what would you do if you suddenly became rich? michael omeara had never asked himself this question. a high school history teacher in maryland, michael is content to not ask too many questions - until, after a freak accident, he unexpectedly finds himself the beneficiary of a million dollars. as friends, adversaries, and a greedy ex-wife emerge from the background to lay claim to the fortune, michael finds himself caught up in a number of troubling situations that disrupt his life and leave him questioning everything he had and everything he thought he wanted. haplessly swept from the united states and europe, among international jet setters, the ira, the mob, and everyday people, michael slowly begins to uncover what is truly valuable in life via the teachings of buddhist philosophy. the extinction of desire maps the course of his voyage, blending philosophy and fiction to discover fundamental truths. for additional resources, including discussion points for reading groups and a teachers guide, visit the extinction of desire website at www.blackwellpublishing.com/publicphilosophy/boylan