Sometimes the quiet understated mood of a book makes me think I should put it aside and pick up another. This is such a book but as I moved into the last third I became caught up in the relationship between Jake, his assistant, Hank, and Madeliene, who designs a center in which Jake can be the guru of Buddhism and teach others. Unfortunately, Jake has episodes during which he forgets what he is saying, where he is, where he should go and who is with him. Hank who has been as rootless as Jake, is the storyteller, Jake's friend, student and, yes, caretaker. Perhaps for these reasons Jake is determined that Hank will replace him as a teacher of Buddhism when he dies. Jake studied long in Japan and has traveled a good deal. Everyone loves Jake who has an amazing understanding of people and their problems. He loves chocolate donuts, greasy food and talking with just about anyone. This may be the secret of his success as a teacher. Yet to support himself, he has been a bicycle repairman because teaching others about Buddhism just doesn't pay much. As the story unfolds one wants to help Hank cope with both Jake and the temperamental Madeliene who refuses to accept that Jake may not teach in the center she designed for him. The ending has a surprise twist that makes one smile and say: "I'm glad I read this book."
A nice, fun read.
