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The Book of Soul: 52 Paths to Living What Matters
A powerful new book of spiritual awakening from #1 New York Times bestselling author Mark Nepo
In The Book of Soul, Mark Nepo, the bestselling author of The Book of Awakening, offers a powerful guide to inhabiting an authentic and wholehearted life. After we are physically born, we must be spiritually born a second time, a process that takes place through the labor of a lifetime as we develop into more fully realized beings. The Book of Soul delves into the spiritual alchemy of that transformation in all its mystery, difficulty, and inevitability.
The book is divided into four sections that mark the passages we all face: enduring our Walk in the World, until we discover Our True Inheritance, which allows us to live in the open by Widening Our Circle, as we Help Each Other Stay Awake. The Book of Soul is a piercing guide, replete with beautiful truths and startling insight, that leads us deeply into the process of transformation.
In The Book of Soul, Mark Nepo, the bestselling author of The Book of Awakening, offers a powerful guide to inhabiting an authentic and wholehearted life. After we are physically born, we must be spiritually born a second time, a process that takes place through the labor of a lifetime as we develop into more fully realized beings. The Book of Soul delves into the spiritual alchemy of that transformation in all its mystery, difficulty, and inevitability.
The book is divided into four sections that mark the passages we all face: enduring our Walk in the World, until we discover Our True Inheritance, which allows us to live in the open by Widening Our Circle, as we Help Each Other Stay Awake. The Book of Soul is a piercing guide, replete with beautiful truths and startling insight, that leads us deeply into the process of transformation.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published May 5, 2020
154 people are currently reading
1529 people want to read
About the author
Mark Nepo
52 books618 followersMark Nepo is a poet and spiritual teacher whose work explores inner transformation and the courage to stay open to life. Known for the bestselling The Book of Awakening, he has written more than twenty books and created numerous audio projects that invite readers to reflect, heal, and deepen their relationships. A cancer survivor, he often describes his illness as a turning point that shaped his understanding of presence and vulnerability. After many years teaching literature and poetry, he devoted himself to writing and guiding others through workshops and retreats. His reflections have been featured widely, including on Oprah Winfrey’s Super Soul Sunday, and he continues to write about living with authenticity and attention.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 30, 2020
Originally published on my book blog, TheBibliophage.com.
Mark Nepo is the only author with a spiritual bent that I consistently read. And his May 2020 book, The Book of Soul: 52 Paths to Living What Matters is no exception. It’s a peaceful, warm, and caring respite from a world on fire.
Nepo talks about topics such as how we show up in the world, how wide our circle is, and our true inheritance. Importantly, another section is focused on how we keep each other awake. As with some of his other books, the chapters are divided into short bursts. They’re suitable for a daily reading. But rest assured, they’re meaty. I found myself reading sentences multiple times, just to let the meaning sink in more deeply.
And Nepo also gives journal writing and conversation prompts with each chapter. This is a contemplative book that can be savored over time, because he offers so much to digest.
It’s hard to encapsulate and review a spiritual book. I think each reader takes away different content, even varying with each reading. But Nepo’s main focus is two-fold. First, finding comfort in yourself—who you are and how you feel. And second, finding out how you fit into the world and develop relationships. But of course, your mileage may vary.
My conclusions
The Book of Soul felt calming and enriching to read. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of ideas to ponder. In fact, I could probably start rereading one chapter a day right now, even though I just finished.
Nepo doesn’t write with a particular religious tradition in mind. His perspective enlightens the Universe around us, and the humanity within us. He writing is about valuing each other, and above all, valuing ourselves. This time, I connected to his words about where we focus and spend time listening. And how to listen with an open heart, in order to silence the roaring noises around us.
I recommend The Book of Soul if you’re looking for a soul-searching respite. It’s a timely and meaningful antidote to the news.
Honestly, you can pair this book with anything. So I’ll leave that up to you this time.
Acknowledgements
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press / St. Martin’s Essentials, and the author for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for this honest review.
Mark Nepo is the only author with a spiritual bent that I consistently read. And his May 2020 book, The Book of Soul: 52 Paths to Living What Matters is no exception. It’s a peaceful, warm, and caring respite from a world on fire.
Nepo talks about topics such as how we show up in the world, how wide our circle is, and our true inheritance. Importantly, another section is focused on how we keep each other awake. As with some of his other books, the chapters are divided into short bursts. They’re suitable for a daily reading. But rest assured, they’re meaty. I found myself reading sentences multiple times, just to let the meaning sink in more deeply.
And Nepo also gives journal writing and conversation prompts with each chapter. This is a contemplative book that can be savored over time, because he offers so much to digest.
It’s hard to encapsulate and review a spiritual book. I think each reader takes away different content, even varying with each reading. But Nepo’s main focus is two-fold. First, finding comfort in yourself—who you are and how you feel. And second, finding out how you fit into the world and develop relationships. But of course, your mileage may vary.
My conclusions
The Book of Soul felt calming and enriching to read. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of ideas to ponder. In fact, I could probably start rereading one chapter a day right now, even though I just finished.
Nepo doesn’t write with a particular religious tradition in mind. His perspective enlightens the Universe around us, and the humanity within us. He writing is about valuing each other, and above all, valuing ourselves. This time, I connected to his words about where we focus and spend time listening. And how to listen with an open heart, in order to silence the roaring noises around us.
I recommend The Book of Soul if you’re looking for a soul-searching respite. It’s a timely and meaningful antidote to the news.
Honestly, you can pair this book with anything. So I’ll leave that up to you this time.
Acknowledgements
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press / St. Martin’s Essentials, and the author for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for this honest review.
April 30, 2020
I received a complimentary digital copy of this arc book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
“Our constant challenge is to accept how life wears away what doesn’t matter until the miracle of life is revealed in everything.”
The book explores the deep personal nature of people and how we can integrate our often complicated but authentic selves to live a life that matters.
The author refers to prior books about living “The One Life We’re Given”, so we can release the wisdom that waits in our heart, and that tender, human process leads us to “The Way Under The Way: The Place of True Meeting”.
This book may not be for everyone as it is very spiritual and philosophical in nature. Don’t get me wrong, I think that there are many thoughtful and insightful reflections which can be beneficial to everyone. Each chapter closes with “Questions to Walk With” which provides prompt for further discussion or self reflection.
“Our constant challenge is to accept how life wears away what doesn’t matter until the miracle of life is revealed in everything.”
The book explores the deep personal nature of people and how we can integrate our often complicated but authentic selves to live a life that matters.
The author refers to prior books about living “The One Life We’re Given”, so we can release the wisdom that waits in our heart, and that tender, human process leads us to “The Way Under The Way: The Place of True Meeting”.
This book may not be for everyone as it is very spiritual and philosophical in nature. Don’t get me wrong, I think that there are many thoughtful and insightful reflections which can be beneficial to everyone. Each chapter closes with “Questions to Walk With” which provides prompt for further discussion or self reflection.
September 4, 2022
The Book of No.
April 21, 2021
Such an inspiring read. So much insight on what it means to live properly, in tune with oneself, one‘s integration with society. Just so many lessons and inspiring journal prompts. Highly recommendable. 🦋🤍
January 10, 2022
Very good read, but slow going. You are to read a chapter a week, I read about one or two a day instead. It is very thought-provoking and a bit like the Buddha books I read. Enjoy.
April 10, 2020
This review is provided by NetGalley.
If you haven't read any of the previous Mark Nepo books, such The Book of Awakening, never fear jumping in with his latest. The Book of Soul may be considered a sequel in a way to The Book of Awakening, but it's a beautiful read if this is your first exposure. I began this galley before the COVID-19 crisis hit the United States. Once we were quarantined, this book called to me. It felt like the right time for it even though there's always a crisis going on somewhere. Had this come out last year, I may have been worried about the Syrian refugees; or the wildfires in Australia and California; or the hottest winter on record melting the glaciers; or, or, or... literally anything. There's always something going on bigger than us and The Book of the Soul reminds us of personal journey through time.
I found myself highlighted countless passages as I did in Drinking from the River of Light. My soul was indeed touched and moved by the essays. I found the third part of the book called "Widening Our Circle" tangibly ready for me to absorb during this quarantine crisis. The previous sections were excellent preparation. Nepo -- in his poetic language -- tells readers that it's our authentic presence that gives us worth. It's not how much work we produce or whether we possess more than other people. It's being authentic and simply being, existing, connecting.
When Nepo speaks of brilliant artists and creators who succumbed to the demons of suicide, there's no romance nor blame. There's acceptance and love when he mentions Vincent Van Gogh, Anne Sexton, and Sylvia Plath.
"These legendary figures highlight a journey we're all born into: we never stop paddling in the larger sea, while being tossed about by the tides of life."
As with his other works, Nepo sets up each chapter with a quote or two on the theme; then his essay; then a task to do on your own; ending with a task to do with someone else. Those two tasks are usually recalling a time when something about the theme happened in your life and journaling about it; and having a conversation for a friend to ask questions and offer your own experiences.
This setup for his essays with "homework" at the end of each one would be great for teachers, pastors, or team leaders to use for bringing people out of their shells or to network gently. I can remember corporate team-building days like the Six Sigma training where people were supposed to work together on silly tasks like memorization, trust falls, or the like. It was expected as a worker-bee to complain about those days; but I enjoyed them. I think if people had been able to let go of the shells around them, they would have realized that coworkers were literally on their side. Sure we worried about our jobs, but that wasn't Brad in IT's fault. Choosing who you have a connection with should be a give and take experience. The conversation prompts in this book and the others can help get you there.
The chapter on living through a crisis is vital food for thought. As I said, if it wasn't a pandemic, it would be something else like people kept in filthy detention centers at our border. Empathy should be welcomed not hindered. Nepo makes a point of saying that having empathy doesn't eliminate the need for justice and policy changes, nor does it diminish the pain when someone else is feeling joy.
"For today, you may be blessed with the comforts of a warm bed and plenty to eat, and tomorrow you may need the kindness of a stranger. We take turns on the wheel of life: falling down and getting up, or having more than we need and then in time needing more to make it through. In this we all share the same hunger and quench the same thirst."
This is the type of book you could buy for someone who may only read in short periods of time and take three years to get through the whole thing. It's also great for anyone who has a role as the person responsible for bringing community and connection together.
Rating: 5 stars
If you haven't read any of the previous Mark Nepo books, such The Book of Awakening, never fear jumping in with his latest. The Book of Soul may be considered a sequel in a way to The Book of Awakening, but it's a beautiful read if this is your first exposure. I began this galley before the COVID-19 crisis hit the United States. Once we were quarantined, this book called to me. It felt like the right time for it even though there's always a crisis going on somewhere. Had this come out last year, I may have been worried about the Syrian refugees; or the wildfires in Australia and California; or the hottest winter on record melting the glaciers; or, or, or... literally anything. There's always something going on bigger than us and The Book of the Soul reminds us of personal journey through time.
I found myself highlighted countless passages as I did in Drinking from the River of Light. My soul was indeed touched and moved by the essays. I found the third part of the book called "Widening Our Circle" tangibly ready for me to absorb during this quarantine crisis. The previous sections were excellent preparation. Nepo -- in his poetic language -- tells readers that it's our authentic presence that gives us worth. It's not how much work we produce or whether we possess more than other people. It's being authentic and simply being, existing, connecting.
When Nepo speaks of brilliant artists and creators who succumbed to the demons of suicide, there's no romance nor blame. There's acceptance and love when he mentions Vincent Van Gogh, Anne Sexton, and Sylvia Plath.
"These legendary figures highlight a journey we're all born into: we never stop paddling in the larger sea, while being tossed about by the tides of life."
As with his other works, Nepo sets up each chapter with a quote or two on the theme; then his essay; then a task to do on your own; ending with a task to do with someone else. Those two tasks are usually recalling a time when something about the theme happened in your life and journaling about it; and having a conversation for a friend to ask questions and offer your own experiences.
This setup for his essays with "homework" at the end of each one would be great for teachers, pastors, or team leaders to use for bringing people out of their shells or to network gently. I can remember corporate team-building days like the Six Sigma training where people were supposed to work together on silly tasks like memorization, trust falls, or the like. It was expected as a worker-bee to complain about those days; but I enjoyed them. I think if people had been able to let go of the shells around them, they would have realized that coworkers were literally on their side. Sure we worried about our jobs, but that wasn't Brad in IT's fault. Choosing who you have a connection with should be a give and take experience. The conversation prompts in this book and the others can help get you there.
The chapter on living through a crisis is vital food for thought. As I said, if it wasn't a pandemic, it would be something else like people kept in filthy detention centers at our border. Empathy should be welcomed not hindered. Nepo makes a point of saying that having empathy doesn't eliminate the need for justice and policy changes, nor does it diminish the pain when someone else is feeling joy.
"For today, you may be blessed with the comforts of a warm bed and plenty to eat, and tomorrow you may need the kindness of a stranger. We take turns on the wheel of life: falling down and getting up, or having more than we need and then in time needing more to make it through. In this we all share the same hunger and quench the same thirst."
This is the type of book you could buy for someone who may only read in short periods of time and take three years to get through the whole thing. It's also great for anyone who has a role as the person responsible for bringing community and connection together.
Rating: 5 stars
June 14, 2020
I received a copy of this ebook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was incredibly underwhelmed by this book. The chapters are very short and are basically short vignettes of New Agey, pseudo-psychological strings of words that sound insightful but are really meaningless. Maybe these phrases do mean something to him, but he never explains to the reader what he means so we are left utterly confused, like we're supposed to have gained some insight into our soul work but can't quite grasp it. Like what does "the fragrant cliff" even mean? He uses that phrase several times in one of the last chapters but doesn't explain it at all.
This book would also have been greatly improved if he had used more examples and stories to explain what he was trying to say. He uses so few stories/examples to illustrate what he's trying to say, and half the time those examples don't really match the chapter or the point he's trying to make or just confuse the point further.
One of the examples he used really left me questioning his credibility - in one chapter he talked extensively about Marina Abramović, a performance artist whose work often seems insightful but is really deeply narcissistic and masochistic. She also treats the young artists who apprentice with her like crap, and pays them nothing or next-to-nothing with the excuse that the experience is payment enough. (Excuse me, but that's bullshit. PAY ARTISTS.)
I gave this two stars instead of one because for the few nuggets of wisdom sprinkled throughout, and a few insightful stories(the story about Stephen Tyler and the Aerosmith concert was the most insightful and thought-provoking), though there was never anything terribly ground-breaking. The journaling and discussion exercises were also sometimes interesting and potentially helpful in the beginning, but as the book went on they became increasingly vague and meaningless, mirroring the confusing phrasing in the rest of the book and leaving us confused what he even wanted us to reflect on in the first place.
I was incredibly underwhelmed by this book. The chapters are very short and are basically short vignettes of New Agey, pseudo-psychological strings of words that sound insightful but are really meaningless. Maybe these phrases do mean something to him, but he never explains to the reader what he means so we are left utterly confused, like we're supposed to have gained some insight into our soul work but can't quite grasp it. Like what does "the fragrant cliff" even mean? He uses that phrase several times in one of the last chapters but doesn't explain it at all.
This book would also have been greatly improved if he had used more examples and stories to explain what he was trying to say. He uses so few stories/examples to illustrate what he's trying to say, and half the time those examples don't really match the chapter or the point he's trying to make or just confuse the point further.
One of the examples he used really left me questioning his credibility - in one chapter he talked extensively about Marina Abramović, a performance artist whose work often seems insightful but is really deeply narcissistic and masochistic. She also treats the young artists who apprentice with her like crap, and pays them nothing or next-to-nothing with the excuse that the experience is payment enough. (Excuse me, but that's bullshit. PAY ARTISTS.)
I gave this two stars instead of one because for the few nuggets of wisdom sprinkled throughout, and a few insightful stories(the story about Stephen Tyler and the Aerosmith concert was the most insightful and thought-provoking), though there was never anything terribly ground-breaking. The journaling and discussion exercises were also sometimes interesting and potentially helpful in the beginning, but as the book went on they became increasingly vague and meaningless, mirroring the confusing phrasing in the rest of the book and leaving us confused what he even wanted us to reflect on in the first place.
March 12, 2020
I am usually not a fan of self help books, but the title of this book appealed to me so I wanted to give it a try. It is divided into 4 parts. The first half of it was stunningly eye opening. I was connecting to many little little stories, quotes, ideas,.. one of the stories that stuck into my head was his experience at the Aerosmith concert; how Steven Tyler and his audience became just one through the convector of music. As a fan of concert and not a big fan of people it made me realise that concerts are one of the few olaces where I am enjoying crowds as we all connect to the artist and each other through music. We let go of all our preconceptions: race, gender, religion, political affiliation,... everything that separates us in real life disappears thanks to music, and the whole venue becomes One.
This is a good book, I recommend it to those who are into the real meaning of life, and those who want to learn how to break down their walls and learn how to listen to their inner self.
At the end of each chapter, there is a question for you to ponder on, write about, and an exercice to do with a partner/friend.
Thank you Net Galley and St. Martins Press for the copy of this e-book in exchange for a honest review.
This is a good book, I recommend it to those who are into the real meaning of life, and those who want to learn how to break down their walls and learn how to listen to their inner self.
At the end of each chapter, there is a question for you to ponder on, write about, and an exercice to do with a partner/friend.
Thank you Net Galley and St. Martins Press for the copy of this e-book in exchange for a honest review.
May 4, 2020
I just couldn't connect with book. I felt it was a little pretentious and trying to sound smart rather than trying to actually help people understand. The "questions to walk with" at the end of each section were not always applicable or too broad/vague.
I am sure those just beginning their spiritual practice can gets some nuggets from this book.
I received a free copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I am sure those just beginning their spiritual practice can gets some nuggets from this book.
I received a free copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2020
I am a reader of the author's previous work and was please to receive this for review. This is a in depth thought provoking book that you need to take your time reading and apply to your life. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own.
I took almost two months to slowly absorb this book and read through every aspect of this wonderful self help book. I recommend even speed readers like myself go slowly through this book. You may want to keep a journal nearby to write down thoughts that you have while you are reading this. There is so much material here that apply's to our lives and it is especially through provoking during the current pandemic.
The book is divided into four sections : enduring our Walk in the World, Our True Inheritance, which allows us to live in the open by Widening Our Circle, as we Help Each Other Stay Awake. Each section is a marvelous help to discovering the depths of your soul and will help you reevaluate your life. The 52 short chapters give you a more meaningful life and tools to help you break away from materialism and live a authentic life. I highly recommend this book for your self help library and to vastly improve your life. Very well done to the author. This is a book to buy a copy of to keep by your bed and refer to again and again.
I took almost two months to slowly absorb this book and read through every aspect of this wonderful self help book. I recommend even speed readers like myself go slowly through this book. You may want to keep a journal nearby to write down thoughts that you have while you are reading this. There is so much material here that apply's to our lives and it is especially through provoking during the current pandemic.
The book is divided into four sections : enduring our Walk in the World, Our True Inheritance, which allows us to live in the open by Widening Our Circle, as we Help Each Other Stay Awake. Each section is a marvelous help to discovering the depths of your soul and will help you reevaluate your life. The 52 short chapters give you a more meaningful life and tools to help you break away from materialism and live a authentic life. I highly recommend this book for your self help library and to vastly improve your life. Very well done to the author. This is a book to buy a copy of to keep by your bed and refer to again and again.
March 17, 2020
The Book of Soul: 52 Paths to Living What Matters by Mark Nepo is a guide for actively living in our present with an awareness of our soul. Although I do not personally agree or hold the same religious beliefs of the author, this book is an interesting read for anyone looking inside themselves for a deeper realization of the meaning of their being in this current life. "Being so fully present releases the unconscious influence we have on one another, which touches us beneath all our troubles and differences." I am glad I read The Book of Soul for the relevant insights which are reminders we do not live alone but actions we take do affect others who surround us each day. I also could relate to the passages concerning gratitude. "Staying devoted to a practice of gratitude is another way to lessen our fears." How appropriate this statement is for the days in which we are living. I enjoyed reading the experience of the author as he visited with Steven Tyler. I have recognized the kindness of spirit in the interviews Steven Tyler gives and he seems to have an aware balance with the spirit of his soul.
Publication Date: May 5, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Publication Date: May 5, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
May 5, 2020
Let me preface this review by stating that I am a long-time admirer of Mark Nepo. His book "Inside the Miracle" is virtually a Bible for me, and has brought me incredible solace in the wake of my father's death from Alzheimer's Disease. That is why it really pains me to say that The Book of Soul was not one of his best works. Part of my negative response to the book comes from the times. For me, this is a period of deep grieving for all of us as individuals, and I cannot emotionally leap past that point quickly to find salvation in community action, particularly when that community is filled with individuals who refuse to take the simplest steps to care for others by wearing a face mask or stay safely away from others in the name of "personal freedom." The Book of Soul's was also written in a style that did not speak to me. The writing is far less immediate, and more dense and allegorical, than in some of Mark Nepo's previous works. Too much head over heart. I hope that this book is very meaningful for readers during this difficult time. However, it was just not the book for me at this point of the journey.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2020
I have never read this author before but found the book quite interesting despite having not yet completed it. It is not a book you can sit down and read, it has to be taken in and digested. It is thought provoking in finding your own heart, what matters to you and why and realizing your full potential without bending to the crowd or going through the motions for accolades. He has added short self help journal assignments to each chapter so you can write your thoughts on paper and really think about the way you manage your life. It is very psychological very deep, and requires your full attention to 'immerse' as he says, to get 110% value and satisfaction from the content. It makes perfect sense when you are fully engaged in the subject matter. Another way of thinking is.. it's all about reaching Maslow's hierarchy of self actualization but within day to day activities the inner and outer self meshing. You just have to read the book to understand.
I was provided an Advanced reader copy of the book and was under no obligation to provide a review.The opinions expressed are my own.Thanks to the author,publisher,and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
I was provided an Advanced reader copy of the book and was under no obligation to provide a review.The opinions expressed are my own.Thanks to the author,publisher,and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
May 9, 2020
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I want to provide that review but I have not been able to finish the book. It is very dense and thought-provoking. There are lots of different topics in this book about spirituality and the human experience, and I appreciate the author’s perspective on it. It definitely skews more intellectual, which I usually appreciate, but I’m struggling to connect with the book. It feels more conceptual/philosophical than personal, which is what I’m usually looking for in a spiritual book. It’s structured in 52 short chapters, so I’m not sure whether the author intends it to be a year-long study. If so, that would make sense to me as I didn’t find it to be a book that you could sit down and consume in a few sittings. It is a lot to process.
May 12, 2020
With THE BOOK OF SOUL, Mark Nepo does the remarkable: acts as guide and friend in plumbing life and living well in this world. From the first words, Nepo explores, prompts, and shares his unique genius in a clear, straightforward direct line to the heart and mind. Early in the book, he states, "When facing what's ours to face, we're surprised to learn time and gain, that under what seems unbearable is the rest of life waiting to be lived." At the end of every wise chapter, there are questions to walk with either in a journal or in conversation, offering the reader the chance to embody and own their own insights. Yeah, the book is an exceptional one: profound and practical and kind like the very best of friends.
May 15, 2020
This is the first time I’ve read one of Mark Nepo’s books, but in reading The Book of Soul, it was clear to me that he must be a poet. His writing is beautiful, meditative, and metaphorical. It requires a patient, thoughtful approach.
The book is written in 52 short chapters, and would be nice to read one chapter per week so you have time to contemplate the content. Each chapter concludes with prompts for journaling or conversation to help you engage with the ideas.
I recommend this book for anyone who is interested in spiritual growth and enjoys contemplation.
Thanks to the publisher, St. Martin's Essentials, for providing me with an unproofed ARC through NetGalley, which I volunteered to review.
The book is written in 52 short chapters, and would be nice to read one chapter per week so you have time to contemplate the content. Each chapter concludes with prompts for journaling or conversation to help you engage with the ideas.
I recommend this book for anyone who is interested in spiritual growth and enjoys contemplation.
Thanks to the publisher, St. Martin's Essentials, for providing me with an unproofed ARC through NetGalley, which I volunteered to review.
March 11, 2020
I think that everyone who writes self help books could convey their essential message on one page. While doing that would gift us with clarity and conciseness.....it would not sell books. Many self help authors want to help their readers, and they also want to sell books. And so they take their message embroider it with anecdotes and stories, references to other authors....until they have book length manuscript. This book may be the book that really does it for someone who has not gotten the message from other books or experiences. May this book find it's way to the people who will find this is the book and the time when they are prepared to receive the messages it offers.
May 6, 2020
Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.
—Carl Jung
🌱🌱🌱
The Book of Soul by Mark Nepo is a collection of 52 short chapters intended to help the reader live a life of meaning. Although most of the actual points the book makes are sound, I thought that it was often on the edge of being entirely too pretentious. That said I did finish this book, so clearly it was still an easy enough read in spite of itself, and there were several chapters that I enjoyed greatly. The version that I read was an advance e-book, so until I see a finished copy that proves me wrong I’m going to leave this review at 3 stars.
—Carl Jung
🌱🌱🌱
The Book of Soul by Mark Nepo is a collection of 52 short chapters intended to help the reader live a life of meaning. Although most of the actual points the book makes are sound, I thought that it was often on the edge of being entirely too pretentious. That said I did finish this book, so clearly it was still an easy enough read in spite of itself, and there were several chapters that I enjoyed greatly. The version that I read was an advance e-book, so until I see a finished copy that proves me wrong I’m going to leave this review at 3 stars.
May 30, 2020
I received a copy of this book provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
I am a big fan of Self Help books, especially those that are connected to spiritual growth and enlightenment. I thought this book was full of wisdom, thought provoking, well-written and deep. Mark knows how to get the reader to connect with the words on the page. Sometimes you read something and it's just that, but I actually felt the message. I believe this book is written to always come back to. Just a reminder of what life is truly about.
I will continue to read this book, and update my review.
I am a big fan of Self Help books, especially those that are connected to spiritual growth and enlightenment. I thought this book was full of wisdom, thought provoking, well-written and deep. Mark knows how to get the reader to connect with the words on the page. Sometimes you read something and it's just that, but I actually felt the message. I believe this book is written to always come back to. Just a reminder of what life is truly about.
I will continue to read this book, and update my review.
December 9, 2020
Mark Nepo’s books are wonderful sources of soul-stirring, beautifully distilled spiritual wisdom. This little volume of 52 short essays followed by what he calls “questions to walk with” is no exception. Because of this format, The Book of Soul, lends itself perfectly to use for journaling prompts or even for deeper discussion with others on a similar spiritual path. However you choose to enjoy this book, you will find it an amazing source of thought-provoking and deeply felt truths that are timeless yet perfectly relevant for today.
July 1, 2021
For a year, I have enjoyed a chapter a week of this amazing book of 52 essays. I love the Book of Awakening, for daily meditations. This is a weekly one. I fell off the wagon and have been in such a place of solitude recently that I have been finishing by reading 1-2 a day. I finished this magnificent collection today and will hold it among the many life changing books that are my bibles. Thank you for sharing your immensely beautiful poetic words and teachings. The world is lucky to have mark nepo.
August 8, 2020
I have heard Mark Nepo quoted for years. Finally, when given an opportunity by Netgalley to receive an ARC, I decided to check him out. There were pieces of the book I enjoyed, but his style doesn’t resonate with me. He writes in a very descriptive, flowery language which just isn’t my cup of tea. He is known for his poetry so I shouldn’t have been surprised by this. So if this is the kind of writing you like then you will probably enjoy this book.
Want to read
May 2, 2020Nepo has been around a long time, and is a safe bet when it comes to writing solid philosophical and wisdom-filled essays. This one is no different, and has a number of nuggets. Each chapter ends with a couple of suggestions/questions to ponder. I didn't like this as much as the couple of other Nepo books I've read, but this is still worthwhile.
Thank you very much for the ARC for review!!
Thank you very much for the ARC for review!!
May 19, 2020
This is a wonderful addition to my Mark Nepo library of wisdom. He puts into words what my heart feels and gently encourages opening my heart and mind to a wider world of compassion. His books seem to come out in time for world events. Never quite sure how this happens but I do believe that Mark is connected to the Divine and they use him!
May 12, 2020
If you are looking for a book about how to make you happier not just in this life but the next, then you found the right book. Mark Nepo lays out many ways for you to try to find a better life and therefore Soul. This is interesting and very well written.
September 12, 2020
I re-read Nepo’s Book of Awakening every year and continually gather more insight and reflect deeper on what I’m taking in each time I open the book. The Book of Soul initially did not affect me in the same way, maybe I’m not ready to hear the words...
February 11, 2021
I had a hard time connecting with this book. I’m sure some people will find value in this book; I am just not one of those people.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
June 26, 2021
This is a book you read slowly and mull it over.
I got through the first 10 sections before I needed to
return it to the library. But, enjoyed reading and doing
some of the suggested exercises. Maybe a good read for
the beach or morning walks with a friend?
I got through the first 10 sections before I needed to
return it to the library. But, enjoyed reading and doing
some of the suggested exercises. Maybe a good read for
the beach or morning walks with a friend?
June 22, 2023
A good companion for weekly reflections. Several of the early essays are meandering, not nearly as tight and clear as the daily meditations from the Book of Awakening. But as the year progresses, the essays are more lucid and engaging. Overall it nourishes one's inward life.
May 4, 2020
The Book of Soul: 52 Paths to Living What Matters spoke to me when I first saw it on NetGalley because it is about leading an authentic life. I don’t believe I can ever learn enough about that so I was curious to find the 52 ideas that this book had to offer. It turned out to be an amazingly insightful journey. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading it again, slower next time, one chapter a week. I often talked to my friend Lauren and she helped me broaden the meaning of what I was reading.
The Book of Soul is a journalistic style of book with each short chapter followed by 2-3 questions, some to discuss with a friend and others to self-reflect in your journal. These prompts were quite challenging at times, diving deep into my prejudices, beliefs, perceptions and world view. Whether it is in the context of your life as a whole or a passion that you love to pursue, this book will appeal to your teacher-soul and help understand your student-soul better, while at the same time touching on concepts of attention, kindness, empathy and much more.
See my complete thoughts about the book on my blog, Armed with A Book. Many thanks to the publisher for providing me a review copy via NetGalley for an honest review.
The Book of Soul is a journalistic style of book with each short chapter followed by 2-3 questions, some to discuss with a friend and others to self-reflect in your journal. These prompts were quite challenging at times, diving deep into my prejudices, beliefs, perceptions and world view. Whether it is in the context of your life as a whole or a passion that you love to pursue, this book will appeal to your teacher-soul and help understand your student-soul better, while at the same time touching on concepts of attention, kindness, empathy and much more.
See my complete thoughts about the book on my blog, Armed with A Book. Many thanks to the publisher for providing me a review copy via NetGalley for an honest review.
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