The Golden Frog

Michael Mamas

A few months ago a read a book that really touched me. I normally read non-fiction and like to study, in a general way, things like physics, joytish, vaastu, palmistry etc. A friend, who was awestruck, told me I had to read The Golden Frog, a novel by Dr. Michael Mamas.

It's one of those novels where you know every word is true. It's the story of a young boy, born in Ohio, who grows up to be a great spiritual teacher in the Vedic tradition of Enlightened teachers.

I understand that in real life Dr. Mamas, while a student at Ohio State, began to experience different levels of enlightenment, but had never heard the word enlightenment. Eventually he found Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and sold his Vet practice to study privately, for about 10 years, with various teachers that Maharishi sent him to.

The novel conveys his life experiences and seems to be an attempt by someone who will likely become a well known teacher to say, "Hey I'm over here."

Review by Randy Connare

The Golden Frog, by Michael Mamas, is a unique piece of didactic fiction which will never find its way onto any "best seller" lists, but which will provide pleasure and insight to many who read it. On the cover of the book a reviewer describes it as "The Hardy Boys meet Harry Potter in a spiritual adventure that's ahead of its time." While reading it, I had the thought that it could best be described as "Narcissus and Goldman Lite."

The dual protagonists, Bruce and Nathaniel, grow up in Beaver Cleaver world in an Ohio suburb. Bruce eventually becomes a practicing psychologist while Nathaniel seeks enlightenment in India, eventually returns to become a veterinarian and finally a spiritual mentor.

While at times I was a little put off by the didactic and stylized form used by the author, in the end the sweetness, wisdom, and connection to Truth won me over. I really enjoyed reading this book and very highly recommend it.

Review by Len Oppenheim