Seventeen Ways to Eat a Mango: A Discovered Journal of Life on an Island of Miracles [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

Joshua Kadison (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1999

This extraordinary novel in the form of a "discovered journal" tells the story of J., a young botanist who is sent to the remote tropical island of Sakahara to explore the possibility of installing a mango cannery for a multinational corporation. J. has every intention of collecting the necessary samples, writing a report, and returning home to collect his paycheck. But a series of "chance" encounters with an island sage names Katchumo send these plans totally awry. The old man's Buddha-like habit of distilling perfect pearls of wisdom forces J. to question everything from his association with the canning company to his perception of the world around him. With humor and compassion, Katchumo teaches J. the mysterious beauty of simple pleasures as he reveals the seventeen ways.

An enchanting story about one man's discovery of life's elusive secrets, SEVENTEEN WAYS TO EAT A MANGO inspires us to embrace the magic in our own lives.

Editorial Reviews

From Kirkus Reviews

Singer-songwriter Kadison, who sold three million records since his Painted Desert Serenade debut album in 1993, proves himself a more-than-capable fabulist-illustrator in his first book aimed at the adult and young-adult markets. Hand-lettered on faux weathered brown wrapping paper, the slim tale passes itself off as the journal of J., a genetic engineer who, disguised as an entomologist, is visiting a tropical island to investigate the possibilities of setting up a large-scale mango industry there. After renting a hut, he goes out to look things over, only to meet a seated Buddha-like figure, the potbellied Katchumo, who seems to know everything about him, including his fears and desires. Katchumo points the path to wider knowledge. At the outset, he tells the narrator that there are 17 ways to eat a mango. In the passing days, he reveals these ways, and each relates to J.'s human character. For example, a sour mango, rather than be cursed, can be mixed with sweetenings, vinegar, ginger, cinnamon, cardamon, and so on to make delicious sour mango chutney. Generally throughout, the mango lends itself to a mystical understanding of human nature. Not much story but rich in feeling, delightful. As movie folk say, looks as though it has legs. It may last for years as a bookstore perennial. (Author tour) -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Joshua Kadison has been a traveling musician since he was sixteen years old. Recordings of him performing his storysongs have sold millions of copies around the world; his songs "Jessie," "Beautiful in My Eyes," and "Picture Postcards from LA," have become classics. He wrote and illustrated this novel, his first book, on the road and at his home in Santa Barbara.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Hyperion Books; illustrated edition edition (May 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786864575
• ISBN-13: 978-0786864577
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #470,532 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Seventeen Ways to Eat a Mango, November 30, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Seventeen Ways to Eat a Mango: A Discovered Journal of Life on an Island of Miracles (Hardcover)

Charming book with wonderful, uplifting images. Suggests that there is more than one way to approach life and experiences. I've read it several times already, given copies to two friends and am about to order another to give away. When I feel locked into a situation, rereading this book, one chapter at a time like delicious bites of fruit, reminds me that there are other ways to see and live your life.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Treasure To Live Your Life By., April 27, 2001

By 

drea "dreaol" (Las Vegas, NV USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Seventeen Ways to Eat a Mango: A Discovered Journal of Life on an Island of Miracles (Hardcover)

I came across this delightful book a couple of years ago while searching for new music by this wonderful songwriter. Since then it has remained a consistent re-read whenever I start to feel overwhelmed by the day to day drudgery that sometimes affects us all. I've purchased this book for many friends and family because I think the meaning of it is so important, yet so simply told. Sadly, the book is now out of publication so it's difficult to locate. I will always treasure my signed copy.

On that note, I'll now explain why this book is so important to me.

Joshua wrote this quirky novel in the form of a handwritten journal that has been "discovered" by a traveler in a railway station, delivered to a publisher and published to share with the world. The journal has been kept by J., a young botanist, who is sent to the remote tropical island of Sakahara to research the quality of the land for a commercial mango plant. After he arrives he meets Katchumo and his life will never be the same. Katchumo appears out of nowhere on a regular basis with words of wisdom that J. must decipher. As the days go by, J. is keeping his journal of all the activity on the island and he's making observations about his funny new friend, as well. "'There are seventeen ways to eat a mango' he (Katchumo) said matter-of-factly." (at their first meeting.) As time goes by, J. realizes that Katchumo has been giving him the tools to live his life in his seventeen ways to eat a mango. Each way to eat a mango can be transferred into your everyday life and remind you of the riches you already have and the riches you can have. Not the material riches, but the riches of your heart and soul.

Although this book is written very simply it has truly influenced me like no other. My favorite is Way Number Seven. Or maybe Way Number Two. No, definitely Way Number Seventeen. Yeah, definitely Way Number Seventeen.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I read it on one seating... on the floor in the store., June 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Seventeen Ways to Eat a Mango: A Discovered Journal of Life on an Island of Miracles (Hardcover)

I'm not sure why I picked it up in the store, but before I knew it I was a few chapters in, and then there was no stopping me. It took me back to moments in Thailand and India... eating Mangos with full concentration, awareness, while watching my breath... I wish everyone in the world could find happiness and wonder in such simplicity as described in this book. It is possible, if one could remove himself momentarily from the Western Ways of the US.