The Island of the Four Ps

A Modern Fable About Preparing for Your Future

By: Ed Hajim

Narrated by: Peter Francis James, Lisa Flanagan, Max Meyers, Craig Klein, Ed Hajim

Length: 2 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

In his best-selling memoir, On The Road Less Traveled, Ed Hajim told the story of how he went from being a 3 year-old-boy kidnapped by his father (and then abandoned to foster care), to becoming a successful Wall Street executive and family man. The Island of the Four Ps, is a story told in two parts. The first is a modern fable, inspired by that experience, and the second is the author's personal story, which draws upon his own hard-won life lessons. Performed by award-winning actors in a full cast recording, the fable treats listeners to an immersive experience, as Marketus, a young man leaving home for the first time, embarks on a spiritual quest that will provide the foundation for, and a pathway to, a meaningful and fulfilling life.

In dialogue with Archimedes, a wise elder, who serves as his guide, Marketus begins an incredible journey across a magical island, traversing land, dangerous waters, and mountain peaks. In the process, he finds answers to life’s most important questions—discovering his passions, principles, partners and plans, the four Ps of the title. As Marketus meets challenges, we gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate change while remaining true to our values and ideals. An inspiring and motivational guide, told through an allegorical tale, The Island of the Four Ps will help listeners set a course for their own fulfilling and unique futures.

A special feature starting the audio program, is an Author’s Note, written for the audio edition, and read by Hajim himself.

©2023 Ed Hajim (P)2023 Skyhorse Audio

Critic reviews

“The young adults I work with are students who are navigating college independently and setting out on their own journeys; I am excited to be able to share this book with them. Ed Hajim’s parable is an accessible and motivational guide through the kind of self-reflection that helps us set a course for our futures.”—Judi Alperin King, Ph.D., The Wily Network

“This wonderful fable draws on the hard-won life lessons of fabled financier Ed Hajim. Ed, a modern-day and very real Horatio Alger, identified his passions, principles, and partners so as to shape a plan for his life’s purpose. For those on a similar quest, let Ed be your guide through reading this allegorical tale. It informs and inspires.”—Mark Zupan, president of Alfred University

“In his charming fable, Ed Hajim shows how focus and principles help organizations change. His book will help the reader think.”—Ken Roman, former CEO of Ogilvy and Mather

Perceptive, playful, persuasive and a pleasure

This timeless and timely read is delightful. The fable “works” and draws in the listener, taking you on a very worthwhile journey. We just listened to this on a short road trip and everyone (aged 12 to mid-50s) enthusiastically gave it a thumbs up!

A Recipe for Living containing a Secret Sauce

The author clearly articulates a thoughtful approach as to how one can lead a purposeful life. The fable will entertain you as well as enlighten you. Ideally suited for those who want to have a roadmap for living and the questions one might ask themselves to enhance their journeys. Very few, if any, will have to endure the life that the author did and we should be very grateful for that. In addition to the use of the 4 P's in thinking about one's life, I believe the secret sauce is that Ed Hajim's recipe for living precludes even a dash of victimization and is substituted by a generous amount of resourcefulness, hard work, hope and gratitude. We are indeed the beneficiaries of our inside look into this extraordinary life. Thank you, Ed.