Dinner with Buddha

By: Roland Merullo

Narrated by: Sean Runnette

The author of Breakfast with Buddha brings his characteristic whimsy to a new novel about New York book editor Otto Ringling and Mongolian monk Volya Rinpoche, who embark on a road trip from Rinpoche's meditation center in North Dakota to the glitter and glitz of the Las Vegas strip.

What prompts the trip is Otto's recently altered life, having lost first his wife then his job, and then seeing both his children leave home for lives of their own. With Rinpoche's guidance, he hopes to find a new meaning in his life and a new direction. But what begins as a quietly contemplative journey becomes much more as the two men travel through the heart of the American Midwest, witnessing the decimated lives of so many American natives and giving Otto new perspective on the trials he is experiencing in his own life.

Along with these inner awakenings for Otto, there is also a very real hint of menace in the novel, as men show up who may be looking to make sure that the world never knows of the existence of Shelsa, the eight-year-old daughter of Rinpoche and Otto's sister, Cecilia. Shelsa has consistently shown that she has the markings and the instincts of a spiritual leader, leading to speculation that she may be the new Dalai Lama.

©2015 Roland Merullo (P)2015 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Again, excellent narration, writing, and story

An exceptional performance and writing. The observations of western America, with bits of real history, geology, fascinating features, and people were a delightful inclusion. The story line, the characters, and the undercurrent of a mysterious change happening were perfectly presented. Love this series.

Love this book. love the series. Is there dessert?

Find it inexplicable that this precious story touched me so deeply. I don't want to stop listening to this fabulous performer bring these inspiring characters into my life. i dont listen to books twice but as there is no dessert with Buddha I'll have to start over with breakfast.

Wonderful finish to this trilogy

Don't miss this funny, human, and profound series, but start with Breakfast With Buddha, and enjoy all three. The writing and the narration are both first-rate.

Another pure story

I did not want this book to end... and I sincerely hope that the saga of Otto Ringling and family will continue in some form. The story is simply not yet finished.

We begin again with our unlikely hero, Otto, his Buddha buddy, Volya Rinpoche, and the other characters I've felt were like family. This time they are off to the southwest (altho I don't really consider Colorado the southwest) with a journey of lessons and a cast of characters that bring both laughter and tears.

This installment deals a lot with Otto's unresolved grief and his constant questioning of his life in general. Widowed in his early 50's and unemployed, he has the student's mind, searching for meaning in the plains of North Dakota and south to Las Vegas.

Rich characters, real life situations, and "wessons" along the way. I'm still not sure which of this trilogy I loved most.. but this is a strong contender!

A calming challenge

Did I love it? Did it move me? “You bet your ass!” Please keep writing as I can’t wait to see the next chapter