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What Would Keanu Do? Personal Philosophy and Awe-Inspiring Advice from the Patron Saint of Whoa
From Speed's "What would you do?" to Point Break's "If you want the ultimate, you've got to be willing to pay the ultimate price," Keanu Reeves's movies are consistently built around philosophical questions that challenge viewers at the same time they're being entertained.
What Would Keanu Do? examines everyday challenges faced by readers and helps solve those same problems by applying the philosophical lessons espoused by Reeves (or one of his films).
From John Wick and Toy Story 4 to Dangerous Liaisons, The Matrix and everything in between, this humorous yet helpful book provides all of the insight and guidance you'll ever need.
And remember: As noted in the immortal lyrics of Kansas—and dramatically delivered by one Ted "Theodore" Logan—"All we are is dust in the wind."
What Would Keanu Do? examines everyday challenges faced by readers and helps solve those same problems by applying the philosophical lessons espoused by Reeves (or one of his films).
From John Wick and Toy Story 4 to Dangerous Liaisons, The Matrix and everything in between, this humorous yet helpful book provides all of the insight and guidance you'll ever need.
And remember: As noted in the immortal lyrics of Kansas—and dramatically delivered by one Ted "Theodore" Logan—"All we are is dust in the wind."
- GenresNonfictionPhilosophy
144 pages, Hardcover
Published October 6, 2020
3 people are currently reading
1416 people want to read
About the author
Chris Barsanti
16 books46 followersChris Barsanti grew up in the Midwest, where he spent far too much time with his nose buried in a book. These days he continues that bad habit as an author and freelance critic.
Currently a member of the National Book Critics Circle and the Online Film Critics Society, Chris covers books, movies, and other cultural ephemera for Publishers Weekly, Film Journal International , The Playlist , PopMatters , and The Millions .
His writing has also been published everywhere from The Chicago Tribune to The Virginia Quarterly Review and The Barnes & Noble Review.
Currently a member of the National Book Critics Circle and the Online Film Critics Society, Chris covers books, movies, and other cultural ephemera for Publishers Weekly, Film Journal International , The Playlist , PopMatters , and The Millions .
His writing has also been published everywhere from The Chicago Tribune to The Virginia Quarterly Review and The Barnes & Noble Review.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 7, 2022
This book isn't what I expected and I loved it. Very informative and full of insight.
March 18, 2021
I have always been a fan of Keanu so when I saw this book ,I considered it a must have simply for the sake of Fandom. However, I found much more than that. The author takes Keanu's movies and newsworthy moments, and turns them into a way to better your thinking. We all need a simple wisdom sometimes and Keanu's life, and film roles have in their own way have done just that. A man who just lives to do what he loves and be who he is. Of only we could all live to live. Thank you Keanu. And to Chris for compiling these pieces into a reference we can all use.
July 19, 2021
I have my best friend to thank for getting me this book. I loved it! It showcased everything I, and I am sure so many others, love about Keanu. If you are a big Keanu fan like I am, then I definitely suggest you get this book. It even has a display spot on one of my shelves.
November 24, 2021
It's impossible to not love Keanu Reeves. Or at least respect him. If you don't, you're a sociopath. Sorry, I don't make the rules. 🤷🏾♀️
April 23, 2021
A cute little book. My sister got this for me and I was tickled at the title and art. I don’t really care about celebrities save for a couple exceptions and Keanu is definitely one of them. This book was a fun and sweet read but I expected it to be more about the man himself rather than the characters he’s played.
December 3, 2021
Totally excellent philosophical advice from Keanu Reeves.
November 29, 2024
🐺This is my first ever review on Goodreads🐺
First of all, this is a great thanksgiving day quick read if you want something light, funny, and factual. This is the first Thanksgiving without my mom ( and no she isn’t dead thank the gods 💚. She lives over a few more states away from me) and because of that, I woke up sad. So to lift my spirits, I decided to read this even though I was kind of hesitant about it.
Second of all, this is my first time reading this type of book ever. So I don’t usually read biographies, autobiographies, self help books, books written by celebrities or big name people— I just tend to stay away from nonfiction. I am a fantasy person. A little sci fi in there as well. And recently I’ve been trying to get into extreme horror books or novels… mainly splattergore. Though fantasy is my main squeeze ya know? But just like with everything, there comes to exceptions. I have some exceptions with reading nonfiction like about other cultures, witchy stuff, and maybe the occasional anime guide that includes interviews - shoutout to Miyazaki! 💜🖤💜 Though the reason this book became an exception is different than the other exceptions I mentioned before: the price. See with the other exceptions I was so happy to pay full price. Don’t get me wrong, the great Keanu is on my list of favorite actors as well as I really love him as a human being. Yesterday, day before Thanksgiving, the partner and I were scrounging around the unorganized book section of a discount store and found this pup of a book at 4$ ( don’t quote me) where the original price is 15. For a book like that, it is a steal for that price! So I jumped out of my norm and bought the book and wound up falling in love with it.
By page 67, I’ve laughed a few times. Had whoaaaa moments, awe moments, and made me rethink a lot of stuff. It was a good book to make you think.
Honestly I think it’s a book I’m gonna keep going back to. I didn’t come into this serious but the fact that the good advice is shown through not only Keanu life stories, but also his characters that turn out to also reflect him as a person in general made me fall in love with the book. I was certainly surprised that I liked it this much. Hel, I liked it so much to where I might reread it. I mean it’s a super quick read. And the art is amazing I might add. It also has so cool facts of what Keanu did to help his cast and crew during the making of some of his movies as well as show how kind he can be.
The book mainly says Keanu isn’t like the rest. Sure he is an A-list actor, but he shows that he is not an entitled actor because of their status by doing the big and small things that non big name average person does. This book not only helped my outlook on life about certain stuff like being kind even when the other person is in a rage, but it also opened my eyes more of what a great person the great Keanu is. I was super hesitant about reading this book only to find out that it was super insightful and funny. I guess the quote applies here: don’t judge a book by its cover eh?
Also ashamed to say this but I’m today years old when I found out what Neo meant with the quote “There is no spoon”. No the book didn’t tell me. I saw the second Matrix movie when I was a little kid in theatres. And it’s also been a while since I’ve seen the Trilogy but since I first watched the first Matrix movie before the year 2006, I’ve been thinking about what that quote meant and it finally hit me! Program. Spoon is fake and not real reality because it’s a program that was created. Thus the quote “There is no spoon”… goodreaders please correct me if I’m wrong with this one!
So all in all, this book is righteous
Remember to rock on dudes 🤘
First of all, this is a great thanksgiving day quick read if you want something light, funny, and factual. This is the first Thanksgiving without my mom ( and no she isn’t dead thank the gods 💚. She lives over a few more states away from me) and because of that, I woke up sad. So to lift my spirits, I decided to read this even though I was kind of hesitant about it.
Second of all, this is my first time reading this type of book ever. So I don’t usually read biographies, autobiographies, self help books, books written by celebrities or big name people— I just tend to stay away from nonfiction. I am a fantasy person. A little sci fi in there as well. And recently I’ve been trying to get into extreme horror books or novels… mainly splattergore. Though fantasy is my main squeeze ya know? But just like with everything, there comes to exceptions. I have some exceptions with reading nonfiction like about other cultures, witchy stuff, and maybe the occasional anime guide that includes interviews - shoutout to Miyazaki! 💜🖤💜 Though the reason this book became an exception is different than the other exceptions I mentioned before: the price. See with the other exceptions I was so happy to pay full price. Don’t get me wrong, the great Keanu is on my list of favorite actors as well as I really love him as a human being. Yesterday, day before Thanksgiving, the partner and I were scrounging around the unorganized book section of a discount store and found this pup of a book at 4$ ( don’t quote me) where the original price is 15. For a book like that, it is a steal for that price! So I jumped out of my norm and bought the book and wound up falling in love with it.
By page 67, I’ve laughed a few times. Had whoaaaa moments, awe moments, and made me rethink a lot of stuff. It was a good book to make you think.
Honestly I think it’s a book I’m gonna keep going back to. I didn’t come into this serious but the fact that the good advice is shown through not only Keanu life stories, but also his characters that turn out to also reflect him as a person in general made me fall in love with the book. I was certainly surprised that I liked it this much. Hel, I liked it so much to where I might reread it. I mean it’s a super quick read. And the art is amazing I might add. It also has so cool facts of what Keanu did to help his cast and crew during the making of some of his movies as well as show how kind he can be.
The book mainly says Keanu isn’t like the rest. Sure he is an A-list actor, but he shows that he is not an entitled actor because of their status by doing the big and small things that non big name average person does. This book not only helped my outlook on life about certain stuff like being kind even when the other person is in a rage, but it also opened my eyes more of what a great person the great Keanu is. I was super hesitant about reading this book only to find out that it was super insightful and funny. I guess the quote applies here: don’t judge a book by its cover eh?
Also ashamed to say this but I’m today years old when I found out what Neo meant with the quote “There is no spoon”. No the book didn’t tell me. I saw the second Matrix movie when I was a little kid in theatres. And it’s also been a while since I’ve seen the Trilogy but since I first watched the first Matrix movie before the year 2006, I’ve been thinking about what that quote meant and it finally hit me! Program. Spoon is fake and not real reality because it’s a program that was created. Thus the quote “There is no spoon”… goodreaders please correct me if I’m wrong with this one!
So all in all, this book is righteous
Remember to rock on dudes 🤘
January 19, 2024
This was unexpectedly quite profound and enjoyable! A friend bought this for me as a gag gift. Keanu Reeves has a reputation for being a handsome leading man, but not a great actor. For being not particularly bright, while at the same time considered incredibly deep. For enjoying A-lister status, but also just being a really decent human who will take time to help a stranger, or give away large sums of his own money to make the world a fairer place.
The book is richly illustrated, and has a few repeating segments. The longest (at 4 pages) are the lessons from Reeves's various films (I thought I had seen most of them, but his career is quite extensive). Next are the "Keanecdotes" - stories of real-life Keanu being a good human being. And then there are occasionally full-page spreads with a single quote from Keanu or one of his characters. And indeed, it seems like he has chosen characters who utter profundities. Some examples:
- One of the most important things in life is showing up. (Hardball)
- The simple act of paying attention can take you a long way. - Keanu Reeves
- Grief changes shape, but it never ends. - Keanu Reeves
- Sometimes simple things are the most difficult to achieve. - Keanu Reeves
- It is incredibly empowering to know that your future is in your hands. - Keanu Reeves
- Don't fool yourself into thinking you've got the answer... The trick is living without an answer. I think. (Thumbsucker)
I'm realizing now that the best quotes were mostly from Reeves himself. My favorite is the answer he gave Stephen Colbert when asked what happens after we die. Keanu replied, "I know that the ones who love us will miss us."
Author Chris Barsanti has included some nice context, film summaries, and even the occasional flash of philosophy. This has given me more appreciation for Keanu Reeves the actor and the human, and now I've got 6 new films on my Letterboxd watchlist.
The book is richly illustrated, and has a few repeating segments. The longest (at 4 pages) are the lessons from Reeves's various films (I thought I had seen most of them, but his career is quite extensive). Next are the "Keanecdotes" - stories of real-life Keanu being a good human being. And then there are occasionally full-page spreads with a single quote from Keanu or one of his characters. And indeed, it seems like he has chosen characters who utter profundities. Some examples:
- One of the most important things in life is showing up. (Hardball)
- The simple act of paying attention can take you a long way. - Keanu Reeves
- Grief changes shape, but it never ends. - Keanu Reeves
- Sometimes simple things are the most difficult to achieve. - Keanu Reeves
- It is incredibly empowering to know that your future is in your hands. - Keanu Reeves
- Don't fool yourself into thinking you've got the answer... The trick is living without an answer. I think. (Thumbsucker)
I'm realizing now that the best quotes were mostly from Reeves himself. My favorite is the answer he gave Stephen Colbert when asked what happens after we die. Keanu replied, "I know that the ones who love us will miss us."
Author Chris Barsanti has included some nice context, film summaries, and even the occasional flash of philosophy. This has given me more appreciation for Keanu Reeves the actor and the human, and now I've got 6 new films on my Letterboxd watchlist.
January 19, 2021
Here’s a piece of trivia about me that might come in handy one day. My first adult crush was Keanu Reeves. I was 11 and because it was a simpler time, I was introduced to him via his movie Speed. I so badly wanted to be trapped on a bus that was about to explode if it meant he would save me. Unfortunately, the only bus I rode was the school bus and its biggest problem was it didn’t have air conditioning.
Anyway, I loved Keanu Reeves, solely on the fact that he was (and still is) hot. When you’re young, “being hot” is enough to think someone is perfect. When you get older, you realize (hopefully) that “hot” can only go so far. We look for other traits such as they’re loving, caring, smart, have a great sense of humor. Basically we hope they’re an all-around decent human being.
Well, guess what. It turns out, 11-year-old me was right. Keanu Reeves is perfect because he is all of those things. If you don’t believe me, then you should grab a copy of What Would Keanu Do? by Chris Barsanti and get ready to feel like the terrible human you are. I know I did.
Books like this tend to read like a self-help book but for the most part, it’s really just a collection of all of his amazing qualities and responses and good deeds put together in 142 pages that’s probably aimed at getting us to be better humans.
From charitable contributions to random acts of kindness, his actions prove that if we are all a little more Keanu, the world would be a little better.
What Would Keanu Do? is a quick read and is great for anyone who is still recovering from the nightmare that was 2020. Enjoy!
Anyway, I loved Keanu Reeves, solely on the fact that he was (and still is) hot. When you’re young, “being hot” is enough to think someone is perfect. When you get older, you realize (hopefully) that “hot” can only go so far. We look for other traits such as they’re loving, caring, smart, have a great sense of humor. Basically we hope they’re an all-around decent human being.
Well, guess what. It turns out, 11-year-old me was right. Keanu Reeves is perfect because he is all of those things. If you don’t believe me, then you should grab a copy of What Would Keanu Do? by Chris Barsanti and get ready to feel like the terrible human you are. I know I did.
Books like this tend to read like a self-help book but for the most part, it’s really just a collection of all of his amazing qualities and responses and good deeds put together in 142 pages that’s probably aimed at getting us to be better humans.
From charitable contributions to random acts of kindness, his actions prove that if we are all a little more Keanu, the world would be a little better.
What Would Keanu Do? is a quick read and is great for anyone who is still recovering from the nightmare that was 2020. Enjoy!
January 30, 2022
Ok. So it isn't some super well though out thesis of existential philosophy or a grandiose display of some deep moral code...it is supposed to be that.
This is humble, decent, gratitude. Keanu. A zen like fellow who appears to be a very decent human being.
Sad we need books like this, talking about people like this, to act as guides but, here we are, the 21st century, barely moving out from under the shadows of narcissist "leaders"and authoritarian dickheads. We need more Keanu's out there.
"Pay things forward and dividends will follow."
This is humble, decent, gratitude. Keanu. A zen like fellow who appears to be a very decent human being.
Sad we need books like this, talking about people like this, to act as guides but, here we are, the 21st century, barely moving out from under the shadows of narcissist "leaders"and authoritarian dickheads. We need more Keanu's out there.
"Pay things forward and dividends will follow."
March 2, 2024
What a great little book.
Want to cheer yourself up? Not take yourself so seriously? This is the book for you.
A lovely cheerful book, bought as a gag present but actually gave really good advice about not taking yourself to seriously. Accepting yourself for what you are and not forgetting those you meet along the way.
Love Keanu's insights into who he is and why he does what he does and just to see him as a person not an actor.
Recommend this book for those wanting a bit of think and a laugh
Want to cheer yourself up? Not take yourself so seriously? This is the book for you.
A lovely cheerful book, bought as a gag present but actually gave really good advice about not taking yourself to seriously. Accepting yourself for what you are and not forgetting those you meet along the way.
Love Keanu's insights into who he is and why he does what he does and just to see him as a person not an actor.
Recommend this book for those wanting a bit of think and a laugh
January 10, 2021
Keanu is my favorite so of course it was awesome! Quick read that had some good stories on his generosity but most fans should be familiar with them. A good addition to my Keanu collection!
February 17, 2022
It was cute and an easy read.
April 13, 2022
Cute. Great illustrations. A thoughtful gift for the Keanu Reeves fan in your life.
December 28, 2023
Truely blessed by the patron saint of WHOA!
December 31, 2024
Kind of amusing? I really am not sure what to say about this book. It wasn't exactly what I expected it to be but the author definitely knew their Keanu Reeves movies.
November 10, 2024
Wit and wisdom based on Keanu Reeves' movie roles.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews