Laughing Down Lonely Canyons

by James Kavanaugh

"This is a book for the barely brave like me who refuse to abandon their dream... It is for those who want to make of life the joy it was meant to be, who refuse to give up no matter the cost..." James Kavanaugh. Perhaps none of Kavanaugh’s poetry books has so powerfully mingled pain and joy, despair and hope, fear and courage. Countless numbers have called it their release to recover from tragedy, divorce, serious illness, addiction, and to begin a new life, or to face death fearlessly.

Genres: Poetry

136 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

James Kavanaugh was ordained and actively ministered for ten years as a Catholic Priest before attending Catholic University in Washington D.C. Working on his second doctoral degree, he wrote an article for the Saturday Evening Post, entitled, "I am a Priest, and I want to marry." The article questioned the practice of celibacy among priests. The year was 1967, the height of the sexual revolution. Although it was written under a pseudonym and even his closest friends and family were not aware of the author, it was received with such commotion and outrage, the secret would not be kept for long. Jim then exploded onto the American scene with A Modern Priest Looks At His Outdated Church. The New York Times called it "a personal cry of anguish that goes to the heart of the troubles plaguing the Catholic Church." Soon Simon and Schuster came calling with a book deal.

Though a gifted scholar, with degrees in psychology and religious philosophy, James took a leave of absence from the priesthood, packed his VW bug and headed for California to write books. Jim surrendered his priestly collar and doctoral robes to become a gentle revolutionary.

Forty years ago in a decrepit New York residence hotel, Kavanaugh rejected lucrative offers to write what publishers wanted. "Feasting", he laughs, "on bagels, peanut butter, and cheese whiz", he wrote his first poetry book, There Are Men Too Gentle To Live Among Wolves. The book was turned down by a dozen publishers, only to sell over a million copies.

Wayne Dyer captures his power:

"James Kavanaugh is America's poet laureate. His words and ideas touch my soul. I can think of no living person who can put into words what we have all felt so deeply in our inner selves."

A dozen poetry books followed, as well as powerful novels, prose allegory and his best-selling Search, a guide for personal joy and freedom. The rebel priest became the people's poet, singing songs of human struggle, of hope and laughter, of healing that comes from within. James Kavanaugh possesses a charisma that excites audiences with passion and humor. He loves wandering, tennis and trout fishing, the cities and wilderness, people and solitude.

Reviews

[Greg · Rating 3 out of 5]

great oscillation between humor and loneliness.

About a third of the poems I really enjoy, the others I think could be edited to shorter pieces.

Some of my favorites were the character sketches, I don't think I've read poems like that before.

[Marissa Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivid imagery, truth, and stunning metaphors. His poems are genuine, inspiring, and incredibly heartfelt. I'm ready to flow through more of his great works.

[Veronica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sexist

[Sam Gil · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite poet.