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)

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

I have to say this is my first review and I absolutely loved this series! The writing, with the narrative, immersed you into the story. The only disappointment I had was when the series ended, so I listened again!

Give it a chance, it's amazing!

I must admit it took me a bit to engage with the book. Initially I thought the narrator was too dry and unemotional. But then I realized he WAS Otto - and that's when I became part of the story myself. The writing and characters were done so well, I felt as if I was actually driving in the car across the country. And the narrator was the perfect person for this book. Thank you. Can't wait to get started on the next book! Amazing

One of the best I've heard

I have to say, this was one of the best audio books I've listened to. Thought provoking, funny (at times), and thoroughly entertaining.

Solid message

It was a pleasure to read. Keep an open heart and an open mind, and you'll get something out of it.

Different but surprisingly good

Not knowing what to expect, I ended up liking this audiobook.
I have recommended this to a couple of friends. Really good writing, good narration, and an interesting story and ideas.

Beautifully meaningful

Where does Breakfast with Buddha rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This will be one of then more memorable books I’ve heard. It is told in such a spiritually universal way, I think this would have an impact on any listener. It’s not about Buddhism but about appreciating life. I am so happy I purchased this book.

What did you like best about this story?

I really thought this was a memoir. I was shocked to find it was not. The storytelling is so intimate, it is one of my favorite things. I loved the whole book.

Which character – as performed by Sean Runnette – was your favorite?

I loved the Rinpoche. Very well done.

If you could rename Breakfast with Buddha, what would you call it?

Perfect title.

A really enjoyable read

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

I have recommended this book to a friend.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The Rinpoche was my favourite character as he was a rather cool customer and very amusing in an unintentional way.

What about Sean Runnette’s performance did you like?

Sean Runnette was easy and interesting to listen to.

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

After the Rinpoche the most memorable character for me was the story teller, Roland. He was very amusing and cynical giving good balance to the story.

Any additional comments?

A great book to read between heavier material and it was enlightening. I looked forward to listening and did not want it to end.

Amazing!

This was an enjoyable spiritual journey, for me, the reader, as well as for the principal character. I recommend it.

A very delightful story about self discovery

What I liked the best about this story is that it made me realize that there are many ways to look at life and that we need to be respectful of other people's beliefs.
I could see myself in Otto's shoes listening to another person's view of the world and realizing that I could learn something from a stranger.
I really enjoyed this book from start to end.
The narrator was very good and did an excellent job portraying the different characters.

Heartwarming beautiful story

This story refreshed my beliefs and reminded me , obviously many others believe as I do and told it in a delightful insightful way.