Reddit reviews Essential Chan Buddhism: The Character and Spirit of Chinese Zen

Master Sheng Yen was a master of both the Caodong and Linji lineages. He wrote some books that are actually transcriptions, more or less, of retreats he led.

One book that I have listed in our wiki is "The Method of No-Method". I personally do like this book. For the most part, as I understand it, the schools of Chan aren't as different as the schools of Zen. They share practices and whatnot as well. I also wholly recommend Essential Chan Buddhism and Attaining the Way, also by Sheng Yen, seems to be a hit as well, but I've not read it yet.

Unfortunately, my knowledge of hummingbirds is limited to the fact that they are adorable and flap their wings really fast.

I hope you get much better. Namo Amituofo.