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The Tao of Willie  By  cover art

The Tao of Willie

By: Willie Nelson,Turk Pipkin
Narrated by: Willie Nelson,Turk Pipkin,Tom Stechschulte
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Publisher's summary

National icon Willie Nelson has evolved over the years from country music outlaw swimming against a whiskey river to a Zen-like figure of wisdom and contentment. In this autobiographical collection of life advice, The Tao of Willie, one of America's truest hearts reveals the spiritual and practical lessons learned from decades of hard knocks and good bounces.

This inspiring and entertaining collection of "Willie wisdom" takes us from his days as a young boy in Texas where he learns to respect his elders, to his roadhouse days when he united redneck rockers, long-haired hippies, and straight-laced country music fans, to the mega-sized benefit concerts and environmentalism that define his boundless heart. And there are plenty of his favorite jokes along the way.

With stories that will both make you laugh out loud and look deep inside yourself, he shows us how the Willie way, and the way of the Tao, can also be your way. Let Willie's common sense approach to life awaken you to the happiness that already exists in your own heart. With Willie as your guide, join the river of life and you'll be carried on an amazing journey.

©2006 Willie Nelson (P)2006 Penguin Audio, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc. All rights reserved. Penguin Audio is a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

Critic reviews

"[T]he book is a wily tour through Nelson's obsessions...." (The New Times Book Review)

"Seriously fun guide offers readers the full Nelson.... [a] whimsical yet serious guide to happiness.... The Willie philosophy is simple, a blending of 'do unto others as you would have them do unto you' and 'don't sweat the small stuff.'" (Boston, Sunday Herald)

What listeners say about The Tao of Willie

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Loved the book...

I would recommend it to most anyone. It is disappointing however that it misleads, the first name on the list of who it is narrated by is Willie himself which got me jazzed, however he only reads the introduction and a bit at the end. I own the hard copy of the book and thought it would be nice to listen to Willie read his book (even though I generally dislike most authors reading their own material I make exceptions for professional performers), it is very amusing after all, but I would not have wasted the money had I known he had such a small role in its narration.

Great book, disappointing misrepresentation however!

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars

Shut up and sing.

I really like to hear Willie Nelson sing. I've enjoyed several of his movie roles. I had hoped that that would mean that I would like his book as well. It was not to be. The book is an odd conglomeration of self-absorbed ego, bad jokes, strange politics, self-serving commercial endorsements (ex: biodiesel fuel, for which he owns a production company), and cracker aphorisms. The book was so bad that it spoiled his music for me. The reader was OK, but not a professional. He sounded good in comparison with Willie himself, who (painfully) read part of the introduction and a bit at the end. Yikes!

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Love Willie!

I laughed out loud in some parts. This book is just like his music...pure Willie❤️

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1 person found this helpful

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Refreshing insight!

Great story telling and a great chance to get inside the head of one of my personal favorite people on the planet. Thanks Willie for being you and not trying to be someone you're not, that's what makes us adore you!
Good job on the narration too. I can't wait for the new book tomorrow, I have it on preorder!

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Sound teaching

Funny, thought provoking and heart warming. Love to Willie, forever and ever, from this life to the next. I'm proud to have heard his words and take them with me always.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great Listen and read!!

Definitely learn something new about Willie. I will definitely apply these teachings. Thank you! I hop to pass this on to my son!

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Loved it

Wonderful book with so many great messages. I do wish Willie could have read more in it but Turk’s voice is articulate and soothing to listen to.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Willie Time

Love the Tao wish Willie had done more of the read.Turk did a great job and will hear more.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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its a book about life by willie nelson

its a book about life by willie nelson. what more do you need to know?

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Awakening

The Real lessons from Willie. Some you know. The ones you didn't know will wake you up.

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