Musashi

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Summary: Shimmen Miyamoto Musashi
Review: Musashi is the best book I have ever read!Based on the true life of Shimmen Miyamoto Musashi, who wouldn't want to read it? Musashi was the greatest swordsman from Japan.Proving so by going 60- something duels straight without losing one. This book tells of his getting out his boy hood stage and becoming a real man. A follower of the Way of the Sword. Including characters such as Takuan Soho, and Sasaki Kojiro this book is a must have for anyone interested in Fuedal Japan.

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Summary: Utterly moving
Review: It is nearly impossible for me to give an even remotely unbiased review of Yoshikawa Eiji's "Musashi" as it simply the greatest saga I've ever read.

Set in Feudal Japan, beginning just before the battle of Sekigahara, you follow a naive and undisciplined young man with dreams of becoming a great samurai off to war. He is immediately hit with the reality that being a samurai is not as easy as enlisting for war. His world is thrown into further turmoil when his side loses the "Great Battle" of Sekigahara, leaving him and his best friend, stranded and alone in enemy territory . . .

This is just the beginning of the story of Musashi and the quest that eventually transforms him into the great samurai that created the style of fighting with two swords.

I so much loved this book that on two occasions, I have found myself vehemently arguing with Japanese acquaintances in Musashi's defense (as a handful historians have disputed Yoshikawa's depiction of Musashi's final duel).

Musashi . . . my hero.

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Summary: MUSASHI ( a review by one man's opinion)
Review: About 15 years ago i was in the Edmonton publis library, on the paperback rack was a book called musashi, nothing about it really stood out for me but it apeared to be the most promising book on the rack, i checked it out and it sat for a couple day's, when i started to read it, i was almost stunned at how the book started following the life of a promising young man in feudal japan. Still i was sure that the second book (it can be found in five paperbacks, i recomend the hard cover) would fall apart and lose all the steam the first one had built up, regardless i checked into the book before taking out the second one, it was now that i realized the story was based on fact, my interest had now taken a great leap, as i realized that this poor rat of a boy who was now developing into a man through, several hardships was a real human being! I finished reading the series as it was so compeling that i could not put it down. Upon completing it i found myself wanting more but alas Miyamoto Musashi Japan's greatest swordsman and a gret testament to the resilience of the human spirit had some how slipped from society's grasp and dissapeared. If you feel that you are not able to achieve your full success in life and would like one more encouraging story i suggest you read this book, and take in all that this amazing man has to offer. Author, poet, wood carver, artist, philosopher, swordsman, he was a master of them all and yet he taught himself all of these. This book get's 5 stars from me.

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Summary: This book have changed me!
Review: 'Musashi' is the best book I ever read. The book itself doesn't only keep you from not putting it down, but it does gives you something more than enjoyment. There is a soul in this book...something that's hard to explian. It made me go back to look at my self. This book will change those who ever read it!

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Summary: Musashi
Review: Musashi is a book with many morals and values that everyone should go by. The reason I rated this book 5 stars because it is a moving yet strong story. If there was a book I could choose to read, I would pick Musashi.

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Summary: Incredible!
Review: I have read so-o-o-o many books but this one is in the top 5. Although this book took forever to read between work (lunch time only) and caring for a toddler, (after the nightly news) ect. I didn't care. It was such a joy to read and I looked forward to reading it. I found myself gripping those thin pages and wondering what would happen next because unlike many ho-hum USA books it was so unpredictableand and very rewarding. Mushashi's strive for the WAY reminded me of the story of Crazy Horse and his relationship with The Great Spirit. To me they are the same with a differeant name. I especially liked Otsu and laughed with mirth at Jakarto's antics. Takuan was especially cool and wish there were more men like him in this world. What I want to know is -- what ever became of Musashi? As a real person I know he wrote the Book of Five Rings but when I try to look up some info about him on the web all I get is this book. Did he ever get married and have children? Did he have a school? I liked the references to nature in this great story. Hey, it's too bad they only had Sake to drink; that stuff can stand you on your ear. If you're a female and think this book is only for guy's - don't. As a female I can tell you this book is excellent! Oh sigh, now what can I read now? I already miss Mushashi but in a few years I'll read it again.

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Summary: Mythologized, but who cares?
Review: This is one great, great book. Yoshikawa takes a few liberties as he sees fit of course, but the story that comes out is beautiful enough for us not to care. From all indications anyway, it seeems that Musashi inside and outside of Japan is about as mythologized as Alexander. I was especially impressed by the transition from Takezo to Musashi, from common bully to warrior. And the build up to the climactic fights, under the spreading pine and the last one with Sasaki Kojiro, are excellent. All I wish is that I could get my hands on more books like this and this good.

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Summary: Greatest book I have ever read
Review: Musashi is not only an epic tale, but a story that divulges the secrets of living life to the fullest. There are many things to be learned from this magnificent novel....which are still applicable today in every respect. Whether you want to read an astounding historical biography or you want to learn about Japanese culture, you'll never forget this book!

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Summary: A brilliant book
Review: I read this book ages ago, some time in the mid-80s maybe. I remember my parents gave it to me for Christmas and I started reading right away. Bad for my family. I lost myself in "Musashi" for the next three or four days. Got immersed in the world of the samurai and wished I had lived during that time. It was a wonderful reading experience.

Now that those memories are brought back I have to rush to my bookshelf and start reading "Musashi" again.

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Summary: One of the Best Books EVER written!!!!
Review: This book welled me to tears, and led me to some of the most important decisions in my life. No other book has captured the beauty of life in a better way. Such an epic saga is rare in occurence, and this should be read by everyone. It has changed the way I look at things, it has changed my mind about things i was adament about before. If you are even thinking about a good read, you must take on this series.