"'If you are moved.' That is how my friend, Mark Nepo, asked if I would want to make a statement about his new book about friendship. I am moved by Mark Nepo. I am moved by his words and ideas. I am moved by my friendships that nourish me. Friendship is the music of my life. Like the lyrics of any great, old song, when I connect with a friend, regardless of the time separated, I fall right into the rhythm and memory of intimacy and sharing and I am always better for it. Mark explores this in the way that only Mark Nepo can. Intricate yet understandable. Sustained and yet immediate. The shared sight of each other’s souls. Friendship, beautiful friendship."
—Jamie Lee Curtis, actress and producer
"Just as we often take the air we breathe for granted, so too can we forget how miraculous friendships can be. In this deeply insightful book, Mark Nepo shows us how to develop and cultivate these crucial relationships. We are all better people for reading Mark's work, and in this wise guide to platonic love, he has written about one of the most important subjects yet."
—Arianna Huffington, founder & CEO of Thrive Global
"Mark Nepo is one of our most gifted poets, essayists, and spiritual guides. His vulnerable, hopeful and beautifully-written books have made him feel like a soul friend to millions who’ve never met him. As one who’s had the privilege of a long-time friendship with Mark, I can attest that friendship is not just another topic for him: it’s the fabric of his life, a fabric of mutual support and blessing with people near and far. Now he’s written a book that will help us deepen the friendships on which we depend. Amid the challenges of being fully human in our era, how reassuring to be reminded that we don’t have to do it alone!"
—Parker J. Palmer, author of On the Brink of Everything, Let Your Life Speak, and Healing the Heart of Democracy
"What an exquisite act of friendship this beautiful book is. It is also 'medicine in words,' to quote the author, offering the most hesitant among us ways to welcome the appreciation and authenticity that are friendship’s most enduring gifts."
—Stephanie Dowrick, PhD., author of Seeking the Sacred: Transforming Our View of Ourselves and One Another
"In this eloquent, essential compendium of friendship, Mark Nepo offers a roadmap to platonic intimacy in an age of increasing loneliness. Full of heartrending stories, timeless wisdom, and hard-won insights from the author himself, You Don't Have to Do It Alone reminds us that friendship is a noble endeavor - 'the vocation of seeking truth together' – that deepens the soul and enriches our lives immeasurably. I loved it."
—Mark Matousek, author of Lessons from an American Stoic: How Emerson Can Change Your Life
"I would not be the poet or human being I am without the daily friendship of Mark Nepo’s healing words. Every one of his books has become a companion on the journey, his teachings drawn from the deeper well of his own hard-won wisdom. I will read You Don’t Have to Do It Alone again and again, each time I need to remember the “inlets of care” in which we discover “the depth of who we truly are.” Savor this new book in the morning before your day begins, or at night before sleep, and see how connection and wonder will open your heart, and fill it to the brim."
—James Crews, author of Unlocking the Heart: Writing for Mindfulness, Creativity, and Self-Compassion
"As one of the world’s preeminent spiritual guides, Mark Nepo illuminates the nuanced facets of friendship, offering us a window into the mysterious goodness, profound truth, and exquisite beauty that can be found within these life-giving relationships. Engaging in his work is a gentle reminder of all that is meaningful."
—Ashton Gustafson, host of Good/True/& Beautiful Podcast
"You Don't Have to Do it Alone illuminates the miraculous nature of friendship and the exquisite gifts that our kindred relationships offer. I am grateful for the chance to gift this book to my most beloved friends. Mark's work and words have become a steady companion along the way; his books, a transformative treasure in my life."
—Amber Lilyestrom, author of Paddle Home
"Mark Nepo’s You Don’t Have to Do It Alone guides us through an understanding of what it means to be a friend, to have a friend, and the sheer energetic pull of friendship itself. With his poetic, insightful words, and stories, he feeds us a meal so rich and luscious that it requires us to taste, savor and embody what he so delicately and caringly serves. The impact this book delivers is something I will feel for years to come. I loved this book!"
—Dr. James Mellon, Founding Spiritual Director of The Global Truth Center of Los Angeles
"Mark’s book is a brilliant invitation to cozy in on a couch with soft slippers surrounded by friends as together you discuss love, friendship, and community. His gentle approach to asking one to contemplate a new idea is powerful and filled with love. Read this one for your soul."
—Rev. Dr. Michelle Wadleigh, author of Shadow Work: A Spiritual Path to Healing and Integration
"After working with thousands of people seeking their purpose and in deep life transitions I believe that You Don’t Have to Do it Alone speaks to a thorn in the heart of our collective consciousness: that we are lonelier than ever. This book is a tonic for making friendship a lifelong practice. A trove of wisdom on the nature of friendship. A call to reflect on your own friendships in a world where, for many of us, loneliness threatens our wellbeing, our livelihoods and our lifespans. This is a book to return to, be taught by, inspired by, guided by. This is a book to make friends with."
—Jeff Hamaoui, co-founder of The Modern Elder Academy
