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Quite the collection of love stories, wrapped in mysteries and including some horrific notes. This was my second time with the book, and this time I read the text first, and then read the marginalia in order. I read the inserts along with the first blue/black set of notes, which, while not an ideal, is a one approach (it means you'll likely read about something before it happens, though it can be difficult to know when to read something and when to let it be). Since it didn't make it through the marginalia on my first read, this time around I really got to know the two margin characters much better and enjoyed their unfolding relationship. The next time I read this, I think I'll start with marginalia and finish with the text of SoT itself. There are so many layers to this book that they'll be lost on me, and I can keep coming back to the well and see what sticks. Enjoy your journey!

I've read several books on ritual and spent a few years studying the mythopoetic landscape of Campbell, Meade, Bly, and others, so it was nice to dip back into that energy again while read Marx's book, which builds on their work.

He opens the door on his own life throughout the book, examining his own rites of passage, healthy and less-healthy. He also dialogues with others around the need for ritual and rites of passage. This diverse chorus of voices is a unique strength of the book and I enjoyed hearing their perspectives alongside the author's––so many new voices to me! Most chapters end with practical next steps, which are both a collection of things for one's self (e.g. practices for deepening your awareness in nature), and resources to help others (e.g. links to right of passage resources for small groups/communities).

While the book offers many rituals around various aspects of life, it seems to focus on preparing one to serve others, particularly boys, and to help guide them into more mature lives. I think this book would be particularly useful for therapists, counselors, religious educators, and parents––especially those who are wondering how best to serve their sons. Likewise, Marx's journey is in some ways the journey of many men, and so men and those who love them, may find it compelling from that perspective.