The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff - 4 stars

[ShazM]

This is a lovely little book which uses the stories of Winnie the Pooh to illustrate the principles of Taoism. Throughout the book the author sprinkles conversations with Pooh, Piglet and the others along with passages from the Winnie the Pooh stories and classical Tao teachings.

I got this on audio and really enjoyed it. The narrator, Simon Vance, was very good, particularly with Pooh's voice, and, as a bonus, I now know how to pronounce Tao!

I only dropped one star because I thought one or two of the links with Winnie the Pooh were a little bit laboured but overall it was very interesting and I am now inspired to re-read The House at Pooh Corner.

[[deleted user]]

This is interesting! Using a beloved figure like Winnie the Pooh is smart!

[Anita]

I don't know anything about Taoism. Can you share an example with us? It sounds intriguing. How do you pronounce Tao?

[Amy]

Its pronounced Dow. Like Now with a D.

[Anne ✨]

I adore this book, and also the Te of Piglet book too. I re-read these two books every year! I've never listened on audio, must try that!

[ShazM]

Anita wrote: "I don't know anything about Taoism. Can you share an example with us? It sounds intriguing. How do you pronounce Tao?"

As far as I've got from this book, Taoism seems to be largely about acceptance of everything that you are, understanding and accepting the natural order of things, not trying to put a square peg into a round hole because you accept that the peg and the hole are not the same shape and never will be and enjoying the moment. It sounds a lot like common sense which we humans don't seem to be good at!

A couple of examples are:

Pooh says "life is a journey to be experienced, not a problem to be solved"

"What day is it?" asked Winnie the Pooh. "It's today" squeaked Piglet. "My favourite day" said Pooh

I think I might listen to this again one day and I will look at the Te of Piglet as well.

[Anita]

Amy wrote: "Its pronounced Dow. Like Now with a D."

Learn something new everyday! Thank you.

[Anita]

ShazM wrote: "Anita wrote: "I don't know anything about Taoism. Can you share an example with us? It sounds intriguing. How do you pronounce Tao?"

As far as I've got from this book, Taoism seems to be largely a..."

That sounds good! Especially as someone who tends toward the "life is a problem to be solved" approach . . .lol.