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!