Second Innocence: Rediscovering Joy and Wonder: A Guide to Renewal in Work, Relationships, and Daily Life (Paperback)

by John B. Izzo (Author) "My grandfather was a man who lived a rich life..." (more)
Key Phrases: second innocence, office troublemaker, first innocence, New York, Road Closed, Thom's Lesson (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"A profound book that will help you reconnect with the best within you." -- Robin Sharma, author of The Saint, The Surfer and The CEO and The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari

"Izzo’s compelling message in Second Innocence has the potential to profoundly change our approach to life." -- Lloyd Hill, CEO Applebee’s International

"John Izzo shows us how a return to joy and innocence is not only vital but quite possible." --

Raymond P. Davis, President and CEO, Umpqua Bank

"Read this book as soon as you can, then give as many copies as possible to people you care about." -- Tom Morris, author of The Art of Achievement, Philosophy for Dummies, If Aristotle Ran General Motors and True Success

"This is a wonderful book of modern parables and will rekindle your love of life" -- Laurie Beth Jones, Author Jesus CEO

Product Description
John Izzo's concept of "second innocence" means recovering those feelings of enthusiasm, faith, presence, and curiosity associated with childhood and blending them with the knowledge and experience of adulthood. Through a series of compelling stories, he offers a collection of uncommon thoughts on common themes. The author's experience as a minister, teacher, author, corporate advisor, and leader of spiritual retreats provides a wealth of wisdom for this journey. In the spirit of Robert Fulghum and Garrison Keillor, Izzo shows that while love may disappoint, work may not satisfy, and suffering will occur, we can still transform ourselves by applying intentional focus to finding the wonder in the world and staying focused on what really matters.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers; 1 edition (February 9, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1576752631
• ISBN-13: 978-1576752630
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #422,521 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stop, Look at Life Afresh . . . and Act in Hopeful Ways!, February 3, 2004

By	Professor Donald Mitchell "Jesus Makes Me a P... (Boston) - See all my reviews (TOP 10 REVIEWER)

Second Innocence is an outstanding book about how to regain our youthful enthusiasm . . . seasoned with our greater knowledge of how to be effective. Unlike many books on this and related subjects, Dr. Izzo provides many excellent questions and exercises to help make the lessons your own. He also tells many stories about his experiences as a minister, consultant, and unsuccessful husband that will resonate with you . . . especially when he talks about where he went wrong. Rather than trying to write a book of original thinking on the subject of becoming more childlike (rather than childish) with age, he has succeeded in writing a book with a universal message contained in many wise and deeply engaging stories.

Let me share the table of contents for the book to give you some idea of its concepts and coverage:

Second Innocence: A Chance to See Goodness

I Rediscovering Wonder in the Daily Journey

1. Most of Life Is Rowing
2. Full Speed Ahead in the Wrong Direction

3. Reclaiming What We Left Behind
4. Detours: They Not What You Expect
5. It's a Great Life if You Don't Weaken
6. Mr. Thom's Lesson: Living Our Ideals
7. Reclaiming Awe and Wonder
8. What Trees Can Teach Us

II Rediscovering the Joy of Work

9. Your Job Is Bigger than You Think
10. What's Wrong with Rose-Colored Glasses?
11. Getting Past Your Expiration Date
12. Bake a Cake for the Office Troublemaker
13. The Leader's Choice

III Rediscovering Innocence in Relationships

14. Finding Perfect Love
15. The Power of Not Now: Love and the Art of Presence

IV Rediscovering Faith

16. My First Funeral
17. What Question Rules Your Life?
18. Miracles, Telephones and Serendipity

V On the Road to Second Innocence

19. The Simplest Wisdom . . . Start
20. What If You Could Change the World?

While many books on this subject seem aimed mostly at the young, Second Innocence seems aimed equally well at all age groups. This is the kind of book that you could share with your whole family and all of your friends . . . and receive great bounty in love and goodness and return.

As I finished the book, I wondered what I could do to pass along its message . . . and I decided to sit down to write this review on the spot.

What can you do to act with awe and wonder now?

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Renewed my Spirit, March 3, 2004

By A Customer

Not only did I live through Child abuse, I also lived through Domestic Violence. I found solace in books such as NIGHTMARES ECHO and COURAGE TO HEAL. They gave me hope to try and change my life. SECOND INNOCENCE has given me my soul back. A renewal of my spirit. To let the past die out and begin again..I am so thankful that the three books I mentioned were there for me to move forward with. So grateful that SECOND INNOCENCE was written.I will recommend this book highly.
Fran Dawson-Just a reader

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Co-author of Trash Talk reviews 2nd Innocence, December 16, 2004

By	Lillian Brummet (Canada) - See all my reviews

"John Izzo has written yet another fantastic book that has profound impact on the reader's daily life. Upon finishing the first reading, I turned the book over and began reading it all over again. A few weeks later, I picked it up and read it a third time and I just could not stop talking about it! This truly is a book that will not stay on a bookshelf for long.
Written in such a way as to remind us what we already know, but do not practice, Izzo's simple views on life can help the reader realize the full potential of their lives. His compelling stories are useful tools to view our own lives, jobs and families with more kindness, while discovering the peace that was always within our grasp.
A rich, thought-provoking book such as this could very well make the world a better place - one reader at a time." ~ Lillian Brummet, co-author of the book Trash Talk - a guide for anyone concerned about his or her impact on the environment. (http://www.sunshinecable.com/~drumit)