by Ethan Hawke
First published 2015
A knight prepares for what may be his final battle. He takes up his pen to write a letter that will outlast him, addressed to the children he might never see again. The warrior knows the dangers ahead and wants to leave behind more than just his name and deeds. He sets down everything he has learned about how to live well. His letter covers solitude, humility, forgiveness, honesty, courage, grace, pride, and patience. He draws from Eastern and Western philosophy and from great spiritual and political thinkers. The knight writes not as a scholar but as a father who understands his children must find their own way in the world. His words form a compass for the journey every person must take alone, a guide to what makes life meaningful and beautiful.
Genres: philosophy, literary-fiction, historical-fiction, adventure
Vibes: intimate, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, mentor-mentee
175 pages · Hardcover · Knopf