Storyteller Joel ben Izzy tells about his experiences trying to regain his voice after a vocal chord was paralyzed during cancer surgery, and weaves the tale of his experiences with relevant fables from around the world

Each chapter begins with a tale that bears wisdom, from as far away as China, India, the Middle East, and even the mystical land of Chelm. And each reflects questions we face in our own lives, from the search for truth to ways of coping with loss. Sometimes the lessons come in the form of riddles. How does standing closer to death bring us closer to life? Is it possible that a blessing may be a curse and that a curse may truly be a blessing? Does everything in life really happen for a reason? Illuminating and insightful, The Beggar King and The Secret of Happiness inspires us to seek the meaning in our own life stories.--,From the jacket