The Snow Leopard

Rating:
Summary: I have read it...Then I saw it !
Review: Maybe you can't believe it, but I have read it during a trekking in Dolpa. And the day after I finished the book, I saw a snow leopard, about 2 days of walk from the place where the events related in this book occured (no, I don't smoke, and yes, I am used to altitude...)
Fred, French Alpine Club in Annecy.

Rating:
Summary: All can learn from this journey
Review: Oh boy, I cannot believe the ignorance of those who don't understand buddhism, and make shallow, insipid comments on the book because they didn't want to learn about something that doesn't fall within the McDonald's viewpoint of the world.

This is a nature book, self-discovery, and about the humility of the human spirit. It is also a look at the Himalayas and what makes them so magical. Buddhism, with its gentle view of nature, is covered in this book as a means to describe what Matthiesen is going through. I do highly recommend this book; I have been to Nepal twice, and read it during a hiking trip in the himalayas. It was neat to read this book on that trip, as it helped me see things I normally wouldn't have picked up on.

As for those who don't understand Buddhism, or anything about Zen, please don't read this book, and please don't even comment on it. You have no business reading about this part of the world if you are not open to learning about different cultures and religion. It can be done (speaking as a Roman Catholic).


Rating:
Summary: Language of the Snow Leopard
Review: This is a book about a search, for many things besides the elusive snow leopard of the title. I bought two copies of this book, one to keep at home and one at the office. It's that good. The tale itself is one of interest to me. I learned much about the Himalayas and about the religion and culture of the people who dwell in those mountains. But, as a writer myself, the true wealth of the work is in the beautifully elegant language. I've marked off numerous passages of absolutely brilliant description or metaphor, and I return again and again to them as I try to create my own prose. I can't recommend The Snow Leopard highly enough.

Charles Gramlich
Author of "Cold in the Light"