by
4.08 of 5 stars
In the middle of the road of my life I awoke in a dark wood where the true way was wholly lost
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DANTE

Like Dante, ma... read full description

reviews

Aug 07, 2009
Natalie rated it: 3 of 5 stars
I can't remember why I picked this up, but it was pretty good for not having read a review or anything beforehand. Whyte explores traditional story-telling (classic poetry like Beowulf) in the context of the work-a-day world, demonstrating how it is pretty common to stuff the dark parts of our beings down where they can't be seen or accessed for inspiration or creativity. This I think is true in modern culture, not just in the corporate world. Not sure why he limited his audience. It was a diffe More...
Dec 15, 2007
Martin rated it: 3 of 5 stars
This book is worthwhile if you're locked into a demanding professional office life and looking for inspiration to break out and survive psychically. What I don't get and what I think makes the book less than it should be is his narrow reference to corporate America as the primary and singular example where the soul does not flourish but can. I think space for the soul and space to be creative is boxed in is the challenge in a good many other work situations than the author addresses directl More...
Aug 30, 2011
Marta rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Changed my life in some ways. Read this one while working on cultural change at PacifiCorp in the mid-1990s. We brought David Whyte to Portland to read and talk with the executives there. Something incredibly powerful about the work of connecting poetry to passion and work to soul.
Aug 15, 2011
Sam rated it: 4 of 5 stars
An enjoyable read. I was hoping for something like his Clear Mind, Wild Heart, and the focus is similar. I can clearly see the origins of Whyte's blend of poetics, myth, and psychology that is fully expressed and illustrated in Clear Mind.
Jan 26, 2012
Lynette rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Don't let the title fool you - this book is for anyone wishing to live passionately, with intention and presence. Who among us does not wish to live fully, with heart aroused?
Mar 21, 2009
Karen rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Rereading this. Excellent and provocative book written to business: poetry and the preservation of the soul in corporate America.
Dec 16, 2009
John rated it: 3 of 5 stars
If one is in business or considering work in the world of business...and you want to preserve your heart...your soul...this is a must.
Dec 29, 2008
Dave rated it: 5 of 5 stars
This is a great book. I love poetry and business books. This book is a great juxtaposition of these two genres. Awesome read.
Jun 01, 2009
David rated it: 1 of 5 stars
Freedom to Join Unions... let's start with that. And while we're at it, let's NOT end with poetry as didactic.
Feb 10, 2012
William rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I have the audiobook, so old that it's on tape. I've played it several times. Great book!
Oct 19, 2009
Jeb marked it as to-read
my dear friend and former teacher Duff recommends this, and I always do my homework.
Mar 25, 2010
Sarah rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Life changer
Oct 29, 2009
Liz rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Wonderful!
Mar 14, 2008
Ed rated it: 5 of 5 stars
If you work in an organization and also think life should focus on art/poetry/literature, then this is a critically important book for you to read. I have read it three times and am currently reading it again. I always get something new out of it. Whyte is a poet, works in helping organizations get deeper and more creative takes on life and would be a great person to go on a long walk with.
Aug 02, 2008
Veek rated it: 4 of 5 stars
A good read for people who work in social arts or sciences, the world of business, and of course for poets. David Whyte is an intelligent and soulful writer, a transplant from the UK to the islands of Puget Sound who has some useful things to say about the intersection of capitalism and the human spirit.
Aug 23, 2007
Aggie rated it: 5 of 5 stars
one of my all time favorite books and poets...David Whyte. What do I love about it .... the beginning of my journey with the idea that what the world thinks is wrong and stupid is just filled with what makes life worth living! A liberating book and full of wonderful poetry.
Jun 19, 2007
S.E. rated it: 5 of 5 stars
The tale of Beowulf, applied to modern western living. I am so ticked off that my copy is in a box somewhere in Colorado, because of course I can't purchase another one, and I've been wanting to read this again for years. It is great.
Jun 29, 2008
Julene rated it: 5 of 5 stars
David Whyte was the poet laureate at Boeing! He was helping people find meaning in work, result: many left their jobs! But in this book and his other on similar topic one can find meaning from classic poetry:
Jan 11, 2011
Rachel marked it as to-read
should corporate culture be enhanced by the reading of poetry, or allowed to shrivel up and die?

i am interested to see what poems the author chooses to inspire us in the workplace.
Dec 17, 2009
Rad rated it: 4 of 5 stars
totally awesome! IF you think corporate america sucks the life out of you, read this. Very well written.

If you work in Corporate America, pick this up.
Apr 07, 2007
Barry rated it: 4 of 5 stars
different approach- the stress of leading in corporate America while staying in touch with your humanity expolred
Jan 10, 2008
Priscilla rated it: 4 of 5 stars
incredible - i love the poetry and the relation to finding your voice and your soul in work
Feb 06, 2012
Robert rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Feb 04, 2012
Audrey marked it as to-read
Feb 03, 2012
Jeffery rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Feb 03, 2012
Mpho3 rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Jan 30, 2012
Dale added it
Jan 29, 2012
Slboland rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Jan 29, 2012
Dan rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Jan 25, 2012
Brenda marked it as to-read