Like Streams to the Ocean

September 1, 2020

Wilderness magazine executive editor Jenkins, known for his New York Times best seller To Shake the Sleeping Self: A Journey from Oregon to Patagonia, and a Quest for a Life with No Regret, here writes a collection of essays, some previously published and others shared here for the first time, on what makes us who we are. These grounded meditations on life are rooted in the author's own experiences; fearing rejection for being a gay Christian and identifying, and responding to, insecurities. These are among the subjects that Jenkins eloquently explores in chapters on ego, family, home, friendship, love, work, death, and the soul. His reflections on family are especially moving, as he illustrates the lessons involved with coming to terms with the past and reconnecting with siblings. Each chapter stands on its own, but together they bring insight into how we cope with life's transitions. Similar to his previous book, Jenkins uses writing as a creative outlet, whether rediscovering his native Tennessee, exploring Vermont, or, ultimately, calling Los Angeles home. These are the strongest parts of the book, with the author considering the concept of home, and what belief and belonging means to him. VERDICT Jenkins is a sincere writer, and his ability to make it feel as if he is talking to you directly will both attract longtime fans and engage new readers.--Stephanie Sendaula, Library Journal

Copyright 2020 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2021
Ruminations on our need for purpose and a celebration of adventure. Much as he did in his debut bestseller, To Shake the Sleeping Self, Jenkins sprinkles his joyful, meandering text with musings on the natural world: a lone violet in a meadow; rafting through the Grand Canyon; intense feelings of gratitude for Earth's grandeur and the interconnectedness found throughout nature. His most authoritative chapter is on the ego, where we live "the majority of our lives" and which he keenly defines as "the container in which you build an identity and then defend it." The author goes on to describe his quirky personality and explains how his ego protected him from pain: "As a kid, I highlighted my weirdness and uniqueness to remove myself from competition." He writes affectionately about his good friends, encouraging readers to appreciate and cultivate those relationships, and his open worldview shines in the countless aphoristic passages and introspective reflections scattered throughout the text: "If you could see the strings pulling at people, you'd be as patient as a pillow with everyone you meet"; "Tears are the swelling of something inside me, until that something gets too big for my body to hold. It makes room by pushing the tears out." It's clear that Jenkins wants readers to join him on his journey of self-discovery, which requires consistent questioning: "Who do you feel the most yourself with?"; "Who do you hang with that makes you feel the fullness of one of yourselves?" The bromides may lay too thick on the ground for some readers, but the author seems genuine in his desire to inspire people to consider the true motives behind the desires--and to direct their actions based on those considerations. Ultimately, he advises that we "try things with gusto" and understand "we are ignorant actors in a cosmic drama." An awakening for fellow travelers on the spiritual path.

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