The parable itself is a let down. I’ve heard Thich Nhat Hanh’s version of this story many times, so I was excited to read this finial retelling of if, but overall I found it a bit forced and peachy. What saves the book are the two essays at the end. The essays provide insight and background that I found fascinating; having an understanding of the Novice’s story is necessary to understand the essays, and from that perspective, the whole book is worth it.