Crooked Cucumber

The Life and Zen Teaching of Shunryu Suzuki

Shunryu Suzuki, author of the beloved classic Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind, is lovingly remembered as one of the greatest spiritual teachers of the 20th century - whose legacy is felt in every facet of American Zen. This monumental biography of Suzuki, written and read by his student David Chadwick, weaves together a rich tapestry of stories and memories of Suzuki’s students, family, and friends. In this updated and revised audiobook edition, Chadwick also offers rare excerpts from archived recordings of Suzuki’s teachings in the great Zen master's own voice.

©1999 David Chadwick (P)2021 Shambhala Publications

Heartfelt narration

Deeply insightful into zen and Japanese culture and its adaptation to America. Wonderful moment jn the transmission of the Dharma

A wonderful narration of a moving story.

The sincerity of David Chadwick’s narration of his book adds great richness and humanity to this listening experience.

Chadwick’s story of his teacher’s life is direct and honest throughout, omitting the kind of hagiography Suzuki would have found silly. Hearing more about Suzuki struggles and failures as well as his accomplishments was very inspiring and helpful for me.

This book is a gift to anyone interested in Suzuki and the origins of Zen in America.

Excellent Content/ Awkward Narration

The life of Suzuki is fascinating, and this offers snapshots of this giant's life. The content is amazing. I have rated it a 4 because the narration is just awkward. At one moment, he starts laughing at private memories. Later on, he begins crying. Then there are dozens of awkward editorial inserts that just break the narration. Additionally, the chapter content doesn't align with the descriptions.

David Chadwick’s reading is wonderful

I so appreciate David’s authentic and heartfelt telling of this story which feels more like just a sharing of his friend and mentor.

Beautiful narration

Those who complain about David Chadwick´s narration are completely missing the point. He is narrating like a true zen practitioner, straight from the heart.

Needless to say, the book is extraordinary.