The Tao of Pooh

Hoff's classic introduction to religion places A.A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh characters in fictional scenarios to explore the ideas behind Taoism, bringing Western familiarity to an Eastern philosophy that might seem, at a cursory glance, a bit difficult to grasp. Hoff draws clear parallels between Milne's characters and the central tenants of Taoism. For instance, he describes how "the Eeyore attitude gets in the way of wisdom and happiness and prevents any sort of real accomplishment in life." Narrator Simon Vance demonstrates his great range, shifting easily from didactic sections of the book to fictional narrative and imbuing Milne's characters with distinct voices. His Pooh captures the essence of the famous bear, and Vance deftly juggles multiple characters and dialogue with ease. This audio edition, due in large part to Vance's performance, is surprisingly engaging and accessible. (Jan.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Author/narrator Hoff calls Winnie the Pooh a ``Western Taoist'' and uses the unassuming bear to introduce Eastern philosophical principles. Pooh epitomizes the ``uncarved block,'' as he is well in tune with his natural inner self. Pooh enjoys simple pleasures and the daily progress of life. Hoff contrasts this unpretentiousness to other characters created by Winnie - the - Pooh author A.A. Milne, including Owl, whom he describes as a ``mind that tries too hard,'' and Eeyore, the eternal pessimist. In a clear and crisp voice, Hoff explains the central tenets of Taoism and further illustrates them with familiar excerpts from The House at Pooh Corner stories (1923), Chinese proverbs, maxims, and tales from Lao Tzu and others. The result is at once thought-provoking and charming. This is a small literary event that will leave all who experience it a little more serene. For most collections.-- Jeanne P. Leader, Western Nebraska Community Coll. Lib., Scotts bluff (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

A cutesy-Pooh popularization of Taoism that aims to make it digestible but quickly turns it into pablum. Heft mingles quotations from the A. A. Milne books, new Pooh conversations of his own devising, and mini-lessons in Taoism that oversimplify the subject and make it sound like just another brand of American-style therapy or, worse, a soft, furry cop-out. Even when Heft starts with Taoist basics, he translates them into the language of Norman Vincent Peale; it turns out, for instance, that the major corollary of the ""uncarved block"" principle (radical simplicity and freedom from longing) is ""Life Is Fun."" Follow the Pooh Way, Hoff proclaims: ""Nothing to it. No stress, no mess. . . . The easiest way to get rid of a Minus is to change it into a Plus,"" etc. Time and again the Pooh story is dragged in by the ears, whether or not it fits the context: ""Cottleston Pie"" means ""Inner Nature""; we all have a Rabbit, an Owl, and an Eeyore within us; and so forth. Heft laughs at Buddhism without explaining Taoism's response to the sorrows of life, mocks Confucianism without explaining what the Taoist does for social ethics, and slides over the ""embarrassing"" aspects of Taoism (belief in gods, immortality, thoroughgoing quietism). Painless to read, but not to be trusted. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.