JazzManJim
On the Downbeat
- Joined
- Sep 12, 2001
- Posts
- 27,360
Here are a couple books I'm reading right now. I want to recommend them, mostly so I'll have someone to talk to about them, because no one in my circle reads this kind of stuff.
"Zen Flesh, Zen Bones", complied and translated by Paul Reps - This is actually a compliation of four separate very old writings about Zen, including the "Gateless Gate" of noted Zen teacher Mumon. It's pretty provocative reading, and virtually every koan in it give you pause to think - not only about what Zen is and what it does or does not do, but also about the nature of your own thinking and behavior.
"Casting the Stones", a collection of ghost stories by MR James - James was a contemporary of HP Lovecraft. Unlike Lovecraft, James' ghost stories are light on the tentacles and cyclopean architecture, and long on style, understated setting, and surprising creepiness. Each story begins like a sedate Jane Austen story and ends like a Stephen King novel. James is the master of keeping the ghost behind the curtain until just the right moment. Virtually any collection of his stories are worth reading. Look for the story "Whistle, and I'll come to ye, My Lad".
"From a Buick 8", Stephen King - I'm re-reading this latest book of the preeminent horror writer of our generation. This is a damned good story, long on understated character development and study and short on shambling monsters. Don't let that throw you. It's still a good creepy story that reads quickly and leaves you pretty satisfied at the end.
"Zen Flesh, Zen Bones", complied and translated by Paul Reps - This is actually a compliation of four separate very old writings about Zen, including the "Gateless Gate" of noted Zen teacher Mumon. It's pretty provocative reading, and virtually every koan in it give you pause to think - not only about what Zen is and what it does or does not do, but also about the nature of your own thinking and behavior.
"Casting the Stones", a collection of ghost stories by MR James - James was a contemporary of HP Lovecraft. Unlike Lovecraft, James' ghost stories are light on the tentacles and cyclopean architecture, and long on style, understated setting, and surprising creepiness. Each story begins like a sedate Jane Austen story and ends like a Stephen King novel. James is the master of keeping the ghost behind the curtain until just the right moment. Virtually any collection of his stories are worth reading. Look for the story "Whistle, and I'll come to ye, My Lad".
"From a Buick 8", Stephen King - I'm re-reading this latest book of the preeminent horror writer of our generation. This is a damned good story, long on understated character development and study and short on shambling monsters. Don't let that throw you. It's still a good creepy story that reads quickly and leaves you pretty satisfied at the end.
