The Story of Tibet by Thomas Laird

Last night I have received another great birthday present from a friend of mine at the Temple; it is called: "The Story of Tibet" and I cannot wait to start reading it now. But since I have couple of books going on right now it will need to wait just a little before I get to it. From the reviews (see below) it sounds like a fascinating and interesting book.

 "The 14th Dalai Lama's fresh account of Tibetan myth and history, as shared at Dharamsala over a three year period with Thomas Laird, is wonderful instruction and a great true pleasure, not less so because of the small informal moments that clarify these encounters with that delightful Buddha being who manifests in the beleaguered public figure of His Holiness."  -Peter Matthiessen, author The Snow Leopard, National Book Award winner.

     "Thomas Laird's lively conversations with His Holiness the Dalai Lama about the history and mythology of Tibet couldn't come at a better moment, as China stubbornly persists in negating the distinctive Tibetan identity. The honesty, subtlety, and complexity of His Holiness' thoughts on these crucial matters comes through in these fascinating dialogues. Everyone who cares about Tibet, or about a stable peace in Asia, should read this amazing account." -Robert Thurman, author of Inner Revolution, Professor of Buddhist studies, Columbia University

     "Thomas Laird captures the beauty, the magnificence, the humor of this world spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama." -James Lilley, former U.S. Ambassador to China and South Korea, and author of China Hands: Nine Decades of Adventure, Espionage, and Diplomacy in Asia.