It's a classic for a reason

This is a phenomenal book. To say it was helpful for me is a huge understatement. Bridges' definition of the stages of transition was eye-opening and helped me to make sense of the multiple transitions I've been going through over the past few years and to have more patience with the unfolding. Bridges helped me to understand that this place that has felt like a painful and unproductive plateau in my life--what he calls the Neutral Zone--is an essential part of the growth process necessary to move forward into something new. He makes an important distinction between change--which is external and doesn't spark any internal growth or evolution in the individual--and transition, which leaves us transformed. That transformation takes time, and learning that this process is universal and essential helped me to have more compassion for myself and more patience with the process.

I should point out that I didn't find the beginning of the book--about transition stages in relationships and the work life-- helpful to me where I am in my life right now. I was on the verge of abandoning the book entirely, but it had been recommended by someone I respect, so I decided instead to skip ahead to Part II, The Transition Process Itself. This section is absolute GOLD. As far as I'm concerned, the two sections could have--and maybe should have-- been separate books, since their focus is so different. I loved learning about the stages of transition and all of the nuances of the Neutral Zone, and Bridges' use of the Oedipus and Odyssey myths to illuminate aspects of the journey was helpful and enjoyable to me.

My only complaint is that the narration was a bit annoying--not enough to outweigh how great and powerful the book is, but enough to irritate me. The narrator reminded me of mediocre actors who overact everything. His assumption of a higher pitch in his voice whenever reading quotations by women in Bridges' workshop was at best silly and at times, borderline offensive. He clearly didn't have a feel for the book, and at times it seemed like he hadn't even read it before narrating it. But I forged ahead nonetheless because the wisdom of this book was too good to miss out on, and since Bridges is dead, we can't very well expect him to narrate it himself.

I intend to buy the print version of this book so that I can reread and highlight certain sections and make annotations for my own use.

If you are in transition in your life, whether from a job change, the death of someone close to you, a divorce, children leaving the nest, or any number of other transitions that people experience in a lifetime, and you are bewildered, stressed, or feeling wrung out by the process, download this book right away.

12 people found this helpful

Wise and Timeless

An older mentor type friend told me about this book and how much it helped him with a work related transition some thirty years back. I was not disappointed and the three phases of transition rang true. In some places the discussion seemed a bit dated and overwrought but nevertheless timeless and universal. I didn’t think the additional update material by the author’s widow very helpful. Felt like she was adding her name to the byline on the new edition by putting in some extra padding that actually detracted from her husband’s work.

8 people found this helpful

Not my cup of tea

Many times throughout the book, I caught myself drifting away. In some parts I found the storytelling all over the place. I don't know if it's the author's passion for the Greek mythology or the way the book was structured, but it was not easy to listen to.

5 people found this helpful

Fantastic and very informative

I wish the author was still alive. I would have tried to learn more from his teachings. Thank you for re-releasing this. it explained a profound change process in my life.

3 people found this helpful

Interesting

The Authors raised helpful insights in understanding people or ourselves when we are undergoing transition. I recommend everyone to get this book. Change is inevitable and we are called to transition each time a new season comes so understanding how to facilitate this is helpful for everyone

2 people found this helpful

Deep self awareness

I am a life coach and love this book! So much goodness as we navigate the often overwhelming but also exciting transitions of life.

1 person found this helpful

Life changing!

This book has changed my life in so many ways! I will be giving it to my daughter that’s leaving for college, my new spouse (of six years), and my ex-wife that still struggles with our divorce, 8 years ago. For me specifically, it has made me realize that my large life events are normal and it has helped me cope with what’s going on in my life, and what continues to go on in my life! I related to nearly every example on a personal level, from the divorce to the experimenting with my sexuality to a midlife crisis at 30 and again at 40, recklessly purchasing expensive items with zero concern about how my future is going to be affected. In less than a week my mental blockage has become clear vision on my goals on life. I can’t think the person that recommended this book to me enough as I feel they may have saved my life.

1 person found this helpful

Enlightening

Beautiful book about a classical human life topic rarely articulated. I enjoyed every minute of it.

1 person found this helpful

Helpful and applicable in my time of transition

Easy to follow along, well narrated classic book on life transitions. I plan to read it next after having finished listening to it, so that I can spend more time thinking about some of the questions the author poses to help me manage a job transition.

Great book

Best book on transitions I’ve ever found. I see now why it’s a classic and still around decades later. The content is relevant throughout all of life.