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The Beggar King and the Secret of Happiness: A True Story Audiobook
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(4.02) - 620 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
When a storyteller loses his voice, he believes he's lost everything. In fact, he's been given a great gift.
Once upon a time, a successful storyteller lost his voice to throat cancer. Deprived of the instrument of his art and his livelihood, he retreated into dark, sullen silence and depression. While searching for a spiritual explanation, he encountered his former mentor, a cantankerous and often drunk old man. Their meetings began a journey into the timeless wisdom of ancient tales: of beggars and kings, monks and tigers, lost horses, buried treasures, and ultimately the secret of happiness.
In this altogether original book, Joel ben Izzy shares his personal account of surviving loss, gaining wisdom, and rediscovering one's true purpose. Weaving in tales he's collected over the years from Sufi, Muslim, Chinese, Jewish, Iraqi, Zen Buddhist, Italian, and Indian cultures, he passes along the lessons he has learned. As we travel with Izzy from tragedy back into light and sound, we are encouraged to see our own lives as stories, and to open our own hearts to happiness.
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"This book had a different style from most books I've read which made it interesting and refreshing. It is about a Jewish storyteller who loses his voice and has to figure out what to do with his life. It starts each chapter with a folk tale from a different country around the world. The book is very philosophical, and really makes you think about your own life."
— Tisha (4 out of 5 stars)
The Beggar King and the Secret of Happiness Listener Reviews
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" Stole this book from my house in New Brunswick. I read it twice in a row and forced everyone around me to read, and fall in love with it too before regifting it to my favourite high school teacher. Possibly my favourite book I might never own. "
— Alexandria, 2/18/2014 -
" Awesome book. Awesome, awesome, seamlessly awesome. I'm sorry Ben Izzy had to go through all that, but on the other hand -- this book. "
— Laura, 2/8/2014 -
" A pearl. I feel like this book has a certain message that I wasn't able to understand yet; perhaps I need to gain more life experience before I get it. "
— Sanne, 1/28/2014 -
" I love how Joel ben Izzy lets people know how their own lives are full of stories. All these stories are alike. Captivating! "
— Heather, 1/27/2014 -
" I enjoyed the old tales from China, India, Persia, Jerusalem, etc., interpersed with Joel's story of the loss of his voice, which is one of the worst things that can happen to a professional story teller. "
— Etta, 1/26/2014 -
" Great fast read. It's an inspiring book too! "
— Laura, 1/23/2014 -
" Deserves every one of these five stars - gorgeous book, loved it. Found myself beaming as I read in parts, but also thinking over my own life and relationships with family, friends, myself. I anticipate buying multiple copies to give. "
— Jeslyn, 1/22/2014 -
" You can read this every year for inspiration. I sent it to everyone I knew who could use a lift. "
— Marilyn, 1/15/2014 -
" I really liked the clever stories within this book, but I didn't really connect with this book as a story as a whole. I don't know....it felt disjointed. I was super excited to read it, and really kind of felt let down..... "
— Aimee, 1/9/2014 -
" Interesting and fast read - another classic why bad things happen to good people and how to deal with hard things through stories. "
— Tori, 12/15/2013 -
" The true story of a story teller who loses his voice and what he gains in the process. His tale is interchanged with fables from around the world. An easy read with great life lessons "
— Shaunie, 11/11/2013 -
" Okay, I proabably wouldn't read it again. "
— Suzanne, 9/28/2013 -
" Tender hearted book,it made my heart happy. Lots of life lessons, very easy to digest and remember. "
— Nicole, 9/25/2013 -
" What a great book! A rainy afternoon, an apple and The Beggar King and the Secret of Happiness. This is a little, and quick, book that packs a punch. GREAT! "
— ClayOla, 9/11/2013 -
" I read this book in just a few hours so it is a really quick read but a great, unique book- I would reccoment this to anyone! "
— Whitney, 3/21/2013 -
" Joel ben Izzy explores the power and meaning of story. As a travelling storyteller who loses his voice, ben Izzy takes us along on his journey of discovery. A wonderful, quick read - interspersed with classic tales that have a direct relationship to his path. "
— Aprille, 3/18/2013 -
" I love this book, it reminds me of 'Tuesdays with Morrie'. Unputdownable, I have to finish it in one sitting. I wished I could stop the time so I can finish the book without losing my sleep. Dysania again in the morning I guess. "
— Ainun, 3/12/2013 -
" Loved this book; it's one of those life-lessons books but told in parables or maybe Jewish stories is a better way to describe them. A very nice little book. "
— DJ, 2/18/2013 -
" The book is compelling, poignant, beautifully written, and thought provoking. I finished it in a day. . . .It's definitely worth reading. "
— Kirsti, 10/14/2012 -
" This was a different format and yet very interesting. I loved the stories and tales from all over the world that were related to the author's true story. I always enjoy a book that makes me reflect reflect, the direct result of a good storyteller! "
— Pamelamtracey, 10/11/2012 -
" A surprising and charming book from a master story teller. My kids grew up listening to Joel's stories on long drives - I loved them too - and it was a pleasure to hear his rather amazing personal story. Get the audio version. "
— Anne, 7/4/2012 -
" This is a beautiful book with amazing lessons in it. I borrowed it and am definitely going out to get my own copy.. "
— Lauriej, 3/30/2012 -
" Absolutely loved it, the best, I would recommend it to anyone. "
— Anastasia, 1/5/2012 -
" Quic, easy read. Good lessons. "
— Darcy, 11/22/2011 -
" I loved it. Beautiful and inspiring. "
— Terri, 6/25/2011 -
" I absolutely loved this book. I gave it to all my brothers and sisters for their birthdays this year! "
— Coral, 5/7/2011 -
" The true story of the author, who makes his living as a story teller, and how he lost his voice after surgery for thyroid cancer. Each chapter starts with a folk tale from somewhere in the world, and these stories ultimately all relate to the author's own story. Well done. "
— Annette, 4/21/2011 -
" Not a big fan of folklore, in general, but I enjoyed reading his personal experiences. He's pretty funny and a very good writer. I hope to see more from him the future, sans ancient stories. "
— Laurel, 4/18/2011 -
" A friend recommended this book. Loved it!--need to read again. "
— Barbara, 2/23/2011 -
" I loved this book, so witty and different "
— Becca, 2/21/2011 -
" Enjoyed the stories from all around the world and how the author tied them to events of his own life. Ultimately, a story of learning how to deal with the curve balls life throws you. "
— Teresa, 2/21/2011 -
" i loved this book. i wish i would have known about it when my dad was so sick, he would have loved it too. "
— Brenda, 1/14/2011 -
" You can read this every year for inspiration. I sent it to everyone I knew who could use a lift. "
— Marilyn, 1/8/2011 -
" An amazing, heart-warming story. :) "
— Karen, 11/15/2010 -
" Joel Ben Izzy is an incredible storyteller! "
— Ruby, 11/1/2010 -
" short, sweet, well-told story about creating meaning out of the life you are given. Comparable to Bach's Jonathan Livingston Seagull, Cohelo's The Alchemist, or d'Saint Exbury's The Little Prince. "
— Jesseb, 10/5/2010 -
" Interesting true story of a storyteller interwoven with tales he tells. Great stories with a great message. "
— Melanie, 8/30/2010 -
" I thoroughly enjoyed this. Very moving, and well done, with a true story within stories of the storytelling tradition, written by a storyteller. "
— Wallyworld, 8/2/2010 -
" I LOVE THIS BOOK. One of the BEST Summer Reading Book BY A LONG SHOT! "
— Shelby, 7/29/2010 -
" This was a different format and yet very interesting. I loved the stories and tales from all over the world that were related to the author's true story. I always enjoy a book that makes me reflect reflect, the direct result of a good storyteller! "
— Pamelamtracey, 7/28/2010 -
" Loved it. Great morals, great stories, great ending. Just great. "
— Tasha, 7/18/2010 -
" I remember wanting to send everyone I love a copy of this book when I finished it. "
— Deb, 7/5/2010
About Joel Ben Izzy
Joel ben Izzy tells stories at festivals throughout the world and has written and produced several CDs, which have won awards from the American Library Association and the Parents’ Choice Foundation. He’s been a storytelling consultant to various companies, including Hewlett-Packard, the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, and Pixar Animation Studios. He lives in Berkeley, California, with his wife and children.