Wisdom of the Peaceful Warrior, by Dan Millman

Wisdom of the Peaceful Warrior: A Companion to the Book That Changes Lives is a quick read and a great follow-up to the original book, Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives which I wrote about here.  It is written in a very simple manner.  With a quote from the original text and additional information or answers to questions.  Written 25 years after the original, it seems to cover the most common questions Millman has been asked over the years.

It seemed like this could be akin to a magician revealing his secrets.  While answering a lot of my questions, enough mystery remained that I could remain intrigued by the original text.  And have a unique, personal experience with it. 

Now, I'm curious about the movie.  Has anyone seen it?

Comments

[Susan]

Well the movie finally came to our movie theater. AKA Pay Per View. I like movies of this nature but I had odd reactions to this one and I've watched it over a couple times and same reaction. I felt there was something missing but can't figure out what that is. Then, and not having to do with feeling something was missing, I became very upset, very angry watching it. Not sure what that's about. Even when I think about the movie, I start feeling that way again. I still feel it was a good movie, just something with it doesn't sit with me. And no, I haven't read his books but am now. Hopefully with a better experience!

Susan

[Shannon]

Now, that is an interesting reaction Susan! Do you have any more insights since a bit more time has passed? I was angry about the lousy acting, but other than that I thought it was a fair adaptation of the book.

Maybe that's the difference -- seeing the movie without having read the book...

[Susan]

I think in honesty, the movie had some mirror effect that created the anger though in someways too I felt angered the movie didn't capture the book even though I hadn't read it. When I went and bought his books, before leaving the bookstore, at red lights, every chance I had, I was searching the book(s) for lines and scenes from movie. I guess searching for what was missing or didn't sit right with me. Feeling better upon finding a line or scene, like, okay that's how it was suppose to be.

Having read his books now, and enjoying them very much, my opinion is the movie was about Dan the gymnasts. The book(s) were about Dan the Peaceful Warrior. Sort of like this, I think you can relate. It's like standing at a picturesque over look from the road and saying you went to Mt. Saint Helens compared to hiking to the top of Mt. Saint Helens and touching it. Both are awe taking but one you saw the other you experienced.

So, see a movie experience a book. Thanks for getting me to read again!

Susan

[Shannon]

What you said about the movie being more about the gymnast than the journey of becoming a peaceful warrior makes sense. The movie is a good companion to the book, but I think I would have felt frustrated if I saw it without reading the book too.

Glad you're back into reading. I go in cycles with how much I read and what attracts me, but I can't imagine my life without books.