Frenk Meeuwsen shares his lifelong fascination with Zen Buddhism in "Zen Without a Master." Experiences from his childhood alternate with episodes from his several years spent in Kyoto, Japan; one chapter is dedicated to the life of Buddha, while another serves as a small meditation course. In minimalist, high-contrast black-and-white illustrations, the reader is confronted with all facets of life and death, beauty and decay. What emerges is a very personal narrative about the power of friendship and the strength of our imagination. This book prompts self-reflection, contemplation, and tranquility as the young protagonist searches and discovers while reading. "Zen Without a Master" is a spiritual quest in the form of a graphic novel; those who read it will never need to seek a guru again.