This was the last of my batch of library books and probably the one I was looking forward to the most. I left it until last to break up the non-fiction I was reading and hoping that it lived up to the expectations that I had. I was drawn to the blurb on the back especially Asma's non tradition outlook on Buddhist.

The book starts promisingly enough and initially his writing style is pretty engaging with some good humour thrown in. However after that his style becomes very 'educational', this is probably due to the fact that he is a professor but I felt that it slowed the book down and it became too wordy. In particular the first few chapters on the nature of humans craving sex and our interactions with each other felt like I was wading through glue. There were some interesting points introduced but it felt very laboured and I really had to concentrate.

There is a chapter on raising children and this was a far better chapter. It felt as though Asma fell back into a more relaxed style complete with amusing anecdotes. I could completely identify he assertion that small boys in particular seem to spend there time finding ways to hurt themselves.

Two other chapters stood out to me, one on the beat generation of writers and one on music, in particular jazz and blues. I found the beat section very interesting but then I suspect that I would find this interesting regardless of who wrote it. There seems to a be magic that surrounds that particular group of writer and beatniks that makes any writing about them absorbing. As a fan of blues I also found this part interesting although I suspect that non fans wouldn't find it that interesting at all.

Although it is portrayed as a book for beginners or people who don't like the tradition or religious parts of Buddhism I would disagree. There is a lot of info crammed into the 'educational' sections and a bit of background knowledge goes a long way here. I followed it fine but I have read about Buddhism extensively over the years. For people who are looking for a non-dogmatic look at Buddhism I would heavily recommend Buddhism Without Beliefs by Stephen Bachelor. This is a much more relaxed book which assumes no prior knowledge and takes a much better look at the subject in my opinion. ( )

Why I Am a Buddhist
No-Nonsense Buddhism with Red Meat and Whiskey
by Stephen T. Asma, PhD

All I can say on first finding this 179 page read is "finally I get it", and this cool little guy helped me to get there. I have always loved the depth and wisdom connected with the Buddhist way, but what seemed to happen is when I would tell myself I was gonna get really serious about it and start studying, I would get so bogged down in the structure. It was like opening the door to this massive and great temple of wisdom and finally had someone you don't have to do anything just open up and believe.

The author in his simple laid back style took areas in my life I could understand and through examples helped me say how I could fit the wisdom of the Buddha into them. This read was so easy and practical that I found myself just smiling and nodding. I am so grateful that someone could show me how to apply it to my everyday life. I would recommend this illuminating guide to those looking for a way to bring Buddhism into their lives. Thanks so much Stephen for bringing it through my front door and happily placing it on my dinner table.

Love & Light,

Riki Frahmann ( )

An account of one's person's journey with Buddhism. Asma explains some about Buddhist thought and history, though not in great depth. More he discusses what it has meant to him. He sees Buddhism as more a philosophy than a religion, an attempt to answer why humans suffer and what can be done to ameliorate suffering. Asma likes the fact that Buddhism fits so well with both science and art

It is a good book, but could be longer, which is a rare criticism. It never spoke to me on a level that I wanted it to reach, but that isn't the fault of the book. ( )