Official Review: Karma in Action by Constance L Vincent

[Christina O Phillips]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Karma in Action" by Constance L Vincent.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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We have all heard the sayings about karma: “What goes around, comes around,” and “You reap what you sow,” and, very commonly, people using a five letter word that rhymes with “witch” to describe karma. But do you really know what karma is?

Karma in Action: Finding Meaning, Making Choices is a non-fiction book written by Constance L. Vincent. Not only does Vincent have a PhD in developmental psychology, but she is also a teacher. The latter fact is quite evident in how the book is organized. There are nine chapters, each covering an aspect of karma such as the definition, karmic rewards, a call to action, and life lessons. Vincent uses research, quotations from people such as Shakespeare, Eliot, and Socrates, along with personal stories to explain karma and the twelve universal laws.

This book was easy to read. Although the idea of karma and its implications can be complicated, Vincent’s use of personal stories and her choice of vocabulary make it so readers can easily follow and understand. The book starts with a definition of karma (which, as Vincent explains, is quite different from luck or coincidence) and moves to Vincent’s story of her life and how karma and the laws have played their part. Using incidents from her own life to help explain the karmic laws is a great teaching device; it makes the concepts easy to grasp.

Karma in Action: Finding Meaning, Making Choices appeared to be well edited as I did not find any errors. The only negative thing I could say about this novel is the difference in tone. The first and last chapter felt like a research paper with the use of outside sources, quotes, and generalized information. Chapters two through eight, however, had a very different, more conversational tone, as they were more focused on Vincent’s life stories. There were still quotes and sources used throughout the chapters, but, to me, they had a different feel from the first and last chapter of the book. As I said before, Vincent’s use of personal tales is a useful teaching device, but as I was reading, I wanted to be asked more about how the laws and karmic situations could apply or compare to my own life. That is eventually covered, though, as the book ends with a few questions that can be used either in a book club meeting or as a reader is reflecting on the book.

I rate this book a 3 out of 4 stars. I recommend it for anyone who is in a rut and may need to change how they are thinking or feeling; it would also be a good read for anyone who is interested in the idea of karma and wants to know more about it.

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Karma in Action
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Like Christina O Phillips's review? Post a comment saying so!

[kandscreeley]

I'm not sure I necessarily believe in karma; I believe in God. Nonetheless, I've heard all those sayings you mention. It sounds interesting, but I don't think it's for me. Thanks for the information. Great review as always.

[InStoree]

I have always felt that karma comes with such mystery around it that words won't be enough to accurately define it. I'd like to see how Vincent present this topic. Thank you for your review!

[T_stone]

I used to believe karma; not anymore. A lot of bad things happen to good people and there are stories of bad people getting away with their actions. However, I'd still like to know what the author of this book has for readers. Thanks for the review.

[Chrystal Oaks]

I look forward to reading Vincent's perception of karma. I have mixed opinions towards this topic. Thanks for the great review!

[EvaDar]

It would be refreshing to read an exploration of karma by a developmental psychologist. I do think karma is misunderstood and more good information is good. Thanks for the introduction to this book.

[RuthY1]

I believe in karma, karma does work though it tarries but it deals with people.
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[Muhammad Ibn Isah]

I would like to read this book. i believe karma exists, but some times it takes too long to manifest making is seem not to exist. And the literature description, makes me want to get it the more. I like your review.