The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Tao of Pooh
Book Review: Enjoyable to read and relaxes the mind.
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a delightful book which conveys the spirit of Taoism very effectively. If you are the kind of person who goes gung-ho into something, you shouldn't read this book, because it is only half the truth. But if you have a good balance with the other half, this is a great book to help you relax your mind and free yourself from counterproductive struggling against the way things are.The Taoist philosophers were not, in general, very successful people. Taoism tells us a lot about being content, and tells us nothing about accomplishing goals. Both skills are important.
I'm the author of the book, Self-Help Stuff That Works, and I'm an expert on what works and what doesn't. The perspectives Hoff presents in this very readable little book are, without a doubt, highly effective in producing contentment and relaxation. The skill of taking those perspectives when you need to is a valuable skill. This book can help show the way. I recommend it.
Book Review: Enlightening and refreshing
Summary: 5 Stars
Through the eyes of Pooh I've learned that wisdom above all things should be the goal. In a quest for knowledge I found myself in contempt of the natural order of things and became ultimately confused . Bejamin Hoff simplifies the process of "the way" in a thoughtful manner easily understood.I saw myself as each character described. Not interfering with the "ebb and flow" of nature leads to wisdom. This theme, throughout the book, characterizes how to enjoy life and all its simple pleasures.
Read this book and breathe easy again!
Book Review: Entertaining Read
Summary: 5 Stars
A very quick and addicting read that educate's the reader on Taoism in a most unusual and original way. Even if you are not interested in Taosim, philosophy, ect. this book will strike you as both informative and entertaining.Book Review: Entertaining and inspiring
Summary: 5 Stars
Even if you don't agree with all of its ideas, this book at its very least is charming and witty, and gives a different, refreshing view on the world. Highly enjoybale and a great introduction to Taoist principles. Good for conversations.Book Review: Excellent Yet Quite Flawed
Summary: 3 Stars
Seems like a contradiction right? So are some parts of Hoff's book. I must note that other reviewers have pointed this out. Hoff explains, quite clearly (thankfully) that one of the tenets of Taoism is to accept things precisely as they are...and then, as another reviewer says, he doesn't accept the other Pooh characters for what they are, instead disparaging them for not having the simplicity of Pooh.
Ultimately, as one who is uninitiated into Taoist philosophy, I would suggest this book if for no other reason than to acquaint oneself with its basic philosophies, which Hoff does explain clearly. One warning is that, sometimes his forays into conversation w/Pooh, and his story anecdotes are less than clear, and he assumes the reader immediately understood. Sometimes I felt going off into the world of Pooh was unneeded at a certain point, though at other points it was valid and well-constructed. Additionally, I would read this book as though walking onto a floor w/a "Careful" sign on it...this book is unnecessarily judgmental of others, and I feel that by feeling that way about others, one avoids the nothingness and simplicity Hoff says the Taoist seeks. Judging others adds confusion to life, the very same confusion Hoff wants us to avoid by being as simple as Pooh. So I say: read this book, and use it as a spur to further readings in Taoism if it interests you, but don't take it as a textbook of Taoist thought. Many of Hoff's explanations are good, and the quotes from actual Taoists and other Chinese thinkers are excellent, but do not take the judgmental road implied by this book.
I think it's worth noting that on the back of the book, where the genre is usually listed in small print near the ISBN, The Tao of Pooh is listed as a humor book. So read this book w/that in mind. It is a good intro to Taoism, but ultimately, it is not a book of Taoist philosophy, and is more like a book of metaphysics that utilizes Taoism. It is worth mentioning that several Taoist ideas (about the harmony of the heavens and earth) are not strictly Taoist, which to me says, not that the Taoists were not unique, but that they have hit on some sort of truth. Hoff's book can help the average person in their daily life, through the basics of Tao. Hoff's book will not make one a true follower of Taoism, in my opinion. However, for most, the former is enough, and the latter is unimportant, and that is fine. This book operates both as a good pique of the imagination leading to further studies into Taoism, or as simply a book which reminds us of the beauty in the simplicity of life...all in the unassuming world of Winnie-the Pooh. So for that, the book has merit, even if its unnecessary judgmental nature is obnoxious.
3.75 stars