Even though it is a didactic book, it is a charming quick read, as a peek into the diary of a 15th century Knight. ( )

A Knight in Buddha's clothing

Assuming 'The Rules for a Knight', would speak of chivalry, battle and danger, the reality was anything but. This is a Zen-like meditation focused on the humanity one should embrace.. Taken from a letter written in the fifteenth century handed down across generations, Ethan Hawke shares something unique about his heritage, and odd that it may be, acting and writing aren't included. Concise and filled with enlightening wisdom the rules/guidance are profound considering when they were written. I found the short chapters and parables a delight, and the wisdom invigorating. As advocates of the written word, we rarely if ever have the opportunity to indulge in something so unique, factual and historical. Having descended from a unique family, its easy to see how Ethan's writing takes on deeper meaning and I feel his willingness to translate and publish this, generous. ( )

A good story for kids with an interest in morality, or at least parents who want their kids to be interesting in morality. Not for kids with too much curiosity around the historical accuracy. The book purports to be a translation of a letter written in the 15th century, but abounds with anachronisms (very British cups of tea) and retellings of parables from Eastern philosophy.

The melancholy tone of the book, where the main character transmits his moral lessons to his children on the evening prior to a fateful battle, and the piecemeal story structure, make this a book perhaps to be dipped into, rather than consumed whole. ( )

I read a third of this sentimental syrup. It was enough. ( )

The e-reader advance copy of this book was provided to me by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Who hasn't daydreamed about discovering some fabulous ancestor hanging out in your family tree?

Ethan Hawke has imagined the last days of a noble warrior Sir Thomas Lemuel Hawke. This man of integrity and honor did exist; according to the author, Sir Thomas was killed at the Battle of Slaughter Bridge in the winter of 1483.

Whether this man is actually related to the author is doubtful but it does make a nice place to begin a fun read.

The story begins with Sir Thomas at Cornwall facing almost certain death in battle the next day. In these final hours, he thinks of his children. They are young and unprepared for the future without him. He tells them that their Grandfather prepared a handwritten rubric for him when he was a young aspiring knight and that he feels compelled "to pass on to you Grandfather's list of 'Rules'."

Sir Thomas begins his letter with a description of his own childhood. He describes a life out-of-control until one day he realizes, on his own at age 17, that he needs guidance. " I decided to seek out the wisest man I could find and ask him to tell me how to live...The first thing I was given was a small handwritten list entitled 'Rules for a Knight'."

The letter is broken up into these 20 Rules; each followed by a parable from his own experience on that particular virtue.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book. In a way it reminded me of Rocky and Bullwinkle's Aesop and Son fables. (That's a 1960s cartoon show.)

I have little knowledge of medieval life so I can't spot gaffes in the story. Our hero, Sir Thomas, can wear a Timex watch for all I care. But it was obvious to me that the author pulled his thoughts from a myriad of traditional self-help sources and other popular stories to create the medieval version of Chicken Soup for Knights.

This adorable little book is a family work; Ethan's wife, Ryan did all the cute b&w illustrations. I believe the book would be best read to young children together with their parents.

In my perfect vision of quality family time, 20 star lit nights are spent reading and sharing chapters around a campfire with cocoa and marshmallows.
( )