• Breakfast with Buddha

  • A Novel
  • By: Roland Merullo
  • Narrated by: Sean Runnette
  • Length: 9 hrs and 34 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (4,145 ratings)

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Breakfast with Buddha  By  cover art

Breakfast with Buddha

By: Roland Merullo
Narrated by: Sean Runnette
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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)

What listeners say about Breakfast with Buddha

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    2,385
  • 4 Stars
    1,142
  • 3 Stars
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  • 2 Stars
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Performance
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Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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  • 4 Stars
    962
  • 3 Stars
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  • 2 Stars
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  • 1 Stars
    53

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Loved this book!

An easy, light, and inspiring novel! I looked forward to my reading time! The characters are believable and well developed!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing

Wonderful,amazing, penetrating. Felt as if I was there with them on their journey. Can't wait to read the next on the series.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Made me want to road trip.

Slow start, but enjoyed listening during my commute. Good reminder that we are never too old to learn!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Charming

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, It really made me think.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Breakfast with Buddha?

The voice of Rinpoche was very innocent and yet sophisticated. I was charmed by this book. It really made me think about the American culture.

What about Sean Runnette’s performance did you like?

I loved the way he spoke in Rinpoche's voice. He made him very intriguing and likable.

Who was the most memorable character of Breakfast with Buddha and why?

Rinpoche. I wanted to be in his presence. He was so unassuming and forgiving.

Any additional comments?

I would recommend this audio book. It touched my heart.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Entertaining & thought-provoking

I absolutely loved this book! The characters were well-developed, relatable, & made the plot all the more enjoyable. It’s a book you’ll love to read & read again!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Breakfast with Buddha

Wisdom for the ages. I adored this book. It took me out of the realm of the day to day survival worries and reminded me what I know that I know but too often forget about what is truely important. I would recommend it to all but my more conservative relationships as the message would be missed.
Thank you for writing this book I’m grateful for Audible I may not have slowed down enough to have read a digital copy. This has been a blessing.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Funny and thought provoking.

This was a very enjoyable surprise. I picked up Breakfast with Buddha on the Deal of the Day. What a gift! Breakfast with Buddha had me laughing out loud while sitting in parking lots because I couldn't walk away. Other moments left me with a lot to think about. Great story. Excellent performance.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Beautiful

The way this book weaves in a touching story and poignant lessons is brilliant. I am excited to start the Lunch with Buddha book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

I like it....

Despite some of the negative reviews I bought it anyway.
I found it delightfully funny, a bit wordy in some places, some spirituality mixed in and a bit of the normal hum drum life, making it a mixed bag of good!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Road Trip!

Following along this road trip on Goggle maps was charming on several levels. Our family has always referred to this travel phenomenon as ‘Car-Quality Time’. It’s a time apart from daily life and offers an intimate setting for deep conversations. I was particularly moved the honesty of the conversation between these two good men.

I moving onto to Lunch with Buddha.

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