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fbarkalow's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
scarletohhara's review
4.0
Read this book in two long sittings and thoroughly enjoyed it.
I like Mitchie’s style of writing - how he introduces a serious or heavy subject in a light tone making it readable and absorbable by anyone. That style continues into this book too.
As the story alternates between Tenzin and Matt, I noticed subtle differences in narration - a more humble one for the novice monk and a grander one for Matt, the scientist. That was well done to show how different both of them are. I liked how Matt gets humbled eventually as the plot progresses and how the other loose ends get tied up with Geshe-la, Mrs.Min and the Lama.
Personally, this book reminded me of how astray I’ve gone from Dharma after having had the privilege of being introduced to it and for that, am very thankful.
This book is a must read if you’ve been interested in Tibet, Tibetan customs and the Buddhist philosophy - all these heavy subjects are scratched a bit in this book to serve as a refresher/starter.
I like Mitchie’s style of writing - how he introduces a serious or heavy subject in a light tone making it readable and absorbable by anyone. That style continues into this book too.
As the story alternates between Tenzin and Matt, I noticed subtle differences in narration - a more humble one for the novice monk and a grander one for Matt, the scientist. That was well done to show how different both of them are. I liked how Matt gets humbled eventually as the plot progresses and how the other loose ends get tied up with Geshe-la, Mrs.Min and the Lama.
Personally, this book reminded me of how astray I’ve gone from Dharma after having had the privilege of being introduced to it and for that, am very thankful.
This book is a must read if you’ve been interested in Tibet, Tibetan customs and the Buddhist philosophy - all these heavy subjects are scratched a bit in this book to serve as a refresher/starter.
the_mymble_daughter's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
manny_calavera's review
3.0
I probably had high expectations coming in from Dalai Lama's Cat trilogy but this book didn't move me as much. It tells the parallel story set in modern day and in Tibet of 1950s. Like his earlier books, David tries to give some teachings of Buddhism wrapped around in a parable. This time he focusses on Karma which is a recurring theme through the book. While the start was interesting and the portions in Tibet were also good, the actual learnings just didn't work for me.
fateleanor's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
tense
4.25
I loved this book and, in particular, found the Tibet angle interesting, especially about the Buddhist monks. It was a little far-fetched with the modern day parts but I enjoyed it nonetheless
lennardiosif's review
4.0
Greatly enjoyed this book. Felt that some of the realisations/revelations towards the end of the book were not necessary and detracted from the fundamental message.
johns's review
5.0
A very unique story, well paced and well told. There is so much Buddhist history and philosophy that it really is educational in addition to being a great read.
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