Like Streams to the Ocean

Notes on Ego, Love, and the Things that Make Us Who We Are

By: Jedidiah Jenkins

Narrated by: Jedidiah Jenkins

Length: 7 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times Best Seller

“As inviting, wide-ranging, and philosophical as an all-night conversation with a best friend, and as revealing and thought-provoking as the diary of a curious adventurer.” (Sasha Sagan, author of For Small Creatures Such as We)

You can travel the world looking for yourself, but if you don't know what you're looking for, how can you find it? Like Streams to the Ocean is about examining the things that make us who we are and getting to know ourselves, our stories, and the decisions that shape our one and only life. 

Writing with the passion and clarity that made his debut, To Shake the Sleeping Self, a national best seller, Jedidiah Jenkins brings together new and old writings to explore the eight subjects that give life meaning: ego, family, home, friendship, love, work, death, the soul.

Who am I? What am I made of? How much of how I act boils down to avoiding the things that make me feel small? As he examines the experiences that shape our conscious and subconscious answers to these questions, Jenkins leads listeners in a wide-ranging conversation about finding fulfillment in the people and places around us and discovering the courage to show our deepest selves to the world.

©2020 Jedidiah Jenkins (P)2020 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Jedidiah Jenkins is a beautiful, attentively humane writer whose vivid prose comes suffused with the noble belief that words really do matter, and that through them we can know and be known. There is wisdom in this book, as well as something rarer still: the genuine and infectious faith that the good life - what the philosophers call flourishing - is attainable, and that one really can improve. I couldn’t put these essays down.” (Thomas Chatterton Williams, author of Self-Portrait in Black and White)

“Like Streams to the Ocean is as inviting, wide-ranging, and philosophical as an all-night conversation with a best friend, and as revealing and thought-provoking as the diary of a curious adventurer.” (Sasha Sagan, author of For Small Creatures Such as We)

 “It’s rare to find the level of honesty and authenticity that Jenkins brings to his audience. In a world of constant noise, his storytelling is piercing in an almost familiar way. He’s managed to home in on that single idea that we all relate to and truly make you feel a part of the experience. This is the type of storytelling the world needs more of.” (Chris Burkard, award-winning photographer, author of At Glacier’s End)

Great book #2

Outstanding, I was in all the way. Jedidiah has a great way of writing and telling a story. I enjoyed every second. I will listen again.
Thank you

great reflection-story of a journey through life

this book is told through the history of an individual.. but their journey is not that different from mine and l believe others as well

Masterpiece.

I can't think of anyone I wouldn't recommend this book to. Brilliant, poignant, heartfelt, well presented, what else can be said. I have read or listened to thousands of books in my lifetime and I think this is quite possibly my all time favorite. Jedediah Jenkins, you have created a masterpiece.

Incredible book.

What to say but that this book truly changed my life. Read it and you will see what I mean. Thank you Jedidiah Jenkins.

An absolute delight

I love this book, so much so that I’m now going to purchase a physical copy so I can highlight all my favorite parts to read again and again. It’s funny, real, heartbreaking, and honestly human. My only disappointment is that it eventually came to an end..

wowzas

i think Jedidiah just read my thoughts out loud for 8 hours. he carries such a humility and curiosity to his understanding of the world, and in that it gives him his power. power to convey the uncertain with confidence and love.

Such a fun ride

I really enjoyed this book and Jedidiah's reading of it was so authentic, I felt like he was speaking directly to me. His interpretation of being a kid, a teenager, a young person, a confused adult, was so spot on in alignment with my own experience. Thanks Jed for putting words to something that until now was indescribable for me. And the quotables!! I'm going to listen again so I can capture my favorites. Wonderful book, I highly recommend.

Life changing

Jedidiah has such a way with words. He has put words to thoughts I have held for years. Do not miss this read!

Unlike Anything Else I’ve Ever Read

Jedidiah Jenkins speaks of his one life, but how could such wisdom be crammed into one so young. Surely, he is what’s referred to as an “old soul”.

At 78, I am astounded by his insights, self-awareness, courageous disclosures, and depth. I want him to be my next door neighbor, my lunch-mate, my party guest, my friend, and a part of my family. I want to have intense late-nite conversations with him over wine and cheese and berries. I want him to
Know how clearly I see him and how profoundly he affects me.

When I was a relatively young woman, my mom lovingly exclaimed, “Trish, other people just don’t think about the the things you think about!” She was wrong. Jedidiah does.

Thank you, Jed, for sharing your truth with me.

Masterpiece

A true work of art, where Jed carefully and lovingly painting a poignant picture of what it is to be human. Thank you.