Very few inspirational books are truly inspiring, this one is. ( )

A very different way of looking into one's vocation. An awesome timeless read. ( )

This book is crap. Don't bother. ( )

The author writes about how he spent most of his life in prestigious jobs (education management) for which he was temperamentally unsuited. This led into a discussion of why and how to find out what you should be doing with your life. Intermittently insightful, but the emotional tone was flat and, unfortunately, I wasn't able to feel as much empathy as I wanted to or thought I should. (I feel doubly unfair because Palmer is honest about his lifelong struggle with clinical depression.)

The section about discernment -- a process by which Quakers challenge their friends to confront their beliefs and preconceived notions, without using any declarative sentences, made the book worth it. ( )

With wisdom, compassion and gentl 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. ( )