Average customer rating:
- this book brings the 50's alive
- grim, dark, gripping
- Leave It to Beaver on Acid!
- Remarkable and somewhat overlooked masterpiece
- A classic!
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Revolutionary Road
Richard Yates
Manufacturer: Vintage
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The Collected Stories of Richard Yates
ASIN: 0375708448
Release Date: 2000-04-25 |
Amazon.com
The rediscovery and rejuvenation of Richard Yates's 1961 novel Revolutionary Road is due in large part to its continuing emotional and moral resonance for an early 21st-century readership. April and Frank Wheeler are a young, ostensibly thriving couple living with their two children in a prosperous Connecticut suburb in the mid-1950s. However, like the characters in John Updike's similarly themed Couples, the self-assured exterior masks a creeping frustration at their inability to feel fulfilled in their relationships or careers. Frank is mired in a well-paying but boring office job and April is a housewife still mourning the demise of her hoped-for acting career. Determined to identify themselves as superior to the mediocre sprawl of suburbanites who surround them, they decide to move to France where they will be better able to develop their true artistic sensibilities, free of the consumerist demands of capitalist America. As their relationship deteriorates into an endless cycle of squabbling, jealousy and recriminations, their trip and their dreams of self-fulfillment are thrown into jeopardy.
Yates's incisive, moving, and often very funny prose weaves a tale that is at once a fascinating period piece and a prescient anticipation of the way we live now. Many of the cultural motifs seem quaintly dated--the early-evening cocktails, Frank's illicit lunch breaks with his secretary, the way Frank isn't averse to knocking April around when she speaks out of turn--and yet the quiet desperation at thwarted dreams reverberates as much now as it did years ago. Like F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, this novel conveys, with brilliant erudition, the exacting cost of chasing the American dream. --Jane Morris, Amazon.co.uk
Book Description
With a new introduction by Richard Ford
"A deft, ironic, beautiful novel that deserves to be a classic." --William Styron
From the moment of its publication in 1961,
Revolutionary Road was hailed as a masterpiece of realistic fiction and as the most evocative portrayal of the opulent desolation of the American suburbs. It's the story of Frank and April Wheeler, a bright, beautiful, and talented couple who have lived on the assumption that greatness is only just around the corner. With heartbreaking compassion and remorseless clarity, Richard Yates shows how Frank and April mortgage their spiritual birthright, betraying not only each other, but their best selves.
In his introduction to this edition, novelist Richard Ford pays homage to the lasting influence and enduring power of
Revolutionary Road.
Customer Reviews:
this book brings the 50's alive.......2007-10-17
I discovered this book because a character in a novel mentioned it and in addition to being a great read (excellent writing), it is an amazing view of a period of social/cultural history. Published in 1961, it screams for the feminist movement to begin.
grim, dark, gripping.......2007-09-04
Richard Yates' did not believe in the resiliency of the human spirit, and Revolutionary Road bears this out; Yates has some sympathy for his characters, but this does not prevent him from piling petty horror after petty horror upon them. Yates seems to say at the outset: these are the terms for life, and there is nothing you can do to surmount them; nothing in American works anymore and there is no way to gain a sense of authenticity or regenerate the self. Yates' world is Calvinistic without the religion. So, this novel is a grim catalog of redundant failure. The prose is precise and oddly dispassionate, so there is the impulse to keep turning the page, perhaps to see what horror will occur next. Revolutionary Road is a curious novel with a dark vision which most readers would never wish to possess.
Leave It to Beaver on Acid!.......2007-08-31
Richard Yates now gets his due. John Updike had ripped him off. Read Couples after Revolutionary Road and see what I mean, but let's face it: Yates is head and shoulders above the latest Post-Modern's whoever. No, Yates was a storywriter in the Realism School. He reminds me a bit of a contemporary, Walker Percy (The Moviegoer) Where Percy's character's find or at least try to find God in 1950's New Orleans's, Yates', April and Frank never actually get a foot into church. Their New York City Suburb is a purgatory of lawn mowers and suburban strivers. The 1950's dream, the migration into country homes, a cookie cutter cul-de-sac, it becomes The Hell. A bit romantic or over fevered this distrust of The American Dream? Yes, but it seemed so real in the dark crevices of the Eisenhower years. The intellectuals had read The Great Gatsby and Fitzgerald seemed to be a sage though his characters were definitely not the middle class. By the 50's there was the new weekend-leisure class, a poor cousin of Fitzgerald's protagonists. The wishful world envisioned by April (not unlike Gatsby's muse), a girl that just can't seem to get to that next level where art and life come together in exquisite excellence; the disillusioned mother won't bring a baby into the holocaust of husband, home, and Leave It to Beaver. Ten years later, everyone dropped acid and dropped out.
Remarkable and somewhat overlooked masterpiece.......2007-08-23
This is a work of stunning excellence. A remarkable portrait of American middle class life which, although set in the 1950's, has perhaps even greater relevance for our own time. This dark and disturbing novel reveals the spiritual poverty of life in our middle-class, consumer society and provides many, many opportunities for self examination. This is a work that invites re-reading again and again.
A classic!.......2007-08-23
I bought this book after hearing a review of it on NPR. I found the writing very insightful and feel that, in spite of it being set in 1955, it resonates with suburban life today. It is very powerful and is highly recommended.
Customer Reviews:
A gripping story that tells itself........2007-10-19
Like other reviewers, I flew through this book very quickly. The story itself is gripping and tragic, and I appreciate the author's gritty honesty at the end as he deals with despair and many unanswered questions. I hope this book inspires and challenges many. However, throughout most of the book there is nothing special about the writing; the story seems to tell itself. This isn't a reason not to read the book, of course, but you might be disappointed if you are expecting a five star instant classic.
Great Book!.......2007-07-07
This book was not only exciting, it was also toucning and deeply moving. It also wasn't too "Christiany". It was an honest look at one man's faith and it didn't end like you want it to, but that's how life is. This was one of the best books I've read in a while.
An Honest Story.......2007-06-11
This is a well written recounting of a great adventure, an adventure that ends in tradjedy. While the majority of the book is the story preceeding the horrific events, it is the story that portrays life, adventure, and faith that doesn't look like typical cookie-cutter Christianity. It is filled with questions and real struggles...and this is how the story concludes with the terrorist events in Cairo. A gripping story, one that will challenge and comfort all at the same time. A very worthwhile read.
Unsettled.......2007-06-06
Many "Christian" books today offer too much of a formulaic approach while addressing popular topics such as "3 keys to become a better Christian"..."creating a more effective prayer life"...or even..."7 steps to realizing God's plan for your life". I am not pointing this out to say these types of books are wrong or bad. Rather, my intention is to contrast these with "The Only Road North". I recommend this book to anyone, like me, that has an easier time relating to real life examples. Erik's story will challenge you to seek Truth, and help you grow in ways only possible by asking the hard questions associated with tragic experiences. As a reader, I am left unsettled. Unsettled and asking questions that can only lead toward a greater understanding of God's Truth.
But, if you absolutely must follow a formula to seek truth in your own life, than try this...
1)read this book
2)imagine yourself in Erik's situation
3)allow yourself to become unsettled
4)ask tough questions
Moving.......2007-05-22
This is an excellent book that causes one to respond with wonder and action.
Book Description
Fueled by the belief that something better exists than the mundane life they've been living, free spirits Don and Paul set off on an adventure-filled road trip in search of deeper meaning, beauty, and an explanation for life. Many young men dream of such a trip, but few are brave enough to actually attempt it. Fewer still have the writing skills of Donald Miller, who records the trip with wide-eyed honesty in achingly beautiful prose. In this completely revised edition, he discusses everything from the nature of friendship, the reason for pain, and the origins of beauty.
As they travel from Texas to Oregon in Paul's cantankerous Volkswagen van, the two friends encounter a variety of fascinating people, witness the fullness of nature's splendor, and learn unexpected lessons about themselves, each other, and even God.
"A record of a classic road trip. Miller's tale is full of serendipitous adventures and thoughtful Christian reflection . . . offering the sort of deep-thought wanderings into meaning and significance that are the meat of college-age existence . . . a reminder that life was meant to be lived, not just gotten through."
(Publishers Weekly)
Customer Reviews:
The insperation of my road trip.......2007-09-18
Last year both my friend and I read this book and were struck with the idea that we should go on a road trip. Last march we packed up here car and headed for the Grand Canyon. It was amazing! We learned so much about our Faith in God and how much He is willing to help us in our daily lives. It was the most impacting trip in my life.
We also took pictures of ever VW bus we saw!
books.......2007-09-07
My daughter just loved this book she has allreadly read it over a couple of times, I think this is a great book for teenangers.
Excellent road trip tale.......2007-08-24
Most people dream of a road trip; few actually take one. Donald and Paul did and the tale is worth reading. We all need to be reminded of how little we really need to survive beyond the desire for adventure, the will to pursue it, and faith in God's goodness to carry us through.
Awesome book about what is important in life.......2007-07-23
Donald Miller does an excellent job detailing his thoughts and journey across the south and western United States from Texas to Oregon through the Grand Canyon and lessons learned along the way. This isn't simply a read-through book of sights and sounds but rather about deeper thoughts about the why's of life, how we got where we're at and why we're headed wherever we're going. I particularly found his excruciating journey through the hole of the Grand Canyon applicable to my own life through the various "holes" that I've traveled, and if we're all honest, the various "holes" we all have or probably will have traveled at least at some point in our lives. This is a must-read for anyone searching the "why's" in life.
Great book.......2007-07-13
If you are a fan of Blue Like Jazz and the writing style of Don Miller, then you should read this book. It's funny, after reading only 3 of Don Miller's books, I feel like I know him (and his great friends)...I would think that would be a great compliment for any writer. Miller is "real", and I think he "really" wants his faith journey to help others find God. It's a great book.
Book Description
In Off-Road Disciplines, Earl Creps reveals that the on-road practices of prayer and Bible reading should be bolstered by the other kinds of encounters with God that occur unexpectedly—complete with the bumps and bruises that happen when you go “off-road.” Becoming an off-road leader requires the cultivation of certain spiritual disciplines that allow the presence of the Holy Spirit to arrange your interior life. Earl Creps explores twelve central spiritual disciplines—six personal and six organizational—that Christian leaders of all ages and denominations need if they are to change themselves and their churches to reach out to the culture around them.
Customer Reviews:
Finally..........2007-07-23
ORD is a promising place to start a much needed dialogue. Many people have commented that this book seems to be written to the Boomer generation but I feel that it's all about how you engage in the dialogue. When I started the book, I must confess that I took the stance that it was written for another generation and I walked away several times. But Earl has a way of conveying the "how and why" in a manner that is more than informational, I see it as an invitation. It's an invitation to rediscover what it means to be missional. Earl provides practical insights to what this life could actually look like if we embrace the necessary change that is in the air. This book is about a journey that we, as disciples with a missional mandate, should embark on together. To write as though we, old and young alike, have arrived would have been detrimental. Instead ORD faces off with the realty that we risk irrelevance if we don't work together. The last two chapters (Surrendering Preferences and Legacy) where profound for me because at any given point in my ministry, I'm going to be in either position bouncing back and forth and in need of the discipline and humility to see the mission through. Will I choose to lay my preferences down and believe in the work of the Holy Spirit to fills the gaps that will always exist? I think it was meant to provoke and to prod and to push the limits of what we believe the mission to be. It can serve the academic, the poet, the theologian, the revolutionary, all because it's only the beginning. I think that this book could be an incredible tool to bridge the gap between what we know and where we want to go as leaders and as disciples of Jesus. I would recommend this book to the leaders that I love and that are closest to me as well as the most different from me because I am eager to engage in this conversation. It may get messy and I risk offending and being offended but these leaders I work alongside, the mission, the sought and the Seeker, are all worth it. See these writings as an invitation and embrace each chapter as a challenge to dive in.
Observations and challenges for ministry leaders.......2007-06-02
As a leader in a campus ministry, I really enjoyed reading Dr. Creps's
insights into ministry in today's culture. The book is a mixture
between scholarly endeavor and thought-provoking, down-to-earth
conversation with the reader. It is not always clear if the target
audience is ministry leaders or any Christian, but there are useful
observations and challenges in the book that any believer can grow
closer to the heart of Christ. Off-road Disciplines provides many good
challenges to conventional thinking about ministry in today's society
- you don't have to agree with every thought to enjoy the book and
these challenges are very needed to encourage creative thinking about
such a relevant topic.
Dr. Earl Creps published a study guide for this book on his website
(www.earlcreps.com), and I highly recommend it as addition to the
book. It contains great summaries of each chapter from a fresh angle,
and challenging questions to further think about the topics. There are also
endnotes to each chapter at the end of the book. While common in
scholarly publications, I find endnotes less helpful as
footnotes. However, the decision for endnotes was probably editorial
and having to look for them is just a minor inconvenience.
In the first half of the book, Dr. Creps is investigating personal
disciplines, such as the willingness to learn and being transformed,
and finding a pragmatic trust in God. The third chapter, discussing
the term postmodernism, is surprisingly disappointing - maybe I just
expected more from such an expert like Earl Creps - the chapter's
theology seems stuck in a modern worldview. To make up for it, the
next chapter is the books best, introducing the concept of reverse
mentoring. I can't wait to learn more about it in Dr. Creps's next
book. The first half of the book finishes with talking about effective
ways of connecting with "the sought" (thanks for introducing this
wonderful term), and about how real humility is not self-depreciation.
The second half of the book is investigating corporate
disciplines. After a chapter on how to honestly evaluate a ministry,
the next chapter discusses trying to find unity between innovation and
preservation drives. Different ministry types on the
innovation-preservation-spectrum are described by comparing them with
TV shows and Biblical cities. While I like this idea, I think the
comparisons could be stronger and are too generalizing. The remaining
chapter are all very strong, talking about the need to combine
theology and practical ministry, about the three dimensions of ministry
(heart, venue, Spirit), about sacrifice and the surrender of personal
preference, giving Timothy's circumcision as example, and, finally,
about passing the baton and transitions.
Anyone who likes to be challenged to think about Jesus's call to
ministry, will find good observations and food for thought in Off-Road
Disciplines.
Not what I had hoped.......2007-05-31
"Missional" apparently is the new buzzword in many denominations as I hear it a lot. After reading this book I finally figured out that a missional leader, as defined by Dr. Creps, was basically someone who was culturally relevant (of course - the only holy grail of ministry today), wasn't afraid to try new things, and was willing to admit that they could be wrong doctrinally. While some great thoughts and ideas were in the book, this appeared to be a conservative authors attempt to be hip and make friends with the Emerging church movement. As a result I agree with the reviewer below that the bulk of this book instead of helping us see the world through the "eyes of Jesus", seems aimed mostly at helping leaders to see Jesus through the eyes of the world. I only need to read the newspaper to discern the latter.
I was slightly confused by one point in the book because Creps says that a missional leader also has doctrine worth "smuggling", but then proceeded to make fun of a preacher he heard on the radio who was apparently conservative, orthodox and passionate about his doctrine. That didn't square with me.
Save your money on this one and buy Os Guinness' book Prophetic Untimeliness - you will get much more out of it.
A missional compass allowing us to get our bearings.......2007-04-22
The cure for the irrelevance of the gospel to today's culture requires a little more than making us look cooler. It requires more than spiky hair tattoos and piercing.
In Off-road disciplines, there is a breaking down of the walls of distinction between sacred and secular settings for the gospel and provides a framework for the secular to be come sacred in all walks of life. There is a genuineness in being sensitive to God changing US in order for us to be missional.
The outward mission is preceded by an inward mission; from a journey in the world to a journey within your own heart.
Do not read this book if you are happy with your "me" focused Christianity within the four walls of your church.
Now I know what to call them.......2007-04-14
Run! Run! Run! Earl's book has got my mind running. I never liked calling people "lost" or "unchurched" or even "pre-christian". "The Sought" turns it around so it is God looking for us rather then us wandering around looking for him. I appreciate the sense of realness in the book...it's honesty is refreshing. Also, this whole "reverse mentoring" idea is something I already did but need to do more. Cool thing now is that I am a church planter and at 44 years old I am the old guy. We got 3 guys in their 20's and 2 in their early 30's. They have already taught me so much! Thanks Earl for your hard work writing something I can relate to, something to keep me pointed in the right direction.
Average customer rating:
- Mostly boring
- An Australian Journey
- enjoyable read
- no title
- An Excellent Choice - The Road from Coorain
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The Road from Coorain
Jill Ker Conway
Manufacturer: Vintage
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ASIN: 0679724362
Release Date: 1990-08-11 |
Book Description
From the shelter of a protective family, to the lessons of tragedy and independence, this is an indelible portrait of a harsh and beautiful country and the inspiring story of a remarkable woman's life.
Customer Reviews:
Mostly boring.......2007-10-18
Jill Ker was born in 1934 in the west of New South Wales, Australia.She grew up on a sheep ranch.She had her share of troubles: her father drowned, possibly it was a suicide, when she was 11. At age 14 her charismatic elder brother died in a car crash. In her 20s her mother began to lose her mental balance. Jill studied history at the University of Sydney and at 25 went to Harvard.Her childhood on a sheep station has some interest, but the details of her unremarkable academic studies are tedious.She comes across as an introverted person who found it difficult to make friends.She had little fun in life: no jolly japes, no humorous anecdotes.Her self-centeredness and lack of humor make for dull reading.
An Australian Journey.......2007-10-07
This beautiful book tells the story of one girl's childhood on an isolated sheep farm in Australia; that girl would eventually end up as the first woman president of Smith College, one of the finest universities in the United States (part of the Seven Sisters). Before that, she studied at the University of Sydney, moving on to Harvard University in the States. Much like the movie, "My Brilliant Career," the story follows the harsh living conditions of her youth and her meteoric rise to success.
The part of the story that will speak to you most clearly, however, is that of the young girl with golden dreams who faces so much adversity and such little chance of escaping her isolating circumstances. Her father owned 30,000 arid acres in Australia and when the land succumbed to drought, he committed suicide; shortly thereafter, her brother was in an auto accident that resulted in his death. Faced with these tragedies, Conway's mother was overcome with depression and unable to help her daughter succeed. That Jill Ker Conway lets none of that prevent her from reaching a pinnacle of success that no one in her family or community in Australia could ever have imagined for her is the stuff of dreams.
enjoyable read.......2007-02-12
The wonderful autobiography entitled, The Road From Coorain, written by Jill Ker Conway is a must-read! Her engaging and rich detail gives an enchanting description of the Australian life-style from a very unique perspective.
Beginning in the 1930's, young Jill Ker lived with her tightly-knit family on a ranch called Coorain, Australia. Isolated in the desert and located far from Sydney, Coorain, has created an unordinary life-style for not only Jill but for her two brothers, Barry and Bob. Maintaining the remote Coorain is the family's only way to ensure stability and in the eyes of Mr. and Mrs. Ker; the significance of Coorain is considered more important than a formal education. Though, when the dreadful droughts of the arid terrain continue to spontaneously appear, life becomes awfully challenging and difficult for the Ker family. Suffering from famine because of the lack of crops and animals, Coorain becomes involved in a downward spiral. As a result, Jill as well as other family members, encounter the enormous struggle of overcoming the concept of death and sorrow. As Jill grows into a young woman, she faces unfortunate events that set her back, creating various obstacles as she journeys down the unpredictable road of life. Faced with challenges romantically, intellectually, and within the family ultimately affects her career and talents, though somehow Jill miraculously manages to succeed.
Choosing an academic career as a historian, Jill faced the constant struggle of chauvinism living as a young woman during the 1950's. Her passion and remarkable academic achievements clearly demonstrated her natural talent as a student. Unfortunately, the unfair privileges men had in contrast to women was a constant obstacle. Jill had potential and unlike some other women, had the possibility of attaining her high hopes and dreams. Her brilliance and intellectual capability distinguished her as an individual, though she was unfortunately not recognized with equality because she was woman. "But I received a blandly courteous letter thanking me for my interest. I was dumfounded. Milton and I had ranked first in our class and were to be awarded the University Medal jointly for our academic achievements. I could scarcely believe that my refusal was because I was a woman...I knew I was no more and no less intellectually aggressive than Milton and Rob. That left my sex and my appearance." Though Jill Ker faced multiple obstacles throughout her life, she clearly proves that hard work and perseverance is a powerful way to achieve one's goals.
This engaging autobiography is filled with compelling and descriptive prose. Beautifully written, Mrs. Conway eloquently yet succinctly expresses the many conflicts one can be presented in life. Given her natural gravitation towards the subject of history, she enlightens the reader with interesting historical backgrounds of the many places she has traveled. Her simplistic, yet thought-provoking perspectives maintain one's fascination throughout the course of the book. Every moment I spend reading it was enjoyable. Mrs. Conway's, informative yet concise style of writing kept me actively involved. Her marvelously written descriptions, gave me an excellent understanding of the rural Australian life-style: "On the western side the mountains' gentler hills sloped down to rolling countryside; valleys covered with rich black soil sheltered streams winding westward. The gentle slopes rising from each watercourse were crowned with orchards in blossom, while below the contoured patterns of spring crops burst in brilliant green from the dark earth. I liked looking at this scenery with the dew still on it, well before the heat of the day." This autobiography filled with endless drama, love, and the hardships of life, is a definite must-read!
no title.......2005-11-19
I related to and thoroughly enjoyed this book. Conway's descriptions of Australia are beautiful. She has written a follow-up book which I would like to read also. And on second reading, I feel more and more that perhaps her mother had some chemical imbalance, because she changed so drastically. Either that, or her repressed emotions after the deaths of her husband and her oldest son in the space of five years, led her to the bitter old woman she became.
An Excellent Choice - The Road from Coorain.......2005-09-22
I'd recommend the The Road from Coorain anytime. I thought Jill Ker Conway's description of Australia was wonderfully descriptive. I felt I was there as she described her life in the bush as well as the city. Her ability to convey her feelings and her understanding of her situation growing up in a less than idealic life came through the pages as each situation developed. The book left me admiring her strength of character and understanding.
Unlike a book I recently read about the life a a political figure, I found Jill was able to touch on the emotion and struggle that life had dealt her and potray an understanding of the impact on her life. Definitely worth reading.
Customer Reviews:
a must read.......2007-09-27
Tim Keller does a great job laying out the biblical basis and practical insights for mercy ministries that's misunderstood and neglected in many evangelical churches.
i recommend this book to every christian and also to those who are distressed about the poverty and human plight, injustice and oppression.
Real Christianity.......2007-07-03
Keller's book is an in-your-face account of what real Christianity is. For instance, "Christians must give sacrificially, until they lifestyle is lowered." is the first line of the overview of Chapter Four, which talks about "a balanced lifestyle." Every professing Christian should read and heed what Keller says in this book. It will confirm what they are professing is real of fake.
A Good Resource for a Missional Church.......2007-01-04
There's a lot of books out there on being missional. Most of them laud the theory of being missional. This one provides a good example (on a local and urban scale) of how to move toward being missional. Keller provides a strong theological case and some practical examples of how to live out ones faith.
Keller Hits a Homerun!!!.......2006-12-27
Real religion is more than doctrinal orthodoxy; it has to do with how we show mercy in the same way that we have been shown mercy. The Parable of the Good Samaritan serves as our springboard into this study of the doctrine and practice of ministries of mercy. These two elements of doctrine and practice form the two pillars that serve as the outline of the book. Following a typical Pauline approach, the first half of the book sets forth the basic doctrinal foundation of Mercy Ministries. The latter half of the book then put doctrine to practice in a series of hands-on strategies and tactics that can be utilized to mobilize a Mercy Ministry within a church.
Criticizing this book would be a bit like attacking motherhood and apple pie. Keller gives an excellent balance as he shows that Mercy Ministries are not meant to replace the preaching of the Gospel, but that the message of the Gospel without the accompanying ministry of mercy is an incomplete message. Word and deed, mercy and evangelism are inseparable, existing in a symbiotic, interdependent relationship (Page 111). At the same time, he is careful not to confuse word and deed as has been done by some modern ecumenicals.
In the practical section of the book, he gives tactics that would be useful both to the layman as well as to the pastor and church officer. These include actual strategies for priming, preparing and cultivating a church to enter into the work of Mercy Ministries.
"God requires a love that cannot be required. Mercy is commanded, but it must not be in response to the command. Rather it is a response to the mercy of God that we have received. We are merciful because we have been shown mercy" (Page 62). "Orthodoxy without social concern is not orthodoxy" (Page 114).
Helpful teaching tool.......2006-03-20
I use this book to lead a small group at my church. Keller does an excellent job breaking down the principles and then explaining how to apply the principles both individually and corporately. The teachings are very solid and trustworthy and Keller's focus on the need for balance (of word & deed, lifestyle choices, etc) is stressed throughout the book.
Average customer rating:
- Incredible
- Great Spiritual Book
- Execellent Synopsis with new insights
- It seems most of the reviewers missed most of Peck's points.
- Always learn. Never give up. Never surrender.
|
The Road Less Traveled and Beyond: Spiritual Growth in an Age of Anxiety
M. Scott Peck
Manufacturer: Touchstone
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ASIN: 0684835614 |
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The potential danger in this book's title is the assumption that Peck is rehashing the same material he wrote in The Road Less Traveled. Thankfully, this isn't so. Although he touches upon the same themes that appear in most everything he writes--narcissism vs. self-love and good vs. evil--Peck is clearly speaking to the crucial dilemmas of the 1990s, such as overly simplistic thinking, institutionalized racism and sexism, as well as the media's despairing vision. Now that Peck has reached the maturity of 60, his narrative is less know-it-all than in the days of yore. Yet, ironically, his decades of research, writing, and human service give him more authority than ever.
Book Description
The Road Less Traveled and Beyond is the culmination of a lifetime of Dr. M. Scott Peck's counseling, lecturing, and writing, and the conclusion of the "Road" trilogy. In it, we are led to a deeper awareness of how to live rich, fulfilling lives in a world fraught with stress and anxiety.
With the rare combination of profound psychological insight and deep spirituality that has already spoken to millions of readers, Dr. Peck talks about decision making and the choices we make every day in business and at home, and the ethical choices that may affect the very survival of humankind. We learn the difference between good and evil, to overcome narcissism, to love and be loved, to live with paradox, to accept the consequences of our actions all through life, and to come to terms with dying and death.
Dr. Peck is a guide on the adventure that is life, learning, and spiritual growth—life's greatest adventure. Building in depth and power from the very first chapter to its lyrical and poetic conclusion, The Road Less Traveled and Beyond is an adventure in itself.
Customer Reviews:
Incredible.......2007-04-10
Again M. Scott Peck has created a tool for discovering meaning in the complexity of life. There are answers to be found in the reading of this masterpiece.
Great Spiritual Book .......2006-09-21
Practical, level headed advice. Great psychological insights!
This book would make a great gift for friends or relatives who may be searching for some understanding and meaning in their lives.
I recommend this book!
Execellent Synopsis with new insights.......2006-06-02
I have not read many of M. Scott Peck's books although they have all been highly reccomended. I got this one and it was a PERFECT PLACE TO JUMP IN FOR NEW READERS. He briefly summarizes the highlights of his works and then goes further to bring in his more recent insights. A great book.
It seems most of the reviewers missed most of Peck's points........2004-07-17
It seems most of the reviewers missed most of Peck's points.
I've read all of Peck's books, mostly in chron order, as they were releasted.
It took great courage to write this "synopsis of my entire career." The biggest danger, of course (missed by most, it seems), is that ppl. would then read only this as a quick "cheat sheet" to all of his works -- then fail to go for the depth in each of those. No doubt Peck would, however, affirm this as a "legitimate" shortcut -- as he discourses about in the orig. TRLT.
THE POWER (w/out braggadocio -- which is likely why most readers seem to have missed this point) of Peck's continual self-referencing over HIS PAST 25 YEARS (TRLT just celebrated that anniversary as one of the most-read books this planet has ever seen; quite a feat in itself; tho, since that's only circa 10M books, it's not something our planet should be much proud of) is not: "Hey, read all the rest of my books." It's: "Hey, these TIMELESS TRUTHS I've been discussing for 25 YEARS are, indeed, STILL TRUE."
Don't miss this fact. The work holds up. Let's see if Bill Gates' software does 25 yrs. from now.
It's hugely courageous to come out AGAINST simplism, and FOR the intellect -- as it's so rare nowadays in our disgustingly 4-second-attention-span culture. It's not exactly what will endear you to life's perennial "H.S. Popularity Contest" -- that the immature masses spend their lives aspiring to.
But it's what I'd expect of a master like Peck: throw yourself on the sword of "offending the sensibilities" of the masses, as long as it's really for their own good (and not just lying that it's so), and ignoring your "relative comfort" -- and be willing to suffer for it. (Even your "fans" might be "irritated" if they misunderstand and only think "you're trying to sell more books.")
Again, more of Dr. Peck proving his own case by "walking his own talk" from the 25 yr. old TRLT.
I used to recommend other of Dr. Peck's books -- but now ALWAYS recommend this FIRST. (Apart from the other reasons I've already made apparent -- in TRLTAB continually references EVIL, something of a missing flaw in the orig. TRLT. But, of course, greatly made up for in his then quickly writing POTL.)
PRINCIPALLY B/C LIFE IS SHORT. AND THERE IS NO TIME, NOR SENSE, NOT TO SEND ALL "NEWCOMERS" TO THE TREASURE TROVE FIRST, then let them discover the depth at their leisure and own scheduling.
"LIFE IS AN EMERGENCY." -- Helen Keller
"THE ONLY GOOD IS KNOWLEDGE, AND THE ONLY EVIL IS IGNORANCE." -- Socrates
"THE MAJORITY OF THE STUPID IS INVINCIBLE, AND GUARANTEED FOR ALL TIME." -- Albert Einstein
TIMELESS TRUTH, ANYONE?
Always learn. Never give up. Never surrender........2004-06-23
As one would expect from Scott Peck, I found this to be a very encouraging book. Peck continues to write on suffering, and it's being the key to growth. Most people avoid suffering for their whole lives, avoid growth, avoid looking at themselves. I do that too. This book encourage me to rethink aspects of my life, and consider ways I could pursue anew a path of suffering which leads to growth.
I particularly enjoyed his treatisies on listening. I've read some of his thoughts on this before, but I needed to be reminded. About what it means to listen. About how to listen better. About how often I am thinking about what I am going to say next, and the impact I am having, and my interaction, rather than fully and completely engaging myself with the other, putting myself within the other, to bless the person I am communicating with. And so I've been trying to do that these last few days. And it's still hard work.
Much of this book is written as the final hurrah of a life of contemplation. His stories of his time with his wife are particularly beneficial, as Peck shares about what he has learned from his wife, and what they have learned together, as they have pursued a path of active growth together.
A downside though to this approach of putting in a lifetime of thoughts into a final book is that many times, it seems that Peck is simply referencing every book, quite overtly, that he's ever written. At times, it feels like he's trying to get the reader to buy more of his books. A better editor to discourage him from this approach would have been helpful.
I left this book wanting to follow Peck's suggestions. To remember that life does not conform to myself, and release any expectation that it should. To release the expectation that I can do all things for myself. I appreciated Peck's corrective from The Road Less Traveled, where he gave great support for independence. Here, Peck reminds people of a higher road of interdependence- which means a lot harder work of giving up one's "right" to do things for oneself. It's all about a process of death- for we begin dying the moment we're born. And every giving up is a form of death.
Product Description
The 14 Book Beany Malone Set includes: Meet the Malones; Beany Malone; Leave It to Beany; Beany and the Beckoning Road; Beany Has a Secret Life; Make a Wish for Me; Happy Birthday, Dear Beany; The More the Merrier; A Bright Star Falls; Welcome Stranger; Pick a New Dream; Tarry Awhile; Something Borrowed, Something Blue; Come Back, Wherever You Are. The Malones of Denver, Colorado are a warm open-hearted family with a welcoming home, open to friends and all others in need of physical and emotional nourishment. The series has the warmth and sense of solidarity intrinsic of wartimes and the post-war era. There is a general feeling of peace and simplicity. When the series opens, the Malone children are motherless, as Mary Malone has been dead for three years. The father, Martie Malone, is often absent due to his duties as editor of the Denver Call. Three of the four Malone children, Mary Fred, Johnny and Beany, live at home. The oldest Malone daughter, the beautiful, loving Elizabeth, has been married to Lieutenant Donald McCallin for one year. The Malones live on Barberry Street in a large, wide-bosomed gray stone home. Their surrounding neighbors are Mrs. Morrison Adams (known as Mrs. Socially-prominent Adams) in her red brick home with immaculate white trim and frilly curtains in the windows, and the imposing and stately home of the Judge Buell family.
Customer Reviews:
AMAZING SERIES!! IS A MUST READ!.......2006-06-24
I got the entire series this past Christmas. I had read the first 2 because although my library had more, they didn't have all of them, and they didn't have the 3rd and I don't like to read things out of order so I was really sad. So then I was soo happy to find out they were being republished by Image Cascading!!!
So yea I read them all and they all rock!!! It's nice seeing what teenagers did back in the 50's. And it was also nice how different people's relationships were with their family's, I wish it were more like that today. And they are also way more responsible and mature then we are now. Making their own money, not having to depend on their parents for everything. And their parents respect and trust them more too! And they definatly treat their parents with much respect which is ALOT more then I can say about kids of today.
The first book is about Beany's older sister, Mary Fred. It is in MF's junior year of highschool, when Beany is in 8th grade. The rest of the books are all about Beany, in highschool, college, and then when she gets married. And let me just say I LOVE who she ends up with. They are SOOO cute!!!
Everyone should read these books they are amazing and are definatly one of my favorite books ever!
Book Description
According to Native American tradition, walking the Red Road is a metaphor for living within the Creator's rules—a life of truth, friendship, respect, spirituality, and humanitarianism. For centuries, Native American elders, parents, teachers, and spiritual leaders have handed down their wisdom and values from generation to generation, leading others down the path of self-discovery and enlightenment.
365 Days of Walking the Red Road captures this priceless ancient knowledge and shows you how you can live your life to the fullest through integrity, compassion, and brotherhood. By reading the daily messages in this compelling work, you will discover yourself inside and out and move positively down your personal road without fear or doubt.
Special highlights:
·Inspiring quotations from Native Americans, such as Tecumseh, Black Hawk, Geronimo, and Chief Joseph
·A monthly Red Road ethical principle
·A monthly Red Road spiritual lesson
·Instructions on what to do at a powwow
·The proper uses of dreamcatchers and other symbols and crafts
·The twelve moon names that tribes use to track the seasons
·Important dates in Native American history
This superb collection of Native American philosophy and culture helps you on your path along the Red Road in your quest for truth, light, and love.
Customer Reviews:
Not what I expected.......2007-10-01
I bought this book expecting it to be spiritual and some of the statements were, but they were not backed up with anything that relates to how the Indians incorporated those thoughts into THEIR daily lives. I just got an unrelated history lesson. For example, Feb. 10th-"To clothe a man falsley is to distress his spirit..." Then the next information on that page is about a Native Day in American History on "Feb 10th 1763 The French ceded the North Americans territory to England in the Treaty of Paris, ending the French and Indian War (1754-1763)." Now, what do the two have to do with each other? Or at least put something in about how Native Americans dress or something related to the spiritual quote of the day. The format bugged me. There is some good information, but very poorly organized.
365 Days of Walking the red road.......2007-07-16
This is a nice book for any year or every year. Helps you through each day of the year spiritual. I love this book.
A Special Native American Daily Read & Meditation.......2006-11-03
For those of us who take the time to get up extra early, open our front doors, and listen to the birds calling as the sun is rising, this book is so helpful to start your day off just right. The Words of our Grandfathers remind us to live with our hearts and pay attention to the old ways in our every day lives.
The author, Terri Jean, has had the foresight to add in History notes to remind us of what heppened in the past, reminding us of seasonal thoughts, and so much more.
This book is dynamic and meditative. A worthwhile present for someone special who is a Native American.
Good Book.......2006-06-01
Though the book is designed as a daily meditational, I read through the Red Road Ethics beginning to end. Full of wisdom, but I felt a couple of the quotes were inacurate (paraphrased).
Native American treasure.......2006-03-27
When I bought this book I was waiting something difficult to read for but I was so surprised how wonderful and easy this book is! It gives me lots of hope and joy every morning when I read each day's part! IF you value these Native people's thoughts - this book is MUST to own!
Product Description
Empty. Corrupted. Tormented. Starved. These words describe the Christian sex addict. No matter what he (or she) does, he will not experience true freedom from the bondage of sexual addiction until he finds the life, love and acceptance he yearns for. The inner pull to feed at the garbage can of lust must be replaced with something real, alive and lasting... something so wonderful that the short-lived pleasure of sex is nothing in comparison... a love so powerful it overflows even the hardest heart with joy. The Road to Grace begins by providing the reader with the tools needed to break free from the bondage to sexual sin with a straight-forward, Biblical approach. But this is just the beginning of the journey, as gaining true freedom from lust is about much more than learning to control external acts. The Road to Grace delves into the wounds and lies in the heart that block the reader from receiving God's love, and then guides him to the place where he can accept the free gift of the abundant life in Christ that many yearn for but few believe they can have. Topics addressed include: * Biblical methods for overcoming sexual temptation. * Finding healing from shame. * How to stop a masturbation habit. * Facing and dealing with the core issues of the heart that drive sexual addiction. * Healing for sexual abuse and father wound issues. * Understanding and accepting the grace of God in the heart. * Healing for the wives of husbands who are sex addicts. * How to restore a marriage that s been scarred by sexual addiction/adultery.
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Books Index
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