There are two story lines going on in this book -- a modern one and one set back at the time of China's invasion of Tibet in 1959. The latter was an incredible story, both as historical fiction and as an inspirational read. It even left me with a feeling of calmness and peace in reading about the lives of these three Buddhist monks that cross the Himalayas. The modern story had a little different affect on me. In the beginning, it focuses on the relationship between Matt and his hot Italian girlfriend Isabella. Their deep passion for each other is the stuff that Harlequin Romances are made of. I found myself wanting to get through those early sections as fast as possible. But the author does have a reason for subjecting us to their over-the-top love affair early in the story. It is to convey the basis for true happiness: (SPOILER ALERT) It isn't found in the hot Italian girlfriend! The modern story of Matt is less interesting than the story of the monks escaping Tibet, and if I had to rate it on its merit alone, I would probably give it three stars. But the story of the monks was so awesome and inspiring that it carried this book. I hope the author will take on another fiction work like this. You can read a lot of non-fiction books on Buddhism, and never get a sense of what it can achieve like you can from reading about the people who practice it. ( )