literatetexan's review
3.0
Cute book, but it tries a little too hard to be funny, sometimes. I could have used fewer quotes and homages to the movie's screenplay--they come so fast and so furious that they're distracting. That being said, it's still a really cool book.
pirogoeth's review
5.0
This is a book that everyone should read. Of course not everyone will get the same thing from it. But the smallest amount that can be taken away from this book will help make one's life more Dude-like.
Just abide.
Just abide.
jdscott50's review
5.0
Essential reading for all raving fans of The Big Lebowski, the Abide Guide takes those threads of theory about the movie and puts it into a cohesive narrative and philosophy. Anyone who’s watched the movie so many times that they take away an existential experience or mentioned that The Dude’s desire for the rug is the cause of his suffering should be reading this book. Likewise anyone who believes in The Dude’s philosophy in the film can broaden their horizon with these Dudeist Priest authors.
Overall, the book is fan fiction philosophy. Most of the book is written in the style of The Stranger from the movie (played by Sam Eliot). At first, they go too deep and seems like the book only brings about its points using one-liners from the film. It hits its stride once it delves into analysis of the film and has fun parts near the end where they apply The Dude’s Way to life.
The first half of the book is a scene by scene dissection of The Big Lebowski with analysis on the Dudeist Way. Each character plays a role in the underlying philosophy of the movie. When a character violates this paradigm there are consequences. For example, the Dude desires the rug, this desire leads to suffering. The book then ventures into leaders who have encouraged a laid back attitude to life. The authors even interview some female Priests who give their perspective on The Dude and on how they can live that lifestyle.
Good for fans of the film, or if someone needs to re-set their thinking. I felt very relaxed reading it. It reminded me of The Art of Mindful Living and You Are Here. It was a perfect Christmas gift from my wife. It combined my love of the The Big Lebowski with great philosophical ways of being.
Overall, the book is fan fiction philosophy. Most of the book is written in the style of The Stranger from the movie (played by Sam Eliot). At first, they go too deep and seems like the book only brings about its points using one-liners from the film. It hits its stride once it delves into analysis of the film and has fun parts near the end where they apply The Dude’s Way to life.
The first half of the book is a scene by scene dissection of The Big Lebowski with analysis on the Dudeist Way. Each character plays a role in the underlying philosophy of the movie. When a character violates this paradigm there are consequences. For example, the Dude desires the rug, this desire leads to suffering. The book then ventures into leaders who have encouraged a laid back attitude to life. The authors even interview some female Priests who give their perspective on The Dude and on how they can live that lifestyle.
Good for fans of the film, or if someone needs to re-set their thinking. I felt very relaxed reading it. It reminded me of The Art of Mindful Living and You Are Here. It was a perfect Christmas gift from my wife. It combined my love of the The Big Lebowski with great philosophical ways of being.
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