The Beggar King and the Secret of Happiness
228
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
•
Inspirational•
Biography2003
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
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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
Joel Ben Izzy is an internationally acclaimed storyteller who uses his personal experiences to blend tales from various cultures with philosophical insights.
The book was originally published in 2003 and has been translated into numerous languages, reflecting its universal themes and appeal.
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Joel Ben Izzy's journey in the book is inspired by his real-life challenges, including overcoming cancer, which adds depth to his storytelling and inspirational life lessons.
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228
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
•
Inspirational•
Biography2003
Adult
12-18 years
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