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Consolations: The Solace, Nourishment and Underlying Meaning of Everyday Words Paperback – January 1, 2021

by David Whyte (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,409 ratings
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With the imagery of a poet and the reflection of a philosopher, David Whyte turns his attention to 52 ordinary words, each its own particular doorway into the underlying currents of human life. Beginning with Alone and closing with Work, each chapter is a meditation on meaning and context, an invitation to shift and broaden our perspectives on the inevitable vicissitudes of life: pain and joy, honesty and anger, confession and vulnerability, the experience of feeling besieged and the desire to run away from it all. Through this lens, procrastination may be a necessary ripening; hiding an act of freedom; and shyness the appropriate confusion and helplessness that accompanies the first stage of revelation. Consolations invites readers into a poetic and thoughtful consideration of words whose meaning and interpretation influence the paths we choose and the way we traverse them throughout our lives.
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  1. Print length
    245 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Many Rivers Press
  4. Publication date
    January 1, 2021
  5. Dimensions
    5.2 x 0.8 x 7.5 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1932887342
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1932887341
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

We think we know what we are talking about, the meaning of things, the basic rules of language, until we read David Whyte's Consolations; where we are forced to reassess everything and begin again. Such an essential and beautiful book. --Nick Cave

Beautiful, elegant, tiny essays on the consoling power of words, written by one of my favorite living poets. I think Whyte is as much a mystic as an author, and this book proves it. Beautiful, soulful, thoughtful. --Elizabeth Gilbert

Consolations remains one of the most luminous books I've ever encountered. --Maria Popova

About the Author

David Whyte grew up with a strong, imaginative influence from his Irish mother among the hills and valleys of his father's Yorkshire. He now makes his home in the Pacific Northwest of the United States.The author of seven books of poetry and four books of prose, David Whyte holds a degree in Marine Zoology and has trav- eled extensively, including living and working as a naturalist guide in the Galapagos Islands and leading anthropological and natural history expeditions in the Andes, Amazon and Himalaya. He brings this wealth of experience to his poetry, lectures and workshops.His life as a poet has created a readership and listenership in three normally mutually exclusive areas: the literate world of readings that most poets inhabit, the psychological and theological worlds of philosophical enquiry and the world of vocation, work and organizational leadership.An Associate Fellow at Said Business School at the University of Oxford, he is one of the few poets to take his perspectives on creativity into the field of organizational development, where he works with many Europen, American and international companies. In spring 2008 he was awarded an honorary doctorate from Neumann College, Pennsylvania.In organizational settings, using poetry and thoughtful commentary, he illustrates how we can foster qualities of courage and engagement; qualities needed if we are to respond to today's call for increased creativity and adaptability in the workplace. He brings a unique and important contribution to our understanding of the nature of individual and organizational change, particularly through his unique perspectives on Conversational Leadership.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Many Rivers Press; Revised edition (January 1, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 245 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1932887342
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1932887341
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.2 x 0.8 x 7.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,409 ratings

About the author

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David Whyte

David Whyte

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Internationally acclaimed poet David Whyte makes his home in the Pacific Northwest, where rain and changeable skies remind him the other, more distant homes from which he comes: Yorkshire, Wales and Ireland. He travels and lectures throughout the world, bringing his own and others' poetry to large audiences.

He holds a degree in Marine Zoology, honorary degrees from Neumann University in Pennsylvania and Royal Roads University in Victoria, British Columbia, and is an Associate Fellow of the Said Business School at the University of Oxford. He is the author of eight volumes of poetry and four books of prose, as well as a collection of audio recordings.

POETRY

The Sea in You (2015)

Pilgrim (2012)

River Flow: New & Selected Poems (2006)

Everything is Waiting for You (2003)

The House of Belonging (1996)

Fire in the Earth (1992)

PROSE

Consolations: The Solace, Nourishment & Underlying Meaning of Everyday Words (2014)

The Three Marriages: Reimagining Work, Self & Relationship

Crossing the Unknown Sea: Work as a Pilgrimage of Identity

The Heart Aroused: Poetry and the Preservation of the Soul in Corporate America

AUDIO LECTURES

Hidden Harvests: The Inner Seasons of Everyday Life

Solace: The Art of Asking the Beautiful Question

A Great Invitation: The Path of Risk and Revelation

Pilgrim Audio Companion

When the Heart Breaks

Sweet Darkness

A Change for the Better: Poetry and the Reimagination of Midlife

Midlife & the Great Unknown

The Echo in the Well

Making a Friend of the Unknown

The Poetry of Self Compassion

The Teacher's Vocation: Nurturing the Imagination of Others

Thresholds: Navigating the Difficult Transitions of Life

POETRY & MUSIC ALBUMS

Sometimes

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4.7 out of 5 stars
1,409 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book thought-provoking and insightful. They praise the thoughtful, relevant writing style that illuminates words and definitions in a profound way. The heartfelt and compassionate understanding of inner experiences resonates with readers. The book is described as a devotional read that encourages reflection and contemplation. Customers find it a good gift that is honest and true.

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Thought provokingWriting qualityHeartfeltnessReadabilityGift valueReflectionAuthenticity
127 customers mention "Thought provoking"127 positive0 negative

Customers find the book thought-provoking and engaging. They say the essays are thoughtfully written, capturing words and definitions in incredible revelations. The messages are spot-on for the complexities of life, illuminated, and consoling. Readers appreciate the unique insight and imaginative language. Overall, it's a book of hard-won truths that cut across many domains of life.

"...Here is takes words and uses each to explore ramifications they each imply. Wonderful reading. Thank you David." Read more

"...This book will change the way you look at words, and more importantly, the way you think." Read more

"Each essay reaches a deep place each time I read it. The perfect antidote to a moody day!" Read more

"...it was a great read and I will revisit certain words for their unique insight and imaginative language..." Read more

48 customers mention "Writing quality"48 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing thoughtful, relevant, and insightful. They appreciate the author's perspective on words and the light they bring. The writing is accessible and the messages are spot-on for the complexities of life. Readers praise the author's ability with words, saying he draws out the nuance of language to point at the broadest and richest aspects.

"He's a poet. He's a philosopher, was a friend of John O'Donohue, and he's a first rate thinker...." Read more

"...and I will revisit certain words for their unique insight and imaginative language (Alone, Anger, Friendship, Withdrawal and Work)...." Read more

"I loved this book as a poet and founder of the Poemsmiths of the Mojave High Desert...." Read more

"...This is beautiful, revelatory writing that just keeps giving...." Read more

14 customers mention "Heartfeltness"14 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's heartfelt and compassionate understanding of inner experiences. They say the words caress the soul and cradle the heart. Readers mention it brings them to tears and think in a thoughtful, sensitive, and delicate way to explore the meaning of life.

"...His words stimulates reflection that inspire, energize, and sadden. The author is a deep thinker and eloquent word master." Read more

"...I especially enjoyed his essay 'Friendship,' but my favorite essay changes daily because it is always the essay I read last." Read more

"...’s eloquently expressed, deeply nuanced and compassionate understanding of our inner experience. A favorite gift for kindred spirits...." Read more

"...Joy and Gratitude were most heartfelt and soulful. You will soon seek out "Pilgrim" and "River Flow" among his other writings." Read more

14 customers mention "Readability"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and challenging to read quickly. They find it a worthwhile devotional read that requires thoughtful attention and slow reading. The writing style is described as beautiful and stirring, making it great for revisiting certain words and topics.

"There were many chapters written in the typical David, Whyte searing beauty, capturing words and definitions in unbelievable revelation...." Read more

"...It is so concise, and simultaneously, dense, each chapter can't be read flippantly...." Read more

"This is a book to savor -- read it slowly, one topic word at a time, then re-read it. Give it its due and think on what Whyte offers...." Read more

"...day, allowing enough time for the words to marinate, and revisiting particular words often...." Read more

7 customers mention "Gift value"7 positive0 negative

Customers like the book as a gift.

"...An excellent gift book as well, sure to be appreciated by whomever receives it." Read more

"...A favorite gift for kindred spirits...." Read more

"...A good gift. It covers a wide range of topics with depth and clarity. It seems Mr Whyte has given many ordinary moments, hours of deep thought...." Read more

"...What a gift this book offers us. Reflections of life and the things we often overlook in stunning prose...." Read more

5 customers mention "Reflection"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's reflection. They find the prose and poetry insightful, intelligent, and make them think in positive ways. The margins provide space for writing and allow for revisiting reflections.

"...be read in small doses, margins to be written in and reflections to come back again and again...." Read more

"One of the BEST books out there. Both prose and poetry, deep and reflective, insightful and intelligent. Just beautiful!..." Read more

"...Encourages deep reflection and contemplation. It makes a lovely gift for anyone who contemplates the meaning of everyday life." Read more

"...you're in the mood to go there, he makes you think and reflect in very positive ways." Read more

3 customers mention "Authenticity"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book authentic and inspiring.

"This book is deep and true. Where David came up with his insight, I do not know. What a gift! Definitely a book to read, keep, and read again." Read more

"Utterly beautiful. A gentle, true and strong lens into the many facets of human experience." Read more

"Wonderful book. Inspiring and honest." Read more

Stunning
5 out of 5 stars
Stunning
This is a book about paying courageous attention to your life. It will slow you and startle you, even as it soothes. Whyte invites us to encounter the painful and prosaic realities that make up our everyday experiences in order to engage life more fully. He consistently and carefully turns words inside out, and thus, turns your attention from outside in and back again. Whyte invites you to both see and sail in the larger conversational tide of your past, present, and future.This book is beautiful, and one I know I will read over and over again my entire life. I don’t say that often.Side note: Whyte’s use of metaphor is astounding.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • J. Socrates
    5.0 out of 5 stars David Whyte is like an old friend who is smart...
    Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    He's a poet. He's a philosopher, was a friend of John O'Donohue, and he's a first rate thinker. Here is takes words and uses each to explore ramifications they each imply. Wonderful reading. Thank you David.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Bryan Evans
    5.0 out of 5 stars This book, you will keep forever
    Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The cover has a reviewer, someone “important “ say they will keep it buy them forever. Easily, out of 3000+ books I’ve purchased in my life, one of the very best, so much so, that i bought the Audible book as well. This book will change the way you look at words, and more importantly, the way you think.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Rick. Martin
    5.0 out of 5 stars One of my all- time favorites!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Each essay reaches a deep place each time I read it. The perfect antidote to a moody day!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Michael Maltarich
    4.0 out of 5 stars Reminded me of Khalil Gibran’s The Prophet
    Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Of the 52 words that David Whyte addresses some are boring, some are too long and some were bizarre (Procrastination), but on the whole I thought it was a great read and I will revisit certain words for their unique insight and imaginative language (Alone, Anger, Friendship, Withdrawal and Work). I also enjoyed how short the book was, as I find most philosophical books are about 3 times longer than necessary.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Mary Langer Thompson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Poetic Meditations on Ordinary Words
    Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2024
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    I loved this book as a poet and founder of the Poemsmiths of the Mojave High Desert. I will recommend these meditations on ordinary words to fellow poets and writers and just about everyone I meet. Thank you, David Whyte!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • PZembruski
    5.0 out of 5 stars This is a gem of a book!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This book illuminates words, opens them up so you really feel them and shows their auras. Just open this book to a word and something will be revealed to you that will guide or inspire you. A reread of an entry will always give you a new experience of the word. This is beautiful, revelatory writing that just keeps giving. Keep it out in sight so you or others will be drawn to pick it up and discover it’s wonders.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Sandra Maxey
    5.0 out of 5 stars insightful rendering of a true love of common words- articulating the edges of meaning I ...
    Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    An astounding book for the breadth and depth of meaning Whyte provides. Whyte brings a keen and heartfelt intelligence to every day words- a thoughtful, insightful rendering of a true love of common words- articulating the edges of meaning I had only been able to grope, grasp or sense. For me, he was as much a guide of kinesthetic intelligence, his words reshaping my perceptions of words. (In fact, the dedication page is itself beautiful. Has anyone ever dedicated a work to words, let alone their beckoning uncertainties?) Common words are so much more mysterious now, a point of wondering. I have returned time and again in search of his extrapolation of a word which has been on my mind. Not only does this speak to the power of the work, for this volume has changed my relationship with words, but it makes me long for the next, and the next, and the next volume. Providing depth of purpose and meaning to words we use everyday. Stunning in its simplicity, but revered for its depth and meaning. I have one copy at my bedside, and one in my bag.
    15 people found this helpful
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  • J. Whiting
    5.0 out of 5 stars Read any chapter any time, over and over. Great gift, too.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Beyond thoughtful, Whyte provides a lifetime's worth of eye- and heart-opening insights that cut across so many domains of life, helping us to find deeper meaning and value in all we do. An excellent gift book as well, sure to be appreciated by whomever receives it.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • JF
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Book
    Reviewed in Canada on August 28, 2023
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    This book came in perfect condition and quick shipping. Beautiful insight and poetic expression. I love how it is all broken down into smaller peices, makes it easy to pick up when u have only a moment.
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  • MARSHALL
    5.0 out of 5 stars Un Dictionnaire Poétique
    Reviewed in France on January 6, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Anglais : sémantique et phrasé remarquable
    Signifié de beau et d'ouverture
    Pour toute personne voulant se cultiver en Anglais
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  • Joy Lenton
    5.0 out of 5 stars A poetic feast for the soul
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 21, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This beautiful, reflective book is great to revisit and dip into now and then when you want to be inspired and consoled. I'm still reading snippets from it when I feel the need for the author's insights and soothing poetic voice. It's good to have a fresh perspective on words which we are apt to take for granted or have only a sketchy awareness of their deeper meaning. And this lyrical book certainly opens your eyes to the way words speak to us. A poetic feast for the soul. I loved it!
    One person found this helpful
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  • debdutta chatterjee
    4.0 out of 5 stars Shall be a companion
    Reviewed in India on October 9, 2018
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    Great new definitions of thoughts and feelings and near to reality
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  • Andrew
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully Evocative
    Reviewed in Australia on May 17, 2021
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    Beautifully Evocative
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