★★★★“Merck’s writing is well-crafted, beautiful, and sincere…  Sailing the Mystery connects to humanity in subtle, graceful ways...delivering refreshing insights into relationships and aging. He went on the journey for himself, but he wrote the book for the rest of us.”

 

Sara Hartley

ForeWord Clarion Reviews

 

“…The dialogue is strong…puts great emphasis on the physical act of traveling – on always going somewhere – which gives the story a feeling of forward momentum. Overall, the book will likely leave many readers wanting to sail with Merck just a bit longer.”           

 

Kirkus Reviews

“Ed Merck sure has an interesting interior life, and that means an interesting ride for anyone who sets sail with him on his Kairos. Wonderful insights into romantic relationships and how they work or, in some cases, don't. And if you are over fifty, Ed Merck offers a fascinating story of learning to live with aging.“

 

Michael G. West

Author, Dutch Reckoning

 

 

“Welcome aboard this wondrous sailing adventure, inspired by the spirit of Ed Merck’s quest on the sea of his third age. Journey with him across these pages as he explores the uncharted waters of his life with insight, courage and wisdom. Sailing the Mystery offers you a beautiful map to sail into the mystery of your own life.”

Alan O’Hare
Director, Life Story Theatre
Author, Love Mary B: A Teacher’s Life

 

“Sailing the Mystery is a powerful and thoughtful book. We learn from
Ed’s experience that where we are heading isn’t a place, but a process. This necessitates leaning into our own discomfort as we confront our old stories and write new ones, all in the course of connecting with our authentic self. The journey of aging can be fraught with doubts and fears, but is also empowering and exhilarating. This book is a good lesson for us all.”

 

Dorian Mintzer, Ph.D.
Co-author, The Couple’s Retirement Puzzle: 10 Must-Have Conversations for Transitioning to the Second Half of Life

 

“Sailing the Mystery describes one man’s response to the central question that exists in all humans—what does life mean to me? We are compelled— beyond logic—to respond to the unrelenting ‘call’ of something bigger than us. Ed Merck’s journey is to follow that scary, irresistible urge, which he does with unmistakable, and unyielding, courage.”

Dr. David Berceli
Founder and CEO of Trauma Recovery Services