Reviews

The Beggar King and the Secret of Happiness: A True Story by Joel Ben Izzy

trankin's review

4.0

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.

niketsheth's review

4.0

Superb book... This is perfect for someone looking for how to deal with the losses this life puts us through... The author has given his honest reaction and advice on how to deal with the tragedies faced and how to overcome some of it through certain extent. The book would be loved by those who like to read folktales, the kind of stories that teach many things about life in an interesting way. Although the premise is based around a storyteller, the themes in the book are mature in nature. It is a good swift read. A must read for everyone. Smart. Witty. Tragic. Funny. Inspiring.

llkendrick's review

4.0

I got this book at our book club Christmas party and I'm so glad because I never would have heard of it otherwise. I loved that it is a true story, I liked the reminder that was the moral of the story, and I enjoyed learning more about the profession of storytelling. My favorite part of the book was that in between each chapter the author included a famous story from various countries that where interesting to read and learn from. I'd recommend this book to anyone!

misdawnty's review

4.0

A true story of a story teller who loses his voice. The kind of book I could read many times over and still come away with some tidbit that I missed before. Even though there were sad events, the story is told in such a way that you focus on the positive and feel hope throughout. As I was reading all I wanted was to actually hear Joel Ben Izzy tell a story. So I went and looked for him on youtube as soon as I finished. :)

Absolutely inspiring and I'd recommend it to anyone!

jcd1013's review

hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

What a wonderful way to start my reading year. I was surprised by how much I really enjoyed this "memoir," especially when it seemed to be starting on a religious "all things have a purpose" tone (I have issues with that belief), and then it turned into this beautiful exploration about grief and loss and reconciliation and how we form the stories of our lives. Reminded me of Big Fish, which is my favorite movie. 

I think I'm going to buy this one because it's one that I can see myself returning to. 

aprille_storychick's review

4.0

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.

jess_the_mess's review

fast-paced

4.0

kim_hoag's review

4.0

I did not realize what I was choosing to read. I read it because it had a lot stories and I was in the mood for tales. It turned out to be a “golden storyteller gets throat cancer, loses voice and has to deal with it” story. The good news is it's not just plucking heart strings or emotions-on-a-sleeve, it's an actual story with villains (of a metaphysical sort) and a fairy godmother (of a profane, Jewish has-been sort); and it was enjoyable. It's a good read especially if loss and death of a loved one are a part of your life as they happened to be in mine as I read it. I found the percipient words sincere and the tales, some of which I knew, were well chosen and meaningful...not in an epiphanic way, but more contemplative. Its an easy read, but there is depth there, too. Joel was very lucky...in life, and in one friend in particular.

shadrachanki's review

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.75

zakharov's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

4.0