The Tao of Pooh

Rating:
Summary: The Simple Truth!
Review: I was once told that the truth of life is so simple only the blind can see. I think, the truth is found when one ceases to look for it. Pooh never looked for it and it seems to have found him. This book speaks on the simple truths of nature, purity, and gives an inner look into life. I really love this book, its an easy-reader and you'll finish it in one sitting. It's also a great gift idea. After you read this book, you'll see the simple truths that make life so very special. Each character in the book brings a diiferent perspective of life. Their is a thinker, a dreamer, a calculator, and most of all a wonderer. This is a thriving story that, once read, will make you want live again, and you'll want to move mountains because of it. A must read..

Rating:
Summary: My introduction to the way.
Review: 4 years ago, a friend told me about a great book he had read that he thought I would be intrested in. So I was introduced to this remarkable book called The Tao of Pooh. Now 4 years later I still reread this book completely at least twice a year. The author makes Taoism so completely understandable that I have gone on to read many of the other Taoist classics. While I agree that some of his criticisms may be a bit harsh,(especally in The Te of Piglet)his objections to those issues are certainly kinder and gentler than the Puritains, who burned women at the stake for nothing more than political gain. This is not the authors point however. The author is trying to explain the basic roots of The Way and I for one think he succeded. It is well written, intelegent, and thought provoking. One could not ask for a better primer for Taoist thought.

Rating:
Summary: essential tdaoist writing
Review: what is tdaoism, you may ask? well, it's inherent "indescribability" is lightheartedly shown in this two book set. based on a.a. milne's "winnie the pooh", Hoff superbly presents each character as a tdaoist element. this is not to say that each cartoon animal is an embodiment of the tdaoist philosophy; rather, each fits into the world like an individual puzzle piece. What makes this set so remarkable is Hoff's way of taking complex (yet at the same time, simple)tdaoist doctrines and applying them to everyday occurrances. This adheres to the tdaoist tradition of illustrating seemingly contradictory concepts through parables and examples. It is the use of Winnie, though, that makes the book entirely readable. Even if you are not familiar with the animals in the "Hundred Acre Woods", you will quickly ascertain each characters place in the grand scheme of the tdao. In comparison the to the tdaoism "bible", titled the _Tdao Tdeh Ching_, Hoff's work brings to light the entirety of Taoism without becoming either longwinded or overly basic. In conclusion, the _Tao of Pooh/ Te of Piglet_ is a excellent book that illustrates the Tdaoist philosophy in a humorous and whimsical sort of way. Even if you are not looking to adopt a faith, reading this book will enrich you life....

Rating:
Summary: As I read, so was I fulfilled.
Review: I need say no more about this book than just this;

Pooh is Taoism. Hoff is the tutor. Tao of Pooh is the book.

I am enlightened. Enough said.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: I'm a 15yo kid interested in learning about religions. But, I'm sick of reading principle after principle of dull boring information. But, "The Tao of Pooh" put all you need to know about Taoism in a very interesting way. It is a MUST read. Benjamin Hoff is a genius.

Rating:
Summary: Too cute
Review: The book had a few interesting ideas, and the use of Winnie the Pooh characters was fun at first, but the book dealt with Taoism too cutely and did not make me want to finish it.

Rating:
Summary: An influential, well-written and genuinely warm and enjoyabl
Review: If your knowledge of Taoism stops at recognising the "Yin Yan" symbol, or if your love of Winnie the Pooh stops at remembering who Christopher Robin is, then The Tao of Pooh will open new avenues of insight in to Pooh Bear and hence The Way.

Benjamin Hoff does not attempt to shove the ideas and ways of Taoism down the reader's throat - that would be contrary to the Taoist way. Knowledge, enlightenment and understanding of the world and its ways as a whole are key to The Way. With Pooh at his side and Owl, Eeyore, Tigger, Piglet and Roo lending a hand, Hoff explores the fundamental simplicity of Taoism and how many parallels there are between the tales of the 100 Acre Wood and The Way.

I found the book delightful: non-threatening, enlightening and an easy read. In times of trouble and stress I find myself dipping into its pages for relaxation and security. It is one of the best and most re-read books I have ever read.

Rating:
Summary: A good way to be introduced to Taoism
Review: Even if you don't know anything about Tao or Pooh, this book is entertaining and enlightening. I would think that anyone would benefit from reading this book. The way it is written really makes it easy to read and absorb. It's a must read!

Rating:
Summary: A must read!
Review: This has honestly been one of the best books I have ever read in my life. Unlike other books I have read that explain Taoism, it is fun, interesting, and easy to read. I believe it can be read, enjoyed, and understood by anybody, even if they have no idea what Taoism is. As a child, I would read Winnie the Pooh, but I never at all knew the vast knowledge that was sitting right under my nose. My search for the perfect book explaining Taoism stops at "The Tao of Pooh."

Rating:
Summary: a peaceful book that sometimes loses its peace
Review: I liked this book. It made me feel peaceful while I was reading it. However, I feel that Hoff's sometimes biting comments toward other people's views broke the peacefulness of the reading at times. For example, while he describes the Way as something that everyone must find in his or her own way, he openly criticizes Confucianists and Puritans. Although the traditional Taoist approach is that following set guidelines will likely steer you away from the Way, perhaps for some people, living within guidelines of Confucianism or Puritanism is their Way. Whether it truly is or not, I felt that Hoff could have shown more respect for others' points of view at times. Nevertheless, I think this book is well worth reading, especially for someone new to the ideas of Taoism. If you are looking for a similar feeling of peacefulness while reading, try reading Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse.