West of Jesus: Surfing, Science, and the Origins of Belief

One of my absolute favorite non-fiction books. I originally got this book at Borders bookstore in the mid 00s and I still come back and read it every few years.If you surf and/or struggle with motivation/inspiration/depression this is a book that could help you see the world from a totally different perspective. It's absolutely NOT a self-help book but some of the best books will motivate and inspire us without necessarily intending to do so.This book is an example of overcoming life's bulls*^t and finding a way to be happy and understand yourself and the world around you from the perspective of the author and his trials in life.

I've surfed much longer than Steven (since 1967 and have 4 surfboards now) but found his kinship with the waves and his parallel journey just a fascinating journey to boot! Kotler grabs images and hurls them at just the right speed into the reading so that I found myself again and again saying, "yes that's it!" when he would describe a feeling or a signpost of life. I only lost energy at the very end with his wandering conclusion and the Eddie Aikau metaphor which I thought was contrived. The entire lure of the story of the "Conductor" almost convinced me but not really. What I found most interesting rather than all of that was his usage of surfing as a return from the problems of a chronic disease. That was the heart of this book. In that Steven was a maestro. His journey to the beach and his encounter with what we surfers have come to know as "stoke" is no joke. There really is something transcendent about surfing and something so divine as being in the midst of God's stuff when it all works right--that is the juice that keeps me returning to the sea and what drew me to this book. Probably for surfers only however!

Someone - don't remember who anymore - recommended this book. I needed to buy something else to get my free shipping so I bought this. Did not think it would be nearly as good as it is. The book deals with a man who has Lyme disease and it is his struggle to come to terms with the nature of life ... I have a great friend who has Lyme and another student was just diagnosed at the end of the school year. I am not sure many people realize how debilitating this disease really is. It is a nasty disease for sure. Book is also quite philosophical as well as laden with a good deal of psychological theory ... not what I expected ... but have really enjoyed taking the journey with him!

Great book! Love the way he sees the world. I am not a surfer person, never surfed but this book clearly describes the feel and excitement so that you think you are there! To me it was a primer for " Stealing Fire " his latest book. Both books are must reads giving us hope for the future. For us older folks he helps us understand the younger generation.

I'm a big Kotler FICTION fan. Note to Steven; there is an underground "Angle Quickest for Flight" fan club. Unfortunately for you we have to hunt around and buy up used and remainder copies. How about an AQF series?That being said West of Jesus reads like fiction and Steven opens up a vein and bleeds as he chronicles his transition from hotshot to pot shot and then beyond.

so I bought a wetsuit and surfboard after reading this book. I had the biggest fear of deep water and have decided to get over it. This book is exceptionally well done and until someone recently asked me what one of my favorite books was, I didn't realize how well done.A book you could read more than once.touching, intelligent, and inspiring.bravo

Don't let the "J" word scare you away from this book, or the "surf" word either for that matter. This is a slick and intersting work written by a real smart guy.The author brings you along on his quest. He's searching for the origin of the "Conductor" lore - the enigmatic chap who controls the weather and the waves and can give a surfer the ride of his life or be the conduit for ending it.Reading this book is like sitting in an amusement park ride being driven along a path that allows us a peek at Pacific legends, quantum physics, that ol'time religion and psychotropic drug treatments.I'm a member of a read and release program and can't quite decide if I want to leave this book on a California pier, a roudy fundamentalist church or the local loony bin. But rest assured, anyone who lays claim to this book will find it fascinating. bg

Great story connecting the ocean, energy, and healing. Without a doubt, one of Kotler's best. His story will inspire and motivate you. Bravo!

Bought this as a Xmas present for my husband, who I know will enjoy it greatly. Product was as described and delivery was excellent. Would use vendor again and recommend it to friends.

Great piece of writing, connecting in a very intriguing way science, religion, philosophy and surf! The autobiographical element of the book makes it compelling read and Kotler is never banal - there is some solid background research at the heart of the book. Enlightening!

Part travelogue, part autobiography, part philosophy, part culture. Concepts explored and illustrated with fascinating examples. Will be reading his other books next.

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