Seventeen Ways to Eat a Mango: A Discovered Journal of Life on an Island of Miracles

by Joshua Kadison

This extraordinary novel in the form of a "discovered journal" tells the story of J., a young botanist who is sent to the remote tropical island of Sakahara to explore the possibility of installing a mango cannery for a multinational corporation. J. has every intention of collecting the necessary samples, writing a report, and returning home to collect his paycheck. But a series of "chance" encounters with an island sage named Katchumo send these plans totally awry. The old man's Buddha-like habit of distilling perfect pearls of wisdom forces J. to question everything from his association with the canning company to his perception of the world around him. With humor and compassion, Katchumo teaches J. the mysterious beauty of simple pleasures as he reveals the seventeen ways.

An enchanting story about one man's discovery of life's elusive secrets, Seventeen Ways to Eat a Mango inspires us to embrace the magic in our own lives.

Genres: Fiction, Inspirational

144 pages, Hardcover

Published May 5, 1999

Reviews

[Alejandro Ariza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una extraordinaria novela por ser de gran valor en el desarrollo humano, tocando cierta espiritualidad, invitando a saber vivir, y todo esto de una forma muy breve. Un libro que se disfruta por completo en unos cuantos minutos. Una historia que tiene un encanto especial.

[Cat. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A "found" journal about a scientist on a 'backward' island learning philosophy through fruit. Nothing really new here, but presented a little differently.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good.

[David Isbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a fantastic read! I think everyone should check it out!

[mlle-cassis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sympa sans être transcendant. Une sorte de Eat, Pray, Love où tout serait condensé en 150p (mais aurait largement pu être développé en 3x plus)

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

After traveling to an island to research the possibility of setting up a mango canning factory, this journal (mailed to a former girlfriend) writer gradually discovers a new way to look at life in terms of ways to eat a mango.

Good, but nothing couldn't find in other places. The mango angle is new and this was a quicker read that most books of this nature. Anti consumerism / ideal life on island without time, much money etc. Overall - happy, thoughtful, and makes on crave mangoes.

[Melody · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entirely cheesy Zen story about how to embrace the given. The Matisse-flavored illustrations are exuberant and delightful. I found myself nodding in agreement several times despite the cheeseball bathos that this book exudes. I can neither recommend nor pan it as it left me feeling as if I'd just bathed in sugar - yet I was grinning foolishly after I closed the book.

[Gita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I re-read periodically. Because it's Magic. And when on occasion Magic fades from Life, one needs a reminder that it hasn't become extinct quite yet. A short, one-sitting (or one hammock-lounging-session) read.

[Riana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book on a rainy day in the Vancouver Library. It wasn't everything I expected after reading some of the reviews, but was a lovely read nevertheless. Just the kind of pick-me-up you need some days. A little corny at moments, but simplistic and inspirational.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good, quick read. A bit touchy-feely but definitely worth spending the afternoon with.

[Hope · Rating 2 out of 5]

It tries too hard. Riding the wave of artsy-feel-good books that came out about that time, it falls short.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. My 11th grade English teacher told me about this book...Mr. Fish.. hmm miss those days... learned a lot then thanks Fish!

[Jacy]

to read

[Kimberlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

the book asks the reader to look at life from many angles

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute little story that provided some good lessons!

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute little book. Great read for the lazy afternoon.

[Rory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly as moving and as deeply felt as Kadison's many masterful songs, and with a lot of genuine life lessons that everyone should learn.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you can find it, BUY IT!!!!!!!! Don't think, just do it. It will change your world!!!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A treasure for your coffee table! A short read that can't help but put a smile on the face of your guests, and something to revisit for yourself whenever you need a lift!

[Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute, fast, good design/illustrations. Light story.

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite inspirational books.