The Snow Leopard (Penguin Classics) by Peter Matthiessen Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Snow Leopard (Penguin Classics)
Book Review: No Simple-minded Animal Story - It's an Adventure
Summary: 5 Stars
If you're looking for a fifth grade narrative about really neat animals you'd better skip the Snow Leopard. However, if you are ready to take on a great author weaving the physical and the metaphysical together into one of the greatest adventure stories ever written you'll read and always remember this fantastic work of art. It's a tale of exploration that encompasses unbelievable off the map trekking, fascinating research by the greatest living large mammal zoologist, and enlightening insights into the very core of oriental religion. I have never read a book that successfully integrated so much intelligence into one superbly narrated tale. Without exaggeration, it's a classic.Book Review: Over Rated!
Summary: 2 Stars
This book got such glowing reviews that I had to purchase it. A high standard was set by these reviews, and unfortunately, I was disappointed. Another reviewer mentioned that they couldn't get past the "Zen stuff", and I agree. There were sections that were so detailed on historical Zen philosophy that I had to skip the chapter before falling asleep. Maybe I'm looking for more "action", but I can tell you this book was a big disappointment.Book Review: In Looking Much is Seen
Summary: 5 Stars
The Snow Leopard is about a journey which appears to have only one purpose - to see a snow leopard, but it ends up being about so much more. Humanity, nature and the elements, religion and spiritualism - this book has it all. I read this book only a couple of months ago and could not believe that it was written before I was born! It is so fresh and modern in feeling and context. It also reminds me of another excellent book that I have recently read called Going to Dolpo (writer Timothy Doyle). In both books the author walks into Dolpo in the Tibetan Himalayas, a remarkable accomplishment in itself. Both men are drawn into their own personal Buddhist pilgrimage. Far superior to the usual traveler yarns, I would recommend both these books to the independently-minded reader.
Book Review: An Amazing Chronicle of Self-Discovery
Summary: 5 Stars
Peter Matthiessen spellbinds the reader with his poetic style and uncanny insight, as he invites us into his (rigorously and minutely) examined life. For those who are confused by his Zen philosophy and symbolism, I recommend reading his "Nine-Headed Dragon River" first. In it, Matthiessen narrates how he came to be a follower of Zen Buddhism, and what motivated him to take this journey into the Himalayan mountains. Personally, I find Matthiessen to be the most astonishing and fascinating author alive today.Book Review: Could get past all the Zen talk
Summary: 2 Stars
Tried to read this book after many people's high reviews, but I could not get past all his talk of Zen and Buddhism. I kept getting confused by all the religious talk when all I wanted to know about was the physical journey.