Hungry Ghost: A Buddhist Photojournalist's Romantic Thriller in Morocco – New York Times Notable Book

by Keith Kachtick

A New York Times Notable Book "Fresh and alluring. . . .  Hungry Ghost offers a new twist on the kind of covert dharma fiction we’re familiar with in the works of Kate Wheeler and Jim Harrison.” —  New York Times Book Review Carter Cox is a talented but dissipated freelance photojournalist living in New York City's East Village with his sad dog and bad habits. Though he travels to exotic places taking pictures of models and celebrities, he yearns to do more meaningful work and to mend his womanizing ways. He also wants to put into practice the lessons he learns from his Buddhist betters, but he continues to carry with him his “seduction kit”: a chessboard, cigarettes, and a Cormac McCarthy novel. At a Buddhist retreat, he meets Mia Malone, a beautiful, smart devout Catholic determined to remain a virgin until she is married. Carter falls hard, and Mia nervously agrees to join him on a photo shoot in Morocco. With both of their souls hanging in the balance, they quickly go from the ocean to hot water: crashing their car, getting arrested, running afoul of a sadistic gendarme, and trying to flee the country. Over the course of their adventure, they discover that karma and the human heart work in very mysterious ways.

Genres: Fiction, Buddhism, Contemporary

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Ken · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an odd book. Once I got past the 2nd person perspective (you do this, you open the door, etc.), I warmed a bit to it. The Buddhist/Catholic background and personal struggles make for an interesting read but the literary devices employed are a bit annoying. There are probably better books available that explore the spiritual aspects of this book.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel had buddhist themes, which is what drew me to it. It is written entirely in the second person, which took me a little bit of getting used to, but it's really good in spite of (or maybe because of) that.

[Michaela · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a difficult book to rate. The middle really dragged but due to the nature of the story it had to. I find it interesting what the author was attempting to accomplish in a fictional narrative form.

[Ada · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is narrated from a 2nd person point of view which takes a bit of time to get used to. The overall theme is very Buddhism and there are lots of philosophical references. I particular enjoy the very descriptive of the narrator's mind when he talks to himself through his thought process.

[Jessica Grubb · Rating 2 out of 5]

san diego

[Chris Beal · Rating 2 out of 5]

For Buddhists who would like a kick in the pants to behave properly, this novel may do the trick!

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, though at times, I felt as though I was on the ropes with the negative things happening. There are some interesting narratives and choices.

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read but the second person narrative is a distraction.