Roland Merullo’s novel, Breakfast with Buddha, tells the story of Otto Ringling, a successful but stressed businessman, who embarks on an unexpected cross-country road trip with his spiritual guru of a brother-in-law, Volya Rinpoche. This journey forces Otto to confront his materialistic worldview and consider alternative perspectives on life, happiness, and spirituality.
The narrative explores themes of mindfulness, self-discovery, and the clash between Eastern and Western philosophies. It offers readers an opportunity to reflect on their own values and beliefs while experiencing a humorous and heartwarming journey of personal transformation. Originally published in 2007, the novel has resonated with readers seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them, contributing to the popularization of mindfulness practices in contemporary culture.