Many men feel a profound emptiness in their lives that cannot be filled
with mere possessions. They are hungry for meaning. From the tragedy, folly,
courage, and ecstasy of a life that is indeed the lot of every man, Jeffrey
(who with his wife Mary brings adolescents through the passage into adulthood
at the School of Lost Borders), has begun to find meaning in the age-old
yearning to love and serve the world in some heartful way. He does not claim
to be anything but human, and after fifteen years of attention to thousands
of men's stories, he has begun to wind a golden thread into a ball. This
book is a golden ball. Indulge yourself with the shadows, solitudes, ecstasies,
and mythologies of modern men, and mark well their ability to have faith,
to forgive, and to reconcile.-- Steven F., California
Years in quest to help men understand themselves and their place in their communities, Jeffrey Duvall has lived at the core of the contemporary men's movement experience. His quest has led to thousands of encounters with men of all ages facing their spiritual awakening and challenges at each phase in life -- and he has listened to and lived their stories. He has captured the wisdom of those stories, and recorded the value of those meetings in his new book, "Stories of Men, Meaning and Prayer." Jeffrey writes with a poignant, clear, definitive and eloquent voice. Jeffrey's "Stories of Men, Meaning and Prayer" is as important as Sam Keen's writing in "Fire in the Belly". This book is not just for men, though, it is for every woman who cares to know men intimately, and understand the men they love and live with everyday. His work reveals the secrets about the journey of men who seek wholeness and purpose in life. This book has given me a much needed and expanded understanding of myself as a man in relation to my community, and the importance of the power of prayer as only Jeffrey could give it. This is a must read!
-- Robert C., Colorado
Jeffrey Duvall has achieved a beautifully written, honest look at the missing meaning in our lives, while carefully weaving instructions to recapture our essence. The book is aimed at men but is relevant for anyone who thirsts for meaning in his/her life. Describing his own journey from a "disembodied existence" he illustrates the disconnection between self and meaning prevalent in our society. Duvall invites us to find out who we are and what we represent by having the courage to step into the unknown. With that step, we learn gratitude and responsibility. To recover meaning, Duvall implores us to examine the truths held in our bodies, recognize the beauty of giving and receiving love, appreciate our elders, and understand the need for destruction of cultural assumptions regarding material success. The importance of prayer, ritual, intuition, and connection with Nature is set out in a way that compels us to take up the challenge and become who we truly are.
-- Rebecca C., Colorado
What a wonderful work! I found it most moving and inspiring. I especially enjoy the stories and the metaphors from nature sprinkled throughout. (Jeffrey's) obvious love of Spirit, the natural world, and the work with men is strong and radiates forth from the page…I feel a soul of passion, humility and reverence here, and truths that need to be spoken… helping me remember important things I so often forget.
-- Dave G., Colorado
…such a wonderful book! ..although I read (this) book in one sitting (it) rests by my bedstand at night. It brings me great comfort at the end of a long day. I love to re-read certain chapters and wonder about the possibilities at a time and place with such great peace.
-- Kathleen H., Massachusetts
(Jeffrey's) heart and spirit come through with passion, commitment and love. Much of what I read resonates deeply in my soul…
-- Judy G., Connecticut
Thank you so much for (this) book - for (the) diligence in getting it all down, and mostly for (the) spirit that has long gathered so much to treasure. I know it will be appreciated by many, friends and strangers alike.
-- Terry C., Colorado
I keep this book beside my reading chair. The author has respect for all facets of the human heart. He is widely read. It is a treat to follow his quest with him, his quest through books. He has a unique understanding of nature - both the beauty and the cruelty. This embrace of the whole builds to a message of wonder and hope. I identify with Jeffrey Duvall's self-image as a refugee, a seeker who honors ritual, who honors the miracle of a group and its regenerative powers, and who honors solitude. I can read a few pages of the book every morning as a beautiful meditation. It is the work of a sincere and generous man.
-- Mary G., Connecticut
I started reading (this) book last night and immediately was intrigued. I read more tonight and was touched. When I got to (the) reference to the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, I felt honored because I knew that I was really one of the first, and I hope one of the many, to be blessed by (this) book.
-- Jim M., Georgia
(Jeffrey) speak(s) to my soul, to the questions that run in my river…I am reading the book and it feels like I am holding heart and hunger inside and out…I am thankful…for the art and soul of this creation, for the gift of this book in the world at this time, for the power of (this) "small torch"
-- Peter G.
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