Come of Age

The Case for Elderhood in a Time of Trouble

By: Stephen Jenkinson

Narrated by: Stephen Jenkinson

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.

Medicine of the deepest potency.

Jenkinson is a master storyteller and offers deep poetic insight into many life mysteries heretofore unpondered. It's great to hear audio directly from the author.

A fine meander

Like accompanying your grandfather on a his favorite fishing river, this book winds its way through the topic of elders and their wisdom. If you’ve got the patience, you’ll find some wisdom and challenge for the journey. Jenkinson’s narration is rich.

An elder in my ear

If you are looking for a how to book, this ain't the one. If you are looking for the meditations of a man that is putting in the work of place and time and what that work entails, this is it. I love hearing what he has to say. It gives me the feeling of what I wanted of a father/grandfather to speak. Wisdom not dreams.

outstanding

not what you might be wanting but definitely what you are needing, time tested grounded and sane. a spiritual voice to guide the lost westerner if ever there was one. so much gratitude and love for this man. respect for this incredible work. thank you!

Listen... and be changed

To hear the words of Mr Jenkinson... in his own words... in his own voice... speaking these truths... is an amazing experience and a privilege.
He is a true storyteller in every sense... telling a story that desperately needs to be told... and listened to.
I could go on for days.
But really... you should just listen for yourself.