derrikjensen's books

[edwschreiber at earthlink.net]

Here is a write up of Jensen's work.
Best, 
Ed Schreiber



 
A Language Older than Words

 At once a beautifully poetic memoir and an exploration of the various ways we live in the world, A Language Older than Words explains violence as a pathology that touches every aspect of our lives, and indeed affects all aspects of life on earth. This chronicle of a young man's drive to transcend domestic abuse offers a challenging look at our worldwide sense of community, and how we can make things better.

This narrative moves elegantly between the microcosm of the author's dysfunctional family and the macrocosm of History. Readers are initiated into the stifling world of child and spousal abuse, and then beyond, where Jensen finds the same dynamics tricked out on the grand stage of Western civilization. The prose is as lyrical and cogent as it is convincing.

Jensen's vast experiences as an environmentalist, high-jumper, student, teacher, beekeeper, and most importantly, as a human being give rise to the wealth of examples and anecdotes that further illustrate this cry for community. The masterful intertwining of all these elements elevates A Language Older than Words above and beyond an engrossing book, giving readers what might even be described as a curative outlook on life. 

"Singular, compelling and courageously honest, this book is more than just a poignant memoir of a harrowingly abusive childhood. It relates the extraordinary journey of one man striving to save his own spirit and our planet's...His visceral, biting observations always manage to lead back to his mantra: "Things don't have to be the way they are." Jensen's book accomplishes the rare feat of both breaking and mending the reader's heart."
—Publishers Weekly

"Among the ambiguities of our time, this memoir stands out for its honesty and purpose. . . . a map to personal healing through the larger historical, economic, cosmological—and mostly mysterious—processes that are source and balm for our traumas. . . . this book shows that when we are fully engage with the world around us, the universe is our greatest ally."
—Luis Rodriguez, author of Always Running: La Vida Loca, Gang Days in L.A

"When you daily look into the blackened eyes and broken spirits of women who've been beaten by men who "love" them, every fiber in your being screams out, "How could this happen, who could do this, what will it take to stop it?" Derrick Jensen masterfully weaves together ancient wisdom, curiosity, the innocence and courage of a child to profoundly answer these questions. If you're not moved to tears and action, wake up and read it again.
—Charlotte A. Watson, Executive Director of My Sisters' Place, Inc.

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