Buddha or Bust

May 15, 2006
A wonderful idea with so-so execution, this spiritual travelogue ambitiously circles the globe to explore the Asian roots and worldwide branches of Buddhism. Journalist Garfinkel got an assignment to write a feature for National Geographic
magazine about the spread of Buddhism; the book includes both the material he gathered in nine countries and his memoirish commentary on his experiences. The book is at its best when Garfinkel holds memoir to a minimum and just reports on his subjects, whether people or countries. The resurgence of Buddhism in economically booming China is particularly fascinating. By contrast, increased coverage of Zen monk Thich Nhat Hanh and a little less of Garfinkel's girlfriend at Nhat Hanh's Plum Village in France would have been more to the point. Some readers, especially nostalgic baby boomers, will appreciate the author's light tone, while others will find his frequent jokiness shallow and his cultural allusions occasionally mysterious ("the Buddhist version of 'I'm from Missouri' "). Although Garfinkel presents useful material, some conclusions are unconvincing leaps. "I was having trouble connecting the dots in Sri Lanka" doesn't speak precisely enough about that country's contradictions. While informative, this book isn't fresh or rigorous enough.

June 1, 2006
In this enjoyable travel memoir, veteran lifestyle and travel journalist Garfinkel takes us on a tour of places sacred to Buddhism, explaining basic Buddhist beliefs and practices along the way. As someone -who has been falling on and off the meditation cushion for 30 years, - Garfinkel aims to explore why Buddhism is now quickly gaining popularity around the world. On assignment for "National Geographic", he visits Poland, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Hong Kong, China, Japan, the United States, and France, discovering in each that Buddhism is adapted to reflect the culture and personality of the people. The highlight of his journey is a meeting with the Dalai Lama, described in a chapter that nicely connects all the pieces of a well-told story. Charmingly written and with a good bibliography and glossary for help with unfamiliar terms, this text is a recommended addition to any Buddhist or travel collection." -Jennifer Kuncken, Williamsburg Regional Lib., VA"

Copyright 2006 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2006
Garfinkel undertook a 20-week round-the-world trip to write an in-depth article for " National Geographic" about the worldwide Buddhist movement. Following in the footsteps of the Buddha, he hoped to gain, if not nirvana, at least insight and "merit" to redeem in this lifetime. He begins the journey in Poland, on an Auschwitz retreat through Zen Peacemakers, looking for Buddha's truth of suffering. It is a heartrending beginning that at the end of the journey makes a great deal of sense. Next on his agenda is India, birthplace of Buddha, and from this point on the itinerary is more logical. Each step is another lesson in history, teasing out what is known from what has been merely attributed to the Buddha. He travels to Thailand, Hong Kong, and China, and some discoveries are disheartening. In Sri Lanka, for instance, Garfinkel is appalled to find that the civil war is closer to a religious war. Despite occasional confusion in the discussion of various Buddhist sects, Garfinkel presents a dynamic account of twentieth-century Buddhism. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2006, American Library Association.)