Jason's Reviews

Was Fezzik a Bodhisattva? How do I practice compassion toward Ted Cruz (who is apparently a huge fan of the movie)? In this wise and funny book, Nichtern interweaves personal stories about his own romantic relationships with the love life of Princess Bride’s Westley and Buttercup, all the while teaching the Dharma. It works on every level. Fans of Benjamin Hoff’s The Tao of Pooh and Aziz Ansari’s Modern Romance will enjoy this unique book as will, of course, lovers of The Princess Bride. - Jason

Just be, Grasshopper. You are ready to practice Zen now. This is one of the very best books on Zen ever written. Written by the founder of the San Francisco Zen Center, Suzuki Roshi designed this to be read by experienced meditators and novices alike. No need for more words at this time. Just read. - Jason

What is everyone were truly awake? In this bestselling follow up to The Power of Now, Tolle imagines a world in which all people have had a spiritual awakening, giving us a new Utopian blueprint. He expands on the message of being fully present, and offers an optimistic vision for all of civilization. In what can often seem like discouraging times, this is an inspiring book. - Jason

A sublime collection of speculative, dystopian short stories. Weinstein’s near-future is full of isolating cybersex, social media implants and memory manufacturers. A father has to deal with his malfunctioning robot son. A suburban town has to decide which local kid to shoot off into space. Perfect for fans of George Saunders or Phillip K. Dick. - Jason

The oldest soul in the world just can’t seem to reach perfection. He was a disciple of the Buddha, a superhero on an alien prison planet, a wise fisherman… but every single time, Milo doesn’t get it right. On a positive note, every time he dies, he reunites with his girlfriend, Death (who also goes by the name Susie). This book is totally goofy, sweet and wise. - Jason

Perfect writing and a tragic love story. This is about the marriage of two beautiful people, told in asymmetrical halves. Inspired by the classics, and fueled by passion, this book builds and bends, until it breaks your heart. Buy it to read great storytelling, but fall in love with the gorgeous language. - Jason

The year is 2044, and a performance enhancing drug is causing people to work themselves to death. Tractor Jack, a female drug pirate with a submarine, embarks upon a mission to stop the spread of the deadly drug before it becomes an epidemic. An unlikely man-robot love affair sweetens an otherwise dystopian storyline. The political undertone (a pharmaceutical big bad, human and A.I. trafficking) echoes Margaret Atwood. This is my early pick for best Sci-Fi book of the year. - Jason

Santa Cruz native Noah Levine couldn’t kick. All the punk life had gotten him was high and behind bars, until his dad (Buddhist teacher Stephen Levine) visited him in jail, and said “learn to meditate.” Since then, this bad-boy-turned-spiritual-Guru has started an international movement of Buddhist-based recovery from drugs and alcohol. - Jason

Are you ready to show your art to the world? This book is for writers, painters, and candlestick makers- and any type of artist who just can’t seem to propel their career beyond the status of garage bands genius. Popular blogger and social media ninja Austin Kleon knows what it takes to be a self-promoting artist. This book inspired me to start a blog and send my work to publishers. - Jason

This is the optimistic eco-conscious treatise you are looking for. Written by a true radical thinker, and Yale educated philosopher, Eisenstein focuses mostly on the environment and what he calls a societal separation anxiety disorder, offering an alternative of interdependence between humanity and the planet. - Jason