free2be - , reviewed Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Awesome book. You will laugh, cry, and everything in between. A must-read.
Robin D. (jazzycat) reviewed Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives on + 24 more book reviews
An incredible book by an incredible writer!
A must read if you enjoy reading books based on spiritualty. It makes us think about what is really important in our lives.
Lora Y. (islewalker) reviewed Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives on + 29 more book reviews
This is Carlos Castaneda lite. College boy meets mysterious old man running gas station and takes him under his wing as an apprentice. Interesting but something inauthentic about it too.
Great Book!
kickerdad -
"Way of the Peaceful Warrior" by Dan Millman - not sure how this ended up in my "to be read" pile but there it was. Millman's autobiographical account of his journey of self-discovery is light and easy reading. If you have done any self-discovery work, the concepts exposed aren't new. If you haven't, the story may seem trippy. Even though Millman's writing style was a bit choppy for my taste, the story maintained its flow and consistency enough to be enjoyable. I found myself laughing along with the protagonist's mentor, Socrates, and even shedding a tear with him during his struggles. A literary masterpiece, this isn't, though the concepts are potentially life changing.
Dan, a world class athlete, 'accidentally' comes across a mysterious, old man at a service station near campus, who intrigues him, frustrates him, challenges him, mentors him, and ultimately teaches him the meaning of life.
How it ended up in my reading pile? I can't say but the timing was extremely serendipitous. The questions that Dan struggles with are ones I ponder quite frequently, as many of us do. Accidental, I'm thinking not. [3.5/5]
Dan, a world class athlete, 'accidentally' comes across a mysterious, old man at a service station near campus, who intrigues him, frustrates him, challenges him, mentors him, and ultimately teaches him the meaning of life.
How it ended up in my reading pile? I can't say but the timing was extremely serendipitous. The questions that Dan struggles with are ones I ponder quite frequently, as many of us do. Accidental, I'm thinking not. [3.5/5]
John M. (johnmc) reviewed Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives on + 9 more book reviews
I was disappointed. It seemed that the narrative was simply a clumsy means to string together a bunch of literary tropes. While it was nice to be reminded of these old stories, parables etc, it didn't make for an very entertaining novel OR a good old self helper. Sort of like Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, which was kind of boring plus you still had to buy Chilton's anyway.
Joshua D. (montereyjosh) reviewed Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives on + 13 more book reviews
I'm not normally into "self" books wheather they be self help or self exploration etc. I must admit, though, when I was in the Navy on board ship, this book was passed along to me by a good friend, and I found it engaging. It didn't hurt either, that most of the story took place in Berkeley, where I grew up, making it instantly identifiable to me. I ended up really enjoying this story. I heard that it was adapted into a movie, but I have no comment on that.
A classic tale of finding meaning in one's life
Sharon D. reviewed Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives on + 224 more book reviews
This book has become one of the most beloved spiritual sagas of our time. Shared among friends and families, this million-copy word-of mouth bestseller has inspired men and women of all ages in twenty languages worldwide.
This classic tale, told with hear and humor, speaks to the peaceful warrior in each of us. Countless readers have been moved to laughter and tears - even moments of illumination - as they discover life's larger meaning and purpose. Journey with Dan on this peaceful warriror's path to unreasonable happiness. Find out for yourself why this book changes lives.
This classic tale, told with hear and humor, speaks to the peaceful warrior in each of us. Countless readers have been moved to laughter and tears - even moments of illumination - as they discover life's larger meaning and purpose. Journey with Dan on this peaceful warriror's path to unreasonable happiness. Find out for yourself why this book changes lives.
Love it!!
Kye M. (Lifeat45RPMs) reviewed Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives on + 4 more book reviews
There was something about Millman's writing style that annoyed me. Some parts were too drawn out, while many, many transitions in the story were almost non-existent.
The value in the book is the "deep" realizations Dan has through his mentor--I am a graduate of The Landmark Forum...and almost every "profound" statement is something covered in the forum, thus they were of little value to me. Others who have not attened a Landmark educational or other Epistomology related course will most likely enjoy it a bit more than did I.
The value in the book is the "deep" realizations Dan has through his mentor--I am a graduate of The Landmark Forum...and almost every "profound" statement is something covered in the forum, thus they were of little value to me. Others who have not attened a Landmark educational or other Epistomology related course will most likely enjoy it a bit more than did I.
Some books are meant to be read during a certain time in one's life. I think this is one of them. Like Catcher in the Rye and A Separate Peace, the lessons in this one are best absorbed by the late-teen/early 20's set, impressionable times when one is finding oneself apart from a familial group. This is mindfulness, straight up, and the author does it in a more cartoonish way than Thich Nhat Hanh.
Embarrassingly, this book reminded me of my own "enlightenment" during college, which I thought was unique to me. How proud I was to proclaim it to all the unwashed who would listen: you follow society's rules, you do what others tell you, you don't listen to the light within yourself, you follow the paths others make for you rather than blaze your own, you need to open your mind and accept (not listen to, mind you) other ideas! Ugh. So invariably and unwittingly conformist. Not a single soul walking around campus didn't feel the same way. So, this was kind of dripping with naïve self-righteousness for me.
*****spoiler*****
I don't believe a word of Millman's story about Socrates leaping onto buildings or singlehandedly fighting off three young attackers with knives. I also don't believe that Millman willed him back into life with some kind of tangible light inside of him. So much of what he said was just ridiculous.
*****end spoiler*****
The juvenile style of the writing was nothing short of torture to me. This book may change lives but it will be by default, at a time when your life is most probably going to change, anyway.
I give it two stars and not one because despite the discomfort, it was good to be reminded of the optimism and sheer stupidity of my youth. That's still part of me; although, I'd hate myself now. I'm one of those middle-aged, jaded folks I pitied. Now it's the other way around. Don't think for a second I'm missing the irony there.
Embarrassingly, this book reminded me of my own "enlightenment" during college, which I thought was unique to me. How proud I was to proclaim it to all the unwashed who would listen: you follow society's rules, you do what others tell you, you don't listen to the light within yourself, you follow the paths others make for you rather than blaze your own, you need to open your mind and accept (not listen to, mind you) other ideas! Ugh. So invariably and unwittingly conformist. Not a single soul walking around campus didn't feel the same way. So, this was kind of dripping with naïve self-righteousness for me.
*****spoiler*****
I don't believe a word of Millman's story about Socrates leaping onto buildings or singlehandedly fighting off three young attackers with knives. I also don't believe that Millman willed him back into life with some kind of tangible light inside of him. So much of what he said was just ridiculous.
*****end spoiler*****
The juvenile style of the writing was nothing short of torture to me. This book may change lives but it will be by default, at a time when your life is most probably going to change, anyway.
I give it two stars and not one because despite the discomfort, it was good to be reminded of the optimism and sheer stupidity of my youth. That's still part of me; although, I'd hate myself now. I'm one of those middle-aged, jaded folks I pitied. Now it's the other way around. Don't think for a second I'm missing the irony there.
This book really does change lives. Be prepared to reread it several times over the years.
Interesting but just okay.
I read this book many years ago. It helped me to see my life in a different light. Progress-both spiritual and physical- are key components to what you will get out of this book. It is fictional, but definitely enjoyable.
Lynn R. (needa30hourday) reviewed Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives on + 26 more book reviews
Good read, a little unbelievable at times (for a book based on a true story). Gives one something to think about, even if it doesn't change your life.
The Way of the Peaceful Warrior based loosely on the life of Dan Millman,a world class gymnist, is a revealing study of one man's journey to find answers to an inner quest. It is a mixture of philosophy,self help and holistic health. For anyone who enjoys a self psychological study-it is a good read.
This book is amazing!! I would highly reccommend it! The movie is even better!
Joseph C. (albannapoleon) -
This was an ok book, but just couldn't finish it. I should have read it before the movie, but didn't realize it was a book until after I had already seen the movie. I think people who like inspirational stories will like it though.
