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The Warrior Poet Way: A Guide to Living Free and Dying Well
An instant Wall Street Journal Bestseller!
From the founder of the Warrior Poet Society, a daring manual on how to become a dangerous—and good—man
There is a war on masculinity, and everywhere we look—on every front we hold sacred—we can see the painful reminders of this collapsing order. The chaos and crisis we are experiencing today should be a signal for men everywhere to rise up; to fight to preserve our way of life by once again walking the ancient paths. But this isn’t a journey that need be taken alone.
In The Warrior Poet Way, public speaker, former Army Ranger, and all-around patriot John Lovell offers a needed antidote to the lack of strong men in our modern world. This is a call to all men to be what they truly are. Both dangerous and good. Lovers and fighters. Lions and lambs.
Both philosophical and practical, this guide dispenses essential advice on how to be a whole man, from tyranny-proofing your home to wooing the right woman. Through anecdotes of his time in the military, interviews with other men, and practicums at the end of each chapter, Lovell teaches the virtue of balance—navigating the tension between violent warrior and romantic poet—and guides men through each mental and physical change they must make to embody the ancient spirit of a real man.
This is a manual for every man to use in the fight of their life—and what it takes to win. No good thing comes easy, and the life you want is just on the other end of what you don’t want to do. This is the Warrior Poet Way. Are you ready to walk it?
From the founder of the Warrior Poet Society, a daring manual on how to become a dangerous—and good—man
There is a war on masculinity, and everywhere we look—on every front we hold sacred—we can see the painful reminders of this collapsing order. The chaos and crisis we are experiencing today should be a signal for men everywhere to rise up; to fight to preserve our way of life by once again walking the ancient paths. But this isn’t a journey that need be taken alone.
In The Warrior Poet Way, public speaker, former Army Ranger, and all-around patriot John Lovell offers a needed antidote to the lack of strong men in our modern world. This is a call to all men to be what they truly are. Both dangerous and good. Lovers and fighters. Lions and lambs.
Both philosophical and practical, this guide dispenses essential advice on how to be a whole man, from tyranny-proofing your home to wooing the right woman. Through anecdotes of his time in the military, interviews with other men, and practicums at the end of each chapter, Lovell teaches the virtue of balance—navigating the tension between violent warrior and romantic poet—and guides men through each mental and physical change they must make to embody the ancient spirit of a real man.
This is a manual for every man to use in the fight of their life—and what it takes to win. No good thing comes easy, and the life you want is just on the other end of what you don’t want to do. This is the Warrior Poet Way. Are you ready to walk it?
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 11, 2023
541 people are currently reading
1608 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
July 17, 2023
Get. This. Book.
Seriously.
Like, right now.
Especially if you are more inclined to the Warrior side of things and are sick of the modern Christian man who loves Jesus but whose ONLY resource when sh*t starts going down is to pray. If your plan is to pray in tongues WHILE seeking cover and preparing to engage the threat, this is the perfect book for you.
And if that previous paragraph made no sense to you, have no fear. As someone who can spend hours writing songs, gets completely lost and cries in worship, and consistently re-reads/watches Pride and Prejudice with my bride, I can confirm that this is also the perfect book for you.
If you need a kick in the pants to fan the flames of the warrior inside of you - this book will do it.
If you need a reality check to make you chill out with all the high-speed chiz, take a min to relax, play with your kids, love on your wife and spend time thinking deeply about your life - this book will do it.
Whoever you are and whatever you need, if you are a man, you need to read this book.
Favorite Quote: “When a man fears discomfort, danger is not far off.”
Seriously.
Like, right now.
Especially if you are more inclined to the Warrior side of things and are sick of the modern Christian man who loves Jesus but whose ONLY resource when sh*t starts going down is to pray. If your plan is to pray in tongues WHILE seeking cover and preparing to engage the threat, this is the perfect book for you.
And if that previous paragraph made no sense to you, have no fear. As someone who can spend hours writing songs, gets completely lost and cries in worship, and consistently re-reads/watches Pride and Prejudice with my bride, I can confirm that this is also the perfect book for you.
If you need a kick in the pants to fan the flames of the warrior inside of you - this book will do it.
If you need a reality check to make you chill out with all the high-speed chiz, take a min to relax, play with your kids, love on your wife and spend time thinking deeply about your life - this book will do it.
Whoever you are and whatever you need, if you are a man, you need to read this book.
Favorite Quote: “When a man fears discomfort, danger is not far off.”
Read
November 8, 2023Disclaimer: No star rating, as I'm certain it would be interpreted as an assessment of Lovell's viewpoints & what he believes in (religious/political perspective), instead of a fair rating of the book itself.
I've reached out for this book as I truly believe in the "Good times/bad times" meme. And I strongly agree with the author that a modern man should be some sort of a warrior, resilient, resourceful, gritty, and to some level - selfless, caring for the micro-/macro-society he belongs to. So a lot of what is said in this book has truly resonated with me, but ... there were many things that put me off. I'll cover them briefly, so you pretty much know what to expect.
1. The book should be titled "The Warrior Priest Way", instead of "Warrior Poet". JL refers to his faith & Jesus pretty much all the time - it's super-clear the Christian god is very important in his life. There's nothing wrong about that: if he needs it, if that's something that backs up his value system - that's very good. But, pardon my words, his ways of thinking are ... very simple, sometimes even ... childish, so there are very cringy moments. I don't want to criticize his faith, so I'll bring a neutral example - he couldn't stand the fact that there were many philosophical doctrines & they were in conflict, so there was no common, absolute truth. John would like life to be black & white - possible to judge at the very first glance ... That's noble, but ... c'mon ...
2. I agree with many of his points on competitiveness, fierceness, etc. - but I totally missed the other (darker) side - about being an asshole, dangerous for the society, for the weaker ones. E.g. he brags about wrestling his sons, but he didn't mention how do they behave in other environments: like school, or among friends - people who may not aspire to be such "warriors" as ex-ranger. I missed this part: when NOT to be a warrior (there's one exception - about the treatment of your spouse - that's where you're supposed to be "a poet").
3. In the final section JL gets into prepping (OK, some good points) and guns - that opens the Pandora Box, when he goes all out about personal freedom, autocratic despots, etc. I'm OK with reading opinions of people I do not agree with if they bring some good arguments to the table. Unfortunately, the author sticks to his simplistic black and white views, and references like the ones to King David ...
This is a very specific book & I'm not sure who should read it. If you're a hardcore, deeply religious conservative - it will not bring anything new to your beliefs. Amplifying whatever's already in your small echo chamber doesn't look like much value added. And the thinking here is so over-simplified, that there's no chance for any thought-provoking epiphany. If you're not in that group, this book won't help you understand conservatives better. Neither does it do anything to bridge some gaps that polarize society so strongly.
JL has probably written it as some sort of personal credo - because of some need to express who he is and what he believes in. Sadly, it seems to me he has made a book just for himself.
I've reached out for this book as I truly believe in the "Good times/bad times" meme. And I strongly agree with the author that a modern man should be some sort of a warrior, resilient, resourceful, gritty, and to some level - selfless, caring for the micro-/macro-society he belongs to. So a lot of what is said in this book has truly resonated with me, but ... there were many things that put me off. I'll cover them briefly, so you pretty much know what to expect.
1. The book should be titled "The Warrior Priest Way", instead of "Warrior Poet". JL refers to his faith & Jesus pretty much all the time - it's super-clear the Christian god is very important in his life. There's nothing wrong about that: if he needs it, if that's something that backs up his value system - that's very good. But, pardon my words, his ways of thinking are ... very simple, sometimes even ... childish, so there are very cringy moments. I don't want to criticize his faith, so I'll bring a neutral example - he couldn't stand the fact that there were many philosophical doctrines & they were in conflict, so there was no common, absolute truth. John would like life to be black & white - possible to judge at the very first glance ... That's noble, but ... c'mon ...
2. I agree with many of his points on competitiveness, fierceness, etc. - but I totally missed the other (darker) side - about being an asshole, dangerous for the society, for the weaker ones. E.g. he brags about wrestling his sons, but he didn't mention how do they behave in other environments: like school, or among friends - people who may not aspire to be such "warriors" as ex-ranger. I missed this part: when NOT to be a warrior (there's one exception - about the treatment of your spouse - that's where you're supposed to be "a poet").
3. In the final section JL gets into prepping (OK, some good points) and guns - that opens the Pandora Box, when he goes all out about personal freedom, autocratic despots, etc. I'm OK with reading opinions of people I do not agree with if they bring some good arguments to the table. Unfortunately, the author sticks to his simplistic black and white views, and references like the ones to King David ...
This is a very specific book & I'm not sure who should read it. If you're a hardcore, deeply religious conservative - it will not bring anything new to your beliefs. Amplifying whatever's already in your small echo chamber doesn't look like much value added. And the thinking here is so over-simplified, that there's no chance for any thought-provoking epiphany. If you're not in that group, this book won't help you understand conservatives better. Neither does it do anything to bridge some gaps that polarize society so strongly.
JL has probably written it as some sort of personal credo - because of some need to express who he is and what he believes in. Sadly, it seems to me he has made a book just for himself.
July 28, 2023
I don’t normally review books but for this one I’m going to make an exception.
I originally ordered it because I knew John Lovell from Warrior Poet Society and wanted to support his book. I expected to like it but I wasn’t prepared for how good this book ended up being.
This book blew me away. Looking at the table of contents, there were some chapters (like Face Death Before You Die and Learn to Dance) that I thought would be filler chapters that didn’t overly apply to me. Boy was I wrong. Those ended up being some of the most impactful chapters and ones that can only be described as life changing (not a term I throw around).
John’s writing style is also very enjoyable. It’s conversational yet also very readable with dad jokes sprinkled in that you can’t help but smile at. It’s a very humble book and many of the points are made at the author’s expense, showing that they are lessons learned the hard way. Each chapter also ends with a practical application. It keeps the book from purely being some thought exercise and gives the reader no excuse for not implementing these things in their lives. I read a chapter a day but honestly you could do a chapter a week/month and then focus on the practicum at the end of each chapter over the following days. I will probably do this on my next reading as there was a lot of good information to digest.
John is also an outspoken Christian but this book is not “in your face religious” and has something for everyone regardless of beliefs or creeds. He shares what he believes and why but does not force that viewpoint on the reader and offers information that can be applied no matter what belief system you adhere to. John’s definition of a good man lines up with Christian values, but you don’t have to be a Christian to know that it is good to love your wife or invest in the lives of those around you.
I’ve seen some people (who haven’t read the book) hating on it for being another book on how to be toxicity masculine but that’s not the theme of the book at all. They see warrior in the title and jump to conclusions without even taking the rest of the title (poet) into account. This book is about being a well rounded man. Being balanced and the best you can be. True, we do need more warriors in society. But that’s not all we need. I would advise you to read this book for yourself and decide. Don’t be put off by people who feel threatened because they read a title and didn’t bother to find out what the book is about. I promise you’ll walk away from this book encouraged and challenge to become the man you were made to be.
In a society that tells men they can either be soft and feminine or “toxically masculine”, it’s refreshing to find a book that shows there’s a balance needed. There’s a reason this book is resonating with so many men. It’s one I’m giving to all my friends and family and it’s one that I will definitely read over and over again in years to come.
I originally ordered it because I knew John Lovell from Warrior Poet Society and wanted to support his book. I expected to like it but I wasn’t prepared for how good this book ended up being.
This book blew me away. Looking at the table of contents, there were some chapters (like Face Death Before You Die and Learn to Dance) that I thought would be filler chapters that didn’t overly apply to me. Boy was I wrong. Those ended up being some of the most impactful chapters and ones that can only be described as life changing (not a term I throw around).
John’s writing style is also very enjoyable. It’s conversational yet also very readable with dad jokes sprinkled in that you can’t help but smile at. It’s a very humble book and many of the points are made at the author’s expense, showing that they are lessons learned the hard way. Each chapter also ends with a practical application. It keeps the book from purely being some thought exercise and gives the reader no excuse for not implementing these things in their lives. I read a chapter a day but honestly you could do a chapter a week/month and then focus on the practicum at the end of each chapter over the following days. I will probably do this on my next reading as there was a lot of good information to digest.
John is also an outspoken Christian but this book is not “in your face religious” and has something for everyone regardless of beliefs or creeds. He shares what he believes and why but does not force that viewpoint on the reader and offers information that can be applied no matter what belief system you adhere to. John’s definition of a good man lines up with Christian values, but you don’t have to be a Christian to know that it is good to love your wife or invest in the lives of those around you.
I’ve seen some people (who haven’t read the book) hating on it for being another book on how to be toxicity masculine but that’s not the theme of the book at all. They see warrior in the title and jump to conclusions without even taking the rest of the title (poet) into account. This book is about being a well rounded man. Being balanced and the best you can be. True, we do need more warriors in society. But that’s not all we need. I would advise you to read this book for yourself and decide. Don’t be put off by people who feel threatened because they read a title and didn’t bother to find out what the book is about. I promise you’ll walk away from this book encouraged and challenge to become the man you were made to be.
In a society that tells men they can either be soft and feminine or “toxically masculine”, it’s refreshing to find a book that shows there’s a balance needed. There’s a reason this book is resonating with so many men. It’s one I’m giving to all my friends and family and it’s one that I will definitely read over and over again in years to come.
February 17, 2024
Life-advice for men from a god-fearing, gun-slinging patriot; a heart-felt call for heroic masculinity; in itself a message worth sharing, but the packaging is too puerile, self-absorbed and religiously motivated to my taste. For a more nuanced narrative on healthy masculinity check out https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....
January 2, 2026
Where do I start with this book…perhaps with the good first. I fully agree with the author in that there is a growing generation of stagnant and passive men. I agree that part of the answer is becoming active instead of passive in the way we live life. Which is why my favorite chapter in the book was Chapter 3 “battling your inner coward.” I think that chapter itself relates to a lot of men today including myself. Overall I think John Lovell had good intentions with writing this book and there were many moments, and I emphasize moments, where I agreed and appreciated what he said. There are even areas that challenged me to grow as a man, such as being proactive as to how I serve my family, having a purpose in my life, and knowing the difference in protecting my family as a warrior and then switching to the life of a poet. Yet that transitions to where I really struggled with this book.
Quite honestly I think he could have cut out the first two chapters from the book and go from there. If he started with the third chapter then the focus of the book would have such a different foundation and premise. But by starting with how men are warriors it almost, at times, sounds like being a warrior is essential to being a man…which is not true. I find it ironic that he emphasizes the life of a warrior and at the same time describes Jesus as the most important person that he looks up too. Except not once does he describe Jesus as a warrior. In fact I honestly would say Jesus would not fit into Lovells category of a man, but some might disagree with me.
I could go on and on as to the things that deeply trouble me about this book. Such as, in my opinion, the title could be called “Freedom: the essential goal of every man,” even though as a Christian he would be considered a slave to Christ? Another thing that bothered me was his speech on self-sufficiency and independence. While there is a degree that we are meant to be independent, I don’t think independence is a key goal of a Christian. In fact I would dare say that interdependence, vulnerability, and love are key qualities of a Christian which quite honestly was lacking in this book…unless you count his complete focus on the family. Family is important, and I do believe a man’s calling is to provide, protect, and help his family flourish, yet as Christians there is a calling to look outside of your family as well even in the midst of a dangerous world. I also wonder how much the rest of the world focuses on self-sufficiency and independence compared to Americans/the American perspective? Just a thought.
If he did not claim to be a believer I would put my hands in the air and say “okay, totally fine that you have this perspective, we just have different foundations to our beliefs.” But it is the exact fact that he claims to be a believer yet this book is filled with American ideology that he claims are based on biblical or Christ-like principles!
Anyway, I’m going to end up writing a book if I keep on going, I was honestly really looking forward to reading this book but ended up very disappointed by the time I got to the end. I appreciate Lovell attempting to speak to the current generation of men, but in my opinion, and I know this might be a minority perspective, I think he missed the mark in some major ways.
Quite honestly I think he could have cut out the first two chapters from the book and go from there. If he started with the third chapter then the focus of the book would have such a different foundation and premise. But by starting with how men are warriors it almost, at times, sounds like being a warrior is essential to being a man…which is not true. I find it ironic that he emphasizes the life of a warrior and at the same time describes Jesus as the most important person that he looks up too. Except not once does he describe Jesus as a warrior. In fact I honestly would say Jesus would not fit into Lovells category of a man, but some might disagree with me.
I could go on and on as to the things that deeply trouble me about this book. Such as, in my opinion, the title could be called “Freedom: the essential goal of every man,” even though as a Christian he would be considered a slave to Christ? Another thing that bothered me was his speech on self-sufficiency and independence. While there is a degree that we are meant to be independent, I don’t think independence is a key goal of a Christian. In fact I would dare say that interdependence, vulnerability, and love are key qualities of a Christian which quite honestly was lacking in this book…unless you count his complete focus on the family. Family is important, and I do believe a man’s calling is to provide, protect, and help his family flourish, yet as Christians there is a calling to look outside of your family as well even in the midst of a dangerous world. I also wonder how much the rest of the world focuses on self-sufficiency and independence compared to Americans/the American perspective? Just a thought.
If he did not claim to be a believer I would put my hands in the air and say “okay, totally fine that you have this perspective, we just have different foundations to our beliefs.” But it is the exact fact that he claims to be a believer yet this book is filled with American ideology that he claims are based on biblical or Christ-like principles!
Anyway, I’m going to end up writing a book if I keep on going, I was honestly really looking forward to reading this book but ended up very disappointed by the time I got to the end. I appreciate Lovell attempting to speak to the current generation of men, but in my opinion, and I know this might be a minority perspective, I think he missed the mark in some major ways.
March 19, 2024
I think there's a lot of wisdom in this book. Much of the advice on manhood is biblical, and is supported by the principles of scripture, but these connections are not made explicit. Most of the advice is given a non-denominational, inclusivist spin. The author is clear in stating his personal conviction as a Christ-follower, but it seems in several places that he downplays the exclusivity of Christ to reach a broader audience with his message. It's possible this was a publisher decision; it just seems strange that a book on "Living Free and Dying Well" would only present the gospel as the best among many "Warrior Poet" lifestyle options.
Broadly speaking, I think the warrior poet description of manhood is helpful. It accounts for the broad spectrum of responsibilities men must carry out. I think all men have a tendency to lean more warrior, or more poet. Certainly, in my own experience, I have always leaned more to the poet side of the coin. So I was thankful for the challenges this book issued to call me to lean into the Warrior side, and grow into more of the man I can be.
My hope for a second edition would be to draw more on scripture. The principles are there in the book, just show that they're not original to the Warrior Poet Way. They come from Scripture, and are evidenced by men throughout. There was some of this, but more, more, more. Scripture on every page or I walk. Also, the last chapter took a strange twist into extreme doomsday prepper mode: Zombies and all. Thought that was odd. Don't do that.
Broadly speaking, I think the warrior poet description of manhood is helpful. It accounts for the broad spectrum of responsibilities men must carry out. I think all men have a tendency to lean more warrior, or more poet. Certainly, in my own experience, I have always leaned more to the poet side of the coin. So I was thankful for the challenges this book issued to call me to lean into the Warrior side, and grow into more of the man I can be.
My hope for a second edition would be to draw more on scripture. The principles are there in the book, just show that they're not original to the Warrior Poet Way. They come from Scripture, and are evidenced by men throughout. There was some of this, but more, more, more. Scripture on every page or I walk. Also, the last chapter took a strange twist into extreme doomsday prepper mode: Zombies and all. Thought that was odd. Don't do that.
July 22, 2023
I don’t really tend to write reviews, however I felt compelled to write one for this book. The Warrior Poet Way is by far one of the best books I have had the opportunity to read! I first bought the book on audible with the intention of just listening to the book and hoping to glean some wisdom. Shortly after starting the audio version (which I still recommend and finished listening to) switched to the text so I could dedicate more intentional time to the thoughts and wisdom that John put down on paper.
The writing style of the book was well thought out and well formatted with great breaks for a practical application opportunities.
The narration of the audio book was fantastic. John narrating his own work was a great choice and you can hear the passion he has for this topic in his voice as he narrates.
I believe all men young and old should buy a copy and read this book as it will help give them a better definition of what it means to be a man and who they are meant to be.
If you are on the fence take the plunge and buy the book. You will not be disappointed. And if you disagree with the author, it’s ok you are just wrong and you are entitled to your opinion.
The writing style of the book was well thought out and well formatted with great breaks for a practical application opportunities.
The narration of the audio book was fantastic. John narrating his own work was a great choice and you can hear the passion he has for this topic in his voice as he narrates.
I believe all men young and old should buy a copy and read this book as it will help give them a better definition of what it means to be a man and who they are meant to be.
If you are on the fence take the plunge and buy the book. You will not be disappointed. And if you disagree with the author, it’s ok you are just wrong and you are entitled to your opinion.
July 21, 2023
I grew up without a father; I’m now 33 and have two young boys myself and have been struggling with what kind of man I should be and what kind of men I’d like to guide them to be. In my struggling I came to two seemingly opposing ideas critical for manhood: strength for protecting and providing and goodness.
It blew me away when I found this book. It took my half baked ideas of what it is to be a man and laid out a proper foundation to be built upon. The book just rings true on the subject of masculinity. I wish I would have had it as a young man but it also came to me at a time I feel I needed it. Thank you John Lovell, you not only had a profound impact on me but also the type of father I will aspire to towards my boys.
It blew me away when I found this book. It took my half baked ideas of what it is to be a man and laid out a proper foundation to be built upon. The book just rings true on the subject of masculinity. I wish I would have had it as a young man but it also came to me at a time I feel I needed it. Thank you John Lovell, you not only had a profound impact on me but also the type of father I will aspire to towards my boys.
August 11, 2023
Flat out excellent. A must read for all men. John’s passion and commitment and conviction jump off every page. His stories are personal. His humor, hilarious. His logic, sound. His faith, authentic. The premises he sets forth regarding masculinity and manhood and the need for both Warrior and Poet to be balanced could not be more accurate or relevant. I will strongly recommend every man I know read this slowly, digest each chapter, discuss it seriously with others in their life and start now to implement its lessons. The Warrior Poet Society is a great tribe to partner with and join the ranks of. May Freedom be cherished, defended, and pursued in every sphere of a man’s life. Live free. Die well. And until then, spread this message.
May 29, 2024
I was hoping this book would have been better. I really like John Lovell and his warrior poet society. It's not that this book was bad, but I was disappointed. One thing I didn't like: John is a Christian, but it felt like he kept almost apologizing for that. I'm a Christian also, and I will not apologize for that. Maybe I'm overreacting to it. Maybe he was just leaving room for other people's ideals. I don't know, the message was good, the execution was so so.
August 2, 2023
A good book with a solid message. A little trite by this point in the game, but certainly one of the most authentic ways it's been presented. John Lovell is a vet who loves Jesus and wants you to take responsibility for your life. Society sucks but America rocks, women are terrifying and mysterious and must be protected at all costs, the government will eventually enslave you so dig a hole in your yard and fill it with canned beans and guns.
Objectively, all these things are true, and this is valuable advice. You've heard similar screeds from slightly center-right darlings (now conflated with open fascism) like Jordy P and the shrilly outraged Benjamin "Button" Shapiro. The difference between this book and their ethos is that John doesn't seem to be an asshole.
He's big into Jesus, he's big into benevolent sexism without overt chauvinism, he's big into being a prosocial member of the community, a competent father, and a man capable of killing other men with his bare hands. He suggests it's okay to be dangerous. You're supposed to be dangerous. You're supposed to rein in that danger. The combination of potential lethality and deliberately practiced discipline is the point of the whole Darwinian exercise of life, at least on this side of the y-chromosome.
I liked his differentiation between the three types of dangerous people, too. You might have heard it as the wolf-sheep-sheepdog trichotomy, that's a popular one. If you saw Team America World Police during your developmental years, I'm sure the dicks/pussies/assholes analogy is permanently seared into your frontal cortex.
I'm going to link it right now because you know what? It holds up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32iCW...
Lovell's spin on this is the first type of dangerous people are villains. Dangerous because they like to be, irrelevant who's caught in the crossfire. No higher purpose. No involvement with Big Baby Jesus.
The second type are wimps, and they are worse. They let cowardice make their decisions, or avoid making decisions at all. Which, as we well know, is the same as making bad decisions, only without the honor of agency. They've so totally bought their own woe-is-me pity party that the delusion is at the wheel of their life, and they wind up doing things that, deep down, they know to be wrong because they've manufactured a plausible rationalization to cover up the fact they're ascaaaaared to act in any other way. Wimps are complicit bystanders to villains at best and opportunistic predators at worst, cowering behind their performative weakness like a shield. "Like pedophiles", says John.
And that leaves the third class, the warrior, or ideally the warrior-poet. Capable of violence, controlled enough to not do violence all the time.
To recap within Team America parameters, assholes/pussies/dicks.
The important distinction for Lovell is strategic application of warrior and of poet. You must be fearsome to your enemies and nice to your wife. If your kids are afraid of you instead of trying to hang out with you, you calibrated wrong and you are failing. There will be a time when you will be an emotional little bitch-boy. That's part of being human, and more to the point, it's part of masculinity. The soulless stoics and seething wrecks drive everyone else away. You can be the perfect murder robot in certain situations, when it's necessary, like at war, or in an active shooter scenario, or if the Redcoats demand lodging in your colonial homestead. When you are looking deeply into your wife's eyes, or playing Calvinball with the kids, or even petting a dog, it's not only okay to connect emotionally but it's necessary.
That's the main take-home of this book. John Lovell is talking to people confused by the frequently contradictory messages that Mean Ol' Society sends to men and boys. He parses the static for them and repackages it into a tidy little Michael Pollan soundbite: Be strong. Be kind. Go get baptized.
You could do worse than that, honestly.
Objectively, all these things are true, and this is valuable advice. You've heard similar screeds from slightly center-right darlings (now conflated with open fascism) like Jordy P and the shrilly outraged Benjamin "Button" Shapiro. The difference between this book and their ethos is that John doesn't seem to be an asshole.
He's big into Jesus, he's big into benevolent sexism without overt chauvinism, he's big into being a prosocial member of the community, a competent father, and a man capable of killing other men with his bare hands. He suggests it's okay to be dangerous. You're supposed to be dangerous. You're supposed to rein in that danger. The combination of potential lethality and deliberately practiced discipline is the point of the whole Darwinian exercise of life, at least on this side of the y-chromosome.
I liked his differentiation between the three types of dangerous people, too. You might have heard it as the wolf-sheep-sheepdog trichotomy, that's a popular one. If you saw Team America World Police during your developmental years, I'm sure the dicks/pussies/assholes analogy is permanently seared into your frontal cortex.
I'm going to link it right now because you know what? It holds up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32iCW...
Lovell's spin on this is the first type of dangerous people are villains. Dangerous because they like to be, irrelevant who's caught in the crossfire. No higher purpose. No involvement with Big Baby Jesus.
The second type are wimps, and they are worse. They let cowardice make their decisions, or avoid making decisions at all. Which, as we well know, is the same as making bad decisions, only without the honor of agency. They've so totally bought their own woe-is-me pity party that the delusion is at the wheel of their life, and they wind up doing things that, deep down, they know to be wrong because they've manufactured a plausible rationalization to cover up the fact they're ascaaaaared to act in any other way. Wimps are complicit bystanders to villains at best and opportunistic predators at worst, cowering behind their performative weakness like a shield. "Like pedophiles", says John.
And that leaves the third class, the warrior, or ideally the warrior-poet. Capable of violence, controlled enough to not do violence all the time.
To recap within Team America parameters, assholes/pussies/dicks.
The important distinction for Lovell is strategic application of warrior and of poet. You must be fearsome to your enemies and nice to your wife. If your kids are afraid of you instead of trying to hang out with you, you calibrated wrong and you are failing. There will be a time when you will be an emotional little bitch-boy. That's part of being human, and more to the point, it's part of masculinity. The soulless stoics and seething wrecks drive everyone else away. You can be the perfect murder robot in certain situations, when it's necessary, like at war, or in an active shooter scenario, or if the Redcoats demand lodging in your colonial homestead. When you are looking deeply into your wife's eyes, or playing Calvinball with the kids, or even petting a dog, it's not only okay to connect emotionally but it's necessary.
That's the main take-home of this book. John Lovell is talking to people confused by the frequently contradictory messages that Mean Ol' Society sends to men and boys. He parses the static for them and repackages it into a tidy little Michael Pollan soundbite: Be strong. Be kind. Go get baptized.
You could do worse than that, honestly.
March 2, 2025
I got the opportunity to hear John and his wife speak at the Great Homeschool Convention. I loved what he was saying so my husband and I got two autographed copies for my twin boys for when they are older.
I am not in the demographic for this book but I still took some stuff away from it for myself. I also listened to this on audio (I didn't want to ruin the boys books lol) and thoroughly enjoyed it in that format. So if you're more of an audiobook fan, this was a great one to listen to. But I wanted to check this out before I gave it to my sons.
I HIGHLY recommend this book for all boys/men. ESPECIALLY, if you align more with a warrior than a poet...or vice versa (aggressive/gentle). My husband is a warrior poet through and through. He is a gentle, loving person and he has that violent aggression controlled, willing to use it if the time ever calls for it. He is willing to do what he needs to defend others, especially his family. I will be making him listen to this book as he also loves what John speaks on.
Pick 👏🏻 this 👏🏻 one 👏🏻 up 👏🏻. Get it for your sons or husband. You'll be glad you did. :)
I am not in the demographic for this book but I still took some stuff away from it for myself. I also listened to this on audio (I didn't want to ruin the boys books lol) and thoroughly enjoyed it in that format. So if you're more of an audiobook fan, this was a great one to listen to. But I wanted to check this out before I gave it to my sons.
I HIGHLY recommend this book for all boys/men. ESPECIALLY, if you align more with a warrior than a poet...or vice versa (aggressive/gentle). My husband is a warrior poet through and through. He is a gentle, loving person and he has that violent aggression controlled, willing to use it if the time ever calls for it. He is willing to do what he needs to defend others, especially his family. I will be making him listen to this book as he also loves what John speaks on.
Pick 👏🏻 this 👏🏻 one 👏🏻 up 👏🏻. Get it for your sons or husband. You'll be glad you did. :)
February 5, 2025
A call to action for men drifting through the post-modern age. Might be a good starting point for some in that regard.
The book contains practical advice for being more self-sufficient, succeeding as a husband and father, and awakening one's inner warrior-poet.
My one gripe with the book (and with John Lovell's Warrior Poet Society as a whole) is that I think these ideas are expressed better from explicitly Christian sources. But I understand what Lovell is trying to do at the same time. Lovell is a Christian, and is not afraid to say it, but his WPS project seeks to teach men of all faiths, so he keeps his podcasts (and this book) relatively secular.
That is not to say his book or show is bad. I imagine many men (including Christian men) can, would, and will find what he has to say helpful, as I have.
The book contains practical advice for being more self-sufficient, succeeding as a husband and father, and awakening one's inner warrior-poet.
My one gripe with the book (and with John Lovell's Warrior Poet Society as a whole) is that I think these ideas are expressed better from explicitly Christian sources. But I understand what Lovell is trying to do at the same time. Lovell is a Christian, and is not afraid to say it, but his WPS project seeks to teach men of all faiths, so he keeps his podcasts (and this book) relatively secular.
That is not to say his book or show is bad. I imagine many men (including Christian men) can, would, and will find what he has to say helpful, as I have.
August 17, 2024
An excellent portrayal of what true masculinity is and the art of "living free and dying well." This reminds me of Eldredge's Wild At Heart but grittier coming from a former Ranger. For you men who seek to overcome the perverted view of masculinity prevalent in this society, this is the book.
July 24, 2023
I absolutely adored this book! There were rumors floating around that John was working on a book, and when I discovered that he had indeed written one, my excitement was unparalleled. I knew that this man had profound insights to share, especially when it comes to following Christ and embodying His qualities. In his book, he beautifully expressed his longing for a male role model, someone to inspire and guide him, and he found that quintessential example in Christ Himself.
One aspect of the book that I particularly appreciated was the practicum. It provided tangible examples of the actions we should be taking in our lives. With each chapter, John skillfully offered practical steps that we can apply, and I found it incredibly enriching. It allowed me to actively incorporate these teachings into my own life, making me strive to be a better man, a better future husband, and a better future father.
Although the book was relatively short, it left me yearning for more. I eagerly await future works from John, as I know they will be just as enlightening and impactful as this one.
One aspect of the book that I particularly appreciated was the practicum. It provided tangible examples of the actions we should be taking in our lives. With each chapter, John skillfully offered practical steps that we can apply, and I found it incredibly enriching. It allowed me to actively incorporate these teachings into my own life, making me strive to be a better man, a better future husband, and a better future father.
Although the book was relatively short, it left me yearning for more. I eagerly await future works from John, as I know they will be just as enlightening and impactful as this one.
January 7, 2024
Was debating what to give this book but then realized I gave fourth wing 4.7 and this was way better than that
February 4, 2024
Must read for men of all ages.
March 15, 2024
(4/5)
Overall it was a good book.
The message, though I can’t say I agreed with all of it, is a good one and the intention is right.
I’m happy I read it.
Overall it was a good book.
The message, though I can’t say I agreed with all of it, is a good one and the intention is right.
I’m happy I read it.
March 21, 2026
Phenomenal book. got to read it in pretty much 2 sittings because of a drive and a bike ride. deeply enjoyable work I'll probably come back to regularly.
May 1, 2024
Great book! Fantastic job John. I just got my 14 year old son to read it. The world needs more War Poets💪🏼❤️
July 29, 2023
A great reminder of what’s really worth living for.
July 22, 2023
Excellent book. A fantastic staring point for how to be the type of man that America needs, how to be a lover of our families, and how to develop the mind set of defending the values important to you.
July 24, 2023
Timeless wisdom at the right time.
December 22, 2023
Phenomenal book. While it's directed toward men, I firmly believe every wife and every mother of boys would benefit from this collection of wisdom.
Read it. Now.
Read it. Now.
November 11, 2023
I rarely write reviews. A book must leave me with a lasting message before I will leave it with a lasting message.
I am also a woman who revels in femininity and all the things that have traditionally defined that.
So, what message does a book about masculinity give me that is worth my time in writing a message?
John Lovell decided not to be a “nice guy” who is useless when his country or family needs a protector. Other men have professed to do this. We women call them “toxic”.
But Lovell also decided not to bring the warrior portion of himself home. He reveals the reason he trains for war is to protect what he loves. The poet side, as he calls it, romances, listens, tenderly holds his child, and treasures his wife. “Treasures” can bring visions of a man condescending to his wife he deems emotionally and intellectually inferior to himself. Yet, that’s not how Lovell seems to do it.
While reading this book, I visited the Warrior Poet YouTube channel. I skipped over the gun and prepping tutorials. I went to the videos of him with his wife sharing philosophies of marriage. She is a treasured woman, not because he treats her as some fragile doll. She is treasured because she’s the only one he allows on his team. And together, they can be an unstoppable force for good in their family and the world.
We feminine women need masculine men, and masculine men need us. I don’t agree 100% with Mr. Lovell (no thank you to stocking up on vodka and spicy mustard, Sir). But this book is not a work of fiction. I married a Warrior Poet, and together, we are living free. When it comes time to die, we hope to do that well, too. Because the philosophy we share must with Team Mr. And Mrs. Lovell is their Hero and Reason for it all. But then, that would be a spoiler, wouldn’t it?
I am also a woman who revels in femininity and all the things that have traditionally defined that.
So, what message does a book about masculinity give me that is worth my time in writing a message?
John Lovell decided not to be a “nice guy” who is useless when his country or family needs a protector. Other men have professed to do this. We women call them “toxic”.
But Lovell also decided not to bring the warrior portion of himself home. He reveals the reason he trains for war is to protect what he loves. The poet side, as he calls it, romances, listens, tenderly holds his child, and treasures his wife. “Treasures” can bring visions of a man condescending to his wife he deems emotionally and intellectually inferior to himself. Yet, that’s not how Lovell seems to do it.
While reading this book, I visited the Warrior Poet YouTube channel. I skipped over the gun and prepping tutorials. I went to the videos of him with his wife sharing philosophies of marriage. She is a treasured woman, not because he treats her as some fragile doll. She is treasured because she’s the only one he allows on his team. And together, they can be an unstoppable force for good in their family and the world.
We feminine women need masculine men, and masculine men need us. I don’t agree 100% with Mr. Lovell (no thank you to stocking up on vodka and spicy mustard, Sir). But this book is not a work of fiction. I married a Warrior Poet, and together, we are living free. When it comes time to die, we hope to do that well, too. Because the philosophy we share must with Team Mr. And Mrs. Lovell is their Hero and Reason for it all. But then, that would be a spoiler, wouldn’t it?
June 23, 2024
What did three legged tables ever do to John Lovell?
There's some flecks of gold in what ultimately is a repetitive manifesto based on a flawed understanding of imagined enemies, an interesting interpretation of developmental psychology, and a very rosey view of US American cultural and historical heritage.
Additionally there are some parts where Lovell goes off on tangents in an aggressive way and it seems like a joke (three legged tables being an abomination), but because so much of the worldview constructed is conspiratorial in nature, I actually am left wondering if it actually was a joke.
There's some flecks of gold in what ultimately is a repetitive manifesto based on a flawed understanding of imagined enemies, an interesting interpretation of developmental psychology, and a very rosey view of US American cultural and historical heritage.
Additionally there are some parts where Lovell goes off on tangents in an aggressive way and it seems like a joke (three legged tables being an abomination), but because so much of the worldview constructed is conspiratorial in nature, I actually am left wondering if it actually was a joke.
August 8, 2023
My husband I both loved this book! It was definitely tailored toward men, but was a super interesting read as a wife of man who is a warrior in a world trying to steal warriorship from men. I don't think I lost anything from the book being tailored that way and think women will still enjoy it and get a lot out of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2023
I really couldn't make it past the first chapter. There is one interesting nugget about bravado and showing off, and then the author descends into boilerplate conservative, "the sky is falling" rhetoric with no justification. It struck that not once has his point been supported by anything other than his own ideology or personal anecdote. Time is too precious to waste on this one.
November 18, 2023
This overly simplistic and religiously biased book fails to offer any insightful perspectives. Its lack of depth and reliance on stereotypes make it a disappointing read. The author's inability to grasp the complexities of the issues at hand results in a oversimplistic narrative with little added value.
March 20, 2026
This book is incredible. A true testament to being a better man, father, husband, follower in Christ and person. I listened to the Audiobook while I ran and every word resonated with me. I would highly recommend this to anyone and everyone. Truly a powerful journey.
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