What do you think?
Rate this book
The Gift of Acabar: A Warm and Shining Message of Inspiration
A story of hope and encouragement from the bestselling author of The Return of the Ragpicker
All Tulo had wanted was some light and warmth to sustain him and his tiny sister through the terrible storm. But the star which he caught in the folds of his red kite promised far from more than that. Here is the shining, joyful message the star Acabar gave to Tulo—a message meant not only for the boy but for all those who dream of changing their lives for the better.
“A great story has again come from the genius of Og Mandino”—Dr. Norman Vincent Peale
All Tulo had wanted was some light and warmth to sustain him and his tiny sister through the terrible storm. But the star which he caught in the folds of his red kite promised far from more than that. Here is the shining, joyful message the star Acabar gave to Tulo—a message meant not only for the boy but for all those who dream of changing their lives for the better.
“A great story has again come from the genius of Og Mandino”—Dr. Norman Vincent Peale
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1978
42 people are currently reading
1125 people want to read
About the author
Og Mandino
265 books902 followersAugustine "Og" Mandino II (December 12, 1923 – September 3, 1996) was an American author. He wrote the bestselling book The Greatest Salesman in the World. His books have sold over 50 million copies and have been translated into over twenty-five different languages. He was the president of Success Unlimited magazine until 1976 and is an inductee of the National Speakers Association's Hall Of Fame.
Mandino was born December 12, 1923. According to the 1930 U.S. Census, he was named after his paternal grandfather.
Mandino was once the editor of a high school paper and planned to attend the University of Missouri's journalism school. But in the summer of 1940, before Mandino was able to enter college, his mother died suddenly from a massive heart attack. This happened while Mandino's mother was in the kitchen preparing his lunch. After the incident, Mandino decided to work in a paper factory until 1942. Afterwards, Mandino joined the United States Army Air Corps where he became a military officer and a bombardier. He flew for thirty bombing missions over Germany on board a B-24 Liberator during World War II. It was also during this time that Mandino flew with fellow pilot and movie star, James Stewart. Mandino kept a personalized 8 X 10 photograph of Stewart. This photograph hung on the wall of his home office where he wrote his books.
After his military duties, Mandino discovered that many companies were not hiring many former bomber pilots. As a result, he became an insurance salesman. Traveling on the road and sitting in bars at night, Mandino became an alcoholic. He was unable to keep a job. As a result, Mandino's wife, together with their only child, left him. One wintry November morning in Cleveland, Mandino almost tried to commit suicide. But as he sorted through several books in a library, volumes of self-help, success and motivation books captured Mandino's attention. He selected some titles, went to a table and began reading. Mandino followed his visit to the library with more visits to many other libraries around the United States. He read hundreds of books that dealt with success, a pastime that helped him alleviate his alcoholism. It was in a library in Concord, New Hampshire, where he found W. Clement Stone's classic, Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude, a book that changed Mandino for the better.
Mandino eventually became a successful writer. His works were inspired by the Bible and influenced by Napoleon Hill, W. Clement Stone, and Emmet Fox.
Mandino was born December 12, 1923. According to the 1930 U.S. Census, he was named after his paternal grandfather.
Mandino was once the editor of a high school paper and planned to attend the University of Missouri's journalism school. But in the summer of 1940, before Mandino was able to enter college, his mother died suddenly from a massive heart attack. This happened while Mandino's mother was in the kitchen preparing his lunch. After the incident, Mandino decided to work in a paper factory until 1942. Afterwards, Mandino joined the United States Army Air Corps where he became a military officer and a bombardier. He flew for thirty bombing missions over Germany on board a B-24 Liberator during World War II. It was also during this time that Mandino flew with fellow pilot and movie star, James Stewart. Mandino kept a personalized 8 X 10 photograph of Stewart. This photograph hung on the wall of his home office where he wrote his books.
After his military duties, Mandino discovered that many companies were not hiring many former bomber pilots. As a result, he became an insurance salesman. Traveling on the road and sitting in bars at night, Mandino became an alcoholic. He was unable to keep a job. As a result, Mandino's wife, together with their only child, left him. One wintry November morning in Cleveland, Mandino almost tried to commit suicide. But as he sorted through several books in a library, volumes of self-help, success and motivation books captured Mandino's attention. He selected some titles, went to a table and began reading. Mandino followed his visit to the library with more visits to many other libraries around the United States. He read hundreds of books that dealt with success, a pastime that helped him alleviate his alcoholism. It was in a library in Concord, New Hampshire, where he found W. Clement Stone's classic, Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude, a book that changed Mandino for the better.
Mandino eventually became a successful writer. His works were inspired by the Bible and influenced by Napoleon Hill, W. Clement Stone, and Emmet Fox.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
April 25, 2013
"Everyone's life is a fairy tale, written by God's fingers." - Hans Christian Andersen.
My aunt lent this book to me in order to kill my boredom. I knew it took me so long to write a review for this one. I've been terribly busy for the past months. I actually reread some parts to clearly remember the entire story.
Truly, Og Mandino was a magnificent writer!
The Gift of Acabar left my whole journey with tears from my eyes. Can't even explain how many tissue paper did I use to wipe it. Such a touching and an uplifting story.
In this busy world, we often forget those simple acts to do, or those simple things to remember. We all feel that we are useless if we don't achieved what others did. We pity ourselves until we lost our true purpose. We desire to have more to be better than others. Our little handicapped limits us to do what we want but the fact is: we limit ourselves to try other things for we want to do/have/etc. what others did/had/etc. We closed our own doors when opportunity knocked on it, for we were busy abandoning our own selves in the shadows of the dark feeling useless and unworthy of everything. Yes! We pity our own selves feeling miserable in this life until we realized that we had wasted our entire journey for nothing. Then suddenly, we'll just die in a state of dilemma. We should not blame anyone or even this life. We should only blame ourselves because we're the one making choices. If you can't sing, then dance. If you can't dance or sing, then act. If you can't dance, sing nor act, then play instruments. If you can't do all of that, then play basketball, volleyball, or any sports that would suit you. You can also write, cook, bake, etc. There's a lot of things and talents left unexplored. Why would you waste your time doing nothing, or why would you waste your time for that thing if you will shine bright like a diamond in other aspects. Maybe the possible answer I can give is that: We're afraid not to be recognized in our own talents because we're insecure to other people's talents. Like, if you know how to sing, dance, act, play instruments, play any kind of sports, etc. you will be famous easily and suddenly rise to stardom. That's why we're busy pushing ourselves in that aspect because we want to be famous and be recognized with our talents. But think again! Is that the reason of our whole existence? To be well-known? Oh my gosh! If that's what you're thinking, then I'm sorry to say but you have to reassess yourself and search for your purpose. Because if you don't, trust me, you'll be nothing. Everytime you'll fail, you will pity yourself for not doing it correctly the first try, so you'll try and try until you'll do it correctly. I know there's nothing wrong to try again, but if that's too much, then that's not good anymore for during that time you were too busy with that, that you even missed a lot of opportunity that was really meant for you.
Well, I learned those things from this book. It was really inspiring, touching and an uplifting story. If you feel down or miserable with your life, then grab a copy of this book to change your views about life.
I'm highly recommending this book to all of you friends, goodreads members, and to all of you who badly needs encouragement right now.
Each page contained inspiring line/quote/sentences/paragraph so get ready to be inspired and changed in a better way once you start reading this.
Just in case you'll decide to read this book, I would like to share some pages that really inspired me. Pages: 53,54,58,59,60,61,62,64,74,93-94, and the last part of page 114. Somehow I don't know if we'll have the same pages for the book that I had read was dated 1979 since it was lent by my aunt. But I believe those pages were only moved a little forward or backwards, or it remains the same. I hope so. :)
Happy reading friends.
God bless!!
My aunt lent this book to me in order to kill my boredom. I knew it took me so long to write a review for this one. I've been terribly busy for the past months. I actually reread some parts to clearly remember the entire story.
Truly, Og Mandino was a magnificent writer!
The Gift of Acabar left my whole journey with tears from my eyes. Can't even explain how many tissue paper did I use to wipe it. Such a touching and an uplifting story.
In this busy world, we often forget those simple acts to do, or those simple things to remember. We all feel that we are useless if we don't achieved what others did. We pity ourselves until we lost our true purpose. We desire to have more to be better than others. Our little handicapped limits us to do what we want but the fact is: we limit ourselves to try other things for we want to do/have/etc. what others did/had/etc. We closed our own doors when opportunity knocked on it, for we were busy abandoning our own selves in the shadows of the dark feeling useless and unworthy of everything. Yes! We pity our own selves feeling miserable in this life until we realized that we had wasted our entire journey for nothing. Then suddenly, we'll just die in a state of dilemma. We should not blame anyone or even this life. We should only blame ourselves because we're the one making choices. If you can't sing, then dance. If you can't dance or sing, then act. If you can't dance, sing nor act, then play instruments. If you can't do all of that, then play basketball, volleyball, or any sports that would suit you. You can also write, cook, bake, etc. There's a lot of things and talents left unexplored. Why would you waste your time doing nothing, or why would you waste your time for that thing if you will shine bright like a diamond in other aspects. Maybe the possible answer I can give is that: We're afraid not to be recognized in our own talents because we're insecure to other people's talents. Like, if you know how to sing, dance, act, play instruments, play any kind of sports, etc. you will be famous easily and suddenly rise to stardom. That's why we're busy pushing ourselves in that aspect because we want to be famous and be recognized with our talents. But think again! Is that the reason of our whole existence? To be well-known? Oh my gosh! If that's what you're thinking, then I'm sorry to say but you have to reassess yourself and search for your purpose. Because if you don't, trust me, you'll be nothing. Everytime you'll fail, you will pity yourself for not doing it correctly the first try, so you'll try and try until you'll do it correctly. I know there's nothing wrong to try again, but if that's too much, then that's not good anymore for during that time you were too busy with that, that you even missed a lot of opportunity that was really meant for you.
Well, I learned those things from this book. It was really inspiring, touching and an uplifting story. If you feel down or miserable with your life, then grab a copy of this book to change your views about life.
I'm highly recommending this book to all of you friends, goodreads members, and to all of you who badly needs encouragement right now.
Each page contained inspiring line/quote/sentences/paragraph so get ready to be inspired and changed in a better way once you start reading this.
Just in case you'll decide to read this book, I would like to share some pages that really inspired me. Pages: 53,54,58,59,60,61,62,64,74,93-94, and the last part of page 114. Somehow I don't know if we'll have the same pages for the book that I had read was dated 1979 since it was lent by my aunt. But I believe those pages were only moved a little forward or backwards, or it remains the same. I hope so. :)
Happy reading friends.
God bless!!
September 4, 2011
Though I find it a little preachy, the inspiration and lessons this book imparts is timeless. The chapter on the Credenda is like a condensed edition of inspirational lines one reads one at a time at the start of each day. Though this is not found on the Credenda, the one line that stuck with me is "adversity is not a curse, it is a blessing".
This is a great read for schools, church or support group gatherings. The fictional presentation lends some entertainment value making the book's lessons more effective.
This is a great read for schools, church or support group gatherings. The fictional presentation lends some entertainment value making the book's lessons more effective.
June 24, 2021
ถ้าให้เปรียบเทียบเนื้อเรื่องจะแนวประมาณนิทานคริสมาสต์อะไรแบบนี้น่ะ แต่นี่ไม่ใช่คริสมาสต์นะ ไม่มีลุงซานต้า มีอย่างอื่นบนฟ้ามาแทน เนื้อเรื่องมันก็มีแฝงข้อคิดในการใช้ชีวิตเยอะเลย ลึกๆแล้วเรารู้สึกว่ามันสะท้อนตัวตนผู้คนในปัจจุบันได้ดีไม่มากก็น้อยล่ะ
March 9, 2018
I am not sure what drew my eyes to this tattered edition of 'The Gift of Acabar' at a bookstore. I think I was drawn by the idea of a fable that revolved around stars. Set in Finland,Og Mandino creates in this fable basic ideas of living life with courage and meaning.
I was fine with most of the book, but I was absolutely baffled by the ending. There are obvious Christian overtones to the book, and the ending perhaps was based on Jesus. That is what stops me from loving the book. I like it because there were certain passages of meaning and beauty. There were some universal truths that spoke to me. It reminded me of the time I devoured Richard Bach's 'The Seagull' thinking that was the greatest book I have ever read. Smile. How our reading interests change with time!
I was fine with most of the book, but I was absolutely baffled by the ending. There are obvious Christian overtones to the book, and the ending perhaps was based on Jesus. That is what stops me from loving the book. I like it because there were certain passages of meaning and beauty. There were some universal truths that spoke to me. It reminded me of the time I devoured Richard Bach's 'The Seagull' thinking that was the greatest book I have ever read. Smile. How our reading interests change with time!
August 19, 2021
Solo paso a presumir.
Este libro me lo leía mi papá de pequeña, cuando yo aún no sabía leer, había algo que me gustaba, no recuerdo qué pero me urgía aprender a leer para leerme yo solita. Ahora lo leo como cada 4 años o cuando algo siento que pasa y tengo que regresar a mi yo pequeño, sin prejuicios, sin miedos, con capacidad de asombro sin límites.
Bueno, pues creo que cada que lo leo, algo nuevo me deja y cada vez entiendo más por qué
mi papá me lo eligió, sin duda sería un libro que daría a mis hijos.
Le pongo 5 estrellas porque es un libro especial para mí, seguro la historia y la forma del escritor no es lo mejor que existe.
Este libro me lo leía mi papá de pequeña, cuando yo aún no sabía leer, había algo que me gustaba, no recuerdo qué pero me urgía aprender a leer para leerme yo solita. Ahora lo leo como cada 4 años o cuando algo siento que pasa y tengo que regresar a mi yo pequeño, sin prejuicios, sin miedos, con capacidad de asombro sin límites.
Bueno, pues creo que cada que lo leo, algo nuevo me deja y cada vez entiendo más por qué
mi papá me lo eligió, sin duda sería un libro que daría a mis hijos.
Le pongo 5 estrellas porque es un libro especial para mí, seguro la historia y la forma del escritor no es lo mejor que existe.
April 6, 2013
My friend had been suggesting this to me since last year. And I've only decided to read this last week.
As a break to the current genre I've been reading, this book is really great. Inspirational and all. If not, it just serves as a reminder. Even if the facts the star states are pretty obvious, we often forget about those things, so reading that in a book and reminding me to never give up to make even a slight change for this place is nice.
So... all in all, the story is very simple. It's just a fun read, and entertaining and a good use for my time.
As a break to the current genre I've been reading, this book is really great. Inspirational and all. If not, it just serves as a reminder. Even if the facts the star states are pretty obvious, we often forget about those things, so reading that in a book and reminding me to never give up to make even a slight change for this place is nice.
So... all in all, the story is very simple. It's just a fun read, and entertaining and a good use for my time.
November 16, 2013
This was one of the books I read when I was in Grade School as part of our requirements for our English class. We were not able to finish the book but I did.
When I started it, it did not interest me that much. I just read it for my report on the fourth chapter. After a while, I no longer read it for the sake of our class discussions but because I was simply driven with the story.
The ending left me in tears.
One of the greatest books I read.
When I started it, it did not interest me that much. I just read it for my report on the fourth chapter. After a while, I no longer read it for the sake of our class discussions but because I was simply driven with the story.
The ending left me in tears.
One of the greatest books I read.
October 17, 2017
Og Mandino wrote some of the most touching books out there. This was another great one you should read and if you haven't read his others, get started on them as well! A couple of his other inspirational motivational titles include The Greatest Salesman in the World, A Better Way to Live, The Choice, Return of the Ragpicker and Og Mandino's University of Success, the latter being one of my favorites. Enjoy!
January 15, 2008
What a great teaching from Mandino. Mandino is a master at creating "fictional" stories that are life teachings. What a great way to discipline a teen with a negative attitude. Require them to read a chapter or two and talk to you about the chapters. I promise you that the teen will finish the book and thank you in their adult life for effecting their life in a positive way.
February 17, 2013
This is an inspirational read that explains the Kingdom of Forever in a manner that will enchant children and adults alike. Perhaps a bit preachy, but not necessarily so. Can be read in one or two sittings as it is a short book with a powerful message. Crenada, indeed.
July 27, 2019
I'm not a religious person, but if you've ever lost someone or you're feeling lost yourself, this story is like a warm blanket on cold toes.
May 12, 2019
Jak "Mały Książę". Ale nie całkiem.
December 21, 2020
Dirljiva i poucna prica, bajka o decaku koji je razgovarao sa zvezdama.
July 25, 2021
Touching tale with deeply buried wisdom : "There are other stars up there, Milton was Deaf, Beethoven was blind, Lincoln Grew up in terrible poverty " Acabar
"The Greatest lie on this planet is that Wealth and Success are worth any sacrifice, humans I am sorry to say do not know how to live, all they can do is die a little each day without any realization of the earthly beauty all around them " Acabar
"Did your mother give up when your father died ? Repay your debt give something of yourself to your world everyday " Acabar
"Live everyday as if it were your first, yet tenderly touch the lives you meet as if they will all end at midnight " Credenda
"So you have had to bury someone you have loved, now go find someone to love ' Seneca Epistles
"The Greatest lie on this planet is that Wealth and Success are worth any sacrifice, humans I am sorry to say do not know how to live, all they can do is die a little each day without any realization of the earthly beauty all around them " Acabar
"Did your mother give up when your father died ? Repay your debt give something of yourself to your world everyday " Acabar
"Live everyday as if it were your first, yet tenderly touch the lives you meet as if they will all end at midnight " Credenda
"So you have had to bury someone you have loved, now go find someone to love ' Seneca Epistles
June 6, 2022
If I have a child, I would sure read this book to him/her. In a little over a hundred pages, most of what is found in many self help books, is summarized in this one... in literally 2 pages (1 chapter). All the pep talk you need is there.
Being a short read, I quite enjoyed it. In fact it was too short, it might as well be a bedtime story book.
Though not quite up to my list of favorites, it sure is something I would recommend.
Just a backstory, I read this book because it is one of the books allegedly found in Michael Jackson's collection. It is true what they say, "You are what you read." Everything he preached in his lifetime is definitely echoed in this book. e.g. giving back, sharing gift of talent, being humble, etc.
Being a short read, I quite enjoyed it. In fact it was too short, it might as well be a bedtime story book.
Though not quite up to my list of favorites, it sure is something I would recommend.
Just a backstory, I read this book because it is one of the books allegedly found in Michael Jackson's collection. It is true what they say, "You are what you read." Everything he preached in his lifetime is definitely echoed in this book. e.g. giving back, sharing gift of talent, being humble, etc.
July 23, 2017
พออ่านจบ ก็รู้สึกว่านี่มันเป็นของขวัญจากดวงดาว ที่เป็นของขวัญจากดวงดาวจริงๆ ได้รู้ซึ้งถึงการแปลไทยเป็นไทยอีกครั้งในบทที่16 อย่าถือว่าเป็นการสปอยเลยนะ เพราะภาพประกอบที่ปรากฎหน้าแรกของแต่ละบทก็สปอยมากพอสมควร ทำเอาผิดหวังเล็กๆเหมือนกัน
แต่ท้ายที่สุด เราเองก็อยากจะเป็นทูโลที่จะเผยแพร่เครเคนดาออกไปให้กว้างที่สุด เพราะฉะนั้นเราเลยตั้งใจไว้แล้วว่า จะให้เพื่อนๆของเราอ่านเล่มนี้ให้เยอะที่สุด
นี่เป็นหนังสือเล่มที่สามของเดือนกรกฎาคม แล้วก็เป็นเล่มที่เราอ่านอย่างประหยัดที่สุดเพราะกลัวว่ามันจะจบก่อนสิ้นเดือน กลัวว่าจะต้องซื้อเล่มใหม่ไปอ่านระหว่างพักตอนทำงาน และคิดว่าพรุ่งนี้คงต้องซื้อเล่มใหม่แล้วล่ะ
แต่ท้ายที่สุด เราเองก็อยากจะเป็นทูโลที่จะเผยแพร่เครเคนดาออกไปให้กว้างที่สุด เพราะฉะนั้นเราเลยตั้งใจไว้แล้วว่า จะให้เพื่อนๆของเราอ่านเล่มนี้ให้เยอะที่สุด
นี่เป็นหนังสือเล่มที่สามของเดือนกรกฎาคม แล้วก็เป็นเล่มที่เราอ่านอย่างประหยัดที่สุดเพราะกลัวว่ามันจะจบก่อนสิ้นเดือน กลัวว่าจะต้องซื้อเล่มใหม่ไปอ่านระหว่างพักตอนทำงาน และคิดว่าพรุ่งนี้คงต้องซื้อเล่มใหม่แล้วล่ะ
March 26, 2016
A welcome break from my usual go-to genre of suspense, fantasy and horror. A light read, Og Mandino's "The Gift of Acabar" is reminiscent of Coelho's "The Alchemist"; the wisdom in Acabar and later on Lirra's "Credenda" will also trigger memories of "Desiderata". This quick, easy read is an instant jolt of inspiration. Indeed, a good read during the Lenten season; my National Bookstore mailing list did not disappoint. Two thumbs up.
March 15, 2021
An endearing story that takes us to Lapponia, where we meet Sami people and a gifted boy Tulo. An attempt to give positive encouragement to children and adults who encounter hardship. Some glimpse into human behaviors, morals, and immortality. A reminder that we are all here to contribute our unique gift, and leave Earth a better place than the one we found.
I feel the ending needs some rewriting.
I feel the ending needs some rewriting.
January 2, 2022
Not a typical book I would choose but my grandma recommended it to me and I really liked it. It is extremely lighthearted and sweet which was the perfect thing for me right now because I’d been reading some excessively deep stories and this freshened up my mind in a very sweet way.
August 10, 2018
So inspirational. A must read.
January 24, 2020
I liked the book overall, it was a very fun and quick read. It had some cool topics that only seemed sort of forced, but once it got far enough in I was down with the cool magic elements introduced. I think perhaps if the story was longer it could've explored a little bit more about the emotions of the characters, but it's cool with its parable-esque way of storytelling. To repeat my previous sentiment, I thought it was pretty good, but it could've been better.
May 12, 2017
I love Og Mandino so I expected to and wanted to like this book. It was building nicely and my heartstrings were humming along with it...
When I finished it, I thought I understood why I had never heard of this particular title although other reviews raved about it. It just didn't do it for me.
When I finished it, I thought I understood why I had never heard of this particular title although other reviews raved about it. It just didn't do it for me.
August 19, 2022
ชื่อเสียง ลาภยศ สรรเสริญ เงินทอง ทรัพย์สมบัติ
เราจะเคี่ยวเข็นชีวิต เพื่อตามหาสิ่งเหล่านี้ ไปนานแค่ไหน
และต้องทำงานหนักอีกเท่าตัวเพื่อจะรักษามันไว้
มนุษย์ควรตระหนักถึงสาระที่สำคัญกว่านี้
ถ้าโลกนี้ดีขึ้นเพราะมีคุณอุบัติขึ้น ความตายไม่ได้น่ากลัวเลย
เราจะเคี่ยวเข็นชีวิต เพื่อตามหาสิ่งเหล่านี้ ไปนานแค่ไหน
และต้องทำงานหนักอีกเท่าตัวเพื่อจะรักษามันไว้
มนุษย์ควรตระหนักถึงสาระที่สำคัญกว่านี้
ถ้าโลกนี้ดีขึ้นเพราะมีคุณอุบัติขึ้น ความตายไม่ได้น่ากลัวเลย
February 28, 2025
I was worried that it would come across as too preachy or too religious but themes of kindness, purpose and of you making the world in a better place (even just a little bit) because you are in it remain universal. Also, those townspeople suck.
June 30, 2018
Excellent story.
July 25, 2018
Read this novel when I was still in high school. It gave me so much hope and inspired me in so many ways. I would love to read it again!
December 8, 2019
Inspiring indeed!
April 27, 2020
Lo leí a mis 7 años, me atrapó totalmente en el mundo de la lectura y de ahí no paré de leer.
May 24, 2020
I hope the person who gave this to me for my 18th birthday read this gem too ^___^ BIG the alchemist and the little prince vibes
January 2, 2022
Another wonderful Og special
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews