The Face: A Time Code

I loved this book. Ruth Ozeki is an ordained Zen priest. She has written a book infused with Zen wisdom, while at the same time, managing to chuckle at herself, inform the reader with some very interesting information on Japanese culture and tradition, and also give the reader some serious questions to consider: Who am I? What am I unconsciously saying to myself and the world with my face? How do I feel about myself? My appearance? My mortality? My heritage? There are many depths to plum here.

An interesting short story about the author and her face, that became the vehicle to other stories old and new. I think that the more I read her, the more she becomes one of my favorite writer.Una breve storia che parte dal viso dell'autrice, per arrivare a tante altre storie, alcune con argomento giapponese, vecchie e nuove. Più la leggo più mi piace.

With good humor and honesty the author undertakes a simple task that strikes fear into my own heart-sitting still in front of a mirror for three hours-and then has the spirit to write about it!I'll never look in the mirror in the same way again.Thank you, Ozeki-sensei. Gasho

I would give this book a 6 star rating if I could! It is a beyond WOW book. The brain of the author is gorgeous and she is honest and alert....no wimping, no simpering, just there in your face her face our faces. Thank you Ozeki. I am hooked.

Fascinating reflections about herself and her background including going to Japan and participating in film and theater there. She makes me want to read more by her.

This is not read as a normal book, but is more of a personal interview, that each one of us has with one self.Can you see your father's eyes when you look in the mirror? What do they say?This is a very short introduction to what it means to be human. It is only three hours long as a fiction, but maybe not even an hour and a half as something real and so very true. Brilliant prose, wonderful thoughts. Who are we?

My wife says "just great." Second book of hers that we read - first was For A time Being.

The act of seeing is thoroughly examined. This brief book is full of isight laughter and pathos. Dare we look at our face and chart the past present and future?

Time bound, yet timeless. This book successfully defies classification. Its succinct, careful, yet utterly relatable prose could be called a novella, a memoir, an essay, epic poem, travelogue, art and social history piece – and in many ways is all of these. Consequently, it reminded me both of W G Sebald’s The Ring’s of Saturn and John Berger’s, Ways of Seeing (about seeing, rather than just looking at artworks).I read this book in a single sitting and would advise any reader to do the same. The continuous read allowed me to echo Ozeki’s three hour, single sitting, gazing at her face. This insightful meditation both on her own face and its history in our current fast paced selfie-obsessed culture is even-handed and certainly never sets out to be didactic – no mean feat!Ozeki’s relationship with her face explores a variety of contemporary and historical issues and is a kind of structured stream of consciousness. The three-hour viewing is broken down into chunks and many themes emerge, such as: race, gender, the role of the artist/writer, religion, stereotypes, the beauty culture… to name a few. Overall, an absorbing read.

An intelligent & thought provoking book. Most of us look in the mirror at least once every day looking casting a critical eye at our superficial & physical imperfections. Ruth goes beneath the surface & I promise you that after reading this you will view your reflection differently.

This was a very interesting read. I read it within a day of purchase. The idea of studying your face to know yourself better was an intriguing idea. It also made me take an interest in Noh theatre and the philosophy of Zen Buddhism. I am looking forward this author's novel a time being for now.

An intelligent and powerful personal account of an articulate and interesting writer about her heritage and identity. Highly enjoyable and engaging.

Good to get an insight into one woman's moments sitting contemplating her face and its place in spacetime. Thank you.