A RECIPE FOR DREAMING

by Bryce Courtenay, Ann Williams (Illustrator)

A Recipe for Dreaming is a little treasure of wise words and beautiful images.With insight, humour and a deep sense of humanity, Bryce Courtenay inspires us to become dreamers and questioners, creators of lives that are rich and rewarding. Illuminating these musings are the superb visual poems of Anie Williams.

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction, Philosophy

64 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Arthur Bryce Courtenay, AM was a South African-Australian advertising director and novelist. He is one of Australia's best-selling authors, notable for his book The Power of One.

Reviews

[Xaden · Rating 2 out of 5]

2/5

The art was quite nice and there was a verse or two that I thought was quite good. I knew what I was getting into when reading it so I can't complain too much. It took only 10mins to read.

[Nis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bryce Courtenay wrote this after receiving so many message from his readers asking for guidance in life, after reading The Power of One. It is a collection of short lines to help inspire thoughts about life, to daydream and imagine new possibilities.

The Power of One is my favourite fiction book so I just had to get this as well and it makes for a nice, little complimentary light reading.

[Leila]

Lovely book

Thrifted for $1



Message encrypted on the front page:

"17.09.98
Dear Margaret,

Remember to think of me from time to time, as I will be thinking of you.

You are a wonderful + inspirational lady.

All my love and fondest regards

Your friend

Alyson"

[Marianne · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Recipe For Dreaming is a book by South African born author, Bryce Courtenay. At 64 pages, with not much text and quite a lot of illustrations, it does not take longer than about twenty minutes to read. It is “a collection of thoughts and images to make you dream again”. The illustrations by Ann Williams are quite whimsical: some are rather Leunig-like, others definitely resemble Picasso’s work. While the sentiments expressed might be appreciated and even inspirational for those in the right frame of mind, this book is not for cynics.

[Libby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this strange little book. The bit about the 20,000 words a day we speak to ourselves was interesting as well as the bit on how we are not born empty - both topics I have been contemplating myself a lot lately. He is a man who loves words, how can I therefore not love him :) I think I will have to look into his books now. I have always meant to read The Power of One, perhaps now is the time.

[Sandra Gabriella Di Francesco]

Absoultely little gem of a book on the power of dreaming and following your dreams. A must read for all!

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Every book by Bryce Courtenay I have read so far has been a massive book so I was very surprised when I went to pick this one up from the library and it was the smallest book ever.

A book of inspirational sentiments to help you follow your life’s dreams. Most made sense however I was glad it was a short book as it’s not my cup of tea.

[Tim Turnbull · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a small, inspiring book that I have had on the shelf for some time and it seemed the right time to read it. It has some great quotes about the importance of dreaming and some other thought provoking passages. Overall, it is a short and acceptable read but found the three chapters not really well linked - a bit random. Three stars

[Christine Wiserbynow]

Lovely little book that I proudly own.

[Sharon Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice short read with stunning pictures and reminders of what is important to ones soul.

[Katische Haberfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved the way the book ended - My sentiments exactly 😂 lovely little book to read and ponder ocer a cuppa

[loosi (future yale alumni) · Rating 3 out of 5]

self help poetry ? kinda boring bryce i mean come on man!!!

[Bonni Monthe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated and was a 5 star inspirational read for me until there were a few pages I just couldn’t relate to.

[Annette Heslin · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a quirky little read? A clever book of random thoughts and sayings. As well as inspiring and positive quotes.

[~Emmy~ REYN · Rating 5 out of 5]

I looooved this book. Absolutely Stunning

[Jacqui · Rating 2 out of 5]

Memorable Quotes

"It is the dreamers who are the true leaders."

"Initial failure is the precursor to success."

"Remember, whatever the dream, no matter how daring or grand, somebody will eventually achieve it. It might as well be you."

"Working on yourself is the single most rewarding thing you can do. Eventually someone will benefit hugely from the result."

"Dream what has yet to be done. Dream a direction for yourself."

"You are the sum of all the people who went before you."

"The helping hands you're going to need in life are located at the end of your arms."

"But nothing is more certain than that if you walk down the centre of the road, you are going to be hit by the traffic coming from both directions."

"Life is not about having things, life is about doing things."

"Man's greatest inheritance is the gift of speech. The gift of words is the gift of imagination."

"Life is too short to iron teatowels."

[Sean Harding · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short, allegedly inspirational book from Courtenay really says nothing at all.
I think I may have read this before, but anyway it really was quite bland and forgetful, which may show why I picked it up again. (realised I did indeed read it in 2006)

[Jen Roe · Rating 2 out of 5]

not a good read in my opinion

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice little self-help read. Stunningly illustrated. A book that could be read periodically to help put us back on track. A book I would recommend to 13 to 80 year olds. Don't forget to dream.