The Zen of Zombie by Scott Kenemore

I bought this book for my boyfriend, it seemed like the perfect thing to get him reading a little bit more.  He loved it, and is actually reading it a second time around.  Zen of Zombie is a book that teaches you how to slow down and move at your own pace, much like a zombie.  It takes many principles of Zen and meditations and applies to them how a zombie would be.  It is an interesting way to look at Zen and is highly entertaining to read.  Who knew Zombies could teach so much about slowing down and enjoying life!

The book goes over 12 steps to led to complete zombification which takes place over a period of 90 days (my boyfriend said it didn’t take).  It helps readers conquer fears, play it cool, letting go and being your own boss.  Throughout the book it imparts wisdom and sage zombie advice for getting through life.  It is a funny little book to have on the night stand or coffee table as my boyfriend does.  It doesn’t necessarily follow the lore to a T, so if you are a fanatic for lore to be exact maybe don’t read this, but really it’s a book written in good fun.

It is not something serious or meant to be such, just something to laugh about and have an easy read.  Some things are reiterated throughout the book which can get old fast, but it is still something to give you or your guests a quick laugh.  There is a lot of tongue-in-cheek humor so if that is something that is not your style, don’t read it.  It pokes fun at the fandom which can be appreciated.  Overall I give the book a 3 out of 5 because it did find it’s silliness something my boyfriend and I could share.

 

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintence

I have to admit when I first started to read this book I had a very difficult time getting past the first few chapters and when I did, I was beyond glad I stuck with it.  Robert Pirsig explores how we live, and meditates on how to make our lives better while pursuing our passions.  The novel is through the eyes of a father on a cross country motorcycle ride with his son.  The novel become a personal exploration and a journey through philosophical questions.    Pirsig delves into the question of what is Quality, and what gives our live Quality?

This novel is perfect for anyone to read because of Pirsig's use of something personal and fundamentally universal.   This novel won't  have you debating Kierkegaard or Nietzsche, but provides you with questions and something to reflect on and question yourself.  Never have I read a book more thought provoking and rises questions about my own life I have never thought to ask or investigate.  Pirsig address the idea that we live in a world of both Romantic and Classical, or simply put, form and function.  One of the problems with the world that Pirsig presents is that function is essential to life, but it is form that is emphasized.   When form and function work together equally then the desired Quality is obtained.

Pirsig does an excellent job presenting his thoughts and ideas to his readers.   He draws them in with a very personal story of a father and son trying to reconnect.  Through his story we see an imperfect father striving to be perfect, to discover Quality for both their lives.  It is beautifully written and a novel should be read.

Pros: Thought provoking and compelling insight
Cons::It can be difficult to begin the novel
Bottom Line: Incredibly thought provoking and interesting.

Rating:  4 out of 5 stars