Customer Reviews

The Authentic Heart : An Eightfold Path to Midlife Love

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This book explains that healthy intimate relationships aren't about the romantic notions portrayed by the media or in the fairytales we all read as children, but rather about knowing ourselves, showing up, being authentic, and speaking our truth in a caring yet honest way. Authentic Heart provides a refreshingly realistic take on mature relationships, and is written in a very clear and easily digestible manner. You definitely don't need to be familiar with Buddhist philosophy to get a lot out of this book, but if you are, you'll likely resonate with much of the perspective here. I loved this book so much that I bought a second copy to pass around to all my friends!

As more of us boomers reach middle age, we reflect on the love relations we have and those we've left behind, and I've found in myself and friends that there's a yearning for authentic love, a longing to deepen in oneself and also connect intimately with one's wife or lover, family and friends. Yet, for many of us the baggage of persistent habits of thought and behavior, including our young love romantic idealism, distances us from that which we most want. John Amodeo with great clarity and sensitivity speaks from the heart in his new book, The Authentic Heart : An Eightfold Path to Midlife Love, talks to us as a wise friend, and takes us on a mindful journey along an "eightfold path", which reveals workable, livable principles about how to enjoy an authentic life in relationship. What a relief it is to know that such a book has been written and serves us all as a friendly handbook for our relational journey. I highly recommend you include John Amodeo's book in your library of most valued references. Just be sure to read it first! For those of us that have struggled with betrayal in relationship, I also want to mention John's previous work, Love and Betrayal, which intelligently and compassionately sheds light on that important subject.

If there is ever a Pulitzer Prize for a book about love, "The Authentic Heart" should win hands down. I have great admiration for John Amodeo's gentle yet powerful prose and lively writing style. I am inspired beyond words how often and beautifully he illuminates by example the significance of risking vulnerability and emotional honesty to achieve emotional intimacy in relationships. There is a genuine, moving wisdom in this book that speaks to people of all ages, not just those approaching or in mid-life.

I have been blessed to have been able to call the author friend for nearly 30 years. The depth of his knowledge and insight has been a source of inspiration and comfort to me on untold occasions. Now he has distilled and laid to paper a life's work of study so that anyone who chooses to can share in his heartfelt wisdom, as I and his many friends have done throughout the years. What a joy it was for me to read this book. Those who are seeking to improve their life and relationships will find many workable answers here. What are the key ingredients of love? Of trust? What are the five blocks to effective communication? And how can we be emotionally honest with others in a gentle way? Dr. Amodeo explains in vivid prose. But even those who are not seeking to improve their life and relationships, even those who read for the satisfaction of affirming their own good fortune in love, may be surprised to find the answers to questions they haven't yet thought to ask. What a wonderful book! Thank you Dr. Amodeo. Thank you, my friend John.

I have long been an admirer of John Amodeo's work. A long-time therapist and counselor, he understand the dynamics of intimate relationships as well as anyone I know. In addition, he is an excellent writer--clear, thoughtful, probing. This book is timely. The boomer generation, especially, with its history of shattered relationship, broken dreams, and burned-out illusions, will benefit from its careful and thorough laying out of the eightfold path to authentic love. Amodeo shows us that real love, which means a deep spiritual and emotional connection, true friendship, and a healthy measure of chemistry and romance, is possible. It seems to me that this book is an indispensable guide for anyone seeking such a union.

This book was adviced to read by a psychologist. It is interesting and helpful. And easy to read.