Breakfast with Buddha

A Novel

De: Roland Merullo

Narrado por: Sean Runnette

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

Reseñas de la Crítica

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

WOWZER!!

I hesitantly started this book the other day, not having any idea if I would like it. No worry, I told myself, if it's awful, you will get your money back. I realized immediately that was not going to happen.

This is a fun and very enjoyable book. It grabbed me from the start and I loved each and every minute of it. It elicited quite a few chuckles and even a tear or two. It is more serious than funny, quite introspective, but the Rinpoche is just so endearing and amusing and Otto has many life lessons to learn. If I could be overly flowery I would say it made my heart sing.

Audible provides a nice summary. Basically, a husband/father is tricked into traveling cross country, not with his flaky sister as planned, but with her guru, as he travels to wrap up things in North Dakota after his parents' sudden and unexpected death in a car accident.

That's all you need to know. Take the leap and get this book. I have a feeling it is an easy to miss experience, that you just might feel you have no interest in gurus or Buddhism. Neither did I. What a loss it would have been if I didn't take a chance and get it. Such a nice surprise.

Buy this for someone you care about.

It's a story about the value of family, friendship, and individual world view. How are you Being in our ever changing world? This will help you to examine your perspective without suggestion or judgement. Nice story.

Delightful

Would you consider the audio edition of Breakfast with Buddha to be better than the print version?

I never have read the book but I loved the audio version...Truly enjoyable.

What did you like best about this story?

How real to life the story was and I could even imagine it happening as I have a dear friend just like Rinpoche..

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

The delightful way he spoke the words and brought the characters to life.. Gave me several laughs.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes when Otto became more open about another way to look at life. And how he begin to see his sister and Rinpoche in a new light. He began to value them.

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed this audio book and I am looking forward to the next one Lunch with Buddha... Thank you audible !!!!

Beautifully hilarious

It's wonderful for me to read a book rich with lessons that also provides for numerous belly laughs. Merullo mingled truth and mirth so very well. A really fun listen. Terrific performance too.

Great Listen.

Wonderful story that I wished had been a bit longer. Actually laughed out loud a few times. The teachings are worked in the story in a non-obtuse way making it quite listenable to those not interested in Buddhism.

Exactly as expected

This book is exactly as described. Wealthy man has an existential mid-life crisis and is stuck in the car with a "guru" (con artist?) for weeks. Proceeds as you would expect in a long drawn out way. I almost couldn't finish it got so preachy.

Loved it!

Loved it. Filled with many many great life lessons I'll take with me for the rest of my life.

Highly recommend Buda with every meal

Such a beautiful story and brilliantly narrated! Though I prefer to read a book, this one feels like it was meant to be heard. 💕

Amazing book

Love the story line and the subtle insights to living well! I would put this as a must read for anyone starting out in meditation or mindful living.

A very good listen!

This book is part travelog (through the midwest - somehow making places I never thought of visiting sound very appealing) and part story of possible awakening (I don't want to put in a spoiler).

The author makes the character of the Rinpoche (not really a Buddha) believable and likable and the relationship between him and the narrator evolves in a very intriguing way. The story is compelling and though it is not the type of book I typically listen to, I was glad I got it!