This book has been a great reading experience. Thanks to the author and the publisher for bringing this book to life.

A good book on the importance of play, written by Mark Johnson, who also fills in much of his life, and how he discovered taoism, which is as he reminds us, phonetically pronounced Daoism. He says that a sage can play, as play requires certain qualities that are possessed by a sage, but any reader can use this book to improve their play and I highly recommend the book.

East meets West in Mark Johnson’s “Life as Play.” Part memoir and part treatise on Daoist philosophy and practices, the author weaves an entertaining and informative description of his spiritual path as he traveled around the United States and the Far East. His journey reveals an extraordinary adventure by an ordinary (in the best sense) man – an adventure that beckons anyone who desires to discover the divinity within.

I requested this book because of the title. As a firstborn, overachiever, I need occasional reminders to play…to allow rather than push. I found the author’s message compelling and I especially appreciated his self-effacing wit. The text is liberally sprinkled with stories, both classic and new, that illustrate the relevance of esoteric principles to human experience. He clearly notes that only a mature adult is prepared to embrace and embody the inherent “Playfulness of the Universe.” I found the chapter on the Nine Daoist Vortices (aka chakras) and the technique to stabilize and stimulate each vortex particularly helpful.

This book may ruffle a few feathers for those who prefer a more traditional view of spirituality, but for those who like to “push the envelope” it is a relatable and fun read. At times I felt myself laughing out loud and feeling lighter after the reading a chapter or two.

My thanks to the author, Dao Publishing, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing a digital ARC in exchange for an independent, honest review.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.