Lunch with Buddha

This is a story about how love shapes our lives. You don’t have to be a middle-aged father of two, a bereaved spouse, or even a spiritual person to appreciate the magic that Roland Merullo weaves in Lunch with Buddha. His is a novel that transcends the cultural, linguistic, and religious divides that often complicate our lives and leave us pondering its great mysteries. What is the meaning of life? is a recurring theme that Merullo’s protagonist and narrator, Otto Ringling, grapples with as he treks through Northwestern USA alongside his friend and “brother-and-law”. Although Otto has reservations about making the trip from Seattle—where he scatters the ashes of his wife—to North Dakota with Volya Rinpoche, the latter may be exactly what Otto needs. With Rinpoche’s help, Otto can find the bridge between the comforts of this life and the mysteries of life beyond, which ultimately leads him to where he needs to be. Merullo has written a story that tugs at the heartstrings: readers can all-too-easily empathize with Otto as he deals with the aftermath of Jeannie’s death and the general vicissitudes of life.

Plot & Pacing: 8
If you’re looking for a story that follows the typical pyramid pattern, you should know that this isn’t one of them. But sometimes, it’s nice to just journey alongside someone and observe as he/she stumbles through life, trying to make sense of everything. There are passages that I skimmed (mostly because I felt that setting descriptions needed to take a backseat to the conversations at the moment), but this book is akin to a comforting friend. I looked forward to going back to the story whenever I could.

Characters: 8
Otto is a wonderful narrator, and he is the perfect medium through which Merullo handles the tricky subject of life and death as he is both believer and sceptic. He is also a good role model as father and friend, but the best part of his character is whenever he remembers Jeannie. When his eyes brim with tears, so do mine. Rinpoche is full of energy and teachings; he is very close to what I imagine the Buddha must have been like. When I read his character, I see a very peaceful man with a wery, wery wide smile on his face.

Setting: 8
This novel could easily be re-classified as a travelogue of Northeastern USA. I enjoyed learning a little bit of Washington, Montana, and North Dakota. I’m excited to take a dip in the Boiling River and to look out for the 90-minute intervals of Old Faithful at Yellowstone. And for a foodie like me, I loved all the details and critiques of the food they eat.

Style: 8
Although there were little pockets where the story seemed to drag, Merullo’s style is very easy to enjoy. Every now and then, he inserts delectable nuggets that stick with you: “Our almost unlimited freedom was like an African plain, a vast Serengeti of possibility, capable of holding every style of opinion and belief, every kind of life” (175) and “We could be boorish and stupid and petty and wasteful, and somehow, against Yellowstone’s beautiful bulk, all that was just a flea nipping at a horse’s ankle” (217).

Learnability & Teachability: 8
This novel is great to read for no reason, but I’m sure people who have a spiritual/philosophical bent would enjoy it even more. It would make a great book-club selection as it is replete with deliciously awkward topics that could generate great conversations. I haven’t read Breakfast with Buddha, but I’m interested in it now, and I certainly look forward to Dinner with Buddha.

POTENTIAL TEACHABLES
Journalling about life, death, love, money, hatred, etc.; mapping the road trip; Yellowstone and all the other landmarks mentioned; favourite dishes and impersonating a food critic; Otto and Cecilia’s relationship vs. Anthony and Natasha’s relationship; Otto’s relationship with his dad and how it informs/affects his relationship with his kids; tenets of the world’s major religions (especially Buddhism) and the idea of each religion being different ways to get to the same destination; spirituality and how it is handled in the various major religions. ( )

Roland Merullo’s Lunch With Buddha is lyrical, thought-provoking, exquisite. I knew I was in for a treat from the first page, basking in the rich language, and Merullo’s novel is truly a joy for the senses.

Narrator Otto is the perfect mix of skeptic and believer. Hanging with Rinpoche, a revered holy man with an unending philosophical appreciation for life, is enough to change anyone — but Otto doesn’t have accept it. Still smarting from a recent tragedy, he’s not always in the mood for Rinpoche’s musings and non sequiturs — but knows his brother-in-law means well. Traveling together from Washington to North Dakota in a rickety old vehicle allows the pair plenty of chats on life, love and what comes next. And for Otto, a foodie and family man, these chats transcend the simple road trip.

Rinpoche himself is a true character. Enigmatic and fascinated by the strange habits of Americans, his observations — in broken English — reflect U.S. culture through a very unique prism. I loved the questions he asks Otto about the American way of doing things, and his devotion to Cecelia and Shelsa is very sweet. He’s someone completely comfortable in his skin — a man who doesn’t think of vanity, selfishness, cruelty. Regardless of one’s religion, Rinpoche’s thought-provoking prompts and explanations are fascinating.

There’s so much to love about Lunch With Buddha, a review book I accepted with some trepidation. I was worried I wouldn’t connect with the characters, would find the religious aspects too preachy, wouldn’t relate to Otto and his sad quest. I hadn’t read the first in Merullo’s series, Breakfast With Buddha, and worried I’d miss something by starting with the second book. But something about the description tugged at me — and despite its length, I was completely drawn into Rinpoche and Otto’s tale. No previous knowledge of the Ringling family necessary.

The story’s first-person narration clinched it for me. As Rinpoche and Otto meandered across state lines, meeting others who would teach lessons along the way, I felt like I’d wedged myself into the yurt they were supposed to share or hitched a ride in the back of the cab. Their journey is just that: a journey. One with a destination, yes, but also one without. One that continues long after we’ve closed the book. ( )

Lunch with Buddha Amazes - Highly Recommended Read

Breakfast with Buddha was an amazing novel that presented a wonderful spiritual journey. Lunch with Buddha is just as intriguing. Readers will delight in the story and the humor this work presents.

Author, Roland Merullo has gone above and beyond in this new book. Included within the pages is an interview, a reader's guide and beautiful pictures.

Now we've tasted Breakfast and Lunch, can't wait for an appetizing dinner.

Thanks Roland - Great Read!!!

HIGHLY Recommended ( )