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Radio Shangri-la: What I Learned In Bhutan, The Happiest Kingdom On Earth (2010)

by Lisa Napoli(Favorite Author)

3.4 of 5 Votes: 1

ISBN

0307453022 (ISBN13: 9780307453020)

languge

English

genre

Memoir & Autobiography

publisher

Broadway Books

review 1: A fascinating story of one woman's journey into the land of happinessThis is a fascinating story of one woman's journey into the remote Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan which ranks the highest in Gross National happiness (GNH) in the world. Happiness is measured differently by different people but if you are looking for a very simple life in a Buddhist culture remote from most forms of civilization, then this tiny nation surrounded by Himalayan mountains would be your choice, says the author. She describes her encounters with local people, the culture, and the friendship she made during her stay and the impact it had on her spiritual and personal life. This spiritual little kingdom is endowed with richness of rolling hills punctuated by spectacular mountains, vast expanses of m... moreeticulously terraced land and the clearest river rushing through, interrupted only occasionally by a cluster of unusual-looking houses. Within an array, a tiny store, marked by a simple blue sign bearing white hand written letters, provided a hint of commerce. The author describing her experience in assisting with a newly formed radio station called "Kuzoo FM," she recalls the most fascinating aspect of her experi¬ence was the quality that endeared to its audience above all others was that listeners were allowed, even encouraged to participate on-air. Besides making dedications, they could sing songs and talk to friendly radio jockeys. Or ask questions about Buddhism on a weekly show called Dharma Bites, which was hosted by two young self-styled evangelists, who saw the power of the medium to educate and per¬suade the fellow citizens. The excitement wasn't just because media in Bhutan hadn't been interactive before. For generations, the tiny, landlocked Himalayan kingdom had practically no media at all, and very little in the way of modern communication. It had been literally sealed off from the rest of the world, and virtually sequestered too. TV had long been outlawed. Recently this tiny Buddhist kingdom was very much in news because the local police were raiding homes to stub out smoking habits. The Bhutan's Narcotic Control Agency and their tobacco sniffing dogs were in full swing since the sale and use of tobacco is banned in the country. The author narrates her story in a simple and lucid manner that many readers find themselves attracted to the simplicity of Bhutanese life. The book is very engaging and well written; highly recommended.
review 2: I read this book with high expectations and was not disappointed. It was interesting because I came late to this book, having just read it, though it was out for a few years now. I went to school with the author many (too many to mention) years ago in Brooklyn, and what last I knew she had been writing for the NY Times Cybertimes, but then I lost track. Upon rediscovering her I found out about this book and wanted to give it a try. The best books give you something on many levels. This book gave us a very personal story by a very capable writer, while also giving us a glimpse at a different place and different way of life. I was very sorry to read about some of the sad and harrowing times the author has dealt with, but, of course, so many of our lives are, too often touched by pain and grief. But this is also a story of resiliency, fortitude and personal as well as cultural exploration.I think this book succeeds on many levels because it is written to appeal and affect us on many levels. It is a vivid personal memoir, a story about one human’s journey through a particular time in their life, and a snapshot of a culture and place that is quite different and, to me, quite interesting. This was an effective, moving, and interesting book that I enjoyed very much! less

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