Zen meets I-Ching vs. Dice Man
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Beware, this book is not a novel, but more a practical guide on Dice Living. If you do not know what Dice Living is, it is a (fictional) way of living introduced by Luke Rhinehart in the novel The Dice Man. In short, it involves 2 6-sided dice cast together at the same time, and the caster makes up events for each possible role of the die. This books presents a deeper analysis of Dice living, but fortunately, it never takes it self seriously. Moreover, this is the infamous book Luke Rhinehart refers to in the Dice man (eventhough he wrote The Book of the Die 28 years later) The theory of dice living influences both from Zen and I-Ching. This book can be a welcome asset if you are interested in of these things. The book has no ordinary chapters, instead the chapters are devided into 'Roles of the die', thus there are 'chapters' such as 1-2, and 4-6. The book is witty, and funny and it is a satire upon itself and Dice living. But because of this, I think this book is most suitable for those who read the Dice Man and liked it, or if you are interested in beginning a 'dice life' yourself.
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The Zen of Dice
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This is the book Luke Rhinehart refers to in his Dice Man, and the Search for the Dice Man novels (eventhough it has only been written in 2000). This book is not really an story, but more a Dice version of Zen. It tries to explain the benefits of Dice Living, and introduce dice wisdom. Each chapter in the book, is a new combination of two six sided dice, i.e. chapter 2-4, or 3-5. This approach by explaining the 'cast' of the die, results in that the book does not really have a plot (apart from casting dice), or a story (apart from the occasional remarks of the character Whim), nor does it fit into a specific literary category (unless books like I-Tjing fit into one).
But, the book is funny, whimsical, has wise cracks, and the occasional zen-philosophy. If you loved the Dice Man or the Search for the Dice Man and if you are ready for more 'reports' on Dice Theory and Dice Living, don't pass up on this one.
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To throw or not to throw, that is the question.
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A handbook to coach the reader in the ways of dice-living. Packed with thoughts, essays and philosophical ramblings, this should not be read by people of questionable mental status. It is very difficult to actually find fault with the idea of dice-living; the main decision to be made (by the dice of course) is how far you immerse yourself in it. The chapters are designed to be read in no particular order (you guessed it, The dice decide), so it doesnt need to be read in one sitting. Just keep it close at hand and dip into it for guidance now and again. Just bear in mind that when reading this book on the train and hurling dice down the aisle, the reader may attract some strange looks from fellow passengers (believe me,I know). The book is genuinely good at forcing the reader to think and ponder on philosophical questions of life. A big book with big ideas. Did I really like it? Did I even read it? Maybe, maybe not; I just do what the dice tell me.
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An absurd philosophy for absurd people
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Great book - Luke gives his thoughts behind the philosophy of The Dice Man and the other books he's written - it's very much in his style - quotes and from all sorts of sources merged together like some sort of word collage. Unlike the other books, there are quite a few genuine sources in this one - as opposed to stuff he's just made up for fun... According to the cover blurb, the aim of the book is to spark a few ideas, a few insights, and show an alternative way of looking at the world. It certainly does that - and mixed in is the trademark Rhinehart humour - it seems you're never closer to old Ultimate Truth than when you're laughing out loud...
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