Backbone

The Modern Man's Ultimate Guide to Purpose, Passion and Power

By: David H. Wagner

Narrated by: David H. Wagner

Length: 10 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

What does it mean to be a powerful, happy man in today's world? What does it take for a man to know himself, know his mission in life, and live a life of strength, honour and wisdom?

In Backbone, the modern man finally has a self-help audiobook worthy of his masculinity. This audiobook won't ask you to get in touch with your feminine side if you want to embrace change. It's a straight-talking, down-to-earth and funny guide to get you working with your masculinity instead of against it. Backbone combines no-nonsense wisdom with brutally honest exercises to help you to find your purpose in life; hone your emotional intelligence; and escape unhelpful beliefs, patterns and habits so that you can live an amazing, powerful, passion-filled life.

Wagner addresses the challenges that modern men typically face, asking you to join him in a series of profound self- examination exercises and questions covering life purpose, male identity, spirituality, self-limitation, sexuality, relationships, fatherhood and more. Every chapter is highly practical and includes observations and examples from David's own life journey as well as insights gained from the many clients and groups he has worked with over the years.

Learning to be a good man used to be part of our culture; sons learned from fathers, nephews learned from uncles, apprentices learned from masters. But today this rarely happens. Modern men have to figure it out by themselves.

Backbone is a practical step-by-step guide to help men know themselves deeply, root out weaknesses, enhance strengths and upgrade their experience of life. So, have you got the backbone to start your journey?

©2015 David H. Wagner (P)2016 Audible, Ltd

Critic reviews

"Most men are allergic to the big conversations around purpose, passion, and power because, well, they re usually boring or too far out there. David is one of the rare men on this Earth who has the brains, heart, and balls to go deep without losing his sense of humour. He's a modern teacher for wisdom of the ages." (Tripp Lanier, international men's coach and host of The New Man podcast)
"This is a book that every man needs to read! Wagner has a way of making practical, no-BS, life-changing wisdom totally accessible." (Dominic Carubba, men's coach, author of 7 Pages to Success)

Great high-level account of how a Man should act!

This was a great book! Loved the 4 different parts of a Man. Also good idea on joining/assemble a group with other Red-Road Men.

Ready to read again

I wanted to get through the whole book to make sure it was exactly what I was hoping for before doing the exercises. I can see clearly now that it’s time to put pencil to paper and do the work to get the full value of the book. What a great way to challenge men to rise to their best. Glad I found it.

Un libro alucinante también para mujeres

Si eres madre o compañera de un hombre, este es uno de esos libros que no puedes dejar de leer. Los arquetipos masculinos de los que habla y la actitud masculina que propone, me parecen espectaculares para que un hombre pueda entenderse a sí mismo y las mujeres podamos comprender qué está ocurriendo en ellos. Su aplicación interior en una mujer no deja de ser interesante. Me ha hecho reflexionar mucho y entender aspectos masculinos que antes no comprendía.

More backbone than I expected

What did you love best about Backbone?

With 2016 signaling my 50th, I have been looking for a modern perspective on what it means to be a man. I would consider myself to be spiritually grounded and wanted to find something that wasn't too slanted in one religious direction or another. David's book fits the bill. While there is some discussion that touches on religious beliefs, David uses his commentary in such a way as to not sound preachy. I really enjoyed the book, especially the brutal honesty questions. I am inclined to start a men's group up here in Winnipeg based on this book. This is a great book and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a broad perspective on today's man along with some "man" talk. Great book David.

Who was your favorite character and why?

David's father. Reminded me of my father.

What about David H. Wagner’s performance did you like?

I like the stories and how they intertwined with the concept of the book.

What insight do you think you’ll apply from Backbone?

The men's group was something I was interested in and now I have a framework to build one.

Any additional comments?

Great book and one that you can read over and over again.

Recommended

The author is insightful, the content is very relatable. I feel like everyone should read through this, regardless of culture, age & gender.

great book for men of any level

good information on problems and solutions with modern men and advice for communicating with women.

Not for me

Seemed a little pandering, references to Native American legend, living in India...finding yourself. It all rounded out a little too new age for my typical taste. I couldn't grasp the concept ,but that's my experience not everyone will have the same opinion.