Where To Go From Here [Hardcover]

James E. Birren (Author), Linda M. Feldman (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 27, 1997

Jim Birren, the pioneer of guided autobiography, has developed a remarkable process that encourages people to take stock of their lives so that they can move forward, reinvigorated, into a vital, rewarding future.

"I want you to think of your life as an autobiographical story with a past, present, and a future yet to be plotted", Jim Birren writes, as he urges readers to appreciate all they've been through, survived, and accomplished; figure out what is missing; and decide how they want to spend the rest of their lives.

By contemplating our lives, or telling our stories in small groups where other people's memories prime our own, we can increase the chances of getting the most return from the years ahead. Cautioning that there is no magic carpet ride to a blissful elderhood, Jim Birren offers readers the ability to let go of the fears from the past, to understand and be themselves, and to see the future as a wonderful adventure. The result is living longer better.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster (October 27, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684830574
• ISBN-13: 978-0684830575
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #652,731 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Where to Go from Here" --- a great read, July 26, 2000

By 

"jsedens" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Where To Go From Here (Hardcover)

Since my "official" retirement from the university 3 years ago I have been confronting many of the questions raised by James Birren in "Where to Go from Here ?" Although his questions are posed more to those around 50 years who are entering the final third or so of their lifespan, they are even more relevant to those who are either recently retired or in imminent "danger" of such a radical change in their life status. Questions such as "Where have I been, How did I get here, Toward what am I headed ?" lead to the ultimate question --- "How would you live your life if you were truly free ?" Along the way to answering this final question, Birren provides a host of useful initially probing questions and various maneuvers, such as constructing "My Lifeline" and "My Life Portfolio" which aid in the confrontation with this final challenge for the remainder of one's life. While many of the questions raised are of the "Yes, of course, what could be more obvious ?" type, they are the very questions that do not occur to many of us without prompting from someone like Birren. It is a book which can be read several times over to gain its full import for one's remaining years.