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Heroic Path: In Search of the Masculine Heart
God designed men to live with risk, adventure, and danger. But today's man has no rites of passage, no elders, no map to manhood. He may physically be an adult, but still wonders, "Am I a man?" When John Sowers twin daughters were born, he felt exposed, thinking manhood was out of reach. He needed direction. Following in the steps of ordinary men and the heroes of history, legend and myth, he uncovered a new and ancient road. Walk with John on his personal quest to discover the "wild masculine" and to become all that God intended men to be. From a thrilling brush with Kodiak bears in Alaska, to a war hero who rescued his comrades in the Valley of Death, from mythic heroes of Tolkien, to the footsteps of the One, True Myth - as Jesus walked from village into the wilderness, and back again. Stunningly written, this revolutionary book calls older men out of complacency and younger men out of confusion. It calls all men into the greater Story - into a life of sacrificial love, holy defiance, and clear purpose.
191 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
27 people are currently reading
366 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 2, 2018
Brief but powerful, this is sincerely one of the best books I have ever read. John Sowers wanders into similar territory to John Eldredge's acclaimed Wild at Heart but goes much deeper. Sowers muses on his own apprehension as a man, as a husband, and as a father, but especially as a Man of God. He traces the mythic journeys that are familiar to many of us, from the Bible, classic literature, and movies, while also sharing his own mythic journey, including a life-changing camping trip amongst Kodiac grizzlies.
Through poetic and compelling writing, Sowers draws the reader into his reflections on what it means to be a Man of God, what challenges and struggles are necessary in order to become what God has designed you to be. It is a must-read for all men who need a boost to get out and live the wild adventure that God has planned for you, the path forged for you by the life and blood of Jesus.
Through poetic and compelling writing, Sowers draws the reader into his reflections on what it means to be a Man of God, what challenges and struggles are necessary in order to become what God has designed you to be. It is a must-read for all men who need a boost to get out and live the wild adventure that God has planned for you, the path forged for you by the life and blood of Jesus.
August 16, 2014
Sowers explores his sense of manhood through sharing his journey from growing up fatherless whilst examining Jesus' own journey from being the son of Mary to his coming out as the Son of God.
Throughout this marvellous book, I thought Sowers was in my head. Many of the scenes, feelings and thoughts he described I could personally relate to: the sense of not being manly enough and not fitting in with the perceived worldly expectations of men. In that regard, this was such a blessing that I am able to realise I am not alone in such thoughts.
Yes, this does have a 'traditional" wilderness experience that many coming-to-manhood books also describe, however, even though Sowers encourages such a journey I believe he considers the definition of "wilderness" to be far and wide. Any experience that leads us to step outside our traditional comfort zones can have the same impact as confronting a huge bear as Sowers did.
"The way to the wild masculine follows the wind trails of Jesus as He walked into manhood, as He was called, initiated, empowered, and sent by the Father. This is the heroic path." (pp90-91)
I love that quote. Holding onto Jesus to discover all that He has for us is what defines the pursuit of manhood, just as it was for Him as He walked those last three years of His time on the earth.
Sowers challenges us to go deep with God. Bathe in the Word allowing it to transform us because that is what it does when we get enough of it. Chapter 10 is fabulous in outlining a training plan for combating the enemy who will do everything he can to derail our objective and keep us drowning in self-condemnation and fear. Sowers takes us through how Jesus combated Satan when He completed His 40 day fast.
"Sacrificial love is the heart of manhood." (p191)
Sowers sums it up in those seven words. Jesus, our Saviour but also our Example. This is how He lived His life and He lived the most manly life we can ever imagine or dear to live.
Well constructed and easy (but challenging content) to read, Sowers has written a quality book that will sit comfortably alongside others of its ilk, such as John Eldredge's "Wild at Heart".
I'll be recommending "The Heroic Path" to all those men, young and old, who are yearning for more.
Throughout this marvellous book, I thought Sowers was in my head. Many of the scenes, feelings and thoughts he described I could personally relate to: the sense of not being manly enough and not fitting in with the perceived worldly expectations of men. In that regard, this was such a blessing that I am able to realise I am not alone in such thoughts.
Yes, this does have a 'traditional" wilderness experience that many coming-to-manhood books also describe, however, even though Sowers encourages such a journey I believe he considers the definition of "wilderness" to be far and wide. Any experience that leads us to step outside our traditional comfort zones can have the same impact as confronting a huge bear as Sowers did.
"The way to the wild masculine follows the wind trails of Jesus as He walked into manhood, as He was called, initiated, empowered, and sent by the Father. This is the heroic path." (pp90-91)
I love that quote. Holding onto Jesus to discover all that He has for us is what defines the pursuit of manhood, just as it was for Him as He walked those last three years of His time on the earth.
Sowers challenges us to go deep with God. Bathe in the Word allowing it to transform us because that is what it does when we get enough of it. Chapter 10 is fabulous in outlining a training plan for combating the enemy who will do everything he can to derail our objective and keep us drowning in self-condemnation and fear. Sowers takes us through how Jesus combated Satan when He completed His 40 day fast.
"Sacrificial love is the heart of manhood." (p191)
Sowers sums it up in those seven words. Jesus, our Saviour but also our Example. This is how He lived His life and He lived the most manly life we can ever imagine or dear to live.
Well constructed and easy (but challenging content) to read, Sowers has written a quality book that will sit comfortably alongside others of its ilk, such as John Eldredge's "Wild at Heart".
I'll be recommending "The Heroic Path" to all those men, young and old, who are yearning for more.
February 5, 2018
The sweeping generalizations in every chapter detracted from what otherwise could have been a good read. Too much "we do this" or "we do that" that I couldn't connect with. It seemed like the author was taking a shotgun approach, throwing a lot of broad statements out there in each chapter about the symptoms of struggling with self-identity. As if with more disconnected examples, there would have to be something there that would stick with a reader, even if it was just one "thing" in each chapter. I feel like the message would have been more powerful with more personal accounts from the author (there were a few) and less of the generalities. The book did not feel authentic. The subject matter was worth writing about, but the style was off.
I enjoyed the biographical summary of Mike Tyson. It was presented very well, building intrigue and wonder until his name was revealed. I also liked the author's account of his own trip to Alaska. I'd rather read things like that, real stories, and find specific things to connect with and have the opportunity to find my own takeaways. Throwing out dozens of broad statements in each chapter wasn't conducive to connection for me as a reader. There were far too many of the generalizations that I just couldn't latch on to and then I'd be distracted from seeing the point the author was making, since I seemed to have little in common with what seemed to be his target audience. Not a terrible book, but just jumped around too much for me.
I enjoyed the biographical summary of Mike Tyson. It was presented very well, building intrigue and wonder until his name was revealed. I also liked the author's account of his own trip to Alaska. I'd rather read things like that, real stories, and find specific things to connect with and have the opportunity to find my own takeaways. Throwing out dozens of broad statements in each chapter wasn't conducive to connection for me as a reader. There were far too many of the generalizations that I just couldn't latch on to and then I'd be distracted from seeing the point the author was making, since I seemed to have little in common with what seemed to be his target audience. Not a terrible book, but just jumped around too much for me.
September 7, 2015
I realize I'm not the target audience for this book, but as a mother of two boys (and wife to a man on the heroic path), I gained some insight in reading. I'm always looking for ways to understand "the other" better. I wish there had been more about Sowers' personal heroic path included--there were glimpses, but the majority of this book was a more generic look at what the heroic path means. I'm reading his first book, Fatherless Generation, now, and I'm hoping it fills in some of the gaps. I've already recommended this book to several people--men and women. I will admit there were a few things in the book that rubbed me the wrong way, but I am trying to take a listening posture to gain understanding.
January 17, 2015
How do I write a review about this book? It is a book about searching for the masculine heart, but it is unlike any other book I have ever read. John Sowers does a fantastic job of expressing what it truly means to be manly. He shares (with humor) his own story and lack of a father growing up and how that shaped him early on. He writes honestly and passionately about life and the journey he has taken. Also, my story is not like his story. My dad was in my life and was and is a great father and mentor to me. So this book is not just a book for those who grew up without a dad. It is for all men striving to be who God designed them to be.
A couple of my favorite quotes:
"We live in resignation and accept a lesser destiny. This is our real tragedy. When we give up and beat ourselves. It happens when we get lonely, worn-out, or desperate. Or when we forget who we are. Or when we lose our sense of place. Life did not turn out how we imagined, so we lower our hopes. Once upon a time, our heart was wild and young. Now it feels old and tired. We don't want to fail again, and this fear makes us live defensively. When our hope leaves and heads south for the winter, our life grows dull. We may embrace the sadness and grow depressed. Life become less about celebrating, and more about tolerating." - Page 41
"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, 'I will try again tomorrow" - Page 31
"To me, being a man means being kind, generous, and a good provider. The most important part of being a man is being strong. Having the self-confidence to handle an situation you face, whether you live in the city and face traffic, congestion, and crowds, or you live in remote areas with wild animals and inclement weather. And it's a quiet self-confidence. A strong, self-confident man doesn't announce his strength to the world. He leads by example. He's the guy who steps up and takes charge when a challenge is faced, and then quietly fades into the background when the issue is resolved." - Page 81
"The man who avoids fear misses life." - Page 116
"But love is stronger than death. The love of Christ compels us. His love activates us to movement. It stiffens our backbone, triumphs over terror, hardens our resolve, and leads us through Korengal - the valley of death. His love guides us through the dark night. Gives us the fortitude to stand unflinchingly before the clawed hand of the Enemy. Our motivation to be great dads and great men is not religious guilt, or spiritual debt, or even something better, such as gratitude to God. Our highest motivation is the overwhelming love of Christ. Love never fails." - Page 193
A couple of my favorite quotes:
"We live in resignation and accept a lesser destiny. This is our real tragedy. When we give up and beat ourselves. It happens when we get lonely, worn-out, or desperate. Or when we forget who we are. Or when we lose our sense of place. Life did not turn out how we imagined, so we lower our hopes. Once upon a time, our heart was wild and young. Now it feels old and tired. We don't want to fail again, and this fear makes us live defensively. When our hope leaves and heads south for the winter, our life grows dull. We may embrace the sadness and grow depressed. Life become less about celebrating, and more about tolerating." - Page 41
"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, 'I will try again tomorrow" - Page 31
"To me, being a man means being kind, generous, and a good provider. The most important part of being a man is being strong. Having the self-confidence to handle an situation you face, whether you live in the city and face traffic, congestion, and crowds, or you live in remote areas with wild animals and inclement weather. And it's a quiet self-confidence. A strong, self-confident man doesn't announce his strength to the world. He leads by example. He's the guy who steps up and takes charge when a challenge is faced, and then quietly fades into the background when the issue is resolved." - Page 81
"The man who avoids fear misses life." - Page 116
"But love is stronger than death. The love of Christ compels us. His love activates us to movement. It stiffens our backbone, triumphs over terror, hardens our resolve, and leads us through Korengal - the valley of death. His love guides us through the dark night. Gives us the fortitude to stand unflinchingly before the clawed hand of the Enemy. Our motivation to be great dads and great men is not religious guilt, or spiritual debt, or even something better, such as gratitude to God. Our highest motivation is the overwhelming love of Christ. Love never fails." - Page 193
February 6, 2016
John Sowers has created a masterpiece for masculinity. He never really had a father around after being a small child, never feeling as though his father really cared for him as much as he needed. He did not sulk about it long in the book, but he definitely addressed it, enough that I would have been embarrassed to have his father read it.
He is unabashedly graceful in his depiction of growing up. As a small child, he remembers his father driving off after delivering Christmas one year, and never seeing him as much as he would have liked. Raised by his mother and grandmother, was full of wonderful experiences, but he still knew something was lacking.
Sowers sought other men to shape him in his life, the men he found markedly shaped him into who he is. Sowers is what i would call a “man’s man”. He is a bow hunter, martial arts enthusiast, and makes knifes, but he never made me feel like a weakling for not caring about those things. His words convicted me to look differently at a lot of areas in my life. He challenged to acknowledge the demons present in my life, every day. He challenged me to press forward in my health goals. To become a closer follower of Jesus.
He is unabashedly graceful in his depiction of growing up. As a small child, he remembers his father driving off after delivering Christmas one year, and never seeing him as much as he would have liked. Raised by his mother and grandmother, was full of wonderful experiences, but he still knew something was lacking.
Sowers sought other men to shape him in his life, the men he found markedly shaped him into who he is. Sowers is what i would call a “man’s man”. He is a bow hunter, martial arts enthusiast, and makes knifes, but he never made me feel like a weakling for not caring about those things. His words convicted me to look differently at a lot of areas in my life. He challenged to acknowledge the demons present in my life, every day. He challenged me to press forward in my health goals. To become a closer follower of Jesus.
August 6, 2014
As I read through this book about a heroic path all I could think of was soft. Somehow the text did not live up to the title. I never figured out the heroic part based on the writing.
There are nuggets of truth here and it was not a complete waste of time and will provoke some thinking into what it means to be a man and how to get there. I did make s a few notes in my daily journal but they were few and far between.
If you are just starting on your journey to being a Godly man and looking for a good introduction from someone who has struggles and an easy read this may be for you. There are a number of good stories from the authors life that will touch those that had a poor relationship with their father.
There are nuggets of truth here and it was not a complete waste of time and will provoke some thinking into what it means to be a man and how to get there. I did make s a few notes in my daily journal but they were few and far between.
If you are just starting on your journey to being a Godly man and looking for a good introduction from someone who has struggles and an easy read this may be for you. There are a number of good stories from the authors life that will touch those that had a poor relationship with their father.
May 31, 2014
fantastic - honest and raw - like a good song, Sowers puts words and images on things i have felt and experienced my entire life. also, the mythic steps of Jesus are absolutely fascinating. this is the best book on manhood since Iron John, and Sowers gives a nod to Robert Bly's classic book.
October 5, 2014
One of the best books I've read on authentic manhood. Sowers's story about the encounter with a Grizzly bear and how that changed his life, set the tone for the rest of the book. Transparent, honest and real advice that men can follow.
November 19, 2014
One great read. The only problem I had is that it wasn't longer. It is in the vein of Wild At Heart by John Eldredge. What I like is John's humor is throughout the book and also gives some insights I enjoyed reading. Great read!
May 16, 2018
Good book, focused on Men growing up without Fathers in their lives. My favorite quote form the book was: "Being a man is making the stubborn daily choice to carry our own weight, even when all hell breaks loose around us."
November 27, 2014
Just amazing. John is a man who is able to bring men in, sit across the table and help open up the deep longing for God deep in their souls.
February 19, 2016
Read this book. Period.
May 21, 2017
Prepare to be shaken
This is a book that will shake you at the core of your being as a Christian man, or simply just as a man...but well worth it.
This is a book that will shake you at the core of your being as a Christian man, or simply just as a man...but well worth it.
September 26, 2018
I loved Sowers' book "Fatherless Generation," and wanted to like this book more. There was some good stuff in here, but overall not quite as good as that first book.
February 18, 2026
In this highly personal account, Sowers articulates a concept that is important for men and women of all ages to understand (and the sooner the better), as he discusses various personal and societal expectations of what it means to be a man, the origins of some of those expectations, their merit in terms of traditional morality and manly virtues, and how each man can overcome personal and familial deficiencies and ubiquitous incorrect ideas on the individual path to develop and demonstrate inspired masculinity.
Like Dr. Jordan Peterson, Sowers discusses the need for masculine traits in the world and in the home because of their protective, provident and constructive qualities when righteously developed and expressed. Beginning with his personal quest and adventures in the Alaskan wilderness then turning to historical and culturally-based, transformational coming-of-age experiences each young man should seek and build upon, Sowers offers a practical outline for growth as well as the perfect model for each seeker of the masculine heart by highlighting the growth, character and works of Jesus Christ.
If you have doubts or concerns about your personal merit, your potential, your role in the world, or in your present or future family, consider this book as one way to help define and expand your purpose, your life, and your soul.
Like Dr. Jordan Peterson, Sowers discusses the need for masculine traits in the world and in the home because of their protective, provident and constructive qualities when righteously developed and expressed. Beginning with his personal quest and adventures in the Alaskan wilderness then turning to historical and culturally-based, transformational coming-of-age experiences each young man should seek and build upon, Sowers offers a practical outline for growth as well as the perfect model for each seeker of the masculine heart by highlighting the growth, character and works of Jesus Christ.
If you have doubts or concerns about your personal merit, your potential, your role in the world, or in your present or future family, consider this book as one way to help define and expand your purpose, your life, and your soul.
April 18, 2023
An inspiring insight into the lost art of manhood
September 10, 2015
One of the best books on masculinity I've ever read. Going back through it again right now with the two guys I'm discipling on a weekly basis. John Sowers is an excellent author and his cultural references (80s and 90s) are all familiar. I really enjoyed this book.
September 28, 2024
A thought provoking read from a soon to be dad. Brings up a lot of great points. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
May 22, 2015
Great book! A wonderful look into the masculine soul.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews