Rating: 
Summary: A Fun Introduction to Buddhisim from a Sincere Seeker
Review: This audiotape is lighthearted and entertaining while at the same time it introduces some of the basics of Buddhism. Moore does a good job of comparing Buddhism with his childhood Catholisim, and is gentle and honest in his seeking for an authentic sprituality. In the end, he finds that his Buddhist practice is very similar to contemplative Christian practice, such as that of Thomas Merton or the Quakers.This is not the kind of thing that I would read, but is excellent as an audiotape to listen to in the car, etc.
Rating: 
Summary: Not bad- a mirror of Buddhism in America
Review: which is also "not bad." However, the book's schizoid nature- which the trade reviews have noted, *is* there, and in part is a reflection of Buddhism in America. America has not yet seen its Hui Neng, or Shantideva, or Eiehei Dogen, although we have had the Shakers. Truly American Buddhism doesn't exist yet - although not for want of trying by the likes of Loori et al., and this leads to my main criticism of the book: the author doesn't quite get *how* lacking America is in its Buddhist development because he relies too much on folks like Helen Tworklow, and not enough on his South Asian Theravada teacher, IMO- who, by his immigrant status, provides a good example of what American Buddhism at present is not. Asia's been doing this far longer than Americans, and if you've been there, you know. Not only the "strength of practice," but also the inevitable frankness about Dharma scam artists. Still, a good introductory book, and yes, it is quite humorous.
Rating:
Summary: another accidental Buddhist
Review: Just finished it yesterday and I really enjoyed it...to a degree because it mirrors my own experiences (and we do love to read about ourselves) Having been at the edge (not the cutting edge - perhaps the fringe) of Buddhist study since college (the 70's) but never with great seriousness. Then I met Roshi Robert Kennedy (as Moore did)a Jesuit priest & Zen master. He was reading/promoting his book ZEN SPIRIT, CHRISTIAN SPIRIT (also good, but much more serios in tone)and speaking on Zen & Catholicism (I was raised Roman Catholic) This lead to several visits to local zen groups for sessions - a trip to the Tibetan Buddhist Learning Center in Washington, NJ - I had taken a class at Zen Mountain Monastery (like Moore) years ago but it was in haiku... Reading the book got me to to try out a Zen sitting group again last weekend. I like the converstional, decidedlu unpreachy style of the book. It got me thinking about it all again and I would highly recommend it to anyone with similar leanings.
Rating:
Summary: Great intro for the curious or beginner
Review: I wish I had read this book five years ago, when I myself started exploring Buddhism. At that time, there were many books discussing the different Buddhist traditions (Zen, Tibetan, etc.), but none clearly explaining the differences therebetween or how to implement such traditions in America. If you're curious about Buddhism, what the different options are, or how to practice, this book will give you the proper framework to begin your journey. Peace.
Rating:
Summary: great information about most americanbuddhist journeys
Review: as a buddhist myself its always refreshing to read someting that cuts through and clarifies the simple and complex issues in making the transistion to buddhisim form other american religions. It is important to see the interconnections with many american approaches to spiritual enlightenment. I also live in Pennsylvania near were the author lives it is difficult at times to explain the reasons or share with others why it is we buddhists are following this path. great book highly reccomend I intend to read D.Moore's other books on the subject. The writting style is humerous but not judgemental very interesting style.
Rating:
Summary: I'm glad I read this book first!
Review: Thank you very much for providing an honest, simple yet not so simple exploration of the nature of Buddhism from an American cultural perspective. It has given me courage to inch along this path, using the Buddha's teachings to anchor me in ways of being, thinking and living while I am still here.
Rating: 
Summary: A good start!
Review: As a curious Roman Catholic, I found Mr. Moores book a lot of fun and very inspiring. I liked how he talked about guilt and how others worked around that. If I did decide to look into Buddhism seriously, his book would be a nice beginners example. His Mind Monkey made me laugh out loud!
Rating:
Summary: I was at Zen Mountain too
Review: I visited Zen Mountain Monastery too, but was one of the ones who left Saturday morning screaming. This book has helped me work through some of the problems and fears I encountered there as well as issues with Buddhism in general. This is a very down to earth and practical book for those looking to add a little introspection and enlightenment to their lives.
Rating:
Summary: Buddhism 101
Review: This book, written by a 40ish college professor at Penn State, presents a very light read and a decent overview of the current Buddhist "fad" in America. The author chronicles his travels into the three major Buddhist practices currently in vogue in America and describes his observations, which tend to be self-directed and superficial. Nonetheless, he does effectively give the feel for what is going on with the development of an interest in Buddhism which has really only been in America for a relatively short time. Since the author is neither a Buddhist nor a religious studies expert, he does not try to give an in depth analysis of the origins and development of the practice of Buddhism. Instead, the book is mostly about his journalistic journey which somewhere along the way became spriritual. The book is entertaining and can be read on a plane, bus or plane with no problem. Its also a fast read. What is noticably missing in the book is any insight into why real people other than himself practice Buddhism. In addition, he completely avoids dealing with the fact that Buddhism in America is a mostly white and middle class practice which has not really cut across all class and ethnic lines. If he had asked some people he met along the way why they practice, his book would be much more insightful. There are other books which do this and are much better at it. Like all other religions, Buddhism has some aspects that appear odd from the outside(and even from the inside) but the fact that the Buddha was one of the greatest religious teachers of the world is not a feeling one has after completing this book.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Buddhism Primer for Those Not Ready to Leap
Review: Moore presents a very readable exploration of different schools of Buddhism and makes it clear that you don't have to have a conversion experience appreciate Buddhism and begin to grapple with Buddhism means and how it can contribute to our daily lives. The book is refreshingly irreverent without being cynical (e.g., the Dala Lama and his followers will not be happy with tTe mild, but "right on" criticism that emerges). there are some minor inaccuracies about terminology and education in the Therevada Buddhist tradition, but otherwise this is a great book and it will appeal to a wide variety readers from the merely curious to even some with scholarly depth in the area.
| 
