National Geographic Traveler Book of the Month (November 2010)
In a circular valley beneath the looming peaks of the
Himalaya lies Kathmandu, Nepal. It’s a city of shimmering
prayer flags, sacred cows, lavish festivals, and violent political turbulence
-- and a world that journalist Jeff Greenwald has come to call home. Focused on
the life-changing events that unfolded during one calamitous spring, Greenwald
weaves a vivid tapestry of Buddhism, revolution, and the often serpentine paths
to personal liberation.
Snake Lake
unfolds during 1990's dramatic “people power” uprising against Nepal’s
long-entrenched monarchy. The story follows Greenwald as he wins the friendship
of a high lama who reveals the pillars of Tibetan Buddhism, embarks on a
passionate romance with a spunky but curiously unlucky news photographer, and
discovers what democracy means to rural Nepali citizens, all while covering the
revolution for a major American newspaper. Meanwhile, back in the U.S.,
Greenwald's brilliant but troubled younger brother descends into a deepening
depression. Jeff is forced to choose between witnessing Nepal’s
long-overdue revolution and reconnecting with an alienated brother in desperate
need of help.
"Greenwald has a gift
for electrifying descriptions of the profound intricacy of the world and
the mind. His portrait of his erudite ... brother and keenly
illuminating memoir of place, spirit, love, and brotherhood are
unforgettable." - Booklist
“Jeff Greenwald has
always been a great travel writer, but in SnakeLake
he transcends the genre by taking us on a perilous journey through the human
heart. By turns poignant and hilarious, Greenwald molds the dramas of his life
into teaching stories, filled with both passion and wisdom.” -- Wes Nisker,
author of The Essential Crazy Wisdom
Jeff Greenwald is the author of Shopping for Buddhas and The
Size of the World. His writing has appeared in print and online in such
publications as National Geographic
Adventure, Wired, The New York Times Magazine, Tricycle and Salon.
Bring your iPhone!
Because Jeff loves the Giants, we’ll do occasional breaks to check on the score.
