This inspirational book, with short chapters that tell a story and teach a lesson, pulls in the reader from the start. We meet the holy man who offers advice in a manner like a minister, a Rabbi, a priest, or any spiritual leader you know without focusing on any particular religion. Though some resources categorize the book as religion — Christian, it’s not. In fact, the only thing it does is quote Jesus and Eastern thought on several occasions. The generic quotes apply to everyone, not just to those who believe in a specific religion.
The book absorbs the reader. You can read it quickly or take it slow by indulging in a couple of stories at a time. Each chapter tells a tale and teaches a lesson. However, in the big scheme of things, there’s progression from start to finish as a couple of characters appear throughout. For instance, if you read the last chapter first, it might not make sense or have as much meaning without having read an earlier chapter introducing several of the characters we see at the end. Once you’ve read through the book, you can go back and read a story of your choice.
Joe, the holy man, has flaws like any human being. No matter how wise or spiritual a person becomes, human nature dictates our imperfections. Joe’s mistakes makes him more endearing. The reader discovers the problems faced correspond to those we have encountered in our lives such as envy, egotism, grief, and anger. The stories drive the reader to smile, frown, be surprised, grimace, and laugh.
You don’t have to think hard or read between the line to get the message from each story. Just sit back, read, enjoy, and learn. Occasionally, you might run into prose that has little meaning, but read on and the message will come through. While the story compares to Chaucer’s tales, it contains a trickle of modernization. Trott’s writing style tells the story in a simple and easy to read manner, yet somehow the profound lessons come through effortlessly.
Title: The Holy Man
Author: Susan Trott
Publisher: Riverhead Trade
ISBN: 1573225320
Date: April 1996
Format: Paperback
Pages: 192
Cover Price: USD: $13.00 Amazon: $10.40
