To suggest this tome works well or even moderately well is to confuse the issues we have judged to be important in good writing, let alone the true simplicity and harmony of Tao. Mr. Allen has a pedestrian talent for crafting sentences and is at very best a tolerable narrator.
To construct tales directly from life experience or perceived life experience is a beautiful thing, but not to spend even a moment making any sense of, or trying to explicate these experiences proves a true lack of insight. Semi-literates lost in a chaotic twirl of inchoate thoughts and ramblings are capable of the same. All of this is not even to mention the trite, ridiculous heart that palps pitifully within this ill-considered and constructed work. Literature is, and must always be more than this. Always Sir; Always, until the end of time! For those who believe there is genuine meaning in organized human expression for the sake of communication, please do not be mislead by this inane chronicle.
To reflect from Tao:
"The best of man is like water, Which benefits all things, and does not contend with them, Which flows in places that others disdain, Where it holds fast to Tao."
My professional opinion is that with additional instruction, through research and close supervision, Mr. Allen is capable of a far superior work, as according to Tao:
"He does not contend, and so is without blame."
His interest in Tao is evident, his understanding is not. Mr. Allen please seek elucidation. Do not base your whole being on the philosophy of Lao Tzu {Yellow Emperor}.
Although this book was received as a Holiday {Boxing Day} Gift, in good conscious I am not able to recommend the title to anyone, nor will it be loaned out. It is in the nature of the Tao that it cannot be spoken of:
"To speak of Taoism in a clear and rational way is, in fact, not to speak of Taoism."