e-Sangha discussion

Greetings e-Sangha members—

I am new to Goodreads, and would like to introduce myself. I am a longtime student of Theravadan Buddhism and Vipassana, as well as an investigative journalist and editor based in Boston. I would to tell you about my new e-book—A Splendid Isolation: Lessons on Happiness from the Kingdom of Bhutan. The book—really, a 50-page reported essay—examines Bhutan's intriguing policy of Gross National Happiness and how it plays out in a culture poised between devout Buddhism and encroaching consumerism. It is available as a Kindle e-book on Amazon.com and sells for $2.99.

On February 18, WBUR, the National Public Radio affiliate in Boston, aired an interview with me about A Splendid Isolation. The conversation took place on the Radio Boston show.

I look forward to corresponding with this group and swapping book recommendations (of which I have many!).

Thank you!

—Madeline Drexler

PS: To get a better sense of A Splendid Isolation, here is the Amazon promotion text:
What does Bhutan understand about happiness that the rest of the world does not? Award-winning journalist and author Madeline Drexler recently traveled to this Himalayan nation to discover how the audacious policy known as Gross National Happiness plays out in a fast-changing society where Buddhism is deeply rooted—but where the temptations and collateral damage of materialism are rising. Her reported essay blends lyrical travelogue, cultural history, personal insights, and provocative conversations with top policymakers, activists, bloggers, writers, artists, scholars, religious leaders, students, and ordinary citizens in many walks of life. This book is sure to fascinate readers interested in travel, Buddhism, progressive politics, and especially the study and practice of happiness.