Interesting read, but might not be for everyone trying to figure out their next job move

books:

	• Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation Parker J. Palmer Jossey-Bass, 1999 - 128 pages average customer review:based on 73 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Using this text in medical education

At Saint Louis University School of Medicine, we have a long-running distinction program in community service. When I joined the faculty in 2008, we began the tradition of giving first year students a copy of this text when they were accepted into the program. Palmer's story of uncovering his true vocation and his understanding of his authentic self translates well to our medical students. He writes in a style that "goes deep" while remaining succinct. His text is a useful tool for us for introducing a more reflective approach to medical education and nurturing students to find joy and contentment at the onset of this phase of their professional training.

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Wise and wonderful!

Parker J. Palmer's insights are so true and so wise. They helped me to think about my own life. I was sorry to come to the end of this book.

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Interesting read, but might not be for everyone trying to figure out their next job move

I really liked this book. The author is interesting and engaging and clearly has much to offer on the topic of finding your way in the world. There is a lot of depth and food for thought here.

The problem with any book of this type, not just this one, is that the person writing it has obviously already found his vocation as a writer. (Of course I knew this going in and bought it and enjoyed it anyway.)

As someone with a PhD and seemingly no difficulties in terms of finances, his journey is indeed interesting, but hardly on par with a mid-level professional who must make career decisions based on the need to earn a living. Though this book's theme is about finding where what you love to do intersects with some great need in the world, I can only wish I had the time and the resources to do that. However, after having read this book, I now understand that taking jobs for the money is a choice I've made, not something that's just happened to me. I choose financial security over happiness... and I can always rethink that choice.

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This spoke to me...

It is true that every book that offers personal help and inspiration does not speak to every reader. I have had that experience in spades. People will recommend at book and I will read it and while it is not necessarily a "bad" book, it just doesn't speak to me. This one did. That's the best I can say about it. I read this book from the library and felt such a connection with the message that I bought myself a copy to keep and one for a friend of mine who is also trying to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up. This book is not a blueprint per se, but it sure guided me towards places to look for answers...both within myself and without. Incidentally, I did some searching on this man's background and discovered that he's not just some fly-by-night looking to make a buck selling books to people who are searching for themselves. He has a genuine message about his own journey that we are lucky enough to have shared with us. (P.S. Both book sellers I purchased from gave me great service and sent books in excellent shape.)

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Wanted more

I recently heard Parker Palmer speak, and was left wanting to hear more, thus the reading of this book. In his speach, I had just a taste of what he had to say about vocation. He seemed to never get around to addressing that topic, although it was the title of his talk. The beginning of this book contains much wisdom regarding vocation, but soon became a discussion of Palmer's personal struggle with depression. While the early discussion on vocation was meaningful, there was too little of it, in an already short book. Admittedly, he states that it was not a "how to" book for others to follow his directions, but rather that they would be able to learn from his experiences and apply them to their own lives. I will say, it gave me the clearest picture of depression that I have ever seen. But, I was reading for vocation, and would have liked more about that.

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reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

With wisdom, compassion, and gentle humor, Parker J. Palmer invites us to listen to the inner teacher and follow its leadings toward a sense of meaning and purpose. Telling stories from his own life and the lives of others who have made a difference, he shares insights gained from darkness and depression as well as fulfillment and joy, illuminating a pathway toward vocation for all who seek the true calling of their lives.

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