The premise of this book is how to live life according to Willie's interpretation of the Tao te Ching. The Red-Headed Stranger gives some great insight into life and happiness, and how to live for the now. My favorite line says it all "Are you happy now?"
The book is chock full of anecdotes from Willie's life, as well as a smattering of his favorite jokes, all applied to the idea of the Tao In essence, he says, there's no sense in getting all keyed up over things in life.
It is part biography, and you will get a few tales of the different stages in his life, though I think that the idea that he was intentionally applying the Tao to his life at an early age is a little far-fetched. It's easy to see that in his current life, however.
When you get through this book, if you don't feel calmer and more happier, then you obviously read it too fast, and missed the basic principles. Even if you don't use this as a Cowboy Taoist bible, you should be able to come away with a clearer respect for the ideas incorporated within.
Rate this one 7½ stars.
