Rating: 
Summary: Great Weekend Read
Review: This is a fable about the misadventures of a boy who is orphaned and then raised by a monk. To grant the monk/surrogate father's dying wish... which revolves around obtaining the Laughing Sutra... the boy Hsun-ching sets off on a journey with a companion, the mysterious Colonel Sun. In addition to dealing with Chinese officials and American police officers, Hsun-ching must also deal with whether or not his traveling companion Colonel Sun is just an incredibly crazy loon, or (could it be?) actually *the* heroic "Monkey King" of ancient legend. The book shares a little Chinese history, folklore and humor, and it is a magical and entertaining novel. After the first dozen or so pages that set up the background, it is fast-paced and suitable for a day or two of leisure reading. There is a dash of irreverence, but those who would be offended probably have already turned away simply because of the title. This story is fictional, but if you think you can find a quick path to enlightenment, reading The Laughing Sutra will put things in better perspective. :)
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