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Come of Age

The Case for Elderhood in a Time of Trouble

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Come of Age

By: Stephen Jenkinson
Narrated by: Stephen Jenkinson
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About this listen

 In his landmark provocative style, Stephen Jenkinson makes the case that we must birth a new generation of elders, one poised and willing to be true stewards of the planet and its species.

Come of Age does not offer tips on how to be a better senior citizen or how to be kinder to our elders. Rather, with lyrical prose and incisive insight, Stephen Jenkinson explores the great paradox of elderhood in North America: how we are awash in the aged and yet somehow lacking in wisdom; how we relegate senior citizens to the corner of the house while simultaneously heralding them as sage elders simply by virtue of their age. Our own unreconciled relationship with what it means to be an elder has yielded a culture nearly bereft of them. Meanwhile, the planet boils, and the younger generation boils with anger over being left an environment and sociopolitical landscape deeply scarred and broken.

Taking on the sacred cow of the family, Jenkinson argues that elderhood is a function rather than an identity—it is not a position earned simply by the number of years on the planet or the title “parent” or “grandparent.” As with his seminal book Die Wise, Jenkinson interweaves rich personal stories with iconoclastic observations that will leave readers radically rethinking their concept of what it takes to be an elder and the risks of doing otherwise. Part critique, part call to action, Come of Age is a love song inviting us—imploring us—to elderhood in this time of trouble. That time is now. We’re an hour before dawn, and first light will show the carnage, or the courage, we bequeath to the generations to come. Aging Parent Gerontology Parenting & Families Relationships Religious Studies Social Sciences Rage
All stars
Most relevant
This book changed the way I think about adversity, loss and catastrophe. It left me more at home in the impossibility and paradox of modern life. I was moved and cried a few times listening to this poetic and stark and loving work. Thank you Stephen. 🙏

Exceptional

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An unusual book, I enjoyed it regardless. Well narrated by the author himself. Was a shame to hear it finish. One to revisit again; some of the content is difficult to hear, hard to accept, it has the ring of truth in it for me.

Unusual

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Stephen is a master story teller! I am grateful for his wisdom during these troubled times as he feels like a trusted companion. The book was even more special as I loved hearing his voice.

Words of wisdom

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This is not a book for everyone - if it calls you, answer… and enjoy the dance

Beautiful!

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every word is strung together in a meaningful and beautiful way. Stephen jenkinson is a masterful story teller. if you read nothing else listen to this and then listen again.

we need this

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