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The Holy Man's Journey

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"This potent tale, The Holy Man's Journey, is, a continuation of the story of the holy man, Joe, Trott's irresistable cosmic hero. A true guru, Joe is gentle, wise, and blessed with a rich sense of humor. A half dozen of his followers have gathered for a summer retreat, but Joe has other plans. His teacher, a man some twenty years his junior, is ill, and Joe has decided to visit him. He takes Anna, a healer, to accompany him, not because of hs own precarious health, but because unbeknownst to her, she is destined to be his successor. Each phase of their dramatic learning journey becames a lesson in compassion and right action, not only for Anna but also for Trott's spellbound readers.This is a deft, stirring and universally appealing story inlaid with genuine wisdom and a palatable love of life." Donna Seaman, Booklist

141 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 4, 2011

17 people are currently reading
119 people want to read

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Susan Trott

37 books63 followers

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5 stars
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75 (21%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Larry Bassett.
1,634 reviews342 followers
February 4, 2019
I listened to this audible book which is not an exact replica of this written book. But it follows along the same lines.

A man somehow gets a reputation as a holy man and people come to see him and he attracts a small group of supporters who live alongside him. As he grows older he selects a person to replace him when he dies.

There is a certain amount of fantasy and miracle to this story. I listen to it because it was a free offering from Audible and it was relatively short. I am not attracted to the concept of holy people and did not find this story especially intriguing or motivating.
Profile Image for Cathie.
580 reviews82 followers
July 30, 2019
A sequel to the author's first book.
Joe and Anna take a trip to Cambodia to see Joe's teacher. It's all about the journey, always.

Again, I will be revisiting this book many times in the years to come. Full of humour, life's lessons and thoughts to mull over.
Profile Image for Lars.
68 reviews
May 17, 2022
Vermakelijke tijdschriftfilosofie, maar helaas niet meer dan dat.
Het tegenvallende niveau zou ook te wijten kunnen zijn aan de naar mijn idee zwakke Nederlandse vertaling.
Profile Image for Jeffrey Howard.
426 reviews77 followers
February 2, 2019
This time we follow Joe along for a final visit with his former teacher. Alongside him, the Holy Man brings his reluctant, but soon to be, successor, Anna.

It's more of the same, from the previous book, which isn't to say it is unnecessary or lackluster. It's satisfying to spend more time with Joe, and to have more tries at seeing the ways in which each of us gets stuck in our "ego," trapped in samsara. I still recommend this book for the same reasons as the first. It's very accessible, warm, and provides a gentle reminder that "each of us is holy."
Profile Image for Brian Wilcox.
Author 2 books530 followers
January 31, 2021
Trott presents Buddhist wisdom as wisdom, without making the characters into Buddhists. Her use of Buddhist wisdom is subtle; one not educated in it would not be aware of its presence. She never refers to anything as Buddhist, the life-philosophy is interwoven into the storyline and always in the background (cf. Buddhism's 'three poisons').

The book and Holy Man share a like trait - being holy as living wisely, not holy as being of a religion or morally superior to others. After the common, delusional image of "holy beings" as elitist and infallible, it is good to read of a Holy Man and Holy Woman, his successor, in an unpretentious, realistically-human manner.
Profile Image for Colleen.
84 reviews231 followers
July 26, 2007
Although at times the pacing lagged, I enjoyed this book because it gave me a chance to think about the spiritual issues I've been considering recently. Refreshingly, it was a work of fiction with a parable feel. Each story concerning the Holy Man was a chance to see how values like awareness and compassion can fit into our daily lives.

Also, FYI, it's the perfect length book on tape for a roudntrip drive from Reno to Sacramento, with a stop at the In 'N Out in Auburn, of course.
Profile Image for Cecilia.
Author 1 book623 followers
August 4, 2020
Primero con "El Santo" y ahora con esta preciosa novela, Susan Trott nos lleva por un viaje apacible y nutritivo a través del género de la Fábula Moral (creado por ella). A través de este género, la autora nos transmite un mensaje universal, no importa la religión que profeses o si no profesas ninguna, si tienes la mente y corazón abiertos a la escucha y aprendizaje, este libro te hará sentir renovado.

En esta novela, Joe (el Santo) emprende un viaje para visitar a quien fue su maestro, pero durante el viaje entregará importantes enseñanzas a su discípula y por supuesto al lector (a)

Ahora, resulta muy complejo leer esta novela sin leer "El Santo" antes, ambas novelas bailan una danza armoniosa que te transporta al entendimiento de un todo. Ambas son livianas de leer pero abundantes en enseñanzas, y las recomiendo a todo tipo de lector
Profile Image for Scaffali  di libreria  di Rita.
28 reviews
January 20, 2024
Avevo grandi aspettative per questo libro e sono state tutte deluse. Mi è stato presentato come uno scrigno di saggezza invece quello che ho trovato è stata una brutta copia del " L' alchimista " di Coelho e del " Profeta " di Gibran. Un racconto pieno di luoghi comuni, ovvietà e filosofia spicciola spacciata per profonda saggezza. Unica nota positiva è che si legge in fretta e la sofferenza almeno è durata poco.
Profile Image for Chloe H..
465 reviews2 followers
December 20, 2018
Unlike the first book, which was a short simple parable, this one tried to develop the characters more, and tell a more complex story. It was quite a bit longer, and came off as preachy and tiresome. I think less is more when it comes to inspirational fiction!
Profile Image for Elysa.
657 reviews
May 17, 2020
Better for me than the first book! The holy man takes a pilgrimage with the woman who will succeed him and teaches her as they encounter dangers and challenges (opportunities?) together. Full of parable-style significance and wisdom, hope, and heart-warming friendship.
Profile Image for Peyton Smith.
86 reviews2 followers
January 15, 2019
I did not enjoy this one as much as the first, but still thought provoking.
Profile Image for Cindy.
134 reviews2 followers
March 12, 2019
Continuation of the The Holy Man. Excellent read.
Profile Image for Amit Saurav.
77 reviews4 followers
April 19, 2019
Once again a brilliant book but not as packed and profound as the first book. Beautifully written nevertheless.
Profile Image for Doranne Long.
Author 1 book26 followers
March 17, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed The Holy Man's Journey. Susan Trott continues to offer paradigm shifting views of our world and guidance of how we can act within it. I will be reading more of her words.
Profile Image for Emily.
294 reviews5 followers
June 3, 2021
First book of summer break. Still brainstorming ways to incorporate this series into some of my classes next year.
Profile Image for Michelle Matta.
17 reviews1 follower
February 2, 2023
Enjoyed this one more than the first. Can't really explain why. Perhaps the continuity vs smaller stories.
Profile Image for ajax.
42 reviews
January 21, 2024
Trott has such a gift for leaving me feeling happy about the fact that I'm sad. She is such a gifted writer.
43 reviews
June 13, 2025
As with the first book in this series, it’s written in a simple way. This book also is saying quite a bit on several levels. I am a huge fan!
Profile Image for Kate Atonic.
1,052 reviews23 followers
January 11, 2015
The first in the series, the Holy Man was a collection of sweet parables, sort of like Aesop's Chicken Soup for the Soul. The Holy Man's Journey takes Joe and Anna away from the mountain to find Joe's teacher, Chen, who has built a cult to shut out aging and death. Anna faces pressure from her husband to leave the mountain, to go back to Ireland and her life as a housewife. The second in the series seemed heavy-handed and not as polished as the first.
10 reviews1 follower
June 29, 2009
Wow! I thought "The Holy Man" was great, but this second book in the series really puts the finishing touches on the lessons presented in both books. Another MUST read! I'll warn you, though, if you loan these two books out, it is tough to get them back--people want to re-read them over and over again (as did I).
Profile Image for Eurydice Caldwell.
5 reviews1 follower
Read
June 24, 2013
Awesome little book that I will re-read as it is gentle and it's wisdom and truth profound. It has had a great significance in my life when I have chosen to see it's message and truly informed me. This is in my top 20 for sure as is the Holy Man
3 reviews
Read
May 8, 2015
A recommended chapter-a-day, devotional kind of book. Both the Holy Man and it's counterpart, The Holy Man's Journey are short but thought inspiring. They will likely cause the conscientious person to look closely at her/himself, and possibly to adjust their world-view.
Profile Image for Rone.
44 reviews
July 14, 2008
A good sequel to the 1st book......continue the journey....
Profile Image for Sherie.
693 reviews13 followers
July 16, 2008
What a disappointment after The Holy Man. Did her publisher press her to do this? Did she have an outstanding mortgage payment due? Just not up to her standards.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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