Zen and the Art of Faking It

By: Jordan Sonnenblick

Narrated by: Mike Chamberlain

Length: 5 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

When eighth-grader San Lee moves to a new town and a new school for the umpteenth time, he doesn't try to make new friends or be a loner or play cool. Instead he sits back and devises a plan to be totally different.

When he accidentally answers too many questions in World History on Zen (only because he just had Ancient Religions two schools ago) all heads turn and San has his answer: he's a Zen Master. And just when he thinks everyone (including the cute girl he can't stop thinking about) is on to him, everyone believes him...in a major Zen way.

©2007 Jordon Sonnenblick (P)2008 Listening Library

Wonderful

I have to say I loved this book. It was so great and well written. It may seem odd but I am in my late 30's and I got this book and just had to giggle and loved it. It is enjoyable for every generation and brought back the angst of junior high and trying to fit in and made me realize that it never really fades. The author does an incredible job telling a story and captivating the characters. I highly recommend this book to readers/listeners of all ages.

Slow at first, then achieves the right path

At first the book did not appeal to me. I thought a different reader would enliven the story more, and I was annoyed by the white noise static used to mark chapter transitions. It was jarring and unnecessary. However, as the story progressed I found myself more in lockstep with the amazing, eight-grade protagonist. At the heart of this story is how we find our true, authentic selves - and how painful but necessary that can be. This is also a “teaching book” in which you learn a great deal about Zen Buddhism without a heavy-handed approach. A love story is icing on the cake and also keeps you wanting more. I found this book a delightful surprise, even with those annoying white noise chapter markers. I encourage you to read this book, appropriate for audiences seventh-grade into full adulthood!

Delightfully Entertaining

My kids and I loved this book! The writing is thorough and the topic is one that all ages can identify with. There are humorous moments throughout that made my teenage son repeatedly say, "I love this book." I'm definitely checking out this other books.

Amazing!!!

I loved it! The book was amazing! I recommend this book to anyone. Thank you audibke for setting me listen to this book.

Zen garden

I really liked this book and it had so much love and romance in it but I just wish there would be more to the story.

Zen and the art of faking it was a great book

I liked how the book gave an understanding of what happens when you lie, and how you should always be yourself.

Great story and great message

What did you love best about Zen and the Art of Faking It?

The story was good for young and old. This was a project for my 12 year old but, being the parent, I also enjoyed the book.

What other book might you compare Zen and the Art of Faking It to and why?

I don't know what book I would compare it to but it gave the message of being yourself and when you lie you will always get caught.

Have you listened to any of Mike Chamberlain’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not listened to other performances by Mike Chamberlain but his narration was clear, easy to follow and understand and I would listen again.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

When everyone knows you're lying the only one you're fooling is you.

Any additional comments?

Great story for the whole family.