Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.53 AVERAGE
3.53 AVERAGE
I'm sorry, but this is a terribly dull, dated, faux philosophical non-classic overhyped by baby boomers. Very disappointing. Proceed with caution with any popular written works from this era.
Reading this in 2024, I feel like I missed some of the cultural critiques, but I can appreciate the historical context. I particularly liked the narrator's description of different schools of philosophy and their conflicts, but the only thing that dragged the book down for me was where the author got too academic in describing parts of the metaphysics of quality.
I also wish Pirsig could've delved more into zen and Eastern philosophies rather than just beating up on Aristotle so much, but I'm chalking that up to historical context and the audience he was writing for.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable read and one I wished I had done earlier!
I also wish Pirsig could've delved more into zen and Eastern philosophies rather than just beating up on Aristotle so much, but I'm chalking that up to historical context and the audience he was writing for.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable read and one I wished I had done earlier!
Early on I found myself comparing this book to "Travels With Charley" by Steinbeck, but that comparison didn't stick. The book also reminded me of a philosophy class.
This book didn't change my life, nor am I sure that I am smart enough to let it. I did like the variety created by the philosophical discussions and the on-the-bike narrative. I found the discussion of technology to be relevant and interesting and I thought Pirsig's approach to motorcycle maintenance was a great way to describe ideas. It made me want to tinker with my bike just a little bit. My bike needs it, so that might be a good thing.
This book did seem like a very appropriate choice for a camping, traveling companion. I'm glad I had it for that.
This book didn't change my life, nor am I sure that I am smart enough to let it. I did like the variety created by the philosophical discussions and the on-the-bike narrative. I found the discussion of technology to be relevant and interesting and I thought Pirsig's approach to motorcycle maintenance was a great way to describe ideas. It made me want to tinker with my bike just a little bit. My bike needs it, so that might be a good thing.
This book did seem like a very appropriate choice for a camping, traveling companion. I'm glad I had it for that.
The portrayal was too ambiguous to get objective meaning from the author right from the first!
It really took me a long time finishing this book. What i'd felt was lagging, is the prerequisite of the reader to have meticulous and matured thinking characteristics and hence i felt boring upto some level and all of a sudden, stopped reading it when i was at 26% of the book, around September. Then a month ago, i again started from where i left and this time, i felt the significance of the author's ability of fathoming deeper insights in every words of his Chautauqua, in my own subjective way. According to I, the book has many shades like Conjecture of Western and Eastern Philosophies, People, Motorcycle Maintenance, Zen thoughts for Life. I really begin to love the book when i was in 50% of the reading process. It's a Masterpiece! The way he potrayed was really unique and it intrigues me to know more from the author.
Wondering what would crack my mind when I get to reread the work.
It really took me a long time finishing this book. What i'd felt was lagging, is the prerequisite of the reader to have meticulous and matured thinking characteristics and hence i felt boring upto some level and all of a sudden, stopped reading it when i was at 26% of the book, around September. Then a month ago, i again started from where i left and this time, i felt the significance of the author's ability of fathoming deeper insights in every words of his Chautauqua, in my own subjective way. According to I, the book has many shades like Conjecture of Western and Eastern Philosophies, People, Motorcycle Maintenance, Zen thoughts for Life. I really begin to love the book when i was in 50% of the reading process. It's a Masterpiece! The way he potrayed was really unique and it intrigues me to know more from the author.
Wondering what would crack my mind when I get to reread the work.
reflective
relaxing
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:
Yes
Full disclosure, I first read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance when I was in high school, so my love it may be in part to due to its formative part of my development. In fact, I used to re-read it every summer. The philosophy intertwine with father connecting with his son is exactly what a 14 year old version of me was looking for as a freshman in high school. I loved the mix of philosophy and narrative, as it is the perfect sugar-coated introduction to philosophy.
Now all that said, I saw a bunch of other reviews lambasting this book, an looking at what I wrote, I'm not sure that either of us is wrong. One might come into this book expecting the heightening of the form, achieving new things never done before, and be disappointed. On the other hand, I will always love this book, and think it has much to offer if your expectations are more attuned to it.
Now all that said, I saw a bunch of other reviews lambasting this book, an looking at what I wrote, I'm not sure that either of us is wrong. One might come into this book expecting the heightening of the form, achieving new things never done before, and be disappointed. On the other hand, I will always love this book, and think it has much to offer if your expectations are more attuned to it.
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book can be split in two. The story, and then the philosophical rambling that makes me never want to hear the word Quality again.
I didn't mind the story. I appreciated that he knew how to fix his motorcycle. I liked his depiction of his fellow riders.
The philosophy made my eyes gloss over, and I've decided philosophy isn't my thing. I'm not sure how this book is so beloved. But to each their own.
I didn't mind the story. I appreciated that he knew how to fix his motorcycle. I liked his depiction of his fellow riders.
The philosophy made my eyes gloss over, and I've decided philosophy isn't my thing. I'm not sure how this book is so beloved. But to each their own.
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
I’ve abandoned this book at 37% competed but did read the last chapter. Glad he got to end his road trip being nice and a little more understanding toward his son. Imagine how boring this trip was for him! I was so bored and annoyed and I didn’t have to stare into this faux intellectual’s back for 100s of miles.
Too long and philosophical for me. Loved the descriptions of maintaining motorcycles and the importance of understanding how to do things yourself