Breakfast with Buddha

A Novel

By: Roland Merullo

Narrated by: Sean Runnette

Length: 9 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

When his sister tricks him into taking her guru on a trip to their childhood home, Otto Ringling, a confirmed skeptic, is not amused. Six days on the road with an enigmatic holy man who answers every question with a riddle is not what he'd planned. But in an effort to westernize his passenger---and amuse himself---he decides to show the monk some "American fun" along the way. From a chocolate factory in Hershey to a bowling alley in South Bend, from a Cubs game at Wrigley field to his family farm near Bismarck, Otto is given the remarkable opportunity to see his world---and more important, his life---through someone else's eyes. Gradually, skepticism yields to amazement as he realizes that his companion might just be the real thing. In Roland Merullo's masterful hands, Otto tells his story with all the wonder, bemusement, and wry humor of a man who unwittingly finds what he's missing in the most unexpected place.

©2007 Roland Merullo (P)2011 Tantor

Critic reviews

"The skillful Merullo, using the lightest of touches, slowly turns this low-key comedy into a moving story of spiritual awakening." ( Booklist)

An interesting story with a lot of lessons

The narrator is perfect.
There were no extra words in this book. Every word had a purpose.
I think most Americans will see themselves in the main character. The story is funny. It will make you hungry for good food. It might lead you to a bowling alley.
There is a simple meditation around page 230 that is a terrific way to get started if you want to learn how to quiet your own mind.
One of my favorite Audible selections.

I Can't Wait for Lunch!

I have no idea what motivated me to buy this book, but it was in my Audible library for years before I finally listened to it. What a treasure it turned out to be! The premise doesn't sound too exciting - upper middle class, middle-aged white guy gets corralled into driving his sister's guru halfway across the country. I don't want to give up too much so I'll just say that I became very attached to both of the main characters. Since I listened to the story while driving, it was easy to imagine being in the car with them. When the book ended I knew I was going to miss them. Fortunately, after "Breakfast with Buddha" there is "Lunch with Buddha" and "Dinner with Buddha". I'm looking forward to every meal.

Right Mood Piece

This was a fun approach to a deeper subject of spirituality. Taken on this lighter, average person way, the book was fun! The narrator was great. However, you need to be in the mood for some life and self exploration or the fun and purpose of the book will be lost.

Enjoy when ready!

Starts slow, but a great read

The book was a bit pedestrian at first, but once "on the road," it got very good. The chapter on yoga class was hilarious, and easily my favorite, probably because it was a pretty close description of my first yoga experience!

The narration is very good, and it became very pleasing to hear the voice for Rinpoche. I admit to being very disappointed when I learned that this is a book of fiction, as I truly wanted to learn more about Rinpoche. I offer that as a compliment to the author on a very well written book!

Wow what a awesome read!

a must read for everyone! loved this book and all its teachings. the simple truths were so easy to understand and yet so deep. Thank you for writing and sharing this book with the world!

Best book I have listened to in a long time.

Would you listen to Breakfast with Buddha again? Why?

Yes. It made me laugh and cry and think about life's priorities. There is much wisdom in this book to be learned.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Otto. I loved his brutal honesty and human stubborness,

What does Sean Runnette bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Aliveness. It was like watching a movie with my eyes closed.

If you could take any character from Breakfast with Buddha out to dinner, who would it be and why?

rinpoche. So I could ask him many questions.

I loved this simple yet powerful story

The story held my attention and as the lessons were being shared I realized that I was applying them to my own life.

Absolutely loved this book!

It was interesting, enchanting and thought provoking. I liked the narration and the development of the story. It makes me want to find more like this one. A real “feel good” story.

Looking Forward to Dinner

This is a book I took a chance on. The first two chapters nearly stopped me. But once the journey began, it was difficult to put down. It has sharp commentary of our current society, and its almost incredible devotion to self-distraction: keeping ourselves from being present in the Here & Now.
Perhaps 40 years ago I read Ram Das “Be Here Now” and then his “The Only Dance There Is”. And yet, I was wed to the logical if A then B then C. I believed that Messianic Judaism or any theistic belief system was at odds with the non-binary Oneness of Eastern philosophy.
Maybe I have gone as far as I can go. Philosophy based on “if A, then B....” are fine, but they too must be placed within the Oneness and experiential non-experience. Balance balanced with imbalance. Om.

Wish I had Read Sooner!

I was given this book years ago, and only started it, never got far enough to start learning the lessons. What a great way to share the message and lessons of life with this fun loving novel!