Person
Ethan Hawke's book recommendations
Across 2 podcasts. Every show Ethan Hawke appears on, in one place — not just one.
Ethan Green Hawke is an American actor, author, and filmmaker whose career on both stage and screen has spanned four decades. Known for his versatility across a range of roles and collaborations with director Richard Linklater, he has worked in both independent films and blockbusters. His accolades include a Daytime Emmy Award, in addition to nominations for five Academy Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, three Golden Globes, and a Tony Award. Appearing on podcasts such as The Joe Rogan Experience and SmartLess, Hawke discussed various literary and theatrical works that influenced him. He recommended The Dude and the Zen Master by Jeff Bridges, praising it as a great book written by an actor who found wisdom. Hawke also mentioned Willie Nelson's The Tao of Willie while discussing alternative, left-of-center philosophical and spiritual books, noting a preference for understanding Nelson's perspective. Furthermore, he referenced Robert M. Pirsig's Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance when discussing the idea that broader understanding can be seen in all things. Finally, he recalled appearing in a local production of George Bernard Shaw's play Saint Joan when he was first starting out in theatre, highlighting his early commitment to the craft.
Books recommended by Ethan Hawke
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The Dude and the Zen master
The Dude and the Zen Master by Jeff Bridges and Bernie Glassman is an informal and insightful dialogue combining the wisdom of Eastern philosophy with the laid-back perspective of a beloved Hollywood actor.
Recommended“Yeah, the dude in the Zen master. It's a great book by the way.”
Where to get it
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Saint Joan
Discussed“I carried a spear and a it was you know and George Bernard saw St Joan, but I did this play”
Where to get it
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The Tao of Willie
Discussed“I don't know if you've read the Dow of Willie. I love all these kind of to the left versions of sometimes I find it hard to read the I want to read what Willie thinks about the dampata more than I want to read the dumpata myself.”
Where to get it
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Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M.
Discussed“I carried that in the art of motorcycle maintenance. That's the same idea.”
Where to get it
Books by Ethan Hawke
Appearances
| Episode | Podcast | Date | Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| #2425 - Ethan Hawke | The Joe Rogan Experience | 2025-12-11 | 3 |
| Ethan Hawke | SmartLess | 2022-09-12 | 1 |
Other mentions (1: passing, ad reads, own books)
“It seemed like it was this isolated almost like choose your own adventure book or something. Uh where I got to see what Hollywood was like but then have it denied.”