Blue Sky Kingdom

This is the second Bruce Kirkby book I have read. Back in 2018 I read his book The Dolphin's Tooth. For me this was a book I considered a gem - a rare find where I enjoyed the authors writing style, outlook and ambition to find his own path in life. It was a 5 star book from the end of the first chapter.

I was recently offered a media copy of Kirkby's new book Blue Sky Kingdom in exchange for a review. This is, as you will see, a review which endorses this as a great book. That is purely because it is, not because of any perceived obligation.

Since his last book, Bruce has done some adulting. With a wife and two boys, he finds himself grappling with a life of consumerism and a (fairly typical) digital addiction which makes his cellphone more riveting than engaging with family or friends. On whim he decides a Buddhist Monastery somewhere in the Himalaya for three months with his family would help him refocus his life!

“The lesson I want to impart to my kids is that it's not about the stuff. It's more about being solid within yourself.” p83

“Despite the challenges of being constantly filmed, I was also aware the crew afforded our family experiences we would have never contemplated (or afforded) alone.” P53

I wrote out lists of farm animals, office supplies, family members, geographical landmarks, common foods and, finally, kitchen implements: cup, plate, knife, fork . . .“Fork,” I read aloud.“Fuck,” he tried to copy.“Fork,” I said again, gently trying to steer him away from the profane.“Fuck!” the tall monk said decisively, finally closing his notebook. He repeated the word as he shuffled toward the altar room and began lighting yak-butter candles.“Fuck, fuck, fuck.”P114

At home in North America, no amount of debate had ever been able to sway my skeptical views on reincarnation, but here, in the shadows of the ancient, I found myself reminded of a Sherpa saying: “Maybe true. Maybe not. Better you believe.” p144