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3.52 AVERAGE
3.52 AVERAGE
My father said for years that I should read this book when I'm old enough to understand it. He read it as a student, and I'm in my mid-20s and just finished it, but he's also very, very intelligent, which probably gave him a bit of an advantage.
There's a lot to get out of this book. It's definitely changed something about the way I think. Granted, I didn't understand all the ideas - or a lot of them, to be honest - but I did have a lightbulb moment every now and then, when Pirsig writes something which really, really resonates. Other than that, though, the philosophical sections, while integral to the book as a whole, tended to go slightly over my head, try though I might to understand them.
As other reviewers have stated, it's split into three sections, somewhat- the travelogue, the philosophical writings, and the story of "Phaedrus" and his descent into madness. That part in particular was fascinating.
There's also the somewhat bittersweet aspect, particularly in Part 4, where Chris' future is discussed, as Chris Pirsig died at the age of 23.
I'm glad I read this. It was a very, very difficult read, but I definitely got something valuable out of it. I just couldn't say what it is, just yet.
There's a lot to get out of this book. It's definitely changed something about the way I think. Granted, I didn't understand all the ideas - or a lot of them, to be honest - but I did have a lightbulb moment every now and then, when Pirsig writes something which really, really resonates. Other than that, though, the philosophical sections, while integral to the book as a whole, tended to go slightly over my head, try though I might to understand them.
As other reviewers have stated, it's split into three sections, somewhat- the travelogue, the philosophical writings, and the story of "Phaedrus" and his descent into madness. That part in particular was fascinating.
There's also the somewhat bittersweet aspect, particularly in Part 4, where Chris' future is discussed, as Chris Pirsig died at the age of 23.
I'm glad I read this. It was a very, very difficult read, but I definitely got something valuable out of it. I just couldn't say what it is, just yet.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The main character is extremely unlikeable and a very shitty father. That made a majority of the book just a pain in the ass. Also, first really philosophical book I'm reading and it's tough. I thought a lot of it felt just really pretentious. I liked the bits about Quality, but after that was explained I felt like the same information was repeated multiple times by just using different words.
Those of us of a certain age who can remember the 70's with any degree of certainty will recall the rash of books that came out then, like Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, The Dancing Woo Le Masters, The Tao of Physics, etc. Sort of New AGE Books that, if you read them, somehow you would be better for it. Never finished any of those books back then. But this book always stuck in the back of my mind as the one I needed to read.
So finally, I did. OUCH! The word boring comes most strongly to mind. I liked the story of the father traveling with his son, even if he pretty much was a dick most of the time. And the story of the father's previous life was vaguely interesting. But the philosophical discussions were a bit much. Too much actually. Sad though. I had such high hopes. But at least I can now say I read the book.....
So finally, I did. OUCH! The word boring comes most strongly to mind. I liked the story of the father traveling with his son, even if he pretty much was a dick most of the time. And the story of the father's previous life was vaguely interesting. But the philosophical discussions were a bit much. Too much actually. Sad though. I had such high hopes. But at least I can now say I read the book.....
How exactly does one describe a book that spends its entirety trying to pin down a philosophical “Quality” in quantifiable words? This is the kind of book that articulates your beliefs in words that you didn’t know how to use until you saw them. It identifies things that you think and feel without knowing yourself how to identify them. Simply put, it’s a masterpiece. I must have read some of the same pages over and over again trying to process my thoughts and coming up with new ones every time.
I’m going to keep this review on the short side because it is better just to dive in and read ZAMM at your own pace without any preconceived expectations. I will say that you need an open mind and a deep appreciation for philosophical, existential, and thought-provoking material. This is the book you seek out for answers, for more questions, for self-reflection, for meditation on life... and it is most definitely not a literal, technical guide to maintaining motorcycles.
I’m going to keep this review on the short side because it is better just to dive in and read ZAMM at your own pace without any preconceived expectations. I will say that you need an open mind and a deep appreciation for philosophical, existential, and thought-provoking material. This is the book you seek out for answers, for more questions, for self-reflection, for meditation on life... and it is most definitely not a literal, technical guide to maintaining motorcycles.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
One of the best, most quality books I've had the privilege of reading.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Death, Mental illness, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Medical trauma, Schizophrenia/Psychosis
I'm not going to lie, I couldn't get into this book and my attempt to push through kind of derailed me from reading at all for a couple weeks. I believe I made it through 120+ pages and at least a quarter of the book. It didn't grab me I think for a few reasons. First, I didn't find the narrator/hero very interesting. He was just a smart guy who is keenly aware of just how much of a smarty pants he is. He apparently had a mental breakdown at some point that resulted in some serious amnesia and he refers to past self as a different person and great philosopher. I think it just gave a sort of white guy waxing philosophic energy that I didn't dig. I didn't really disagree with any of his observations but I didn't find them to be nearly as riveting or enthralling as maybe he did or apparently lots of other do when they read this book. Wouldn't really recommend it and I plan to donate my copy because I can't see myself diving back in anytime soon.
challenging
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A classic philosophical reflection on life, journeys and existence. I find this book both thought provoking and hopeful
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated