Twelfth Plan: Book I of the Earth Chronicles (Earth Chronicles, 1) Mass Market Paperback – Illustrated, March 27, 2007

Going into this book I was a bit skeptical about Sitchin's theory of a 12th planet. The idea that a rogue planet, with a 3600 year orbit, has been floating around out there for millions of years is pretty wild, especially considering we have yet to physically see it or take accurate pictures of it(despite being able to see millions of galaxies). Throw in the theory that this planet not only planted the seed of "life" on Earth and was responsible for the formation of our moon but also contains "The Gods" / Aliens I was almost floored with how silly this theory sounded. That all changed when I began to read this book.Starting from the beginning you are immediately hit with just how detailed Sitchin's work is. The huge bibliography in the back isn't just for show. 30+ years of research shows in his writing and the detail he goes into with subjects (in fact sometimes it can get tedious). Sitchin's book (The 12th Planet) fires on all cylinders providing the reader with some very solid evidence towards backing his theory up. With each page more and more information is presented to the reader in the form of biblical quotes, maps, detailed images / sketchings, and even hand drawn diagrams breaking down material. All this content is used to slowly build up a large background wealth of knowledge to be used when Sitchin finally gets to the "meat" of the book (Chapter 6: The Twelfth Planet). At this point you might find yourself deeply drawn in, or perhaps chuckling to yourself how silly this all is; but either way it will be hard to put this book down once the pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place.Everything about this book feels well thought out. Sitchin clearly spent a lot of time researching the material and organizing it. The staggering number of correlations he finds really gives his theory a solid leg to stand on, plus gives answers to many questions scientists had at the time. Even with all this material, and so many discoveries there are plenty of holes in Sitchin's Theory. I found quite a few when it came to the orbit of the 12th planet, as well as the strange lack of gravitational influences the 12th planet has had throughout creation. However, this goes to show why it is a THEORY and not fact; as the validity of the material can be brought into question. Keep in mind however, Einstein's E=mc^2 equation is only right about 99.7% of the time which is why it is called the THEORY of Relativity (not a LAW); and at one point it was considered ridiculous that the Earth was round.**OVERALL**The 12th Planet is a must read. It is a fantastic book that brings mountains of facts and pieces together to create a giant puzzle that gets solved right before your eyes. However, I can see why people question the accuracy of Sitchin's translation of Sumerian and the Religious scriptures. At times it sometimes seems too "perfect" a match and there just seems far to much evidence to support the theory. Am I still skeptical about "The 12th Planet" existing, YES. However, this book opened my eyes to many similarities and events scattered across Mankind's history. The material is very in depth and even if you do not believe, this book makes for a fantastic Science Fiction piece then. This is a book that will not disappoint!**NOTE: This Book is actually classified as "NON-FICTION" which surprised me, as often controversial theories like this get labeled as fiction. This shows just how solid the physical material being used by Sitchin is. (Only real argument I could make is his translations of the material and there seems to be a lack of understanding of gravitational physics)**NOTE: You should go into this book with an open mind. There is a fantastic wealth of knowledge here as long as you are willing to open your mind to it

... yes I do! Zecharia Sitchin brings into focus so much of the Bible shrouded in mystery ... its Cliff's Note summary gaps allowing too much interpretation for misguidance, ultimately resulting in religious wars. Sitchin fills in some of the blanks and it makes absolute sense.I traveled to Peru after reading the first three books in The 12th Planet series. Awing the wonders with an entirely new understanding than the tired, worn out assumptions of anthropology and boxed religious rantings.The 12th Planet is not an easy read unless you are well versed in myth(?)ology. I finally gave up and bought his Index making it much easier. Not a book of fiction, rather based upon reliable research, excellent quotes from substantiating references, The 12th Planet will awaken knowledge you know, but have lost through generations of DNA reconditioning. Political/religious control/manipulation.The 12th Planet is Sitchin's life work. Spirited into the subject as a child by a teachers inability to answer his questions ... her attempt to corral his mind into isolated, acceptable thought ... Sitchin stretched his mind ... learned to read the Sumerian language, allowing his research into ancient records that few have dared to travel, because the information potentially destroys current religious culture/beliefs. If only minds would open to the possibilities Stitchin offers in his literature. Perhaps sooner than later, since science is discovering new huge planets that could support life; how the moon was formed, all pointing to the man who for years purported a truth everyone snubbed. I wish only he had lived long enough to see his research validated by the very sciences that ignored, even castigated his work.It took me three months to read The 12th Planet. 1) Each character with various names depending upon the culture being discussed, and succeeding paragraph easily change cultures, 2) So much knowledge is packed into every page, some page ideas stumped me. I had to put the book down for several days or weeks to digest the new way of seeing, which in some respects will totally distort currently held belief systems ... especially fundamental Baptist upbringings, even though already I was way past that box, or so I thought.Sitchin brought me so much farther. He opened my eyes, expanded my mind, offered me new possibilities for my very existence. And, I believe.NOT RECOMMENDED for orthodox Christians unwilling to consider possibilities outside the theology of the church. To read Sitchin's works, one must be treading a Spiritual Path, willing to accept new ideas, able to open their vision that just maybe we are the fabric of another race ... without erasing the fact there is a Creator ... One, who created all things and another, that just possibly formed us out of the clay ... just not exactly the way we have been led to believe.I Believe. Do you?