The Beggar King and the Secret of Happiness
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2003
228
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
2003
Adult
12-18 years
In The Beggar King and the Secret of Happiness, Joel Ben Izzy parallels his life story to that of King Solomon, emphasizing themes of heedless pride and subsequent fall. A gifted storyteller, Izzy neglects his health, eventually developing thyroid cancer, which results in the loss of his voice. His memoir mixes sadness and humor as he narrates his journey towards understanding resilience and discovering new ways to convey his stories through writing. The book deals with themes of illness and significant personal loss.
Inspirational
Heartwarming
Contemplative
Humorous
Bittersweet
2,092 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Joel Ben Izzy's The Beggar King and the Secret of Happiness is praised for its engaging storytelling and profound life insights, drawn from the author's personal experiences and folktales. Readers found it both uplifting and thought-provoking. Some noted, however, that its brevity left certain themes underexplored. Overall, it's a heartwarming read.
A reader who appreciates inspiring memoirs and storytelling would enjoy The Beggar King and the Secret of Happiness by Joel Ben Izzy. Fans of Mitch Albom's Tuesdays with Morrie and Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist will find similar themes of wisdom, personal growth, and resilience within its pages.
2,092 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
228
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
2003
Adult
12-18 years
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