More Together Than Alone: Discovering the Power and Spirit of Community in Our Lives and in the World

by Mark Nepo

Mark Nepo presents a poignant and timely meditation on the importance of community, and living more enriching lives by cultivating connectedness. His thought-provoking analysis and practical takeaways will help us inhabit a stronger sense of togetherness where we live and in the world so we can achieve our highest potential as individuals and as communities.

Genres: Nonfiction, Philosophy, Spirituality, Self Help, Inspirational, Mental Health

597 pages, Library Binding

First published July 17, 2018

About the author

Mark Nepo is a poet and spiritual teacher whose work explores inner transformation and the courage to stay open to life. Known for the bestselling The Book of Awakening, he has written more than twenty books and created numerous audio projects that invite readers to reflect, heal, and deepen their relationships. A cancer survivor, he often describes his illness as a turning point that shaped his understanding of presence and vulnerability. After many years teaching literature and poetry, he devoted himself to writing and guiding others through workshops and retreats. His reflections have been featured widely, including on Oprah Winfrey’s Super Soul Sunday, and he continues to write about living with authenticity and attention.

Reviews

[Lisa Kentgen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read Mark Nepo's book as research for my next book. I gave it 4 stars because he has thoughts that are gems and his exercises are great. However, I found his definitions of community too vague to be able to try to implement. And, to his central point, one of our deepest longings is for community - as such, concrete 'how to' is needed along with inspirational examples.

I would recommend if you aren't looking to it to help you create community.

[Sydney Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Umuntu Ngumuntu Ngabantu, which means: 'A person is a person through other persons.' "Pg. 18

"Everyone needs some help learning who they already are." Pg. 54

"What is to give light must endure burning."- Viktor Frankl Pg. 194

"When we eclipse our humanity, the world is not a dark place. Nor is the heart. In our response to adversity, there is always one more hand that gives than takes, one more voice than all those silenced, and one more slip of moonlight that we can feed to those broken of hope." Pg 202

[Tyler Snortum-phelps · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the general idea, but his attempt at poetic language and lack of clear structure for the whole book makes it feel rather muddled and disjointed. So an individual passage might be interesting or even inspiring, but overall I am not left with much.

[Alesha Erbter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this for a book club discussion and didn’t finish it then. For me, each chapter had so much to unpack that reading more than one a day felt sacrilegious. And overwhelming.

Like most of Mark Nepo’s writings, I found chapter by chapter is better digested in bite size pieces to be tasted, chewed on, swished around and then swallowed. I’ve finally finished the stories but will continue to think of these for awhile.

[Nicole Holthuis · Rating 2 out of 5]

So disappointed. The book is really a series of short essays. Ironically, this book focuses on connections/connecting and yet the essays feel very disjointed. The “questions to live with” hang out there without any clear purpose.

[Kathymike · Rating 3 out of 5]

He's a lovely writer but this book had too much repetition and abstract language for my taste.

[Joanne Mcleod · Rating 5 out of 5]

As from previous writings of Mark Nepo, so much wisdom within these pages! I felt this was one of his best creations.
The author summarizes the content best in one of his concluding paragraphs:
“This whole book is about the necessity of choosing love over fear, of choosing the big raft over the little raft, of accepting that we are interdependent creatures who, given the chance, will make honey of our suffering. I keep saying it like a prayer I don’t quite understand: we are more together than alone.”

[Stephanie Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another inspiring work by Nepo. His thoughts, insights, and wisdom continue to give me hope that together we are moving in healthy, loving ways. Im challenging times, we look to the light. Mark Nepo shine brights. I love his metaphor-heavy prose and he simply makes me smile. I've had the great luxury of doing a writing workshop with him and in person he speaks like he writes, like a poet.

[Sue Ronnenkamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the most beautiful books I’ve read in years. Superb writing, exceptional storytelling! A REAL GEM. I’m so thankful I happened across it at a local independent bookstore. And I’m sure it’s one I’ll revisit many times in years to come. I highly recommend it to anyone who values togetherness on any level.

[NIGEL PEARCE · Rating 5 out of 5]

A phenomenal book on the importance of building a community. Mark Nepo does an exquisite job of bringing together communities all around the world to show that at the very core of who we are is someone in need of, in search of the community! Whether from parks, from poetry, from the art it is how we were created to live in community!

[Josephpeter Gore · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid 7. At times I had to put the book down and not recommended for bedtime reading.Too gruesome. In places spirits are lifted and I wondered why mankind can’t be better more often. Interesting theme throughout and will refer back to as a work of reference but not escapism or entertainment. They are us.

[Viki Sonntag · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book by Mark Nepo and I am intrigued enough to follow through with more though agree his thoughts on community were rather diffuse. What i reeally enjoyed was his chapters on communities and cultures I had never heard of before or off the beaten path. Unfortunately, I listened to this in an audio version and it's hard to back up and savor the wisdom of a single passage.

[Sylvie M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning: Read this book with an open heart and mind. Be prepare to see yourself as the beautiful creation that you are; to see you as part of the living planet and recruits you into family of humanity whereas seeing everyone and everything with new sight.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't get into this book. I have read reviews of his other work and his style of writing doesn't work. He writes brief chapters with a simple summation at the end. Apparently his strength is writing daily devotionals, and I was expecting something different with this topic.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

In these days and times, community is essential. This book looks at the power and empowering elements of community for the common good. A most important read.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing truths, told in intense whispers to those of us hiding in the darkness of fear and denial. Educational. Inspirational. A definite must-read-more-than-once book.

[Amina M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good grounding, calming read. Recommended to those interested in mindfulness and meditation, or finding more calm in their lives.

[Jennifer Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read such an amazing book about community. Historical, insightful and beautifully written!

[Joyce Levinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually listened to the audible version spoken by the author Mark Nepo. It was so inspiring and gave me hope that our country, our people can heal. So spiritually uplifting!

[Danie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A broad set of deep stories, well told.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for reflection and discussion. Lots of intriguing references, but a little repetitive by book's end

[Jonny Andres · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've ever read.

[Steffanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A magnificent book!
“ THE HEALTH OF COMMUNITY DEPENDS ON HOW
WE TREAT EACH OTHER.”

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Read with book club in Puerto Morelos)

[Carol Hay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again - would be a great resource for anyone seeking to be encouraging to others about the state of our world. I'm considering doing a book study with this text.

[HoneyBakedAmbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of essays and stories about human unity.