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bittersweet_symphony's review
4.0
A sequence of moralistic fables, it begins light and fluffy, but as you sit with it over a few days, you find yourself more and more charmed—and hopefully enlightened. You won't find much meat here but that isn't to say it gets much wrong. Joe (or Trott as the author) understands the simple truths of meaningful living.
It reads like a secular form of scripture: if one were to blend some Eastern philosophies with a broadly Christian ethos of compassion. Joe is an aged, warm, playful monk living in a non-descript hermitage using simple tricks to help others realize that "everyone you meet is holy." Including themselves.
The Holy Man was reminiscent of Oriah's The Invitation or Mitch Albom's Tuesdays with Morrie each helpful, light, and encouraging. This won't necessarily engage the mind, but then again, I suppose that's the point of literature like this.
It reads like a secular form of scripture: if one were to blend some Eastern philosophies with a broadly Christian ethos of compassion. Joe is an aged, warm, playful monk living in a non-descript hermitage using simple tricks to help others realize that "everyone you meet is holy." Including themselves.
The Holy Man was reminiscent of Oriah's The Invitation or Mitch Albom's Tuesdays with Morrie each helpful, light, and encouraging. This won't necessarily engage the mind, but then again, I suppose that's the point of literature like this.
cathiedalziel's review
5.0
Story about Joe, a man who, for the last 25 years, has lived on top of a mountain and the people who line up each year to see him and find answers to their questions of life.
Short, sweet and gives many points to ponder and reflect on.
This is a good one folks. I will be revisiting this one many times in the future.
Short, sweet and gives many points to ponder and reflect on.
This is a good one folks. I will be revisiting this one many times in the future.
mxmaxreads's review
5.0
This book is simple yet profound. Its messages are powerful. It says so much by using basic examples of events we encounter in real life. Susan Trott so beautifully captures how much a positive, altruistic, and motivated mindset can transform the lives around you. I'd recommend this to anyone, and I read it yearly like it's a religious text because of how much of an inspiring impact it has had on my own life. The other two books, The Holy Man's Journey and The Holy Woman, are just as enjoyable, but this particular one is life-changing.
glowing_embers16's review
4.0
A friend from church let me borrow this little book. Like most people said, it's a very quick and light read, but has many nuggets of wisdom embedded in the vignettes.
People - called pilgrims - from around the world travel to the mountain where the Holy Man lives and wait in a line during the summer months, waiting their turn to seek guidance and council from him. From their stories we learn to have patience, compassion, treat others with kindness, and enjoy life instead of worrying, among other things.
One part of the stories I liked was how some people discovered the answer to their question while they were in line waiting to see the Holy Man. This story points out that on the path to finding answers we can find them ourself. It was also cool how some of the stories were connected to others.
This is a great book to read if you're looking for something to ponder over or if you just need some advice. There's at least one story in here for everyone.
People - called pilgrims - from around the world travel to the mountain where the Holy Man lives and wait in a line during the summer months, waiting their turn to seek guidance and council from him. From their stories we learn to have patience, compassion, treat others with kindness, and enjoy life instead of worrying, among other things.
One part of the stories I liked was how some people discovered the answer to their question while they were in line waiting to see the Holy Man. This story points out that on the path to finding answers we can find them ourself. It was also cool how some of the stories were connected to others.
This is a great book to read if you're looking for something to ponder over or if you just need some advice. There's at least one story in here for everyone.
suannelaqueur's review
5.0
In thirty-four lovely chapters we meet the Holy Man, his fellow monks at the hermitage, and the pilgrims who line up every day for a chance to see him. Each interaction between pilgrim and Holy Man is witty, human, charming and gently profound. The first book in a trilogy, followed by Holy Man's Journey and The Holy Woman: Book Three of The Holy Man Trilogy.
naomisbookshelf's review
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
optmst's review
5.0
I loved it more the second time around. Joe is an unforgettable character who seems to not be caught up in taking himself seriously, and, yet he also seems to believe in the goodness of all people.