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The Buddha Sat Right Here: A Family Odyssey Through India and Nepal
Dena was a busy midwife trapped on the hamster wheel of working motherhood. Adam was an eccentric Buddhist yogi passing as a hard-working dad. Bella was fourteen and wanted to be normal. Sophia was up for anything that involved skipping school. Together, they shouldered backpacks, walked away from their California life of all-night births, carpool schedules, and Cal Skate, and criss-crossed India and Nepal for eight months—a journey that led them to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the tree where the Buddha sat, and the arms of Amma the Divine Mother. From the banks of the Ganges to the Himalayan roof of the world, this enthralling memoir is an unforgettable odyssey, a moving meditation on modern family life, and a spiritual quest, written with humor and honesty—and filled with love and awe.
272 pages, Paperback
Published April 2, 2019
22 people are currently reading
293 people want to read
About the author
Dena Moes
3 books21 followersDena Moes, RN CNM, is an award-winning author, registered nurse, certified nurse-midwife, and reproductive health expert. She holds two degrees from Yale University, a BA in Literature and an MSN in Nursing, and has worked in women’s health for 25 years. She lives in Northern New Mexico, where she is writing books to smash the patriarchy, one chapter at a time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
April 30, 2019
An exciting and enlightening journey! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Dena and Adam are a charismatic couple with children. Dena works long hours as a midwife and is struggling to find the work/life/mom balance. Adam is a Buddhist yogi. Bella is fourteen and grappling with being a teenager, while Sophia is easy to convince.
Convince of what, you might ask? Oh, the Moes decide to leave real life behind and garner backpacks to travel to India and Nepal for an eight month journey.
They traveled to see the Dalai Lama, the tree where Buddha sat, and into the arms of Amma.
The Moes are on a spiritual quest away from the throes of modern life. Do they find what centers them?
Dena Moes’ story is refreshing and inspiring. She doesn’t speak for her daughters, but instead allows each of them to contribute to the book, too. I love that! Also of note is that one of her daughters has dyslexia, and Dena includes her letters written in her own hand, unaltered. This choice endeared me to Dena all the more.
The Buddha Sat Right Here is a breathtaking story taking on this family’s deeply personal, authentic, epic adventure, a journey of sacrifice reaping huge rewards. There’s a search for meaning here, and what do they find? You’ll have to read it to find out. Gorgeous!
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on www.jennifertarheelreader.com
Dena and Adam are a charismatic couple with children. Dena works long hours as a midwife and is struggling to find the work/life/mom balance. Adam is a Buddhist yogi. Bella is fourteen and grappling with being a teenager, while Sophia is easy to convince.
Convince of what, you might ask? Oh, the Moes decide to leave real life behind and garner backpacks to travel to India and Nepal for an eight month journey.
They traveled to see the Dalai Lama, the tree where Buddha sat, and into the arms of Amma.
The Moes are on a spiritual quest away from the throes of modern life. Do they find what centers them?
Dena Moes’ story is refreshing and inspiring. She doesn’t speak for her daughters, but instead allows each of them to contribute to the book, too. I love that! Also of note is that one of her daughters has dyslexia, and Dena includes her letters written in her own hand, unaltered. This choice endeared me to Dena all the more.
The Buddha Sat Right Here is a breathtaking story taking on this family’s deeply personal, authentic, epic adventure, a journey of sacrifice reaping huge rewards. There’s a search for meaning here, and what do they find? You’ll have to read it to find out. Gorgeous!
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on www.jennifertarheelreader.com
October 11, 2019
I’ve been reading so many memoirs lately, and loving it! The Buddha Sat Right Here was one of the best that I’ve read though, as I imagined Dena and her family doing something courageous and exciting. To up and leave your home, and all of the conveniences, and travel to another country, was admirable. I’m so attached to my “things” and I’m a creature of comfort, so reading about this journey really made me put things in perspective.
This was an enjoyable read, and I loved the memories that Dena shares of her experience in India.
*Thank you to publisher and SuzyApproved Book Tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own
This was an enjoyable read, and I loved the memories that Dena shares of her experience in India.
*Thank you to publisher and SuzyApproved Book Tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own
August 21, 2021
This book is a spectacular break from the customary memoir form: rather than writing about her daughters as subjects that populate her own life, she includes their own writing in the book.
This genre-bending choice is reflective of the author's perspective of children as human beings with core rights to their own personhood, starting at birth and increasing through their own childhood. She would no more put words in their mouths than she would plagiarize some NYT besteller writer. Thus lovely read-aloud-good prose writing by the author is augmented by this unique decision to interject occassional pieces of writing by her two daughters.
Honoring their truth and their developmental stage at the time the events transpired, she includes their letters and diary entries with letter for letter accuracy. Because her younger daughter is dsylexic, this is profoundly brave, as her efforts are endearingly off kilter from a spelling point of view. At first, this is uncomfortable but gradually you come to share the author's perspective that where this kid is, right now, is right for her, now. Her acceptance of her kid's intellectual/academic journey is something to reflect on as so many parents in America is push like crazy for more and better from their kids and from themselves, in an endless unwinnable race. So by the time you see the breathtaking piece of art she creates after studying with a Buddhist monk, you will be cheering for her too.
As to Buddhism and India and an epic four-person family trip of almost a year's duration, plenty of color and drama and small and big truths. What do I think?
For people exploring Buddhism, this book should be your next voyage.
This genre-bending choice is reflective of the author's perspective of children as human beings with core rights to their own personhood, starting at birth and increasing through their own childhood. She would no more put words in their mouths than she would plagiarize some NYT besteller writer. Thus lovely read-aloud-good prose writing by the author is augmented by this unique decision to interject occassional pieces of writing by her two daughters.
Honoring their truth and their developmental stage at the time the events transpired, she includes their letters and diary entries with letter for letter accuracy. Because her younger daughter is dsylexic, this is profoundly brave, as her efforts are endearingly off kilter from a spelling point of view. At first, this is uncomfortable but gradually you come to share the author's perspective that where this kid is, right now, is right for her, now. Her acceptance of her kid's intellectual/academic journey is something to reflect on as so many parents in America is push like crazy for more and better from their kids and from themselves, in an endless unwinnable race. So by the time you see the breathtaking piece of art she creates after studying with a Buddhist monk, you will be cheering for her too.
As to Buddhism and India and an epic four-person family trip of almost a year's duration, plenty of color and drama and small and big truths. What do I think?
For people exploring Buddhism, this book should be your next voyage.
August 13, 2022
Format: audiobook
Author: Dena Moes ~ Title: The Buddha Sat Right Here ~ Narrator: Jean Ann Douglass
Content: 4 stars ~ Narration: 5 stars
Complete audiobook review
Wow. It takes courage for such a decision. Dena Moes, a busy midwife, and mother, wrote about traveling to India and Nepal for eight months with her husband and two daughters.
This memoir is a very personal story of Dena and her family. Besides that, it’s a gem for travelers who want to visit those places. The author describes where and how they traveled. And their personal experiences, so travelers know what to expect on their journey there. She also writes about history, traditions, and local customs.
I would recommend this book to all interested in India, Nepal, and Buddhism and especially those interested in visiting those places once in the future.
Narration is very good. It feels like the author is reading her book.
Thanks to OrangeSky Audio for the ALC and this opportunity! This is a voluntary review and all opinions are my own.
Author: Dena Moes ~ Title: The Buddha Sat Right Here ~ Narrator: Jean Ann Douglass
Content: 4 stars ~ Narration: 5 stars
Complete audiobook review
Wow. It takes courage for such a decision. Dena Moes, a busy midwife, and mother, wrote about traveling to India and Nepal for eight months with her husband and two daughters.
This memoir is a very personal story of Dena and her family. Besides that, it’s a gem for travelers who want to visit those places. The author describes where and how they traveled. And their personal experiences, so travelers know what to expect on their journey there. She also writes about history, traditions, and local customs.
I would recommend this book to all interested in India, Nepal, and Buddhism and especially those interested in visiting those places once in the future.
Narration is very good. It feels like the author is reading her book.
Thanks to OrangeSky Audio for the ALC and this opportunity! This is a voluntary review and all opinions are my own.
March 31, 2019
It’s actually not easy to write a review of The Buddha Sat Right Here because it is so rich with adventure in India and Nepal, with the transformative meanings of Buddhism, with the practice of midwifery in a California town, with the particularities of a young American family who exhibit a profound respect for human life and our habitat Earth. Dena Moes does not shy away from rough moments in the relationship with her husband Adam--or her own search for who she is and what she wants. And it is not only Dena’s story, but Adams’ and that of their daughters Bella and Sophia. This is tender storytelling with lasting meaning. I’m still basking in the glow of it.
October 12, 2019
{ Thanks to @shewritespress @suzyapprovedbooktours and @denamoeswriter for my gifted copy #partner }
I can officially say I found a memoir that I absolutely loved! This wonderful story chronicles a family’s decision to put their entire lives on hold for 8 months and take a trip to India and Nepal. Dena, her husband Adam, and their two young daughters Bella and Sophia embark on an experience of a lifetime that tests their strength and love for each other.
The author has an amazing way with words. I’m not really a history person. I usually shy away from those types of stories but Dena really relayed the story of Buddha and Indian culture in such a fun, laid back, intriguing way that I found myself wanting more!
I didn’t realize that India had so many different sides. You can go from a dirty, overcrowded street to a beautiful remote beach. It may just be my naiveness with this kind of stuff, but I honestly had no idea!
The family experiences some really amazing things like meeting the Dalai Lama, riding elephants, and eating A LOT of food. Don’t read this while you’re hungry! 🤣
I also learned a lot about Buddhist traditions and beliefs which I found extremely interesting. There was a quote from Amma, a spiritual leader who is known as the Hugging Saint. People line up for hours to hug this little old lady! She said “My Dream: A vision of a world in which women and men progress together, a world in which all men respect the fact that, like the two wings of a bird, women and men are of equal value.” Life in India for women is very hard and hearing a little bit about how they are treated broke my heart. The quote from Amma really stuck with me.
I really recommend reading this story. Yes, it’s got a Buddha theme and you may not be into that, but there is so much more to this amazing story! It’s funny, some parts are sad, some are empowering, and through superb imagery, I feel like I travelled to different parts of the world from the comfort of my very own couch!
I can officially say I found a memoir that I absolutely loved! This wonderful story chronicles a family’s decision to put their entire lives on hold for 8 months and take a trip to India and Nepal. Dena, her husband Adam, and their two young daughters Bella and Sophia embark on an experience of a lifetime that tests their strength and love for each other.
The author has an amazing way with words. I’m not really a history person. I usually shy away from those types of stories but Dena really relayed the story of Buddha and Indian culture in such a fun, laid back, intriguing way that I found myself wanting more!
I didn’t realize that India had so many different sides. You can go from a dirty, overcrowded street to a beautiful remote beach. It may just be my naiveness with this kind of stuff, but I honestly had no idea!
The family experiences some really amazing things like meeting the Dalai Lama, riding elephants, and eating A LOT of food. Don’t read this while you’re hungry! 🤣
I also learned a lot about Buddhist traditions and beliefs which I found extremely interesting. There was a quote from Amma, a spiritual leader who is known as the Hugging Saint. People line up for hours to hug this little old lady! She said “My Dream: A vision of a world in which women and men progress together, a world in which all men respect the fact that, like the two wings of a bird, women and men are of equal value.” Life in India for women is very hard and hearing a little bit about how they are treated broke my heart. The quote from Amma really stuck with me.
I really recommend reading this story. Yes, it’s got a Buddha theme and you may not be into that, but there is so much more to this amazing story! It’s funny, some parts are sad, some are empowering, and through superb imagery, I feel like I travelled to different parts of the world from the comfort of my very own couch!
August 21, 2019
This is an interesting memoir/travelogue that focuses on a spiritual journey of a California family travel to sacred places in India. The writer is a midwife and her house a dedicated Buddhist with a acupuncture and herbalist business. We get to see how it is to travel as a family in a country and culture so distinctively different from the U.S. and the changes each character goes through. The writing is beautiful and evocative and for the most part the writer keeps the reader engaged, adding excerpts from her daughters' journals. After awhile though it felt a little repetitive: another sacred place, another bout of diarrhea, another host family, another observation about being white in a country of brown people, what saves the book at the is introduction of drama that was foreshadowed earlier in the book, after marital quarrels and the narrators reflection on her anger and sense of unfairness in her marriage. We wonder what is going to happen to the family after the trip, which keeps us engaged by the ending is predictable, so less impactful. Overall a good read--made me want to step up my Buddhist practice!
August 19, 2019
WOW! Dena Moes, "The Buddha Sat Right Here" "A Family Odyssey Through India and Nepal," writes a unique memoir, and vividly describes and writes about her family, their travels, the landscape, the food and the people in India and surrounding areas. At times I forgot that this was a memoir, especially when she described her family. I appreciate all the memories that Dena has written about traveling in India, sharing her most private thoughts, and those of her family. What is impressive is that there are excerpts from her daughter writing her impressions and most private thoughts as well.
I felt like I had purchased a ticket and was traveling with the Moes family. Dena writes both about the beauty and ugliness, the wealth and the poverty, and the religion and beliefs in India. The author has a way of writing to appeal to the senses, I could smell, feel, touch, taste, hear and feel many things. For example, when Dena spoke about food, she described how some dishes tasted, smelled like, look like, felt like and hear what was going around.
I do admire the Moes family for traveling for months as a family, which seemed to be a wonderful learning experience for the children. The family was in tight quarters most of the time, and Dena has great insight into what has made her unhappy. Dena is a Midwife/Nurse and has delivered many babies, takes care of her home, has the responsibilities of her family and has little time left for her. She questions why.
In India, she sees that there is a sisterhood that helps one another in times of need. This was an extremely well-written book, and I recommend that you read this to learn the cultural differences and a families' journey into traveling and learning about themselves.
I felt like I had purchased a ticket and was traveling with the Moes family. Dena writes both about the beauty and ugliness, the wealth and the poverty, and the religion and beliefs in India. The author has a way of writing to appeal to the senses, I could smell, feel, touch, taste, hear and feel many things. For example, when Dena spoke about food, she described how some dishes tasted, smelled like, look like, felt like and hear what was going around.
I do admire the Moes family for traveling for months as a family, which seemed to be a wonderful learning experience for the children. The family was in tight quarters most of the time, and Dena has great insight into what has made her unhappy. Dena is a Midwife/Nurse and has delivered many babies, takes care of her home, has the responsibilities of her family and has little time left for her. She questions why.
In India, she sees that there is a sisterhood that helps one another in times of need. This was an extremely well-written book, and I recommend that you read this to learn the cultural differences and a families' journey into traveling and learning about themselves.
April 8, 2019
“The clarity of my single goal — to stay on the trail — is like a meditation. My worries drop away with every step forward. Nothing matters but each footstep pushing into the snow. Everything else is out of my hands now.”
What a stark revelation for Dena Moes, some 10,000 feet high in view of the Annapurna peaks in Nepal during her family’s eight-month, life-altering trip to India, chronicled in her charming debut, The Buddha Sat Right Here: A Family Odyssey Through India and Nepal (She Writes Press).
To fully understand Moes’s feelings, one must understand what she had left behind:
“I am not driving a carpool today!” she sings.
“I am not at my computer paying bills!”
“I am not wandering the grocery aisles wondering what’s for dinner!”
“I am off-call!”
Dena Moes’ typical Californian day involved aiding women in childbirth, dealing with new parents and scheduling her two daughters’ activities and meals. When this busy and tired midwife in 2011 took a much-needed vacation to visit her sister in India, it began a love affair with the country and planted the seed for a future family pilgrimage.
The book tracks her journey to escape the pressures of personal and professional stress, seek spiritual guidance and to reconnect with her family.
Read the rest of the review: https://booktrib.com/2019/04/the-budd...
What a stark revelation for Dena Moes, some 10,000 feet high in view of the Annapurna peaks in Nepal during her family’s eight-month, life-altering trip to India, chronicled in her charming debut, The Buddha Sat Right Here: A Family Odyssey Through India and Nepal (She Writes Press).
To fully understand Moes’s feelings, one must understand what she had left behind:
“I am not driving a carpool today!” she sings.
“I am not at my computer paying bills!”
“I am not wandering the grocery aisles wondering what’s for dinner!”
“I am off-call!”
Dena Moes’ typical Californian day involved aiding women in childbirth, dealing with new parents and scheduling her two daughters’ activities and meals. When this busy and tired midwife in 2011 took a much-needed vacation to visit her sister in India, it began a love affair with the country and planted the seed for a future family pilgrimage.
The book tracks her journey to escape the pressures of personal and professional stress, seek spiritual guidance and to reconnect with her family.
Read the rest of the review: https://booktrib.com/2019/04/the-budd...
September 3, 2019
This memoir is a families spiritual journey from leaving California to travel through India and Nepal for 8 months. Dena, a midwife, went from dreaming about this trip to seek her greater purpose, to asking her husband, Adam who’s a Buddhist yogi, and their two daughters if they wanted to come, too. This book is truly a transformative experience - not only for Dena and her family, but for the reader.
What worked for me:
- This memoir was so unique because it included photos and her daughters diary entries. I really enjoyed getting to know Bella, especially.
- Essentially a travel-log through places I’ve never been. I would love to go on an adventure like this someday
What didn’t work for me:
- I wish we got more back story about Dena as a midwife and all that happened there, but I understand reasons for maybe not wanting to include that!
I feel there’s something for everyone in this book! I would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys memoirs, family dynamics, and those contemplating/or on a spiritual quest themselves. I’m so glad I was able to be on tour for this book and The Buddha Sat Right Here is out NOW!
I received this book as part of being on tour with Suzy Approved Book Tours. Thank you Suzy, She Writes Press, and Dena Moes for the free copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 3, 2019
Would you ever pull your children out of school, pack up the bare necessities for your entire family and then jump on a plane to explore India and Nepal together for eight months? Dena Moes and her husband, Adam did exactly that and it resulted in a family adventure of a lifetime.
My goodness, did I ever love reading this memoir. It’s quite possibly one of the best I’ve ever read. Not only did Moes share her unbelievable journey full of culture and adventure, she also kept it very real. She did not hold back as she discussed the family dynamics and marital issues between her and her husband throughout the entire journey. I also thought the diary entries from her teenage daughter, Bella were a nice addition. It was beneficial to see how this family odyssey affected her daughters as well.
The author’s story also gave me the kick in the pants I think I needed. My husband and I have been going back and forth about taking an out of country trip with our two school-age children. After reading about this family’s adventure, I’m ready to do it now. Well, maybe not for eight months. We will aim for seven to ten days instead!
If you’re adventurous, love to travel, try new foods and enjoy learning about culture and religion, I highly recommend this memoir. It’s available now!
My goodness, did I ever love reading this memoir. It’s quite possibly one of the best I’ve ever read. Not only did Moes share her unbelievable journey full of culture and adventure, she also kept it very real. She did not hold back as she discussed the family dynamics and marital issues between her and her husband throughout the entire journey. I also thought the diary entries from her teenage daughter, Bella were a nice addition. It was beneficial to see how this family odyssey affected her daughters as well.
The author’s story also gave me the kick in the pants I think I needed. My husband and I have been going back and forth about taking an out of country trip with our two school-age children. After reading about this family’s adventure, I’m ready to do it now. Well, maybe not for eight months. We will aim for seven to ten days instead!
If you’re adventurous, love to travel, try new foods and enjoy learning about culture and religion, I highly recommend this memoir. It’s available now!
October 3, 2019
The Buddha Sat Right There by Dena Moes has definitely set the tone for new memoirs and had me captivated from page one. I was barely a few pages in when she talks of her daughter being a ”breatharian" and I knew I instantly related and easily chuckled because my daughter is the same way and also the last kid at the table at every meal. From there I knew I had a connection and wanted to read more. The author does an amazing job describing and detailing her life moments in this memoir as some memoirs can seem dry and no real personality however this memoir was perfect. We get a little bit everything in this with family life, travel, spiritual paths, and even parenting. In this memoir, they drop their California life and take on an eight month journey though India and Nepal as they were tired of the modern day hamster wheel of working parenthood. If you love memoirs, do yourself a favor and pick this one up, you won’t be disappointed.
April 22, 2019
What a rare and beautiful family, and quite exceptional in that they could spend several months together in India, day after day after day, and not end up hating one another! The author, Dena Moes, obviously found that no matter where we go in the world, we end up bringing our inner garbage with us. The trip to India with her husband and two children created just the sort of noise and chaos needed to reveal the noise and chaos she'd created for herself in her life in the U.S. Stripped of all the work, deadlines, messes and to-do lists, she came face to face with herself and was forced to deal with a very sick marriage, plus traits in herself she found to be unhealthy for herself and her family. I think she has far more bravery than she gives herself credit for.
The book is an interesting mix of memoir, travelogue, and Buddhist teachings.
The book is an interesting mix of memoir, travelogue, and Buddhist teachings.
October 10, 2019
I received this book for honest Review!
Omg what can I say about this.
Well this is a dream come true for anybody. I never been to India or Nepal but I felt like I was there with them and my family. Adventure dreams!
She travel with her husband and 2 daughters but at the same time she wanted to find herself.
This is the type of adventure I would love to go to. One day would love to travel to Ancient Egypt and maybe find something in myself that I would of never new I had. For my family to take the Adventure of life time.
I highly recommend this of all ages and also this book should be in all the schools.
It would make amazing book report for kids. They would learn alot from this book
This gets all 4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Omg what can I say about this.
Well this is a dream come true for anybody. I never been to India or Nepal but I felt like I was there with them and my family. Adventure dreams!
She travel with her husband and 2 daughters but at the same time she wanted to find herself.
This is the type of adventure I would love to go to. One day would love to travel to Ancient Egypt and maybe find something in myself that I would of never new I had. For my family to take the Adventure of life time.
I highly recommend this of all ages and also this book should be in all the schools.
It would make amazing book report for kids. They would learn alot from this book
This gets all 4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
September 13, 2019
The Buddha Sat Right Here by Dena Mose is a beautiful memoir of the Mose family and their break from the grind to go on an adventure in India and Nepal.
Dena is a midwife and she along with her husband Adam and daughters Bella and Sophia embark on this unlikely 8 month adventure. The see many important sights, but ultimately find their truth and what is important to them.
I would definitely recommend this memoir. It is thoughtful and even has voice from the children making it even more personal. Definitely do not miss this.
Thank you to those tagged for my copy in exchange for my honest review.
Dena is a midwife and she along with her husband Adam and daughters Bella and Sophia embark on this unlikely 8 month adventure. The see many important sights, but ultimately find their truth and what is important to them.
I would definitely recommend this memoir. It is thoughtful and even has voice from the children making it even more personal. Definitely do not miss this.
Thank you to those tagged for my copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 7, 2019
"Buddhists believe that the karma you make in this life affects the conditions of your future lives."
.
This was such a mesmerizing memoir & so beautifully written! I truly enjoyed following this quirky/brave family's journey of living in another country and immersing themselves completely so they could truly understand & experience their true spiritual path. I've always been curious about Buddhism & this book really answered so many questions for me & helped me to understand & appreciate all it has to offer. Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours & @denamoeswriter for giving me this opportunity to read such a fascinating book! Great for bookclub discussions as well, I definitely recommend!
.
This was such a mesmerizing memoir & so beautifully written! I truly enjoyed following this quirky/brave family's journey of living in another country and immersing themselves completely so they could truly understand & experience their true spiritual path. I've always been curious about Buddhism & this book really answered so many questions for me & helped me to understand & appreciate all it has to offer. Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours & @denamoeswriter for giving me this opportunity to read such a fascinating book! Great for bookclub discussions as well, I definitely recommend!
April 19, 2019
This was the best book I’ve read in a long time. Dena tells us the hard and dirty parts about taking 8 mos off to travel through India, Nepal and Thailand with her family so when she describes the beautiful moments you feel like you can trust her. Honest, raw, twists and turns. Loved it.
December 27, 2021
Thank you to NETGALLEY for an advanced copy of the audiobook. I was not compensated and this is an honest review.
I truly enjoyed this family story of discovery. I have recently been introduced to Buddhism and Thich Naht Hahn. While this story can’t compare to his teachings, it resonates with those trying to disconnect somewhat from an American way of life and instead intentionally choose more peace and purpose.
I truly enjoyed this family story of discovery. I have recently been introduced to Buddhism and Thich Naht Hahn. While this story can’t compare to his teachings, it resonates with those trying to disconnect somewhat from an American way of life and instead intentionally choose more peace and purpose.
February 6, 2022
I have to admit, listening to the first chapter, I didn't know if I had the attention span to give this novel its due, but as it progressed, and the family was traveling lightly, I was caught up in the dream to visit India with my family, and felt the hectic American lifestyle drift away. Truly, with each and every town they visited, I re-examined the pressure, the wants vs. needs, and the reasons we as Americans push ourselves to insanity. Much like after my mission trips to Africa, Haiti, and Honduras, I could not understand the need for more we Americans place on ourselves as a society. I often came home and donated half of my closet! I, therefore, fully jumped on board (mentally) with this family...and what a transformative journey it was! I felt immersed in Indian/Nepalese/Tibetan culture as this memoir highlighted all these countries had to offer. I ended up loving this book! Read it with an open mind to what other cultures and religions can teach you about yourself.
October 15, 2019
Are you ready to rethink your life? Dena Moes’ memoir, THE BUDDAH SAT RIGHT HERE will have you looking back at your family, being a parent all while telling a delightful humorous story of a journey to spirituality – the kind that’ll interest everyone.
Dena was a busy midwife trapped on the hamster wheel of working motherhood. Adam was an eccentric Buddhist yogi passing as a hard-working dad. Bella was fourteen and wanted to be normal. Sophia was up for anything that involved skipping school. Together, they shouldered backpacks, walked away from their California life of all-night births, carpool schedules, and Cal Skate, and criss-crossed India and Nepal for eight months―a journey that led them to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the tree where the Buddha sat, and the arms of Amma the Divine Mother. From the banks of the Ganges to the Himalayan roof of the world, this enthralling memoir is an unforgettable odyssey, a moving meditation on modern family life, and a spiritual quest, written with humor and honesty―and filled with love and awe.
This is the second memoir I’m telling you about this week. I’m glad I got the opportunity to read THE BUDDAH SAT RIGHT HERE. As a person who has an interest in spirtuality, including Buddhism, I found Dena Moes story very relatable, and rich in wisdom. Readers will be amazed by Dena’s odessey through India. The cover is beautiful.
Dena was a busy midwife trapped on the hamster wheel of working motherhood. Adam was an eccentric Buddhist yogi passing as a hard-working dad. Bella was fourteen and wanted to be normal. Sophia was up for anything that involved skipping school. Together, they shouldered backpacks, walked away from their California life of all-night births, carpool schedules, and Cal Skate, and criss-crossed India and Nepal for eight months―a journey that led them to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the tree where the Buddha sat, and the arms of Amma the Divine Mother. From the banks of the Ganges to the Himalayan roof of the world, this enthralling memoir is an unforgettable odyssey, a moving meditation on modern family life, and a spiritual quest, written with humor and honesty―and filled with love and awe.
This is the second memoir I’m telling you about this week. I’m glad I got the opportunity to read THE BUDDAH SAT RIGHT HERE. As a person who has an interest in spirtuality, including Buddhism, I found Dena Moes story very relatable, and rich in wisdom. Readers will be amazed by Dena’s odessey through India. The cover is beautiful.
March 28, 2019
How often have you daydreamed about stepping away from your hectic life and traveling to another country? Dena Moes not only dreamed about going to India and Nepal, she did it. She left her job, pulled her two daughters out of school and invited her husband to come along on an eight-month spiritual journey through India and Nepal, ultimately leading them to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the tree where the Buddha sat, and the arms of Amma the Divine Mother. Dena had committed herself to the practices of Buddhism. It was one of the traits that attracted her to her husband.
Her believable story is not only a fascinating and graphic kaleidoscope of people and places—a travelogue—but an intriguing and dramatic unfolding of her life as a wife and mother. Each character comes alive on the page through vivid sensory details; each scene rich with colorful scenic descriptions. As a reader, I was enthralled and engaged. It felt like I was there with her.
This is a heroine’s journey into the heart and soul of a woman seeking to find her greater purpose. By the time the journey is over, the reader can see and feel the transformation in this woman and her family. I highly recommend this satisfying and engaging memoir.
Her believable story is not only a fascinating and graphic kaleidoscope of people and places—a travelogue—but an intriguing and dramatic unfolding of her life as a wife and mother. Each character comes alive on the page through vivid sensory details; each scene rich with colorful scenic descriptions. As a reader, I was enthralled and engaged. It felt like I was there with her.
This is a heroine’s journey into the heart and soul of a woman seeking to find her greater purpose. By the time the journey is over, the reader can see and feel the transformation in this woman and her family. I highly recommend this satisfying and engaging memoir.
October 5, 2019
This book made me want to walk away from my everyday life and go live an adventure in India and Nepal; two places on my bucket list for almost the same reason why Dena and her husband Adam went and had their adventure there. Life gets crazy and you sometimes lose focus on what is really important in life; I totally envy Dena and her family.
Dena is a busy midwife, the hours are long and unpredictable; she is also a mother of two daughters, Bella and Sophia, her husband Adam is a Buddhist yogi. Dena had visited her sister in India back in 2011 and that trip brought her peace and planted an idea that she soon brought to forth to her family; to leave the craziness of everyday life behind and go find a greater purpose.
Throughout an 8 months spiritual journey The Moes travel and find themselves in wonderful places and to his Holiness the Dalai Lama. This book is beautifully written, Dena is very open in sharing the struggles and hard times and all the happiness that they have also. Not many people would have the courage to literally uproot their family and just go and seek what they really want, but the Moes did it and I am so happy they did and that they shared their story with us.
Dena is a busy midwife, the hours are long and unpredictable; she is also a mother of two daughters, Bella and Sophia, her husband Adam is a Buddhist yogi. Dena had visited her sister in India back in 2011 and that trip brought her peace and planted an idea that she soon brought to forth to her family; to leave the craziness of everyday life behind and go find a greater purpose.
Throughout an 8 months spiritual journey The Moes travel and find themselves in wonderful places and to his Holiness the Dalai Lama. This book is beautifully written, Dena is very open in sharing the struggles and hard times and all the happiness that they have also. Not many people would have the courage to literally uproot their family and just go and seek what they really want, but the Moes did it and I am so happy they did and that they shared their story with us.
April 10, 2021
This book is a memoir of adventure, motherhood, and love woven into a spiritual journey. The author got a crazy idea to change their lives and took her family took an eight-month backpacking journey through India and Nepal. It had always been her bucket list, and she decided she didn't want to wait until they were grown. This was not a vacation; this was a pilgrimage—a journey meant to be transformative. I found it so interesting how the author and her family found themselves in certain situations, like going down these country roads or in horrible storms.
In the opening section of the book, the author is trekking through a storm and reflecting. “What a difference from the life I left behind, I think as I trudge along. Our American life was a juggling act, and I was constantly dropping balls....Here, I have one task—walk. No schedule to keep. No to-do list. Nobody paging me or pulling at my attention. Just walk. One foot in front of the other, wiping the snow from my eyes, I revel in the simplicity, the focus.”
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/den...
In the opening section of the book, the author is trekking through a storm and reflecting. “What a difference from the life I left behind, I think as I trudge along. Our American life was a juggling act, and I was constantly dropping balls....Here, I have one task—walk. No schedule to keep. No to-do list. Nobody paging me or pulling at my attention. Just walk. One foot in front of the other, wiping the snow from my eyes, I revel in the simplicity, the focus.”
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/den...
August 31, 2019
I connected with this whole family during this beautifully written memoir---one that is so deserving of all its rewards and accolades! I have followed Dena on her lifestyle blogs and was very excited to hear this memoir was coming out.
When I read the synopsis, I tried to put myself first in the mindset of Dena. How cool was this idea of just letting go for 8 months and reconnecting with your family and own self? I loved her thoughts of planning and going on this trip and just how much she let herself enjoy.
the second person I connected with was Bella. Bella at the age of 14, is beautiful and talented. in reading her own Biography she is an actress and a violinist. I think it would be hard to just pick up and go. However, I think Bella let herself embrace the idea and because of it is probably a talented and loving (more so) young lady.
This is a memoir Id love to see on the screen - the images and lyrical writing would be a wonderful documentary.
I enjoyed seeing how these 8 months changed a family, and I do believe reading it helped change this reader, too.
When I read the synopsis, I tried to put myself first in the mindset of Dena. How cool was this idea of just letting go for 8 months and reconnecting with your family and own self? I loved her thoughts of planning and going on this trip and just how much she let herself enjoy.
the second person I connected with was Bella. Bella at the age of 14, is beautiful and talented. in reading her own Biography she is an actress and a violinist. I think it would be hard to just pick up and go. However, I think Bella let herself embrace the idea and because of it is probably a talented and loving (more so) young lady.
This is a memoir Id love to see on the screen - the images and lyrical writing would be a wonderful documentary.
I enjoyed seeing how these 8 months changed a family, and I do believe reading it helped change this reader, too.
September 28, 2019
The Buddha Sat Right Here by Dena Moes is a wonderful memoir. This book drew me in from the first page and kept me turning the pages well into the night I could not put this book down. This book is very well written, the descriptions are so vivid you feel you are right there traveling the 8 months with the Moes family. When the author describes the countryside you can see it in your mind, when she describes the food you can almost taste it. I really enjoyed the honesty about the trials and tribulations and the way each of the family members found themselves. I love that she let her daughters have a voice in this book, at one point Dena shows a letter written by her younger daughter who is dyslexic untouched and left just as her daughter wrote it. This book will make you laugh and it will make you cry but you will never forget it. I will definitely be reading this book again. Thank you to Suzy Approved Book Tours, She Writes Press, and Dena Moes for the free copy in exchange for my honest review.
April 8, 2019
What a fascinating and enjoyable read! I feel as if I travelled along with the Moes family on their eight month journey as they made their way through crowded, chaotic streets of India to ancient mountain retreats of Nepal. While they were hugged by Amma and felt the infinite love of the Dalai Lama, their journey was no picnic, but rife with bouts of illness and family disagreements, and often lacking the most basic comforts of home. Capturing the grit, grime, and glory of this complex culture, Dena Moes writes with honesty, tenderness, and humor about herself, her husband, and her two daughters, as they each follow their own path to both spiritual and personal growth. I highly recommend this unique and charming travel memoir.
April 23, 2019
Although an 8-month trek through India and Nepal with kids is not the kind of trip that I would want to embark upon myself, I did enjoy reading about the adventures of the Moes family. Maybe I am super bougie, but sometimes I found myself thinking, "What? Are you crazy? Don't eat the street food!" But then they did! And got sick! Though the author is a spiritual person, she also comes across as relatable and down-to-earth. Yes, they spend a lot of time meditating and hiking in WiFi-free zones, but once in a while they also pop into a Starbucks or a McDonalds. I love that Moes includes photos and extracts from her daughters' diaries. All in all, this was an excellent armchair expedition.
September 4, 2019
I am officially LOVING memoirs this year, and appreciate the uniqueness that Moes brings to her story. Beautifully written, this title dives into her family’s journey to walk away from their routine life in California for an 8-month trek across India and Nepal.
The imagery of all the cuisine and cultural spots they visited had me desperate to embark on my own journey! I also loved the numerous photos captured within each chapter, along with Dena’s daughters Bella and Sophia also playing a role in the narrative. Needless to say, this memoir kept me captivated from start to finish and truly felt like a magical pilgrimage for this American family.
The imagery of all the cuisine and cultural spots they visited had me desperate to embark on my own journey! I also loved the numerous photos captured within each chapter, along with Dena’s daughters Bella and Sophia also playing a role in the narrative. Needless to say, this memoir kept me captivated from start to finish and truly felt like a magical pilgrimage for this American family.
September 26, 2019
I learned so much in this book! There was so much information about India and the customs, traditions and cuisine that it almost felt like I was there. It was also a mind-opening book for me. It made me so aware of how much we take for granted in our daily lives. This family traveled for eight months, mostly without any of our worldly comforts and they made it! I can’t imagine going days, let alone months without a hot shower. Yet, this family did it all, while staying together as a family. It was a virtuous book for those of you who enjoy clean reads and yet still intriguing enough for those who crave adventure.
August 8, 2019
I loved this book!!! My book club read this book because one of the member's daughter was a friend of the author during their growing up years and was reading excerpt's to her mom, who ultimately ordered a set of books for our group.
What a great read. I feel like I went there myself. And at times the author annoyed me, other times her husband did and yet I still LOVED the book. I'm sure I will read it again and it just adds to my intentions of hopefully someday sooner than later, that I too shall travel to India.
What a great read. I feel like I went there myself. And at times the author annoyed me, other times her husband did and yet I still LOVED the book. I'm sure I will read it again and it just adds to my intentions of hopefully someday sooner than later, that I too shall travel to India.
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