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)

Enlighting Read

I absolutely enjoyed listening to this book. Otto and the Guru on their way across country. Even though this book was fiction it made you think.

Quirky / Funny / Thought-provoking

Quirky and funny, but thought-provoking. The last half hour or so got to be a bit preachy, but still I was glad I listened to the book and some bits have stuck with me.

When suburbia and a guru meet - great!

Any additional comments?

As one reviewer noted, keep going beyond the first 10 minutes and you will have a great book. In a nutshell, a story of someone resistant to spirituality told in a humorous enough way that you want to hear more. I'm sure many listeners will find sections that make them laugh because they can relate to the situations in question. The 'clash' between real life and spirituality are unpacked brilliantly. Underneath the humour there are many insightful and serious messages. I found myself thinking long after listening... Great narrator.

Not what it pretends to be...

Boring? A bit. Long-winding? Somewhat. Easy read? Yes. Enjoyable? Yes. Sci-fi-ish? Yes (to me. especially, in the way the story ends, or not ends.)
Makes me want to go onto the next chapter in the trilogy.

Simple but not easy

Beautifully told with all the interior skepticism and walls I myself have. Heard on a day I truly needed it.

elevating

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

to EVERYONE. extremely engaging characters conveying enlightenment with humor and love. perfect pacing

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

when Otto's sister sends him off on his road trip without her

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

He embodies Otto and Renfrosho more than perfectly

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

Of course Renfrosho because his goodnesss flows like an unstoppable river

Any additional comments?

I seriously love this book. the writing is perfect and the reader is astonishingly equal to the material. Don't miss this one. You'll dance away from it a better person.

Buddha

Enjoyed the book. Gave me lots of ideas to ponder. I would recommend it. Not "preachy" just makes you think.

All I want in life, after reading this book. Is a week in the car with Volya Renpoche.

Absolutely magnificent read. I've been putting this book off for months, due to a couple of bad reviews. I cannot tell you how happy I am that those reviews were nonsense. This book is amazing and I highly recommend.

great story of becoming aware.......

best non action read in years. If you have had a recent loss it becomes even more substantial. eye opening toward the Christian and all organized religions.

Sneaks up on you....

This is one of my favorites in the past few months - I love books that sneak up on you and make you want to come back for more. Regardless of your personal beliefs, if you are open to expanded perspectives, this book is for you.