Ego is definitely involved here. (sigh). I wanted to like this book. I loved everything about the synopsis and then I was in it. Jedidiah Jenkins comes across in a very patronizing manner. Maybe if I was younger I wouldn’t have interpreted it in this way, but I did. Jenkins does a fair amount of lecturing and maybe this is his style and maybe I don’t receive information in this manner. I’m trying to be fair because this could be on me and how I interpret how people say things. Overall, this book was not for me.

I received a free copy of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily. I am sorry to say that I did not connect with the author or their message in this book. You might, so please do not take my opinion as anything other than a reader who did not make a connection.

I received a free copy of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

A great book for anyone with a tendency to question life or wonder if there's got to be another way to exist aside from the dominant cultural narrative. Highly recommend!

I’m amazed by the voice that comes through in this book.

From the outside it appears as a self help book, but within it really is so much more!

Jedidiah has taken his own unique path and that really shows through in the profoundness of the words and ideas in this book.

It really urges the reader to reflect on who they are, where they’ve been, and ultimately where they are going.

Our journeys and the lessons that we learn may look different from the outside, but a their core they are all what make us human.

Learning to connect to ourselves and the nature within.

Life advice and philosophical observations written in short, digestible parts - perfect to read a little bit at a time before digesting. Many observations were pulled by the author from their social media postings.

This is a book on finding yourself. Can we truly find ourselves if we don't know the questions to ask? Can we find who we are without looking at the motives for why we make some of our decisions, big and small? Can we discover our true selves once we finally ask the right questions? This book helps lead us to the questions that we need to ask and answer to truly find ourselves.

A collection of essays and musings collected in chapters on ego, family, home, friendship, love, and more. The stories are personal and heartfelt and, sometimes, heartbreaking. Jenkins isn't afraid to call himself out, and when he does, you'll sometimes feel he is calling you out, too.

This isn't a book you sit down and read cover to cover. As one of my college professors used to say, it's fine to read around in it. Read a chapter. Read a few pages at random. Something is sure to speak to you. Little gems are hidden within: "This is everyone's story and everyone's duty: to reach adulthood and then do the hard work of unpacking your childhood, your family, the weapons you picked up to protect your little body."

It isn't perfect, and some of the stories are repetitive. We're told at the beginning that some of the essays were written for this book, but others have previously been published elsewhere, and, he writes, "...the idea of this book came when readers asked me to put my online writing on one physical place." When it seems like some of the bits are, well, bits, I imagine those were some sort of social media post. Just a few characters to satisfy some fan base, of which I am not a part.

A book worth buying and keeping on hand for those times when your smartest, most introspective friends aren't around to sit and talk into the wee hours of the morning about all the things that truly matter. Jenkins can be that friend.

this book feels like a late night bonfire hang with your most thoughtful, interesting, curious, wildhearted friend (perhaps mixed with the influence of 🍃 or 🍷) — it’s very stream-of-consciousness-ish and feels like you’re inside a pinball machine of random introspective musings, but if you’re in the mood for that, it’s great!

Jenkins has an amazing way with words and his sophomore book only propels that further. To shake the sleeping self was one of my Favourite reads, one I am constantly recommending to others. Now, I have two options to give. 4 Stars

A heartfelt and inspiring collection of essays covering human experiences and philosophical musings... At times, it did feel a little too 'perfect for the Instagram crowd' but for the most part, it read like a collection of meandering (in a good way) observations and personal diary entries.

Enjoyed reading the book, though I think it would be best enjoyed in the physical format rather than ebook version.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of the book.

I was drawn to this book by the title and the cover. I was glad that I chose to read this book. The book is divided into eight sections: Ego, Family, Home, Friendship, Love, Work, Death, and The Soul. I enjoyed reading Jedidiah's take on these topics. Some of the subjects discussed in this book made me think about my views. I was especially interested in the section about family. Overall, it was a really great read. I highly recommend it.

4.5 stars.

When Jedidiah Jenkins' first book, To Shake the Sleeping Self, came out, I made a note to check it out but unfortunately still haven't gotten to it. Luckily I was more proactive about this one—when I saw it hit Netgalley, I immediately requested it and was really excited to get a review copy.

This collection of essays and short writings is so good. I happened to read it at a time when I was feeling especially directionless and unmoored, and it was such a balm. Jenkins' voice is warm and genuine and funny; reading his words feels like talking with a close friend.

I was sad to reach the end of this collection and I will absolutely be picking up a paper copy to keep on my shelf and re-read in the future. If you're in need of a reassuring hug in the form of a book, try this one.

Like Streams to an Ocean is not just the title but is a metaphor. I love it so much when there's an aha moment and it all just makes sense. Jenkins does this so seamlessly.

There is no central story. This is, as advertised a collection of essays with a central theme. It's a glimpse into the author's mind. He seems like someone I could enjoy sitting down for a private conversation. These are topics I have thought of before, but my mind has been opened to new ideas.

Some of the ideas could have been organized differently. Things seemed a bit misplaced. I'd love to sit down and discuss this with friends.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers, and the author for giving me the opportunity to review this book. This is my first book from Jedidiah Jenkins but I hope it’s not my last. I love how open and honest he is in his writing. Highly recommend!

This book is set up in 8 parts to offer insight and introspection into what makes our lives worth living. A good reason, perhaps to read it in small and thoughtful doses.

3.5 stars

This was an introspective collection of essays about why we are who we are. The author reflects on love, ego, work, family and more from his perspective as a Christian gay man. The writer shares his thoughts on why he is the way he is. He admits to his faults and tells us how he's tried to correct his mistakes. He then offers advice on how others can do the same in their own lives. The stories he shared were deeply personal at times, including how he bullied his brother growing up. As part of one essay he shares how be apologized to his brother for his treatment of him as a kid. The essays all have a spiritual vibe to them as the author muses philosophical about love, life, and self.

Another great book. Jed has a way of writing that makes it seem he’s talking directly to you and you just want to keep reading! Every page a TREASURE! I love this book so much and recommend highly! Thank you Jed!

Sometimes when I read a someone's book, the words are so relatable that am I reminded that I am not as much as an outcast as I thought I was. I felt very at home reading this book which seems to be a collection of vulnerable essays and one liners that talk about the various human experiences that shapes up into ourselves.
I personally enjoy the "stream of conscience" type of narration, but that is more than likely because that narration is similar to how my neurotic mind works.

I received a digital galley of this book from NetGalley (and unfortunately am submitting a pretty late review), but I actually plan to purchase a physical copy for myself.

The whole book may not be relatable to everyone at one time, but I truly believe there something for every reader here.

Deeply reflective, curious meandering of both personal and larger wonderings. An interesting contrast of poetic musings and uncomplicated sharings.

I did not finish the book yet, I'm not an extremely fast reader. However, after only a few chapters of reading, I'm deeply moved. Jedidiah reaches into your soul with his words and speaks to the child inside of you that was once covered up or silenced without resolving issues that very much needed to be resolved. It's like therapy for the soul reading this book. It's even more raw and fluid than To Shake the Sleeping Self. I'm so excited to follow along with Jedidiah Jenkins' journey as an author!

I liked this one. I would read more by this author. It's an enjoyable read. Easy to follow. I think my favorite thing about this book was the author's writing style.

3/5 Stars