Reviews
The author for Z is for Zen invites readers to walk alongside her as she battles to discover meaning in life, through an enticing narrative chronicling her steps toward practicing Zen, set against the larger context of history and its enduring impact on her journey. From America’s terrifying entrance into the Vietnam War to Mueller’s experience gambling at a casino with a Buddhist Roshi, readers will be riveted.
The stores entertain, provoke deep thought, and gently encourage readers to implement the author’s wisdom when reflecting on their own life journeys. She strikes a nearly-flawless balance between spiritual discover/meaning and the traditions of this world.
“Your journey is truly inspiring from cooking on a tugboat to leading in the Internet world, and now bringing Zen and artistry into your writing. I admire how A Taste of Heaven and Earth and The World in a Bowl of Tea blend food, photography, and spiritual practice into something that feels alive and deeply meaningful.
It’s rare to find someone who captures both the heart of Zen and the beauty of the everyday in such an accessible way.”
Z is for Zen is a lovely book. The prose itself mirrors qualities of Zen Buddhism: stripped of artifice, elegant, simple, essential. It feels like a very organic outgrowth from someone who has devoted so much of their life to true mindfulness.
I believe our unique time has produced more readers (myself among them) hungry for spiritual nourishment. And while Z is for Zen doesn’t dogmatically instruct – being immersed in the story of someone else’s challenging, and daily practice, and exposed to its progressive process – was bracingly refreshing and ultimately inspiring.
I just finished your book yesterday. I loved it! It was great on so many levels. I particularly enjoyed reading your descriptive passages. It’s obvious that Zen and the other training has heightened your appreciation for the simple beauty in nature. Wabi?
After readng it, I also found myself appreciating those small, perfect moments.