Unexpected Journey the Hero Awakes: Land of the Thunderdragons (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781452594514)

Richard Prince, a professor, had come to a dead end in his life. It was then he received a surprising invitation to speak at a conference in Bhutan, whose goal is "Gross National Happiness." Although he's skeptical, while trekking to the Tiger's Nest Monastery, the most revered of all Bhutan's spiritual sites, Richard falls and almost dies. During his recovery, he is visited by a Himalayan master who begins instructing him on the keys to personal and cultural transformation and how Bhutan and other countries can achieve the goal of "happiness" for their people and the world. Little does he know it, but he has begun the "hero's journey" to rediscover a meaning and purpose for his own life. As Richard travels the Bhutan countryside, he falls deeply in love with Sumitra, assistant to the minister of education. She reveals to him a great secret about their relationship and destiny, and he promises to return to Bhutan.
"Unexpected Journey takes you on an exciting adventure to a mystical land where East meets West. Accompany our reluctant hero, Richard Prince as he searches for meaning and discovers love in this adventurous spiritual romance."
--Ruth Drayer, The Spiritual Journeys of Nicholas and Helena Roerich
"James has written an account that showcases the salient features of the hero's journey. He describes the magic of Bhutan that will captivate and exhilarate readers ready to travel to the remotest lands of the world as well as of the heart."
--Alanna Kaivalya, Author, Educator, Mythologist
"A modern "Lost Horizons" where our hero encounters a mysterious Himalayan teacher and a beautiful soul mate. Highly recommended."
--David Tame, The Secret Power of Music