I know this book gets a lot of buzz. I heard so much about it that perhaps I had built an idea in my head of what this would be about and therefore had a preconceived notion. Nevertheless, this is a very heavy read. The story of the man taking the trip with his son is touching, but the constant referral of his alter ego/split personality is difficult to follow at first. The Greek name was also a bit jarring but I understand where he was going. Here is the thing. The majority of this book is a study of and reflection of the term "Quality" and what it truly means. Much of the book is a pursuit of a definition. If I had known this ahead of time I would have had a better feel for the book. I suppose I see Zen and I want simplicity and order and minimalism but these contemplations are not minimalistic by a long shot!

When I was about 16 I first read this book and since then I have picked it up from time to time when I feel myself getting too attached to the material possessions and trivia of everyday life that become all we think about. It describes a personal journey and a very touching father-son relationship, which ultimate ends in tragedy, but at the same time delves deep into the very essence of being human. After I read this book, I began to look at the world in a new way, reevaluating what I meant by “good” and “bad”. The book not only piqued my interest in these profound questions about the basis of what makes us thinking creatures, but made me want to get out and experience the world for myself! Pirsig's weaving of philosophy with story makes his analysis bearable because the story just zips you along. I definitely recommend it if you like to think about the way things work and the way we think.

This book will give you a new outlook on life. It follows a 17-day motorcycle road trip across the U.S. by Pirsig and his son Chris, and also for the first 9 days John and Sylvia Sutherland. Pirsig investigates the implication and notions of what "quality," which is an expression that he judges to be imperceptible, is and is not. As I was reading the book I slowly found myself changing, the way I acted and the relationships I had with people. Along with being a nostalgic adventure, because of the detail it goes into on motorcycles and the guts of them, it truly astounded me how little I know about the world, that so much could be said about the metaphysics of quality. One word, one idea. This book helped me see the world in a new light, and I am sure it would change your perception of existence also.

This is not everyone's book. Pirsig makes it clear that each one of us has a journey, an exploration, whether we are tech-savvy or tech-non-savvy. The book by itself is too metaphysically oriented for the non-savvy, I feel. It is however a treat for those who can feel the throb of high power engines and just as easily deliberate on 'quality' and related intangibles.

I used to be one such person while at college, which incidentally is a great time to read this book. The peer group will help you discover the fascinating meanings of Pirsig's work for it is hardly likely anyone would understand more than half of what is written by their own devices. For those who are / have been bikers, the visualisation of the author's own journey could be orgasmic and inspirational. Certainly not a book to discount, for you never know if it's for you till the first few chapters are read.