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)

What journey through time and space (figuratively)

Did I enjoy listening to this book? it was everything I did not expect it to be. Quite the journey through time and space (figurative space, literal time) and a spiritual experience of ages. I am not exactly the spiritual kind, but this book was so calming and serene it made me want to listen to it again and again. The road trip added the extra spice needed to enhance the dull (for some) spiritual journey. Loved it!

Loved it!

Very interesting with two distinct voices. Life changing story. Highly recommend it for a beginner spiritual seeker or even those further down the path.

Yes and No

I loved the clever writing but found the story itself to be more lukewarm. I also liked Otto and his thoughts more than the Rinpoche who veered in voice and eclecticism so far from what I am accustomed to. Not vegetarian? Sex in moderation? Gambling? Ah, no. Did Merullo make this up? Well, it is fiction, lol.

Extremely well written

I am not a "spiritualist" but I found the story very interesting. In a book landscape of CIA executioners and corrupt politicians, a simple story about two men traveling to North Dakota seemed...refreshingly simple.

There are many intriguing thoughts about modern life in these United States, and most all of them are valid. What is our purpose? Where is the fine line between enough and too much? How will it all end for us? I appreciated Merullo's approach to it, in spite of being a run-of-the-mill (by today's crazy standards) Christian.

The only beef I have is the last paragraph. I won't spoil it but I did not care for it at all. I think it ruined the book and I likely will not venture into the second and third volumes of the trilogy.

Merullo is a great writer and Sean Runnette's reading is great.

Charming and enlightening

Any additional comments?

Deeply philosophical but at the same light hearted and funny. The characters were very different yet wonderfully complimentary. The reader was perfect!

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. 💕

Get you thinking as all good books should

What made the experience of listening to Breakfast with Buddha the most enjoyable?

The challenges of the writer to face the prejudices of his own beliefs while slowing opening his mind.

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

The ending

Which scene was your favorite?

The miniature golf.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I did have a few emotional reactions that provided both laughter and a tear on occasion as I faced my own demons.

Any additional comments?

A journey worth taking

I loved it, right up until the last chapter...

This book totally captured me. I loved it.

And then it fell apart in the last chapter.

So, for the first umpteen chapters, 5 stars. For that last falling apart drivel in the last chapter, 1 star.

Enjoyable Read

This is a nicely written novel that I found both entertaining & gently thought provoking. I left the Midwest decades ago, but the author's descriptions brought various pleasant memories back to me, quite in addition to enjoying this unique twist to a road trip story.

Loved this book! May listen to it again!!

I really enjoyed this book. Well written. I enjoyed listening to it on my daily commutes.