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3.53 AVERAGE
3.53 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
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
I really enjoyed this book although the author can lose you at times. At it's best, it has the prosaic rhythm of a Hemingway novel but never quite attains that consistently for long. The humanity portion of the book is genuine and endearing, being the better part of the book. It's almost like watching product placement in the movies, in that, here you have two stories competing for your attention. The first story is the wrapper, a touching tale of a somewhat dysfunctional (and by that, I mean normal) family taking a journey on a motorcycle. That part is the entertainment. Then, you have this second "secret book" within (the product placement) in which the author tries to convey his struggle with humanity's value system through extrapolated intellectualism and grappling with his alter ego. All in all, for what it's worth, the advertisement has something meaningful to say but it's treatment can have your head reeling for pages and make you feel lost. Almost like reading a complex instruction manual, which is ironic (intended?) because the author warns us early in the book that he means to write in this way by means of explicitly dropping his feelings on technical manuals right into the main storyline. I feel this is a book that benefits from a second reading years later, after you've almost forgotten about it and you approach it with new eyes. Time will tell.
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
I liked it after reading it in high school., although I wouldn't really recommend it for high schoolers. I confess I didn't understand most of the philosophical underpinnings, but the general ideas were enlightening.
I write these reviews to remind myself of what parts of the work stuck with me upon finishing the book. With this book there was so much worth touching on, that I'll just have to read it again. Definitely worth reading, and was recommended to me as a good post-graduation read (along with Siddhartha and The Stranger). Makes you realize how terribly wrong/inefficient? we approach most things in life. One thing that sticks with me: the classical and romantic split with Quality (this undefinable thing) right in the middle, holding everything together. Jesus. I might need to read more about Zen Buddhism before I can read this again.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is a unique blend of philosophy and storytelling. Robert Pirsig’s exploration of "quality" through a motorcycle trip is thought-provoking, using the journey as a metaphor for life. Quality is presented as a concept that speaks to how we experience life, suggesting that the pursuit of quality—whether in motorcycle maintenance, work, or daily living—can offer deeper meaning.
However, the book often struggles to balance its narrative with long philosophical digressions. The metaphysical discussions, while interesting, slow down the story, making it hard to stay engaged with the characters and the journey. Pirsig’s tone can feel didactic at times, which distances the reader from the personal aspects of the story.
Despite this, the book raises important questions about how we approach life and work. It’s a good read for those interested in philosophical exploration, but it may not fully satisfy readers looking for a strong narrative.
However, the book often struggles to balance its narrative with long philosophical digressions. The metaphysical discussions, while interesting, slow down the story, making it hard to stay engaged with the characters and the journey. Pirsig’s tone can feel didactic at times, which distances the reader from the personal aspects of the story.
Despite this, the book raises important questions about how we approach life and work. It’s a good read for those interested in philosophical exploration, but it may not fully satisfy readers looking for a strong narrative.
I was really disappointed in this book. A friend who's literary opinion I trust bought it for me as a housewarming gift. I dove right in after his strong recommendation. This is a book I should be primed to love; I'm big into philosophy, and I'm a rider myself. I just couldn't get over how pompous the author sounded. The entire time he was trying to put forth his philosophy, to me, it sounded like "congratulate me, I'm so smart, you should all praise me." I don't feel that his intent truly came through the way he meant for it to, and I feel like his "philosophy" was shallow at best.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
could feel my eyes glaze over anytime it would switch to non-narritive speaking but man i mostly loved this book
challenging
informative
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced