Book Review.

[Unmon]

Re: Book Review.

ugghhh..i took jundo's advice and checked out that section on amazon.... it reminded me how irritating a read that book can be.

i found the stories and drama enthralling at times - very petty and worthless at others...but i hate the tone his writing has taken. you'd think it might mature over time, but it continues to come across like pandering or talking down to "the punks". "dude, pop culture, sarcasm, man, sex, fuck, shit, punk rawk...."

despite appearances, punks aren't dumb.

snarkiness is trite

still love brad's work for where it brought me personally though

-tim

[Jundo]

Re: Book Review.

Here are a couple of Precepts we are currently reflecting up, and it would be good for all of us to keep them in mind (including me, cause I fall into it too) ... so, while it fine to offer an honest book review, let us tread carefully ...

Positive, constructive civil criticism meant for a purpose is worthwhile ... but there is a fine line into personal attacks ...

We all wrestle with these (me too)

PRECEPTS VIII - To Refrain from Discussing Faults of Others
viewtopic.php?f=7&t=2080

PRECEPTS IX - To Refrain from Self-Praise & Judging Others
viewtopic.php?f=7&t=2104

[Unmon]

Re: Book Review.

thanks jundo. i was feeling that while writing...and that's why i chose to address brad's work and style rather than framing my criticisms (and praise) w/ regard to "the person".......but, it is treading a fine line.

[Adam]

Re: Book Review.

I would like to thank you too, Jundo. I think that I get a little carried away sometimes, and attempt to be objective, but fail miserably. I shouldn't worry about what others believe. I believe one thing, they another, so it's not too important if I disagree with their ideas.

Gassho,

Adam

[chicanobudista]

Re: Book Review.

Oh, now someone is going to think there is some "dirt" in there, Erik. (I am referred to in the book as the Marx Brother, "Gummo". "Zeppo" is Michael Leutchford in the UK). There is not.

1) The section may be interesting in that it is really about nothing at all (in the grand scheme of things) and one "adds" stuff to it. :wink:

2) FWIW, Brad states that G and Z are not about two people in particular, but rather composites:

Precious Metal Interview

PM: You talk in your book about “Zeppo” and “Gummo”, two teachers you’re obviously not fond of and think in ways may be taking advantage of people. What would you tell someone who’s just coming to the dharma to look out for in a mentor/ teacher

BRAD: Zeppo and Gummo aren’t real people. I want to point that out first. They’re composite characters based on several real people. Some of those real people are trying to take advantage of others and some are not. Most Buddhist teachers aren’t trying to take advantage of anyone.

Sorry. Didn't mean to start a flame war. :|