Customer Reviews

Wisdom from the Batcave: How to Live a Super, Heroic Life

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is truly wonderful: inspiring, energizing, funny, and rewarding, and not just for Batman fans. Friedman takes examples from the caped crusader's adventures, identifies the qualities that make him heroic and admirable, and shows us how to apply them to our own lives. With this simple, brilliant premise he has constructed possibly the most enjoyable self-help book ever. Not at all preachy or tongue-in-cheek, "Wisdom" is refreshingly readable and, though delivering a serious and profound message, doesn't take itself too seriously. Liberally illustrated with scenes from key Batman comics over the years, this slim volume serves the dual purpose of showing us how to lead a more noble, fulfilling life, and reminding us (or showing us for the 1st time) why the Batman is such an important and enduring character. Endorsements from legendary and contemporary comic book pros Dennis O'Neil, Steve Englehart, Neal Adams, Roy Thomas, Joe Kubert, Chuck Dixon, Ed Brubaker and many more drive the point home: this book rules, and is well worth your time!

I love this book! Clear and concise, Rabbi Friedman lays down a compelling argument, not only that comic books can be a valuable reference for lessons in life, but that one needn't be talented, smart, or extraordinary in any way in order to achieve goals and inspire others.
With a telling style and subtle (mostly) humor, Rabbi Friedman ennumerates the many personal and interpersonal struggles that we encounter within our everyday lives, and how we can overcome them.
Read it, and be prepared to feel invigorated in yourself!

This slim, unassuming volume packs a major spiritual punch. Cary Friedman, never conceding to the darker forces of either the self-help or comic genre, offers a genuinely unique and sorely-needed take on the true meaning of heroism. Drawing inspiration from his clearly sincere enthusiasm for the Batman character, Friedman provides pragmatic yet profound suggestions for true life transformation. Fans of comics will love this book, but even those who have never picked up a comic book in their lives will find it deeply wise and (not insignificantly), very entertaining. An absolute must-read for all!!

There are some books that you read once and then put back on the shelf and then maybe read it again in a few months or perhaps even years. "Wisdom from the Batcave" is a book that needs to be read again and again. I have loved Batman for many years, but reading this book has deepened my appreciation and admiration for the Caped Crusader in a way that I never could have envisioned.

The biggest disappointment I have found is that most of the books on Batman only want to discuss Batman's negative characteristics. Without a doubt, the hero is flawed like all human beings are, but he also has great traits that deserve to be highlighted. Thanks to Friedman for undertaking the task of highlighting these praiseworthy traits for us all!

The biggest impact that this book had on me personally is that I can now say that Batman inspires me (the chapter entitled "the value of anticipating consequences" was worth the whole price of the book for me). The bottom line is this: if you are comic book fan - and a Batman fan in particular - I highly recommend this book.

Heroism takes more than tights and a mean left hook. It begins and ends with the courage to make the right decisions. The good Rabbi reminds us that Bruce Wayne is a hero...not by birth, not by chemical accident, but by simple human choice. In reflecting on the Batman's struggles and victories, we're reminded that hero potentiality is resident in our own individual spirits. As Rabbi Friedman says: "Enjoy the book! Live its message!"

A great book for anyone! Not just for Batman fans but it sure enhances the points if you are one. It's straight foreward and too the point. A very enjoyable read that I could recommend to anyone.

A wonderful text. Succinct, uncomplicated, but possessing clarity and depth. A fantastic resource for teaching morality and ethics, particularly to older children and adolescents. I use it heavily in youth leadership training I do with the Boy Scouts. Even having said that, I first read it while doing research for my bachelor's thesis. It truly is appropriate for a huge range of ages, and can provide insight and wisdom for anyone capable of reading it. Just like it's source material!

Wisdom from the Batcave: How to Live a Super, Heroic Life is a self-help guide that draws inspiration from the iconic crimefighting comic book character Batman. An excellent, inspirational and motivational resource that crystallizes the lessons and wisdom that can be learned from these classic comics, Wisdom from the Batcave emphasizes its points with black-and-white panels from issues of "Detective Comics" and other Batman comic books. From the values of persistence and indomitable willpower, to the importance of family, to the benefit and focus of making one's own personal oath, Wisdom from the Batcave is an excellent guide to overall self-improvement especially recommended to Batman fans, but also useful to readers from all walks of life. "The rule, then, is: If it's not necessary to speak, it's necessary not to speak. Instead, keep quiet. Or do something totally radical: listen."

There's a notion that learning anything from a comic book character is laughable. Well they can laugh all they want. They haven't read this book. There are actual lessons and guidance here that can really help you, and it is such an easy book to read. Excellent.

This book was great to read. I don't have a lot of time to read, so the quick, to-the-point chapters were fantastic. The book was better than I expected. I have already recommended this book to many people, including people who are not Batman fans so-to-speak. The ability for the book to have meaning to someone who isn't the biggest fan in the world speaks to how well it was written. I gave the book a 5 star rating, and I think everyone should have the opportunity to read it at least once.