I've always wanted a library in my hypothetical future house. 
Now I also want a tea room. 

This book is engaging, educational, and makes a statement. I really, really loved reading it. It's very condensed, but it contains a lot more than just tea-topics. It's less about tea itself and more about the art of life as it relates to tea-ism. I made a lot of highlights in my digital library edition and I want to buy a physical copy. I definitely need to brush up on history in order to contemplate the references made, but most of this book is dumbed down and summarized for a contemporary-ish western-ish audience so it worked for me. If you're a big fan of patterns, collectibles, stimulation, western artists, etc... you might not always agree with the author. But as someone who generally appreciates more simplistic and natural design, and wants to learn more about Asian history and art, I loved it.