I must disagree! Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is on my all-time top ten list. Of course, the author had a mental breakdown earlier (which is what led to the book and is one of the story arcs) so maybe that adds to it's difficulty.
I still think it is a masterpiece, and re-read it every few years. It is three story lines interwoven, and I always catch something new.
My copy is falling apart now. I have turned the pages too many times.
I am not sure that we disagree.
Zen is among my top three all-time favorite books. (my screen name gives away my #1)
But Pirsig's convoluted exploration of Quality is, while brilliant, difficult to read.
Odd little book - either hated or loved.