Long, Quiet Highway

A Memoir on Zen in America and the Writing Life

From bestselling author Natalie Goldberg, here is the story of her life as a spiritual seeker struggling to “free the writer within.” Threaded with the story of Goldberg’s 12-year relationship with legendary Zen master Katagiri Roshi, Long Quiet Highway illustrates the challenges—and rewards—that unfold when a Western student seeks a teacher of Eastern wisdom. Observant and relentlessly honest, Long Quiet Highway is a reflection of the people, places, and experiences that helped Natalie Goldberg discover the transformational power of writing and the truth of the spiritual life.

A Woman's Heart

If you like Natalie Goldberg, you will like this. I got a little tired of Natalie toward the middle of the book. Her grief was too much. I thought she should have taken a zen approach to the death of her teacher. As the story went on, however, I came to realize what was going on, and I became much more tolerant and appreciative of her gifts. She really does tell the truth, and that's a rare quality.

Natalie reveals self.....

This is a marvelous biogrqaphy of Natalie's spritual and writing travels which are so much entertwined. It is told from one who struggles with the pain and joy of writing. Hearing it told in her own voice makes it even that much better. Like so many of us who thought writing would bring us great joy, Natalie has expereienced the work of writing, reminding us that it is what it is, not what we'd hoped it would be. Natalie again at her finest.

Makes You Rethink Your Life

Nathalie has a way of drawing you in and making you go so far as to rethink the ways in which you are moving through this world. Without even saying so she helps you pay attention, to be present. The depth of emotion she is able to express through writing about ordinary things and experiences is absolutely breathtaking. This, and all of Nathalie's books are a "must read" if you are looking for a book that takes you on an emotional journey up and down the hills of her life and when you are finished you feel liked you've learned something. That you are now a better person, better able to be present with the people in your life that you love.

Inspiring

Natalie Goldberg never fails to make me think about new approaches to writing and going deeper into the meaning behind all I do. Nat, if you're reading this, thank you for having the courage to say all the things I've felt and struggled with in my own writing practice.

A hands-down favorite

Natalie writes with clarity, insight, and vulnerability. Her narration of her work makes it all the more telling and beautiful. I especially loved the interview at the end.