This book series did change my life. I ran across it while studying Taoism so it fit quit well for where I was at that time in my life. If you are open to a more universal philosophy of life, start here. Dan tells the story (his story) about meeting Socrates at a point in his life when he needed a teacher. We all need teachers at different points in our lives to open doors and show us a different path. Dan's books will always have a special place in my life. The movie was ok. The book is much better. Read the other books as well.