I loved this book for several reasons. The largest of those reasons is that I learned so much from it. My coworker and friend gave me this book because it is one of her favorites. She's a history teacher, so that makes sense.
It took a while to get into this book, probably about a hundred pages for me, because the beginning is a bit dense and slow. The first part of the book deals with the author being captured and put into a prisoner of war camp, and then how he escapes. It was pretty repetitive because it detailed his journey step-by-step. I suppose some people might like it, and I can appreciate it for the gravity of the situation. His life was at stake, he risked death, and he traveled a very long way to get where he wanted to go.
Besides that one irk, I really enjoyed reading this. It shows so much of the country's history and culture, which makes the ending all the more sad. I compared it slightly to The Last Samurai movie, in that it shows a huge piece of the world's culture, religion, and way of life demolished by "progress". I learned about Tibet in school, their conflict with China, but not to this extent. And I really didn't realize what all they were missing by being invaded and taken over. By losing their freedom to be their own country, they lost a piece of themselves, their heritage, and their culture.
The other part of this book that I absolutely loved was the author's relationship with the Dalai Lama. It was really interesting, not being Buddhist myself, to learn about their religion and just how much they believed in it. Their faith was very strong. And all of the things they did to support that faith, the festivals, rituals, the meetings where a spirit would possess someone and give them the answers, to the superstitious things they did to keep to their beliefs. It was really fascinating to learn more about Buddhism and just how people lived in Tibet. It is almost like an ancient world now. Anyway, I thought his relationship with the living god was really fascinating. And I really liked how they stayed in touch even after he left Tibet for the last time. It was a really sad story that pulled at my heartstrings, but I very much appreciate the knowledge I have gotten from this.

Extremely interesting insight into life in Tibet post Chinese invasion. Can be very descriptive in parts and at times lacking in feeling. Makes you want to explore this unattainable country.

It was hard to read at first but after about fifty pages I guess I got used to the writing (or it got better). Wonderful, descriptive, and sympathetic to the plight of Tibet.