tom Wagner was in trouble. He had just been caught trying to rob a store by a lone security guard, who introduces himself as Elijah King. Elijah offers to not turn Tom in to the police if Tom agrees to meet with him three times. Elijah tells Tom that he’s going to learn a lesson about life. Tom thinks the guy is nuts but will do anything to keep from getting in trouble with the cops.
Elijah tells Tom that he helped three other guys learn this same lesson and now they are very successful. One is a big-time lawyer, another is the CEO of a Fortune 500 company and the last one works at the city mission. While Tom doesn’t understand how the last guy is in the same category of success as the other two, he realizes that Elijah’s lesson could be worth learning. After all, it would be great to be that rich and powerful.
When Tom goes to meet Elijah for the third and final lesson, Elijah has seemingly disappeared. Tom can’t find him anywhere, but he wants to finish learning the lesson so he can be successful. So, Tom sets out to find Elijah. His search leads him to the three men Elijah had mentioned mentoring.
Steve O’Brien has created a character that many teenagers and young adults will be able to identify with. Tom is not perfect; he’s made mistakes. When the reader first meets Tom, he’s in a bad place. He is still very angry about his mother’s death and that anger leads him to make some bad choices. Elijah’s lessons make Tom realize how he can be a better person and make a difference in the world.
Although this is a life-lesson book, it isn’t preachy. O’Brien was able to create characters and situations that demonstrated the lessons he wants his readers to see without lecturing or talking down to them. Even if you’re not looking for a life lesson, it’s a good story.
During the lessons, Elijah asks some tough questions and encourages Tom to think for himself and to dig deeper into the answers. While Elijah was confusing sometimes, I didn’t feel bad for not understanding him because Tom didn’t get it either. Eventually, Tom does understand what Elijah was saying, then he explains it to the reader.
Elijah tells Tom that he helped three other guys learn this same lesson and now they are very successful. One is a big-time lawyer, another is the CEO of a Fortune 500 company and the last one works at the city mission. While Tom doesn’t understand how the last guy is in the same category of success as the other two, he realizes that Elijah’s lesson could be worth learning. After all, it would be great to be that rich and powerful.
When Tom goes to meet Elijah for the third and final lesson, Elijah has seemingly disappeared. Tom can’t find him anywhere, but he wants to finish learning the lesson so he can be successful. So, Tom sets out to find Elijah. His search leads him to the three men Elijah had mentioned mentoring.
Steve O’Brien has created a character that many teenagers and young adults will be able to identify with. Tom is not perfect; he’s made mistakes. When the reader first meets Tom, he’s in a bad place. He is still very angry about his mother’s death and that anger leads him to make some bad choices. Elijah’s lessons make Tom realize how he can be a better person and make a difference in the world.
Although this is a life-lesson book, it isn’t preachy. O’Brien was able to create characters and situations that demonstrated the lessons he wants his readers to see without lecturing or talking down to them. Even if you’re not looking for a life lesson, it’s a good story.
During the lessons, Elijah asks some tough questions and encourages Tom to think for himself and to dig deeper into the answers. While Elijah was confusing sometimes, I didn’t feel bad for not understanding him because Tom didn’t get it either. Eventually, Tom does understand what Elijah was saying, then he explains it to the reader.
February 16, 2011
Elijah’s Coin, A Lesson for Life by Steve O’Brien is quite a short book. I easily forgave the present-tense, past-tense confusion of the beginning, thinking I was in for a short read. And indeed, the book was quickly read, but the ideas have a way of taking hold and lingering after the final page is turned. Elijah’s Coin is not a perfect book, but it’s one I’m glad to have had the chance to read, and one I’ll remember.
Tom is a college student wounded by tragedy. His life is spiraling out of control, grades slipping, dreams sacrificed to the prospects of a life of crime. But night-watchman Elijah King promises not to turn him in if Tom will agree to meet three times with him. The lessons Elijah teaches are familiar, but nicely told, bound up neatly in the question of what the coin he gives Tom might mean. And the lessons are given strength and credibility in the lives of other characters Tom meets.
Elijah’s Coin, while reminiscent of The Shack, is not a religious book, but it does aim to transform readers, rather like the movie Pay it Forward. In part it’s a gritty young adult tale of real wounds and life’s cruelty. But it’s a hopeful tale too with wise direction from the strange Elijah. A critical reader might complain at the amount of “telling” as Tom researches the backgrounds of people Elijah has mentioned to him. As a former computer programmer, I struggled with the depiction of a billionaire’s genius inventions. But the story is bigger than the telling. Tom finds a way, with the aid of Elijah’s coin, to redeem his life. And the feeling of coincidence in the conclusion is nicely balanced by a feeling of order. I’m not sure real life ever works out so neatly, but I do know the lessons are wise and I thank the author for the encouragement to exercise similar wisdom in my own life.
Elijah’s Coin is an enjoyable, uplifting tale, with an intriguing twist at the end; worth reading; worth passing around; and wisely told.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Cadence Group in exchange for an honest review.
Tom is a college student wounded by tragedy. His life is spiraling out of control, grades slipping, dreams sacrificed to the prospects of a life of crime. But night-watchman Elijah King promises not to turn him in if Tom will agree to meet three times with him. The lessons Elijah teaches are familiar, but nicely told, bound up neatly in the question of what the coin he gives Tom might mean. And the lessons are given strength and credibility in the lives of other characters Tom meets.
Elijah’s Coin, while reminiscent of The Shack, is not a religious book, but it does aim to transform readers, rather like the movie Pay it Forward. In part it’s a gritty young adult tale of real wounds and life’s cruelty. But it’s a hopeful tale too with wise direction from the strange Elijah. A critical reader might complain at the amount of “telling” as Tom researches the backgrounds of people Elijah has mentioned to him. As a former computer programmer, I struggled with the depiction of a billionaire’s genius inventions. But the story is bigger than the telling. Tom finds a way, with the aid of Elijah’s coin, to redeem his life. And the feeling of coincidence in the conclusion is nicely balanced by a feeling of order. I’m not sure real life ever works out so neatly, but I do know the lessons are wise and I thank the author for the encouragement to exercise similar wisdom in my own life.
Elijah’s Coin is an enjoyable, uplifting tale, with an intriguing twist at the end; worth reading; worth passing around; and wisely told.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Cadence Group in exchange for an honest review.
March 8, 2011
A compelling story of a young college student, Thomas Wagner aka Tom suffers from a devastated traumatic personal loss during high school in which he withdraws from family, his girl friend and friends. While in college, he makes a conscious decision that life isn't fair when trying to live right so he decides to become a criminal and chooses the crime of a Robber. He stakes out a sporting good store. He is satisfied with his plans and sets out to commit this crime. While in the store he is caught; by his description, 'a retired rent-a-cop', the security guard, Elijah King. Elijah talks with Tom and decides to give him two choices: meet him for three lessons for the next three nights or go to jail. Tom relunctanly choose to meet Elijah for the three lessons.
On the third night, Tom is knocking on the door for his last lesson, No answer, Tom knocks harder and loudly, No answer from Elijah however the patroling policemen hears Tom. Tom explains he is meeting someone inside and they have not answered. Even though the police officers thinks Tom's story is a bit weird they telephone the owner of the store to check out his story. The owner informs the officers that he has no security guard working for him and no one by the name of Elijah King works at his store. The officers repeat to Tom what the store owner said and this bewilders Tom. Now what?
Tom then seeks out to find Elijah King by visiting friends that Elijah told him he had helped. None of them can tell him where to find Elijah but they all had been given life lessons and a small token by Elijah. Thomas is determine to find Elijah King and HE DOES. Years, later, Thomas is doing well in life until that traumatic experience comes face to face with Tom. Will this trigger anger and thoughts of crime again or has the lessons been instilled within his heart and reasoning to forgive and forget?
On the third night, Tom is knocking on the door for his last lesson, No answer, Tom knocks harder and loudly, No answer from Elijah however the patroling policemen hears Tom. Tom explains he is meeting someone inside and they have not answered. Even though the police officers thinks Tom's story is a bit weird they telephone the owner of the store to check out his story. The owner informs the officers that he has no security guard working for him and no one by the name of Elijah King works at his store. The officers repeat to Tom what the store owner said and this bewilders Tom. Now what?
Tom then seeks out to find Elijah King by visiting friends that Elijah told him he had helped. None of them can tell him where to find Elijah but they all had been given life lessons and a small token by Elijah. Thomas is determine to find Elijah King and HE DOES. Years, later, Thomas is doing well in life until that traumatic experience comes face to face with Tom. Will this trigger anger and thoughts of crime again or has the lessons been instilled within his heart and reasoning to forgive and forget?
March 1, 2011
How many of us have ever felt that we’re at a dead end? That we just can’t seem to ever find happiness or succeed? Or wonder why our lives are just not going as well for us as we think we deserve? Steve O’Brien takes us on a journey to discover some of the answers to these questions. This is a worthy read, and something I won’t forget easily. This little book packs a lot of information! Thankfully, it’s a very short book written in ‘novel’ form and can be reread easily in order to glean as much as possible and soak it all in. If more people practiced the values presented herein, there would be much less selfishness, and the evening news would be a near positive experience! The storyline reads easily and there is some wonderful character development. After finishing ‘Elijah’s Coin’, I’m ready to keep my coin in my pocket as a reminder: Observe. Think. Believe. Act. Now pass it on.
**Stay Tuned for my complete overall/content review on www.squeakycleanreads.com
**This book was sent to me for free from the Cadence Group for review. All reviews property of Squeaky Clean Reads.
**Stay Tuned for my complete overall/content review on www.squeakycleanreads.com
**This book was sent to me for free from the Cadence Group for review. All reviews property of Squeaky Clean Reads.
February 13, 2010
This was a quick read, but as they say about small packages...
Observe, Think, Believe, Act.
Four words that mentor Elijah King gives to Tom Wagner. This is more than a fast paced novel. It has a message so beautiful, yet so elusive. The characters jump off the page and the writing was as elegant as it was powerful.
In the second part of the book, Tom comes face to face with the man who ruined his life. After learning the life altering lessons from Elijah, I didn't know which way Tom would go when given the chance to avenge his tragic loss.
The book comes with two actual "elijah coins." I loved this little gift. It is a tangible reminder of the message, so cool.
There is also a neat video on the website www.elijahscoin.com.
Although written for a YA audience, I would recommend this book to anyone.
Observe, Think, Believe, Act.
Four words that mentor Elijah King gives to Tom Wagner. This is more than a fast paced novel. It has a message so beautiful, yet so elusive. The characters jump off the page and the writing was as elegant as it was powerful.
In the second part of the book, Tom comes face to face with the man who ruined his life. After learning the life altering lessons from Elijah, I didn't know which way Tom would go when given the chance to avenge his tragic loss.
The book comes with two actual "elijah coins." I loved this little gift. It is a tangible reminder of the message, so cool.
There is also a neat video on the website www.elijahscoin.com.
Although written for a YA audience, I would recommend this book to anyone.
February 2, 2011
When I had originally started to read this book, my first reaction was 2 stars, maybe 3, that this is yet another one of the "life lesson" fables that we are innodated with. I have read too many of these things to remember them all and they all say the same thing.
This one is clearly different. I really have enjoyed the story in this book so far. Do I think it rises to a 5 star level.. no, but it is close. If there weren't so many of these books on the market, I might say yes, but like those which have proceeded it..it is just another one in the mix!
ETA (02/02/2011): I took this book back down to 3 stars. I thoought the ending was corny and went as the majority of these "life lessons" books go. I don't know if I would invest $22 in a 125 page book that is similiar to so many before it. If you can't get it from the library, I would give it a pass!
This one is clearly different. I really have enjoyed the story in this book so far. Do I think it rises to a 5 star level.. no, but it is close. If there weren't so many of these books on the market, I might say yes, but like those which have proceeded it..it is just another one in the mix!
ETA (02/02/2011): I took this book back down to 3 stars. I thoought the ending was corny and went as the majority of these "life lessons" books go. I don't know if I would invest $22 in a 125 page book that is similiar to so many before it. If you can't get it from the library, I would give it a pass!
October 12, 2010
"...your life is not about you. It is about what you create. It is not what you gather. It is not the accolades you get during your lifetime. Your family, your friends, the people you come in contact [with] in your lifetime will rarely remember what you said. They may remember some of the things you accomplished in your lifetime. But I guarantee you, they will remember, vividly and distinctly, how you made them feel."
This is how Elijah describes success to Tom in their first encounter. The lessons Elijah has for us all are simple, but if implemented correctly can change lives.
This book was a quick read, but definitely one that I will come back to again and again.
This is how Elijah describes success to Tom in their first encounter. The lessons Elijah has for us all are simple, but if implemented correctly can change lives.
This book was a quick read, but definitely one that I will come back to again and again.
December 16, 2010
I won my copy of ELijah's Coin on Goodreads, and was rather happy with my gains. With its positive sayings and interesting plot, this was I book that I enjoyed reading. However, I wish that Elijah's Coin had been longer, after all the development and stories describing Tom's character, the ending felt rushed (and too good to be true). I also want to know more about Elijah, and why he chose to devote his life/afterlife to helping people. Was he once like Tom? However, I found the quality of the writing itself to be amazing. If only Steve O'Brien could add a bit more...
October 22, 2010
First let me say that the quality of the book, the binding, paper and cover were all nice quality, I wasn't sure they put this much into books any more.
Now for the book, it was well written, and started out really strong laying out the events that led Tom down the path he chose. It then briefly got into his struggle to find Elijah. After that it seemed like cliff notes to get to the end. No story line was developed, and all of a sudden it just seemed to end.
It just left me wanting for more, because a lot of what was there was very good.
Now for the book, it was well written, and started out really strong laying out the events that led Tom down the path he chose. It then briefly got into his struggle to find Elijah. After that it seemed like cliff notes to get to the end. No story line was developed, and all of a sudden it just seemed to end.
It just left me wanting for more, because a lot of what was there was very good.
December 11, 2010
I won my copy of Elijah's Coin from Goodreads.
My 14 year old son read the book before me and he quite enjoyed it. He took the coins that came with the book and has already passed one on to someone else. The 'life lessons' in this book really meant something to him and he wanted me to share the book with his older brother, who is 15. So we read the book again, together, all three of us. It's a simple, short message and was interesting enough to hold the attention of my teenage boys and I enjoyed it even more because of that.
My 14 year old son read the book before me and he quite enjoyed it. He took the coins that came with the book and has already passed one on to someone else. The 'life lessons' in this book really meant something to him and he wanted me to share the book with his older brother, who is 15. So we read the book again, together, all three of us. It's a simple, short message and was interesting enough to hold the attention of my teenage boys and I enjoyed it even more because of that.
March 5, 2011
This is a fabulous book. It is easily one of the best books I've read in quite a while. It's a book with a powerful message and meaning.
I found it really neat that there were two of Elijah's coin contained in the back of the novel. I don't know if every copy of this book has the coins inside, but it's a really cool feature.
I loved the core idea behind the plot of this story. I'd re-read this novel if ever I had the oppurtunity as it is amazing. Elijah's Coin is a novel I'd recommend to anyone, it's short and easy to read.
I found it really neat that there were two of Elijah's coin contained in the back of the novel. I don't know if every copy of this book has the coins inside, but it's a really cool feature.
I loved the core idea behind the plot of this story. I'd re-read this novel if ever I had the oppurtunity as it is amazing. Elijah's Coin is a novel I'd recommend to anyone, it's short and easy to read.
February 27, 2011
I was a little apprehensive as I started reading this book as it didn't seem like a book I would be interested in. Wow, I sure was surprised when I got into the story. A fictional story but a self help at the same time with the Give2Get philosophy. In otherwords, if you want to be successful in work, life, relationships you need to embrace the concept of giving, then you will get. A philosophy that we should all incorporate into our lives. I highly recommend this book. Oh yes, there are two coins in the back of the book, one for you to keep and another to pass on to another.
August 1, 2011
I was totally into this book until chapter 10, but something weird happened between the end of chapter 10 and the beginning of chapter 11--it's like someone hit the fast-forward button and things started happening without reason and/or explanation. I feel the author got in a hurry and missed an opportunity to really connect with his readers. It's unfortunate because this story started out with a lot of promise. :(
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