Hardcore Zen: Punk Rock, Monster Movies, & the Truth about Reality is a great book about Zen Buddhism written in a way that “normal” people can relate to. The author, Brad Warner, does a great job of speaking at my level. Now, I’m an educated woman but when it comes to Buddhism I’m a newbie. And I appreciate his approach. The book was easy to read and every chapter seemed to hit me with a punch in the gut… “read that sentence again! remember what it’s saying!”

A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose (Oprah’s Book Club, Selection 61) is one that Oprah has recommended to the world. Seriously… she had online course and many many shows on the topic. This one was not as easy of a read as Hardcore Zen but it is quite engaging. I also found a number of “aha!” moments in this book.

Next books on my list (which I’ve already purchased yay):

• The Tao of Pooh – classic!
• American Nerd: The Story of My Peoplee – hehe this was a gift, telling isn’t it?
• Sit Down and Shut Up: Punk Rock Commentaries on Buddha, God, Truth, Sex, Death, and Dogen’s Treasury of the Right Dharma Eye – The sequel to Hardcore Zen
• This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession

Do you have any good books you recommend? Have you read the ones listed here?