A Straight Road with 99 Curves

features 2 of the biggest names in American Buddhism: Robert Aitken & Yamada Koun Zenshin; author had major rupture with both of these figures that was never fully resolved, so this memoir is tinged with some regret & bitterness, & at the same time it is a fascinating "behind the scenes" look at the personal dynamics & struggles of Zen center life focuses on specific events & personal growth, with a realistic, relatable ending (not a manual of beliefs or a gooey tale of enlightenment). Special interest to "older" generation who studied in 60s and 70s (when Zen was more a "cultural force" than today) simultaneous epub ISBN 978-1-61172-548-3 includes 2 dozen author's bw archival photos a Zen dropout finds peace with himself most relatable to classic memoir The Empty Mirror: Experiences in a Japanese Zen Monastery by Janwillem van de Wetering, revealing tale of an acolyte who didn't buy into the teachings In past year, there has been media attention on spiritual movements, their leaders, & the movements' dramatic inner workings (John Friend/Anusara Yoga, Diamond Mountain University's Christie McNally, Ian Thorson, & Michael Roach, etc); this memoir adds a thoughtful, well-written voice to critical reflection on these movements from within