Way of the Warrior Kid: Marc's Mission

Way of the Warrior Kid #2

by Jocko Willink, Jon Bozak (Ilustrator )

There’s more to life than pull-ups.

Marc’s life has changed since last summer, when his for-real, super-cool Navy SEAL Uncle Jake came to visit. He’s eating healthy, practicing jiu-jitsu, and working hard in school. Marc’s had a great year…until the very last day of school, when he gets into trouble because of Nathan James. Nathan is mean and annoying, and Marc has to spend every day with Nathan at summer camp. Nathan calls Marc “Plate Face,” and he’ll never leave him alone. Marc is sick of it. Even worse, Marc has no way to get to summer camp except for walking. He wants a new bike, called "the Bentley," but his parents don’t think he needs it, even though the bike he owns is totally falling apart. There’s only one person who can help Marc turn his bummer summer around – Uncle Jake. With Uncle Jake back in town, Marc realizes that being a Warrior Kid isn’t just about being strong on the outside – it’s also about being strong on the inside. Can Marc learn to control his temper, get himself the bike he wants, and get Nathan off his back?

Genres: Fiction, Childrens, Parenting, Self Help, Family, Audiobook, Leadership

224 pages, Hardcover

Published April 24, 2018

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is just a great series for kids! It both entertains and teaches valuable lessons along the way. Even my sons said in a book report that was what they liked about it, that it helps them learn some thing about real life. As a sequel, we've already met Marc and seen him grow. This second book catches up with Marc after he's already implemented some great growth changes in his life, but like any kid, he still has a lot to learn! So when his uncle returns for the summer break again, Uncle Jake has new lessons to teach.
Of course, I think it's a little rigid for a kid this age....to never have any free time really and be a kid who is either working or in class or working out. I mean, can't a child be a child? But at the same time, I think it works out great for the character of Marc, and my sons saw that and noticed. It also teaches how taking a lazy day (not just a day off, but a lazy day) doesn't always feel good. I know that feeling as an adult. It might be missing the message that we all need a little rest....but these days, most kids take too much rest in my opinion. So it's valuable to show a kid who knows how to work hard and sees the benefits of it.

[Wendi Lau · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Inspiring Message:
Wimpy, regular, scared, or anxious - whichever type you are, you will be stronger and more in control of your life after following The Warrior Kid Code. Anyone with a strong desire to change his life can apply The Code and see results.

Uncle Jake’s character is obviously a stand-in for the real SEAL Team author, but he’s also the voice of calm and frugality heard in nuclear families surviving on one income: Figure it out. Look around. What can you do for money since I’m not going to buy it for you? Fix instead of buy new. Break large tasks into little chunks.

Rather than spend time sympathizing with Marc’s problems, Uncle Jake acknowledges Marc’s anger and frustration and they talk.
“…when people don’t control their emotions, they make bad decisions.”
“…in war, bad decisions cost lives. So warriors have to keep their emotions under control.”

Of course, Uncle Jake being a SEAL has a big effect on the gravity of his message and his presence in Marc’s life every summer.

The two talk a lot and spend regular time together exercising, and driving from summer school and to jujitsu class. Uncle Jake, his time, and his attention make an impact on Marc’s life. With a father stationed overseas and a mom who works a lot, Marc could easily spend his free time playing the choking game (yes, that’s a thing!), eating Tide pods, watching porn, doing drugs, and other troublesome activities of bored, unsupervised kids. Many simply play video games until their eyes bleed and their hands go numb.

Jocko Willink's care for kids and belief in human potential is evident in his characters. Uncle Jake doesn't tell Marc what to do. Marc makes his own difficult choices to wake up early to workout with Uncle Jake, to work every weekend for bike money, to donate most of his earnings, and to handle his negative emotions.

This minimally descriptive book is dialogue and deed driven, featuring hard work and real-world problems. Kids and their parents would enjoy it.

Marc’s Mission addresses procrastination, excuses, an unpleasant classmate, feeling helpless, poverty, savings, laziness, and neglect. Tremendous book!

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the mechanics of Willink's writing are a bit iffy in places (there are only a handful of places where a character uses contractions in speech which feels unnatural. Could be done with one character, like Uncle Jake, which would tell us something more about the character.) the story overall is well told with a good message. While I think at times we expect kids to grow up too fast in this culture, I'm not sure it's in the right ways. Kids are a lot more capable than most people give them credit for. Marc and Nathan might be fictional, but the apparent popularity of the books (Jocko created a spinoff of his adult podcast geared to answering questions from Warrior Kids) speaks to the desire I think a lot of kids have to be given more freedom and responsibility than they're getting.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to read this book to figure out if I should be giving it to my nieces and nephews. The overall message is great from Jocko, work hard, discipline equals freedom, be kind and make friends. Not sure why I didn't expect it but it almost seems a little too extreme at times. An 11 year old kid waking up early to work out on Saturday and Sunday, after the workout (including up to 200 pull-ups at the end) the kid would go on to work a 10+ hour day mowing lawns and weeding to make money to fix his bike etc. I love Jocko and this is probably what I should have expected from his book. Not sure if the book would work on its own without a mentor reading it to the child and living the lifestyle, just like Uncle Jake!

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book in the series. Same essential formula as Book 1: Marc has a series of issues at the end fo the school year, and Uncle Jake lives with his family for the summer and teaches Marc how to solve his own problems. Marc updates the Code based on what he's learned.

This time the core lesson -- which is SO IMPORTANT and which the vast majority of people I know don't manage -- is taking responsibility for and control of one's emotional reaction to external inputs and controlling one's ego.

Much like Kenny the bully was the antagonist in Book 1, Book 2 has an antagonist, Nathan, who teases Marc mercilessly and causes Marc to lose his temper. Marc takes the oh-too-common refrain (at least in America) of "that person MADE ME FEEL THIS WAY" vs. understanding that Marc HIMSELF makes HIMSELF feel a way based on inputs from the outside world.

“But Nathan is the whole reason this happened,” I protested. “No, he’s not. You can’t blame other people for the things that you do. You are the reason. You lost your temper. You lost control. Because of that, you made a bad decision. Now you are going to apologize, and you better mean it.
...
“Are all emotions bad?” “No! Not at all. Emotions are good. They make you who you are. They allow you to feel. Happiness and gratitude are good. Joy and excitement are good. Love is a good emotion. So is satisfaction—when you feel like you have accomplished something. Those are all good emotions, but even good emotions need to be controlled. You already know it isn’t smart to celebrate with joy before you actually accomplish a goal. Even emotions you might think are bad aren’t bad—emotions like anger, fear, and frustration. They also make you who you are. But you have to learn how to make sure those emotions don’t get out of control. Because, as a warrior, those emotions can cause you to make mistakes or bad decisions, and in war, bad decisions can cost lives. So warriors have to keep their emotions under control.”

To solve this, Marc has to learn to detach from his emotions -- and even, critically, be able to make fun of himself a little (Nathan calls him Plate Face).

“You might think it was funny if you didn’t take it so seriously. Think about it. Your face is a little roundish. And a little flat. Like a plate. So ‘Plate Face.’ If you just let it be funny, you would see that it is funny. But you are being too sensitive about it. A warrior can’t let a little name-calling upset them. Warriors have more important things to be concerned about—things that matter. Someone making fun of you or calling you a name isn’t important enough. Just deal with it and move on.” “Okay, but it annoys me. How do I ‘just deal with it’?” “That’s the easy part. You just laugh. Laugh! Laugh along with the joke.

It's always better to own an insult than defend against it. What a piece of wisdom buried in this book!

More importantly, Marc has to learn to withold judgement of others. His view is that Nathan is just mean. However, Uncle Jake has Marc pay attention to Nathan and learn more about him. Marc learns that Nathan has a relatively crappy life -- single mom who works all the time, not much money, etc. So Marc takes the approach of trying to help Nathan. He buys a bike at a junkyard and helps Nathan fix it up (more on this in a bit as it ties to one of the 2 other problems he has to solve this summer), he gets Nathan into Jiu Jitsu and then helps pay for Nathan's membership, he gets Nathan a job at his own company. Essentially, Marc learns to be a leader by playing the role that Uncle Jake played in Book 1, but for Nathan.

I’m proud of you Marc. Because that’s what warriors do. Warriors lead.

Becoming a leader through empathy and teaching others to help themselves is at the core of this book.

The other 2 problems in this book are that Marc's coach wants him to compete in a tournament, which Marc is scared to do, and that Marc wants a bike to get to summer camp, and Marc is angry that his mom won't get him a brand new bike (it turns out he has an old bike that is in tatters since he did not take care of it).

Uncle Jake teaches Marc to solve these problems for himself.

For the bike, he does two things. First, he has Marc EARN money.

“Ummm, actually, Uncle Jake, I think you would be AWESOME if you gave me the money I need to get this bike all fixed up!” Uncle Jake shook his head. “That’s what a lot of people would think. But they would be wrong. It’s like I told you the other day: If I just give you the money, then you wouldn’t have earned it. It wouldn’t mean anything to you. You wouldn’t understand the hard work and time it takes to earn that money. Then you won’t appreciate what you do with the money, and you won’t think you need to take care of the things you buy with your money. That’s why you are going to get a job.”
...
“Yes. Earn it. You see, you don’t even really understand what that means. As a kid, your parents pretty much give you everything. Your food. Your clothes. Your bed. The roof over your head. Even this rusty bike right here. And when you are given things for free, you don’t appreciate their value—what they’re worth. You don’t appreciate that someone worked hard to get the money to buy you that bike. When you don’t appreciate something, you don’t take care of it. That’s what happened with this bike here. Right?”

So Marc starts a business: Marc's Meticulous Mowing. Uncle Jake says that people will pay him money to do things that are unpleasant (weeding, for example). So leaning into "what do people NOT want to do?" is a good way to make money. This is such an excellent lesson in general in life; if you do things that have value and need doing that others are unwilling to do, you will find opportunity.

Second, he teaches Marc the process of disassembling, cleaning, and reassembling the bike to prove to his mom that he can take care of things. Of course, by the time the bike is put back together and painted awesome, Marc loves it and does not want a new bike.

“I want you to remember this feeling. It’s a great feeling, the feeling of having worked hard and gotten something done. But sometimes we forget how good it feels. So we don’t do what we should. This is the same as how Discipline Equals Freedom. The discipline is the hard work. The freedom is the freedom to buy what you want because you have worked for the money. It is the freedom to ride a bike instead of walking. The freedom is also that feeling, that good feeling of accomplishment. It’s freedom from feeling that you wasted time. Does that make sense?” “It does, Uncle Jake. Just like the discipline of studying and working out and training jiu-jitsu gave me freedom, the discipline of working hard for what I want also gives me freedom. And, of course, the freedom feels good.” “That’s the feeling I want you to remember—the feeling of freedom and accomplishment—especially when you have hard work ahead of you. Will you remember that feeling?” “Yes, Uncle Jake. I will,” I told him. And I meant it.

Finally, for the tournament, Marc is afraid of losing, and Jake teaches him that's a good thing.

“I want you to be scared of losing. I want you to be really scared of losing. Why? Because fear will make you train harder. Fear will make you work harder. Fear will make you prepare more. And when you do all those things, your chances of success go up.” “But I can still lose,” I told him. “Not really. You only really lose if you don’t try, if you let your fear keep you from even getting in the game or on the mat. That is how you lose. But if you get out there and do your best, you will either win, or you will learn. Either way, it is good for you.”

WIN OR LEARN. Excellent advice for any age.

Along the way, Uncle Jake gives other nuggest of advice. For example, about getting comfortable with discomfort:

Warriors don’t always just do what they want to do. They don’t stay in a nice, comfortable world. They push themselves to be uncomfortable. That is how warriors make themselves better. You should do the same thing. Push yourself to do things you don’t want to do.

Or about self-reliance:

“If I help you, I’m hurting you,” he said, staring right at me. “What?” “I said, ‘If I help you, I’m hurting you.’” “I heard what you said, Uncle Jake. But what does that even mean? How can you be hurting me if you help me?” This idea seemed kind of crazy to me! But it wasn’t crazy to Uncle Jake, and I could see it in his eyes. “Here’s the thing, Marc. One of the best ways for people to learn is by doing. If I were to jump in and put the bike back together myself, you wouldn’t learn anything. If you don’t learn, what is the point? That’s why I always want you to do things yourself—so you can learn to be self-sufficient. So you don’t need help. Of course, there are some things that you will need help with in life, and putting this bike together right now is one of them. Sometimes someone needs to show you how to do things and guide you through them. But whenever you can, try to do them yourself so you learn.

Or about following through with your plan:

I was supposed to work on my bike for at least thirty minutes every day—no matter what. But I thought today must be different since I had already worked for almost six hours—plus my morning workout. It had been a LONG DAY. So I figured I would just explain to Uncle Jake that I was tired and he would understand. “Well, since I have been working all day, I figured maybe I could take a break from working on the bike.” I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BETTER! “That’s not how things work. That’s not what warriors do. When warriors commit to a job, they do it. What you are doing is called procrastination. Putting things off. Saying that you will do things later. That doesn’t work. When a warrior has something to do, they do it and do it right away.”

Or about boredom as a good signal:

“I’m bored, Uncle Jake.” “Bored? How can you be bored? You’re busy all day.” “That’s the tricky thing. I know I’m busy all day with working out and mowing lawns and fixing my bike and going to summer camp and doing jiu-jitsu. But even with all that stuff going on, I still feel kind of bored. And I feel like I’ve done what I’ve wanted to do, so other than focusing on my jiu-jitsu tournament, I just feel, like … I don’t know … bored.” Uncle Jake looks at me for a few seconds and then said, “Good.” That is what he always seemed to say when something was wrong. “Good?” I asked. “How is that good?” “Well, first of all, being bored means you’re comfortable with what you have going on in your life. It is good for a few reasons. Number one, it means you have accomplished your goals. That means you have achieved what you wanted to achieve. You have a bike. You have made some money. You are making steady gains in your workouts and getting stronger. So that means you can set some new goals,
...
But the most important thing about being bored is that you have the capacity—and by that I mean the time, the money, the knowledge, and the willingness—to help other people. To help someone else.

Or about how having a lazy day (watching TV, playing video games, etc.) feels crappy at the end of it:

“No, Uncle Jake. No, I didn’t have a good day.” “Why not?” “I don’t know. I guess I just didn’t do much. I mean, I did some stuff, but … you know, it was just kind of … just kind of…” “Lazy. You had a lazy day,” Uncle Jake said. He knew it! “Yes, Uncle Jake. It was lazy. I thought I needed it. I thought it would feel good!” “Of course you did. Lazy days always feel good when you start them. But the problem comes when they are done. When they are done, they never feel good. You never look back at a lazy day and say, ‘I’m glad that I didn’t do anything today! I’m glad I didn’t make any progress! I’m glad I didn’t accomplish anything!’ No. Why would you say that? It would never be true. But lazy days are tempting when you are facing the hard work, before you have started. Or when you are tired and you want that easy day. Once it’s done, the lazy day never feels good.” Uncle Jake was right again. Even though it seemed like I needed it and it seemed like it would feel good, the fact of the matter is that, at the end of the day, it didn’t feel good. I accomplished nothing today. And the worst part was that I didn’t even feel refreshed! I actually felt just as tired, if not MORE TIRED, from sitting around all day than I would have felt if I’d gone after it!
...
“You learned. You learned that laziness is never the right path. And that is a good lesson, because you can’t get a lazy day back. They are gone forever. Don’t ever forget that, Marc.”

That resonates so deeply with me. I don't understand how people just have lazy days; for me I always feel better if I'm in motion.

Or about saving:

Do you realize that we might have to spend some of that money to help Nathan? Are you okay with that?” This was a tough question. Uncle Jake continued, “Before you answer that, understand that we are going to start by making sure you have money. That means taking twenty percent of what you’ve earned and putting it into savings. And that isn’t just for now—that is always. You should always save twenty percent of your money. Then if there are other things you really need, you can buy those as well. And you should also know this: One of the few things in the world that feels better than earning money is earning money and then putting it toward a good cause to help someone else.

I feel like any of these could almost be books in themselves!

[Peter Wolfley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another recommendation from the great JoJo B and it has had a great impact on our son. He had pretty much given up learning to ride his bike but after getting through this book he got back in the saddle and rode with a renewed confidence and much improved attitude.

[Jen Holbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read and just as amazing as book #1!!!

[Cole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like the first book, fantastic for kids and I wish I had this growing up. I passed the first one to my young nephew for when he's old enough to read it; I'll be doing the same with this.
Superb.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Nooooooo!!!”

[Ruthe Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book for all kid and adults over 8. Even as an adult just wanting to preview the book to place in our church library for children, I was reminded of areas in my own life that needed adjusting.

[Bridgey Widge · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good follow up to the first with good lessons in considering another person’s perspective before judging them, working hard, discipline (of course), learning from mistakes, not being wasteful....there were a few moments that I wasn’t a big fan of (ie, some of the initial reaction to Marc being made fun of) but in the end it works out. There was another part where I outright to my son I didn’t Agree with something In the book (can’t remember what it was)- but the continued conversation between Uncle Jake & Marc righted it a bit. My son was confused why Marc’s parents were never there - especially at his first jiu jitsu tournament :\ no wonder he’s so eager for Uncle Jake to visit! Overall, I’d recommend the book.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What this lacks in literary polish, it makes up for with positive lessons and relatability for kids. This book builds on book one and tackles topics like self-control, stewardship, coming alongside those less fortunate, overcoming fear of failure, and more. We read it as a family, and it will be required reading to revisit in the future.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great follow on from the first Warrior Kid book. A must read for every kid (and adult).

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

As other reviewers have noted, this book might lack literary polish and sometimes the speakers sound a bit stilted, but the message itself is an excellent one, which makes me inclined to forgive those weak points. Clearly, the author is sincere in his intentions to provide a positive message for youngsters, many of whom simply lack the coping skills to deal with some of life's challenges. While I liked the first title in this series well enough, this one seems a bit stronger, possibly because Marc, its protagonist, is moving past being so focused on himself. While the first book covers the lessons Marc learns from his Uncle Jake, a Navy SEAL, Marc needs a refresher course since he blows up at Nathan James, a classmate who makes fun of him. The fact that Nathan is attending the same summer camp as Marc and continuing his harassment as well as Marc's wish for a shiny new bike add to his woes. But Uncle Jake arrives just in time to help him recommit to the Way of the Warrior Kid. I smiled at how Marc is so willing to expect Uncle Jake to solve his problems when he should know better and realized that his uncle is only going to point him in the right direction and then let him solved them for himself. The simple illustrations and positive steps that lead to inner strength make this a useful book for just about anyone who is trying to change. Uncle Jake's patient guidance attests to his surety that Marc is up to the tasks he sets for him. I liked how their surveillance helped Marc see the things about Nathan that he hadn't realized, something that is often the case for those who tease or try to bully others. There is often more going on in someone's life than meets the eye. This one is ideal for sharing with others and encouraging resilience and compassion toward others.

[John Rimmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The boys and I really enjoyed this one. I like how it broached the topics of discipline, anger & self-control, leadership, hard work, business, failure, and charity. Like the previous Warrior Kid book, a great motivator and guide to various aspects of life, especially for young boys.

The book’s main fault is in it being built upon Pelagian assumptions. It’s an ode to will power anthropology, missing any mention or discussion of the spiritual dimension of human behavior, particularly the problem of sin corrupting our desires. It’s great to assume that little boys will just “get on the path”, but reality will prove much different. I may be wrong, but I felt the underlying assumption regarding people in this book is that we are angels by nature easily seen when we just submit to the right practices...exercise, hard work, discipline, etc. and voila, good people. Bad people are simply a result of bad practices and/or bad environments (e.g. Nathan). If you “get on the path” and “follow the code” you’ll be a good kid. Basic man-centered religion, follow the rules and achieve your self-selected status or salvation (whatever you want that to be...in Marc’s case it’s various goals along the way to being a Warrior Kid). Same formula, same results as seen in all human history...either failure and frustration in the one ditch or slavish devotion and pride in the other.

I feel this book is a great tool in the chest, but needs to properly partnered with biblical anthropology and the grace of the Gospel.

[Dushan Hanuska · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is aimed at a younger audience, yet I really enjoyed reading it. It is easy to read and well-illustrated.

Initially, I got this book for my 7-year-old son, but now I am getting my 11-year-old son to read it ad well (he loves riding bikes, so the lessons around bikes were spot-on applicable for him). I am already thinking about modifying the lessons for Warrior Girls - I definitely have one such girl at home; she is a stronger warrior than the other two boys combined.

I also highly recommended it to my wife as there are lessons to be learned for leaders (read "parents").

Now I am considering looking into more books by Jocko.

------------------------------------------------------

The Warrior Kid Code
------------------
1. The Warrior Kid wakes up early in the morning.
2. The Warrior Kid studies to learn and gain knowledge and asks questions if he doesn't understand.
3. The Warrior Kid trains hard, exercises, and eats right to be strong and fast and healthy.
4. The Warrior Kid trains to know how to fight so he can stand up to bullies to protect the weal.
5. The Warrior Kid treats people with respect and helps out other people whenever possible.
6. The Warrior Kid keeps things neat and is always prepared and ready for action.
7. The Warrior Kid stays humble.
8. The Warrior Kid works hard and always does his best.
9. I am the Warrior Kid, and I am a leader.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have two boys at reading age. A 12yr-old and a 9yr-old. I'm glad that we've found a book that my boys thoroughly enjoy reading (they also loved the first book). They pick it up on their own, in fact, they decided to go back and reread the first book after reading "Marc's Mission".
The reason that I personally like this book is that it describes problems and issues subjective to Marc. With many other books, like a few I grew up reading, the authors use (real or imagined) systemic world problems, economic, racial issues to get ideas across onto young readers. I don't think that this strengthens them, I think, at least this early, it gives them excuses and creates in them a way to circumvent their problems by rationalizing any deficiencies as part of a broad and self-defeating victimization ideology.
With the Way of the Warrior Kid series, our kids can get a right-sized cut of the same meat that Jocko gives CEO's, Military leaders and all other adults in places of responsibility: Stop blaming others or your environment for your problems. Look at your own actions and decide what you're going to do about it. Then, get after it! Good talk.

[Vidhya Thakkar · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a wonderful story of marc who’s life changes when uncle jack arrives. He transforms marc’s life which is now filled with confidence, strength and fitness

It’s a beautiful book with an amazing message of ‘mindset os everything ‘. There are some fascinating illustrations that will keep the kids engaged throughout.

It’s a wonderful book that every kid must-read for a better life. The language used by the author is simple and relatable. The events that the author added are the ones which we face in our day to day lives which again makes this book a must-read.

The writing style of the author is witty and gripping which will be loved by the kids. The characters that the author developed has a strong impact on the reader. The message of Patience, Perseverance and stability can only help one to get success is wonderfully expressed by the author.

I loved the Climax of the book. Overall, It's a Light and Quick read that Kids will love. A book with a strong Message.

[Catherine Mustread · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some quotes from the book: "You can’t blame other people for the things that you do. You are the reason. You lost your temper. You lost control. Because of that, you made a bad decision. But if you look at a problem from a different perspective—a perspective where the problem is actually your fault—then you can do something to fix it.”
"Even emotions you might think are bad aren’t bad—emotions like anger, fear, and frustration. They also make you who you are. But you have to learn how to make sure those emotions don’t get out of control. Because, as a warrior, those emotions can cause you to make mistakes or bad decisions, and in war, bad decisions can cost lives. So warriors have to keep their emotions under control.”
"You only really lose if you don’t try, if you let your fear keep you from even getting in the game or on the mat. That is how you lose. But if you get out there and do your best, you will either win, or you will learn. Either way, it is good for you.”

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Former Navy SEAL Officer did it again with Way of the Warrior Kid: Marc's Mission. I have to admit that I fee a bit biased writing this, but I have been a fan of Jocko's work since 2017. His stories and outlooks have helped change my life for the better and I can only imagine that a younger brain would only have that much more advantage of bettering themselves when reading this series of books.

In this entry of the series, Marc took everything he learned in the previous novel and applied it to his every day life until an altercation occurs between him and another student. He lets Nathan James get the best of him and he gets into trouble. Uncle Jake is back to help him learn to control his temper and achieve all of his goals for the summer. Motivation is fickle, but discipline equals freedom.

[Oren Milman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess it would have been 5/5 for me if I was roughly at Mark's age.

Also, if I understand correctly, "wake up very early" should come with "(and make sure to get enough sleep)" - and I am quite sure I heard Jocko saying this is also his opinion.
But even then it seems like bad advice for people whose circadian rhythms aren't matching this lifestyle. Specifically, the circadian rhythms of teenagers are delayed (https://www.sleepfoundation.org/artic... - an accessible article, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science... - a well cited paper - "Sleep, circadian rhythms, and delayed phase in adolescence"), so it is probably not good advice for teenagers.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

My boys and I all really enjoy this series! They beg “one more chapter, PLEEEEASE!” every time I read to them from this book. And I look forward to reading “just one more.”

This story is entertaining, and also teaches valuable life skills. In the story, military man Uncle Jake leads his nephew, Marc, down the warrior path. He teaches him to be strong, healthy, responsible, good, how to protect and take care of himself and others, and how to be a leader. Marc learns how to take care of his gear, how to fix a bike, how to try something new and intimidating, how to make friends with a foe, how to start a business and earn money, how to negotiate, a deal, how to control his temper, and more.

I look forward to reading the next book in this series!

[Nick Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

9.3/10 Maybe one day I will have kids and will read them this story but for now I’m a grown man in his thirty’s reading a children’s book written by the former Commander of Seal Team Three. I’ve read a lot of books about leadership in my lifetime but nothing beats a Navy Seal with twenty years of experience telling you how simple it is to be the best version of yourself. Stand up to bullies and protect the weak, treat people with respect and help out others whenever possible, stay humble, be a leader, learn and gain knowledge and ask questions if you don’t understand. Make goals and don’t be afraid of putting in a hard days work.

[Lindstromsteph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jocko nails bullying again. This time the bullying isn’t physical intimidation. It is mental & emotional. Marc finds himself being made fun of and called “Plate Face” by an insecure boy.
Uncle Jake returns this summer to help his sister raise Marc during the summer. Marc is sure this summer will be terrible. He has to go to Camp & the bully is going there as well; he wants a new bike & his mom said no; lastly, his Sensei wants him to enter a competition.
Uncle Jake tells Marc that if you can’t change a situation, then your attitude needs to change. Challenge ensues for the summer.

[Петър Стойков · Rating 4 out of 5]

Пътят към личното израстване и самоусъвършенстването, пътят към превръщането в пълноценен мъж или жена е личен път, но не е свързан само със самия теб. Във втората книга от поредицата за Детето-войн, Джоко Уилинк продължава приключенията на Джейк и чичо му, като сега обръща внимание повече на социалния аспект на израстването, на намирането на приятели, на груповите спортове, на помагането на тия, които имат нужда от помощ.

[Adler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Context: I'm interesting in children's books that inspire creativity and action. Thus I get this one and it is a decent, ease read for kids.
The language is very simple and for the message it delivers it could be more of a pocket book or cartoon to make sure kids would read it again and again.

If you have a kid, get him to read it!! life message in it

[Keegman jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book

Just like the first book, Jocko tells a story with an excellent, possibly life changing message in a way that is enjoyable to children and adults. My 7 year old and I thoroughly enjoyed the book and are implementing the teaching this summer. We can’t wait to get into the next book.

[Michael N Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Campbell you want me and said that the have the right thing For us right you want the money and then they have working today but I'll get back town town for the money 💰is and then they have been doing some research note that there money 💰is tomorrow morning and then they will be able too much of it and see 6pm you

[Dean Cloutier · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best kids book I have ever read. As much for myself, as it is for my son. We have read it together about 10 or more times. But this book has cemented our path forward, and we as a family are forever grateful to this series. So it will always be in our rotation, especially as he nears Marc's age.

[Matthew Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this to see when it would be right to share with my young children. The “kid’s book” has great lessons that most adults need to learn and the rest need to reinforce. I’ll be reading it to my 5 year old soon and will plan to return to it in a few years when it will have a different and deeper reception.