The Road Back to You

An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery

By: Ian Morgan Cron, Suzanne Stabile

Narrated by: Ian Morgan Cron

Length: 9 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's Summary

Ignorance is bliss - except in self-awareness. What you don't know about yourself can hurt you and your relationships - and maybe even how you make your way in the world. It can also keep you in the shallows with God. Do you want help figuring out who you are and why you're stuck in the same ruts?

The Enneagram is an ancient personality type system with an uncanny accuracy in describing how human beings are wired, both positively and negatively. In The Road Back to You, Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile forge a unique approach - a practical, comprehensive way of accessing Enneagram wisdom and exploring its connections with Christian spirituality for a deeper knowledge of God and of ourselves.

Funny and filled with stories, this book allows you to understand more about each of the Enneagram types, keeping you from pausing long after you have heard the chapter about yourself. Beginning with changes you can start making today, the wisdom of the Enneagram can help you get on the road that will take you further along into who you really are - leading you into places of spiritual discovery you would never have found on your own, and paving the way to the wiser, more compassionate person you want to become.

©2016 eChristian (P)2016 eChristian

Uncanny, funny, deeply thought provoking.

I got this book on recommendation from a trusted mentor as I was brand new to the concept of the enneagram. I highly recommend this as a fantastic place for people who are curious about it. This book helped me identify my type (2). Discovering my hidden motives and desires has been both fascinating and, in some ways, crushing for me, but definitely worth the pain to better understand myself and the dynamics of my relationships with others.

Wow, what an amazing book! I loved it!!

Crazy enough, I had no idea what an Enneagram even was nor had I ever heard of it (surprising, once I learned I was a "5" LOL). I went into this book with a fair measure of skepticism, and thought it would be like most other personality self-help books. Meaning, you see a little of yourself in all personality types. But that wasn't the case here. Immediately I recognized my husband as a "3" -- The Performer. And I found myself identifying very closely with the "5" personality type with a little "4" thrown in (what the Enneagram calls a "5 with a 4 wing"). This book is Christian-based, which I loved, yet it's not overly religious. In fact, after doing some more research afterward, I found that many non-Christian psychologists and researchers use this personality typing. I love most that this book helps individuals to love themselves more and see their personalities and habits through the eyes of God, prompting compassion and understanding of one's faults and flaws. Even better, it provides guidelines and messages to help overcome the negative aspects of a personality type in order to become "healthier" in spirit and heart.

What's most amazing about this book is that it will literally be like a big spotlight coming on to the listener, aimed directly at your heart. When I began listening to the chapter on my personality type and the first 20 identifying points were read, I got that "ohhhh crap" feeling in the pit of my stomach. I recognized myself immediately. It wasn't until the very end of the chapter that I was completely blown away -- and intent on "fixing" those negative thoughts and perspectives that tend to emerge during times of stress or uncertainty. I was SO grateful and appreciative for this book, especially since my husband and I have had a lot of upheaval in our lives the past couple of years, and we're both reacting on our very different ways. This book totally answers all of the questions we both had about each other's perspectives and reactions, and undoubtedly it will help each of us (particularly me) deal with some unhealthy trends emerging as a result. I can't tell you enough how much I love this book. It's written in a very lighthearted tone with funny, engaging anecdotal stories about each personality type. I've already listened to "my chapter" four times, and plan on getting the Kindle version as well.

Ian Morgan Cron is one of those rare authors who did a fantastic job narrating his own work, and he gives considerable credit to the contribution of Suzanne Stabile as well. I really enjoyed listening to the entire book, recognizing other personality types in friends, coworkers, and family members. It helped me to understand them better, and ultimately allowed me to feel much more compassion for their own personality traits, nuances, and behaviors. I absolutely recommend this book, and look forward to diving in deeper!

a good primer

The author does a descent job of holding the attention of the reader with clever comparisons and funny stories. The book summarizes most of what you'd get if you opened the middle of Riso and Hudson wisdom of the Enneagram. and then at the end you get a taste of Richard Rohr to whet the appetite for more. The problem is unless you get a hold of resources where people walk it out, it's interesting but quite a mystery how to apply it best. even so, I found the tone and heart of the book was humble and generous.

Enneagram made simple

This is a great overview book for anyone who wants to understand the knowledge of the Enneagram. The strong real life examples of each personality type put the behavioral attributes in perspective and easy to understand. Definitely worth the time to read.

It makes sense

Everyone fits into 9 slots??? You got to be kidding me.
Well, guess what. It all makes sense.
As the narrator went through each number I was able to apply each number to a person in my life and was able to understand why they act the way they do. The behaviors and why made perfect sense.
After hearing my number, I had to call my sister and told her to check out the book and listen carefully about my number(s) (actually based on the test I was about 60-40 between 2 numbers). I told her it explain my unique traits and explained why I do what I do better than I could ever explain it.
I have actually went back and listed to a few of the specific chapters more than once.
There is a good chance other similar books will make it on the list to get additional perspectives.

Changing how you see motivation and action

I love this book. I never thought of how motivation is more important than desired outcome, in the actions we take. This book gave me insight into myself and my closest family and friends. A great book to read with your spouse or best friends, bible group or book club.

Fun, relevant and make the enneagram come alive

This book make the enneagram living and relevant as a resource in our struggles to get the relationships towards our loved ones in family, church and ... yes in any friendship in our lives to succeed. Its full of faith, hope and love.

Helpful, but not ideal as an Audiobook

I can tell that this book was written in such a way that returning to the different sections, marking up your copy, and having a personal dialogue with the different numbers and concepts is the goal. As an Audiobook, I don't think it works quite as it was originally intended.

That being said, I did find it to be a helpful overview for becoming familiar with the ideas. I might go and get a paper copy at some point to pick up where an overview of the Enneagram leaves off.

Great introduction to the Enneagram.

Very readable. Ian Morgan Cron has a great sense of humor and is a talented writer and reader. I followed along with the physical book while listening to the audiobook. This was a very effective way for me to stay on task. This was a required textbook for my schooling in spiritual direction.

Great road map back to the real me.

I loved how the author read his own book. He gave it real texture. Awesome!

I laughed, and cried a bit.

Hearing me described by some stranger was both awkward, scary and fascinating in equal measures. I am not a religious person, so I was hesitant about the christian approach, but this listen is so chuck full of humor and easily related stories I didn't mind. Thanks for an excellent read!

Now I wishI had the paperback!

Listening to this book had piqued my interest in learning more.. the narration was engaging. Going to his website for more.

Very interesting

Enjoyed learning more about enneagrams and will look deeper into it. Worth a listen but think a hard copy would be good alongside.

Excellent listen, really valuable insights.

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book. In a clear and entertaining manner it has provided me a ton of food for thought and increased clarity on my and human nature.

A perfect introduction to the Enneagram

I have loved Ian Chron since I first discovered him and through this book I have also come to love Susan Stabile and The Enneagram.

Written with compassion and honesty this is the perfect book to start what is a challenging journey.

With Ian and Susan by your side it feels so much more doable.