<p>Marking a significant departure from Cicero's fictional and poetic works, <em>Blood-Soaked Buddha/Hard Earth Pascal </em>is a lucid philosophical treatise. Rather than entertain dogma, Cicero approaches a discussion of Buddhism from the refreshing perspective of the everyman, providing a profound spiritual analysis as well as a sharp critique of capitalism. There are even some pretty good ghost stories. </p> <p>&quot;Buddhism isn't for scholars and priests and masters. It's not a religion. It's for anyone who wants to find a better way. It's practical, it's logical, it's sensible and it's real. Just like this book.</p> <p>&quot;Far too many books about Buddhism get bogged down in scholarly doublespeak. Others are full of far-fetched fantasies. Noah's book isn't like that. It's a real book for real people.&quot; -Brad Warner, Author of <em>Hardcore Zen</em>.</p>