#Review: Old Path White Clouds by Thich Naht Hanh

Reading Old Path White Clouds was like walking slowly along a quiet trail, with each page asking me to pause and breathe. Thich Nhat Hanh’s retelling of the Buddha’s life is unhurried and meditative, almost mirroring the very philosophy it tries to convey. I appreciated how the book does not reduce the Buddha to a distant, divine figure, but instead presents him as deeply human—someone who grappled with doubts, challenges, and resistance from his own disciples as well as society at large. That honesty, for me, was the book’s greatest strength.

At the same time, I must admit this is not a book that can be rushed through. The pacing, while intentional, often feels stretched, and at points, I found myself wishing for tighter narration. The sheer length and detail, especially when moving through the numerous encounters and teachings, can feel overwhelming. I also felt that readers unfamiliar with Buddhist concepts may occasionally struggle with the repetition of ideas or the density of the philosophical reflections.

Still, what stayed with me was the gentle simplicity of the prose. There is a quiet dignity in the way Thich Nhat Hanh narrates—even complex teachings are made accessible through stories and parables. By the end, I felt I hadn’t just read about the Buddha, but had accompanied him, step by step, on his journey. This isn’t an easy book, but it is a rewarding one—best savoured slowly, like meditation itself.

Find this book here.