Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

[Briarbabe]

My boyfriend bought me this when we were first getting to know each other. It was the first gift he gave me, a book. I knew he was a good'un then and there. Enough about my sweetie though. I'm finally finding the time to really sink my teeth into this book and I'm thoroughly enjoying it. Anyone else read it? Thoughts? I'm about 1/3 of the way through it.

 

[gravel]

I've read it 23 years ago. I doubt I can offer any meaningful discussion. :-/

 

[Dave_In_Philly]

Everyone says that its a life changing read. I had a sociology professor in college that insisted I read it (outside of the class). I just couldn't get into it. Whatever vibe folks were getting from it went over my head. I picked it up again a couple years ago, when we found out that we were going to have a son, thinking maybe time had changed my perspective a bit, but that turned out not to be the case. I will keep it and revisit it again in another ten years.

 

[RDPipes]

I found it gave no relevant instruction on how to repair or maintain a Motorcycle.  :suspect: 

 

[Fr_Tom]

I have read it and liked it. It has been a while.

 

[Briarbabe]

I find myself landing right in the middle of both worlds that he speaks of. Enjoying and appreciating both the logical and romantic ways of seeing things.

 

[MichaelM]

I first read it in college, and have reread it 3 times since. I think it is a really wonderful book and Pirsig's thoughts on value strongly resonate with me. In our world of increasingly disposable goods, it is a message that I wish more would consider. But I have to agree it fell flat as a maintence guide :tongue: 
Mike.

 

[riff raff]

I gave it a shot a few years back, but couldn't get into it either. Then again, I couldn't get through Kerouac's "On The Road" which is universally beloved. If you are enjoying the book, perhaps the connection with your boyfriend is adding some additional meaning. I have the paperback and will have to give it another shot.

 

[monbla256]

Read it the first time back in '70 when I got back from 'Nam and it helped put some of what I'd gone thru in perspective then. I've read it every few years since and it still reasanates with me. Enjoy it    

 

[Dave_In_Philly]

I found it gave no relevant instruction on how to repair or maintain a Motorcycle.  :suspect: 

I nearly spit my coffee all over my desk. Good one.

 

[Puff Daddy]

I read it in high school, when I was around 16. I'm 50 now. Can't recall much about it other than I really liked it at the time. I should re read it.

 

[Briarbabe]

If you are enjoying the book, perhaps the connection with your boyfriend is adding some additional meaning.

I honestly think it has less to do with my connection with my boyfriend and more to do with the insane life changes I've been through in the past six months. I almost feel as though I am waking up in a hospital, this terrible ordeal behind me a former consciousness, and a new future ahead of me. Even now I look at where I was a year ago and it amazes me how much has changed, how much I have grown. I think reading this at this point in my life is why it resonates with me so.

 

[Blackhorse]

I read it years ago as well. A cult classic from way back. As I recall it's much more about values than about bikes.

If you like it, you might pick up, "The River Why" by David Duncan...or "Trout Fishing in America" by Richard Brautigan...only one of which has much to do with fishing...both of which have the same kind of cult status as Pirsig's 'Zen'.