Customer Reviews

Death of a Hero, Birth of the Soul: Answering the Call of Midlife

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1 star:		(2)

 

 

I'm 49 yo. What's more to say? How about 352 pages that brought tears of recognition and smiles of understanding at a very confusing time of my life. I highly recommend it to men AND women who are interested in a rich passage through life BEFORE, DURING, or AFTER midlife reassessment. Robinson approaches the life of a man from a universal/eternal viewpoint. The text is elaborated, supported, and illustrated with fairy tales and myths from many cultures, as well as principles of modern psychology, Jungian archetypes, and generous doses of poetry and spiritualism. The book is thoroughly entertaining, as well as practically explanatory and comforting. Among much reading that I did to try to understand what was going on in my life, this work was truly pivotal. Just, by chance, this book leapt out at me from a standard bookstore shelf one day, and I've not seen it on the shelves again--a great misfortune for others. If you're interested in understanding "a man's life" and have found this book here on Amazon, take the risk!!!! There is much solace here.

Told me why it was natural for me to want to transition from a successful engineering career to become an acupuncturist in midlife (in retrospect, as a young child I had visions of becoming either a minister or a doctor--now, I'm a little of both as the owner of Calm Spirit Oriental Medicine). I read this book after many years into the transition--a part of me wishes that I had read it *prior* to starting the switch; another part knows that I wouldn't have appreciated the author's wisdom nearly as much then. I especially enjoyed reading the same material from three different perspectives, including mythology and poetry. Actually spent an evening sharing some of the poetry with my wife, the English teacher. Now, I have loaned my copy to an engineer friend who seemed to need it.

John Robinson so accurately describes and maps out the life of men, at least as I have experienced it over the past 40+ years, that it would be frightening if the release and feedom this perspective brings wasn't so exciting. As I read this book many, many experiences in my life started to make so much sense and fall into place. If you have thought that there is something missing or there should be something more to life, then read this book. If you are at a stage where you want to make some changes in your life then the insight this book brings provides you with a wonderful perspective from which to make them. More to the point if you that mid-life age where changes may be happening whether you choose it or not go read!

This book places a great deal of emphasis on spirituality and/or mysticism. I found it rather unscientific and while it did offer a few insights, overall it was not worth the time spent reading it.

Okay, here is another book that was given to me as a joke for my birthday! What is with guys these days? I went through my fortys and fiftys working two jobs to get my kids through college. I knew my responsibilies, and when I leave this good earth, I will have the knowledge that I left behind my legacy of hard work and honesty with my children. THAT is the grand prize at the end of the fair. Did I ever have feelings of regret? NOT ONCE! Did I ever look at my wife of 30 years with doubt? NOT ONCE! Yes, women, there are good men out there that don't dwell on things that are selfish and basically frivolous. Yes, there are men out there that will treat you like gold. Don't look for the touchy feely guys. They have way too much time on their hands. Oh, and for the guys who read this book? Grow up! Do some good before you die. Make the ones who love you and care for you happy. Believe me, when you look down that road, every bit of kindness and respect you have shown others will be your guiding light, and it will bring you the ultimate peace at the days end. Start by bringing your wife a flower, and telling her she is the most important thing in your life. Next, hug your kids, and tell them to remember that hug for the rest of their lives. Next, tell yourself that you are a man, and that you are happy and content. If that doesn't work, go down to the VA hospital, and talk to some real men! You think life is hard now? Listen to what they went through, and be glad you are living the life you have. You are the only one who can make yourself happy, and there is happiness wherever you look. I always find mine in the smiling face of my granchild, and the loving smile of my wife. If she doesn't feel like smiling? Tickle the heck out of her! Life is truly a joy especially when you know that you've done right by the ones who love you the most.