Peter Coyote

Coyote knows how to tell an interesting story. He mentions 2 other memoirs he's already written, and presumabley they each focus on different aspects of his life. This one seems to show how his whole life led to his interest in Zen Buddhism. I didn't know who he was before starting this book, but as the story went along it was dealing with social events I was familiar with. With his strong anti-capitalist bent, I was surprised when it turns out he becomes a movie star, & starts dressing the show more part. While it's one thing to realize that all material things are fleeting, he doesn't show any environmental consideration for his actions. He's smart/intelligent but has so many hangups from how his father treated him that he makes some stupid choices.
Heard as an audiobook, so it's hard to give an adequate review. show less

An insider's analysis of the 60s counterculture with perspectives gained 25-year's later. While Coyote sometimes seems more politic than heartfelt in his self-denegration, he strikes a thought-provoking balance in observing both the failures and excesses of the communards and the value of their grand vision. Tangential discussions of the arts--including the name-dropping-- also elevated the narrative for me.

This is a great memoir of his coming of age in the '60s. We spent time at the same communes, but not together. His descriptions of communal life are spot on.

While I am interested the the counter-culture of the 60's, and communal life I found this book to be nothing more than a self aggrandised snapshot of Mr. Coyote. I became tired of hearing him talk about himself. He never followed through with the reasons for his ideals and principles. He obviously lived a full and interesting life with some fascinating people, but should have allowed those individuals more life within the pages.