I spent an inordinate amount of time in high school hunched over either my '73 Super Beetle or my best friend's (may he RIP) '70 Beetle with that book. Very fond memories. Wrenching on the Brick reminds me of that experience; simple systems, straightforward (for the most part) engineering decisions.
Having my hands in and on the bike, even if it's just checking bolt heads to verify they haven't come loose, is a visceral reminder of the symbiotic relationship I've entered with this bike: I'm keeping it alive and together so it can keep me alive and together. Wrenching is every bit as therapeutic as riding, just in a different way. I recall reading parts of ZatAoMM, but I'm not sure any of it stuck with me. Maybe I should re-read it. Or maybe I should just go for a ride...
Recommend a ride.
Not really trying to hijack this topic but...
The John Muir "How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive" was my initial introduction to the air-cooled VW world after I was given a very rusted out 1969 Bus, which I traded for a great 1966 split window which served us for many years until transferred overseas. The often humorous and detailed illustrations along with statements such as in the "How to Buy a Volkswagen" section: "If it is a Bus, crawl around in the back and feel how it is to be back there. Look at the head lining. How long will it last? Have happy people been back here balling and talking and laughing and living?" sold me on its practical use.
Today as a dealership Chevy "auto technician" I often think back to this book about its practical advice for the home mechanic. With my daughters 1970 and 1974 standard Bugs at the house I still use it.
Wish there were more like it but todays vehicles with the extensive use of electronics/LANs/modules frequently require more than the average home hobby mechanic.