Living the Braveheart Life: Finding the Courage to Follow Your Heart

by Randall Wallace, Matt Baugher (Reader)

Are you ready to embrace your life with your whole heart? Part biography, part master class, Living the Braveheart Life will challenge readers to fight to win on the greatest battlefield of the one inside the human heart, the one where an individual stands alone before God. Once chosen as a speaker at the National Prayer Breakfast, Wallace shares how reflecting back on his life and career at that moment opened his eyes. “I’m not a philosopher or a preacher; I’m a storyteller, like Jesus. As nearly as I can tell, that’s my only similarity with him. Except for one other like him, I’ve also cried out, ‘My God, why have you forsaken me?’” Fans of Braveheart will see how the Spirit who created Braveheart formed Randall Wallace’s life and career. Not the other way around.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Inspirational, Christian Living, Religion, Scotland

Audio CD

First published September 8, 2015

Reviews

[Jessika Caruso · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a Christian memoir, chronicling pivotal moments in Randall Wallace’s spiritual journey, childhood, career, and other life experiences. He had some illuminating ideas about Christianity (and is a scholar himself, with a Masters’ in Religion). I identified with a lot of his thoughts and appreciated him sharing his insights about theology and human life. However, Wallace repeated many of his stories in multiple chapters. I would have appreciated better organization.

Oh, and Randall Wallace wrote Braveheart. Which you probably know, since that movie is in the title. In fact, this is probably why you are reading the book in the first place. Therefore, why does Wallace summarize every scene is Braveheart - multiple times - for the readers’ understanding? I’ve seen the movie: tell me more! He compares the behavior of the characters to how we should or shouldn’t act in everyday life. If you’re looking for pre-production or on-set stories, you won’t find many here.

I love his voice and writing style, and believe me, Wallace tells a captivating story (look for the one about Laird Hamilton). This wasn’t exactly what I was expecting, but I’m not sorry I read it.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I pray to trust that you can and will use everything I am and everything I have--including all the things I might not like about myself--as tool to do whatever it is that you want." What pearls of wisdom, what great inspiration and encouragement I drew from this book! Thank you for opening your heart, Mr. Wallace, Braveheart. Your story is powerful and it resonates with me. I have selections highlighted and will keep them as prized expressions to memorize into the essence of my soul. The prayer about God using me is my favorite one! I have had braveheart moments and have not always been brave and courageous, fear poisoning me like a dark liquid into my heart. On the other hand, I have had moments of divine opportunity where I have jumped in. This book gave me fuel and encouragement on my path. I now have a new dream coming together. I will move.

[Victor · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know what I was expecting. The cover is really pretty and it was about braveheart and passion so I thought, why not? Turns out the reason why not is there are a whole bunch of good books out there.

[Ron Wroblewski · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book written by the author and screenwriter of the book and movie Braveheart plus the screenwriter of the movie We Were Soldiers..., both movies staring Mel Gibson. He also wrote the book Pearl Harbor which was made into a movie. It is a behind the scenes view of the author's thoughts about writing the book and watching over the production of the movie - the lessons he learned about how to live a life. It is also a religious book. The Wallace speaks of his believe in Christianity - not necessarily to doctrines, but the experiences with belief in life. Here are several quotes:

"Isn't there something in you and me that craves, needs, demands us to seek to stand for something more important than our own little lives - to stand for the Great Life in the hand of God? This is a book about that Something. This is a book about the Braveheart Life."

"it is a great piece of the Truth to understand that men and women aren't complete without each other"

"one or two True Friends together is an army, any number of True Brothers in your Chosen Family is a massive and powerful group. Jesus knew exactly what he was saying when he told his followers, 'Where two or more are gathered in my name, there will I be also."

:Friends share and embrace what is deepest and truest and most essential about us, and in so doing they become our True Brothers and Sisters."

"Becky would focus on everything she loved about a story and would stay with that, trusting that highlighting those aspects would naturally correct any other shortcomings."

Love this one "To make a fire - or a life - flame brightest and hottest, we breathe all the oxygen we have into the places where it is already glowing."

"We think of the single person as free and speak of marriage as if it is the surrender of freedom, but surely marriage could offer a new and greater level of freedom, the kind that comes with companionship and confidence and commitment."

[JD' · Rating 5 out of 5]

I worked one summer as a camp counselor to kids. In my cabin, I had a small kid named Cullen Wallace. His dad was the author of Braveheart. I was honored to meet this author and shake his hand. I had seen Braveheart in the movie theater 8 times wanted to skip my prom night to watch the movie a 2nd time v and had a life size cut out board of William Wallace in my bedroom. It was the greatest, best movie I had ever seen in my life. (Next to Star Wars).

Braveheart, is a story that focuses fully on fathers and sons and the brotherhood of warriors.
Am interesting quote he mentions is that,
"A fathers duty is to save the child from the mother."
Being a father who is alienated from the mother and blocked this dad from being apart of raising our son resonated in me.

Braveheart is also about giving love to woman, giving them our whole heart and our life.. with a William Wallace like love and passion.

Randall Wallace almost lost his hand. But a miracle happens that doctors can't explain and the author gets to keep his arm.. and uses it to point to God.

"I spent my life seeking God. But the truth is God was seeking me."

Fear is the greatest lie and
Pride, the desire to be better than others is the most dominant sin.
Facing the truth is the 1st step in healing and freedom.
The greatest gift a parent can give to their child is joy.

Sadly Randall Wallace did not win best screenplay for Braveheart. He thinks not winning the award was the best thing that happened to him, because instead of an ego growing, his character grew in humility.. I had wanted the Oscar and was disappointed when that didn't happen.. if i lived for the praise of the crowd and approval of others I would have lost.. my soul.

"People have said to me, you must have done a great deal of research to write the story of Braveheart and the story of William Wallace. I tell them, yes, I read the New Testament, because there is no literal history of William Wallace."

Randall Wallace writes about his favorite books, "Care of the soul" by Thomas More and satirist, Mark Twain who wrote The Adventures of Huckleberry Berry Fin, about a boy who escapes small town Missouri life and wants the freedom from the dreary rules of society, manners, stiff clothes, an abusive father... and Huck Fin simply does not want to wear any shoes.
Huck floats down a river, looking up at stars watching sunsets, sunrises and accidentally comes across a run away slave.
Fin had been taught in his little town by God fearing people that slaves are in their rightful place and abolitionists are the lowest form of society.
The people who owned Jim, may have been really good people, maybe they were kinder than any other slave master out there.
Huck is in a crisis. If he helps this slave Jim run away, he will go to Hell. Huck doesn't want to go to Hell and plans to go into town and reveal the runaway slave needing to be returned to his master.
Jim says, "I want to be a free man. I will spend my whole life making money to rescue my wife from slavery. Then I will work my whole life and spend all my money to give freedom to my children from slavery. Everyone who is white has betrayed me, except for you" ... and something incredibly miraculous happens to Huck as he floats to town. He has a change of heart ❤ to become an outlaw and go to hell to help free this slave.
Huck with this revelation became alive for the 1st time in his life. He lived a Braveheart life that he would not return to becoming ignorant and became "woke."
Huckleberry Finn, the novel by Mark Twain was banned from schools and censored all across America.
I pray for my enemies, that they would have a revelation, of realizing how important a father is. I know the mom has a good family and they treat little Indy who turns 6 years old with kindness. He gets all the presents 🎁 and gifts he wants, but he has no father. I am treated like Jim the slave by that family. The dad has called me asperm donor and vowed i will never be apart of the family. My words are censored just like Mark Twain. All I can do is pray that the mom one day gets a revelation like the teenage boy Huck Finn about what she is doing.
The author recounts how a lawyer accused his wife in family court of all the things she was innocent of but that he had done himself. The author tells the woman that love transforms. Pray for your enemies and let love transform you. Idon't know if the girl in the story was touched... but I was and vow to pray 🙏 for my enemies. I do not wish then in jail or a bad life. All I pray for is to be reunited with my little boy ND.

Randall Wallace recounts when his mom died, a bittersweet experience. He saw her body and felt his heart pulled backward and his soul sifted like wheat. But it was no longer her... He knew her spirit had left to another place.


The author ends his memoirs about the last moment on earth with his father and the greatest gift his dad gave him. The father fighting for his life, said not 1 word, could not smile, speak or laugh, but instead opened his eyes 1 last time, looking directly at his son, with his hand he touched his heart ❤ ... Braveheart!

[Ben Andrus · Rating 2 out of 5]

I borrowed the audiobook from the library after listening to Jordan Peterson's interview with Randall Wallace (screenwriter for Braveheart), which I found very interesting an even a little inspiring. My suggestion is skip the book and listen to the interview. Peterson is able to pull way more interesting thoughts out of Wallace than Wallace was able to access about himself to put into this somewhat overlong and (and kinda vanilla) book. Though I did learn a really interesting story about Laird Hamilton that I had not heard.

[Kevin Thumpston · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed hearing the heart of the screenwriter of such an epic movie. His faith in Christ fueled his writing of the script. I didn't rate the book higher due to the format of the book, but there are some good nuggets throughout.

[Stephen James Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

In Living the Braveheart Life: Finding the Courage to Follow Your Heart, Oscar nominated screenwriter Randall Wallace shares his journey to writing the story of the epic film Braveheart. Part memoir and part theological reflection, Wallace invites readers to explore his creation of the character William Wallace and to understand the significant impact that character had on his own personal development.

I am a fan of Braveheart, though I've only seen it once, so I was particularly excited to read this book. I also appreciate Wallace's rugged warrior philosophy; in a culture where genuine masculinity is targeted for elimination, it is refreshing to read the words of a man who encourages men (and women) to be ruggedly tough yet tender and passionate. Randall Wallace's faith journey has taken him to many heights and many valleys; his raw and riveting creation of Braveheart mirrors his own walk with God through triumph and struggle. Any reader, any man, can connect with such a tale. Storytelling is Wallace's skill.

Within Living the Braveheart Life is the potential for a masterpiece reflection on film and art, faith and spirituality, and masculinity and the doctrine of man. As a master storyteller, Wallace crafts diamonds of stories that have the ability to greatly impact readers. However, this potential is not realized. One of my mentors offered me great counsel for writing sermons and speeches: do not try to preach two sermons in one message. Clearly define where you want to take your listeners and bring them there with as few detours along the way. Wallace would have benefited from such counsel. Living the Braveheart Life is not quite a biography nor is it a Christian living book. It's not quite a book about film-making nor is it a text about storytelling. It's not a doctrinal text, but it also does not offer clear practical steps to living a braveheart life. Wallace attempts what John Eldredge has already accomplished, in hopes that the reputation of Braveheart will garner attention for the text. Living the Braveheart Life had the potential to stir the William Wallace in all of us. Instead, I found myself irritated by disorganized streams of conscience; it was as if I heard one half a fireside conversation without any idea as to what the other half was saying.

Early in the text, Wallace mentioned that one of his favorite books is Care of the Soul: A Guide for Cultivating Depth and Sacredness in Everyday Life. I wrote an incredibly brief but scathing review of Care of the Soul that you can find here on Goodreads. Such speculative and liberal theology is often laden with logical inconsistencies and doctrinal inaccuracies. Wallace's love for Thomas Moore's book raised a red flag for me from the beginning. Though Wallace clearly affirms Jesus Christ as God and his Savior (and hence, I consider him a brother), his text seems to fall more in line with Moore than Eldredge.

I finished the book feeling that there was so much more that could have been said and so much that could be better communicated, clarified, and resolved. I'm not any more certain how to live the Braveheart life than when I first picked up the book, though I am thankful for the opportunity to learn more about the life of a man who created a legendary film and character.

[Bonita Jewel · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Braveheart" was my favorite movie from the time I first watched it at 13 years of age until ... well, I guess until I returned to having far more of an interest in books than movies.

In the first two years of its release, I watched it 17 times and could quote large segments of it ... whole scenes. In fact, on a long all-night bus trip in India, I quoted probably half the movie to a friend of mine who had never seen it. (Yes, we were both bored, but neither of us could sleep.)

I am glad I read this book now, though, and not back then. Because now is when I needed to read a book by a storyteller and writer, by an author who describes what it means to him to live "the Braveheart life" in so many areas of life: relationally, emotionally, spiritually, and more.

Randall Wallace is a terrific storyteller, and this book is honest and real, but also very well-woven. I like the back story of how he came to write the book, the many quotes from the screenplay sprinkled throughout, a few little-known facts about the filming, and how the story of his own life is woven into it.

I would recommend this book to any aspiring writers and storytellers ... or any fellow appreciators of the story that is Braveheart.

[Thebruce1314 · Rating 2 out of 5]

The cover claims this book should be categorized under biography/autobiography, but I think that's a bit misleading. There are biographical elements, sure, but it's more of an attempted-spiritual guide/advertisement for the movie. And I don't need to be sold on Braveheart, believe me: one of my favourite movies, if not my absolute favourite, and the catalyst that sparked my love for Scottish history and the multiple trips I have made to that hallowed country. So I picked up this book thinking that I would learn a bit about the creative process, and maybe spark some of my own inspiration; what I didn't expect was a guide to loving Jesus. And frankly, I didn't really appreciate it.
My favourite line of the whole book, and probably not for the right reasons, was, "I place my guns with Jesus." (Pg. 189 of the hardcover edition if you're curious).
Obviously Wallace is a talented writer. When he shared personal stories over the course of the book, I ate them up, but the text around the stories was meandering and self-reflective, which didn't always translate to anything meaningful for the reader. Other than a few interesting anecdotes, I was pretty disappointed in this.

[Paige Gordon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up on a whim after realizing that Randall was the author of Braveheart, one of my favorite movies. Although his writing style is very poetic and sometimes hard to follow, I really liked a lot of what he had to say. While it's definitely not one of the "you must read this!" list (I feel like there's been a lot of those for me recently), it is certainly worth taking the time if you want to know a little more about the heart and the story behind Braveheart and several other incredible films (We Were Soldier, Man in the Iron Mask).

Favorite Quote: "Daring to love and trust when such a sense of loss is possible - and perhaps even inevitable, sooner or later, in every life - requires courage of the heart. Trying to avoid such loss by seeking to avoid the risk of Love and Faith does not prevent the wounding of our souls. It's as if betrayal wounds us by hurting, but the cowardice that seeks to avoid all danger is a death by poison. All of us are wounded. All of us must learn to heal."

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I both delighted and struggled with Wallace’s book. Learning the author’s deliberate choice of scenes and the why behind them was fascinating. His making himself vulnerable in the interpretation of Braveheart adds deeper meaning to the movie. For these things, I loved the book.

I struggled in my reading in part because it has been so long since I watched Braveheart. Several scenes that Wallace described were lost in my memory banks. Perhaps that disconnect contributed to another area of struggle for me. As hard as I tried, I could not plug into the personal application suggested by Wallace to develop the Braveheart life in myself. I will take the failure on myself and apologize to the author. So, hint to other readers: it might help to watch the movie again before reading this book. Go ahead. It’ll be fun, and then get the added benefits in the book.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing. Disjointed. The author kept writing in circles. It was frustrating to finally get to something interesting only to have the story be abruptly cut short by, "before i can continue with this story I have to tell you another one."
This is not really about the making of Braveheart, nor does it give us any insight into what motivated the author to write the screenplay. Its a hodge podge of ramblings about theology and what makes a warrior. Dare i say it has a negative attitude towards women? I felt like the author's divorce left him bitter and should of been left out of the book.
The last half of the book is extremely religious in nature. Wallace pushes his beliefs rather strongly.
The ending was a let down.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Screenwriter Randall Wallace writes candidly of his experiences and spiritual growth that grew out of writing and producing Braveheart for the big screen. He shares stories about his family of origin, and about the challenges of living in and with the world of Hollywood movies.

I thought the parallels to the faith journey and the lessons Wallace learned in his research were an interesting juxtaposition. Sometimes the lesson was not immediately obvious to Wallace, and it was only after some contemplation that he understood what he was meant to learn.

Nicely done memoir, and spiritual without being preachy

[Gordon Paisley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounding up from 3.5 stars. An interesting, often rambling collection of thoughts and anecdotes. I appreciate what Randall is trying to do here, yet ironically, for a professional writer/storyteller, the book doesn't hold a single strong narrative. Every now and then he seems to just toss in "The Braveheart life is_____________". I love Braveheart--it is one of my all-time favorite movies, and I share his faith and his strong sense of family.

I got this fairly inexpensively at Amazon, and it was definitely worth it for that.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uneven in tone. It was never quite a "behind the scenes of Braveheart," even though parts of it were. It was never quite a John Eldredge style men's book, though parts of it were. It wasn't a book about the writing process, although it had some good things to say on the subject. It was more of a book about Jesus than I thought it would be, but still not enough to be considered devotional reading. So I enjoyed it, but I'm still not sure what it all added up to be.

[Greg Lauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple, but not easy

Not really sure what I expected from the writer of my favorite movie of all time. But I got SO much more. While the Beeg Guy could have written a simple "do this, then that" kind of book, he chose to share a much more profound gift. By this I mean that Wallace has surrendered a part of his soul in order to provide a mirror, telescope, and microscope through which we can look at our own.

[Tara Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated the personal antidotes and found the descriptions of the Hollywood process fascinating. I found myself really liking the author and wishing I could sit down and have a fireside conversation with him. However, I felt a lot of the writing didn’t seem smooth from one point to the next. It felt to me, a little jumbled. Not smooth. But still, I finished the last sentence moved to tears. So glad I read it!

[Jarm Boccio · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am passionate about Braveheart. So I was eagerly anticipating this read. And although I wished the entire book was related to the screenwriter’s film, I was touched by the brave hearts in Randall’s life. From every angle the author examines what it means to live the braveheart life. If you loved Braveheart AND history, you will enjoy this book.

[Jack Roche · Rating 1 out of 5]

From what I recall, this is exactly as self-congratulatory and bombastic as you'd expect, but my great aunt who is a nun gave it to me as a high school graduation present so I had to read it. Now she's cut ties with the family and apparently left the convent, so did I even really need to after all? Dad if you're reading this I'm sorry for making a joke about Aunt Anne.

[Rick Iacobo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. The author writes this book with a cliffhanger at the end of every chapter to keep you going. Great personal accounts of the authors life so far and journey of faith. Also an insiders look to how the script for Braveheart came about. Good stuff, would recommend to a friend. Easy read, not super deep.

[Marilyn Benson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Religious not writer's journey

This book spends far more time discussing the writing process. Driveshaft seems mainly used in the title to draw readership. The process of the movie seems like a footnote to the religious message. Not at all what I expected.

[TransparentFilter · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't finish it. I gave it a good try. How could the screenwriter of one of my favorite movies have written this meandering, pointless dribble? I kept thinking there would be a point eventually but after forty-seven pages I realized, I didn't care. Life is too short to read boring books.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible story behind a story

The author of the Braveheart story tells his story, which is as deep and Rich as the story of William Wallace. It all only added to the whole experience and made me want to see the movie again.

[Michael Vincent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wallace gives interesting background stories concerning Braveheart and about his own life. He is a bit scattered in challenging us to live a braveheart life, but his heart and respect for his faith in Jesus comes through. He certainly made me more interested in watching the movie.

[Star Gater · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is written like going to see a really good speaker in a lecture hall. The writing is meh, but the stories are lovely and beautiful. The author summed up his life in end with words I pray I never forget. "All of us die. And all of us can really live. Amen."

[Carol Apgar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good points but hard to follow

I liked the homey feel to it. But I found the writing to be disjointed. I enjoyed it but likely would not read again.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wallace rambles too much but there are some real nuggets, especially about writing, hidden among the disorganized thoughts.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting but I did enjoy reading it. Rambled a bit but good stuff in there too.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book. I loved it.