Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig

In this intriguing and culturally/historically significant autobiography, Pirsig and his young son go on a long motorcycle ride (for awhile they are joined by a married couple) and encounter some beautiful things, but they also struggle with their emotions and the natural elements. Along the way, Pirsig reveals the story of Phaedrus (Phaedrus is really Pirsig in his earlier life), a former professor who struggled with mental illness, was placed in a mental hospital, and underwent electric shock therapy. Much of this journey I loved, particularly the emphasis on the wonder of a simple life, but the very long passages on philosophy became increasingly more difficult for me to wade through.

Leatherby Libraries Call Number: CT275.P648 A33 1999
2nd Floor Humanities Library
Review submitted by: Stacy Russo, Chair of Public Services, Leatherby Libraries
Rating: Recommended

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