Aama in America: A Pilgrimage of the Heart

by Broughton Coburn

Book Overview

Vishnu Maya, called Aama (Mother) by everyone in her tiny Nepalese village, was living high in the Himalayas when she befriended American Peace Corps worker Broughton Coburn in 1974. In 1988, Aama came to visit him--on a trip prescribed by village priests as a way for the eighty-four-year-old, four-foot-eight woman to earn merit by making a difficult journey late in life.

Aama in Americais a vivid chronicle of what became a twenty-five-state,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385474180
• ISBN13: 9780385474184
• Release Date: March 1996
• Publisher: Anchor Books
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.2" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

a delightful read

I found this book to be absolutely delightful! Seeing America through Aama's eyes was rather refreshing - how right she was about so many things. We Americans are not as reverent to our Creator as we should be, nor do we give Him thanks for all He has given us. And how refreshing to see a human being enjoy things with utter and thankful delight, without reserve, cynicism or skepticism! Besides, the book was just plain funny. Aama's thoughts and interpretations of the sights and events she experiences in America are hilarious and heart warming. I found myself wanting to hug her tight and talk to her so I could see life the way she does and learn from her. Unlike some of the other reviewers, I don't think the author belittles Aama at all. He is quite honest about the times when he knows he didn't appreciate her like he should of - he admits he was wrong at times. In the end, he realizes he has loved her with his whole heart and he is grateful for having known her. I will admit, however, that at times, I was a little concerned about exactly where his head was when it came to his relationship with Didi. I trust that they are still together and enjoying living their lives together.A good, fun, light-hearted read that makes you quietly think about the more important things of life!!!

Worth the journey into your values and traditions!!

I found this book on accident and bought it on a whim. It was a truly pleasant surprise. As we continue to have challenges in our lives, stories like this allow you to experience a new perspective on our lives and the things we take for granted. If Americans could have even the smallest amount of Aama's devout approach to life and her respect for the things around her we would not see the things in our culture that shock us today. This is truly a story worth reading to learn from the other side of the world.

Take a break from the fast lane!

It's the kind of book you think about weeks after having read it. It is inspiring and makes you stop to realize that there is so much more to life than the hustle of trying to keep afloat. It is funny and at times sad. I truely enjoyed it!

Explore your value system by learning about Aama's

This book is a must read for anyone who feels there must be another way of looking at life besides malls and television. The author grapples with his own value system as his Aama experiences and comments on parts of life in America that he had taken for granted. Aama is uncensored and without pretensions as she relates her perceptions of places and customs across 25 states. I dare you not to love this book!

A wonderfull story only live can tell

I was so amazed about how many things we are so used to and don't even think about it anymore. It is a very eye opening book but also very funny and never boring because it is a real story. I will always read it again.