The Way of the Owl: Succeeding With Integrity in a Conflicted World [Hardcover]

Frank Rivers (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1996

Master business and personal relationships with this contemporary American counterpart to classics such as The Book of Five Rings and The Art of War. Using the model of the owl as an ideal, conflict artist Frank Rivers offers vital wisdom on operating with effectiveness and integrity in our lives.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Gracefully bridging Eastern wisdom and Western pragmatism, Frank Rivers reveals how to succeed in a competitive world.

About the Author

Frank Rivers, a black belt in both Karate and Aikido, has taught martial arts for years, and is an expert rock climber. A freelance writer, he has written extensively about martial arts, conflict studies, and environmental psychology. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Harpercollins; 1st edition (April 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062512072
• ISBN-13: 978-0062512079
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,127,997 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Paradox and Principle, September 6, 2000

By 

Ken Cox (Bend, OR) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Way of the Owl: Succeeding with Integrity in a Conflicted World (Paperback)

This extraordinary book by Frank Rivers deserves more stars than would fit on this page. Frank Rivers deals with ideas formerly reserved for mysticm and the most esoteric disciplines in a charmingly down to earth manner. He gets a lot of mileage out of the Owl analogy, and it works. The reader, male or female, can easily identify with both the fledgling and the wise old owl of Frank River's examples. This fascinating treatise on conflict, paradox and martial principle has so much more substance and clarity than one would expect from such a relatively unknown work. I especially recommend it to readers who don't normally enjoy warm and fuzzies, or self-help conflict-resolution type books. I also recommend it to those struggling with the inconsistencies and injustices of life. Again and again Frank Rivers makes the principles of life, of reality and conflict, as concrete and usable as an idea or words on paper can get. I plan to read this book several times in the next few years. I put Frank Rivers "The Way of The Owl" right up there with James Carse's "Finite and Infinite Games" and consider it much more accessible to the person with an average interest in this type of subject. Although I found the book deeply spiritual in nature, I also found it well in line with fundamental beliefs. A Baptist minister and a Buddhist monk would both enjoy the insights Frank Rivers presents to the reader. A great book for carrying around and reading at those odd moments.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Way of the Owl, December 5, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Way of the Owl: Succeeding with Integrity in a Conflicted World (Paperback)

This is one of the best books I've read in terms of changing behaviors and self-realizing your own potential. It is self-reflective and talks in plain, simple language that I was able to relate to AND talk about with others. I say forget about Covey and his 7 habits because most likely, you already have "his" identified 7 habits. I wanted to go deeper...to build my intracommunication with myself and understand how I can change to become more successful. Rivers' book helped me do this and it can for you. This is one book that doesn't buy into the new age spiritualism mumbo-jumbo that everyone is jumping on. The Rivers' book is for real and it is a keeper...I'm rereading it now.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm back for another copy...., August 18, 2007

By 

God Lover (Los Angeles, Ca United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Way of the Owl: Succeeding with Integrity in a Conflicted World (Paperback)

I purchased this book several years ago and have misplaced it since moving so I'm back for another copy. Why? Because this book was an integral part of my life and gave incredible insight on how to manage conflict from a spiritual perspective. If you're looking for "entertainment reading" ( 3 stars? C' mon!)this isn't it.
However, if you are like me...a spiritual person who has to deal with conflict somewhere in your life, and would like to do it without losing something precious...your integrity...this is the book for you.
This is also not a "feel good, everything's gonna be ok" type book. Definately, as the the other reviewer said NOT metafizzy in the least. It is a book that will help you discover ways to deal with conflict and confrontation with grace. If you are like me, and had parents that were too busy/dysfuntional to teach you how to defend yourself (in an honest ethical way) you will find great insight here. Like the i-ching, I would just randomly open a page and read it's meaning. This is also a great book to give to a friend who may be having passivity issues.
This book is not for the faint of heart..or someone who does not realize the value of sticking up for yourself when the time comes. It is for those who realize that conflict just IS...like it or not, and those who would like to fight back with honor.
Thanks Frank Rivers...your wisdom is sorely needed. :o)