“Into My Life Unexpected … Learning to Love Again” is SL Kaufman’s expertly-crafted, serious, uplifting story about one man’s journey toward rediscovering life’s truest reward—love. This lovely tome of creative nonfiction is primarily aimed at men and women who are well-educated and enchanted with romance and true love, more than merely the idea of love. Kaufman’s book is a narrative told in poems, each one logically and strategically placed to enhanced the overall story, but each able to stand on its own. Through the use of narrative and prose, the author details his odyssey in search of love. In his early sixties, after years of failed relationships and unhappiness in his personal and professional life, the author relocated to a place where he had no prior connection. And it was in that place, free to find the sense of heart and emotions so long repressed, that his life began to flourish once again. This book details the beginning of that long path. “I began my life as a sixty-two-year-old, twice-divorced father of two children. Prior to that I had lived my life for and through others and I believed myself to be a successful man. I was taught to measure success by the size of my bank account and, by that standard, I was. Yet, I was unfulfilled, unhappy, and lost. My children were grown, my career was at a crossroads, and my second marriage had failed. I felt alone and trapped without direction. I had been a good father and a good husband. My marriages had failed, not through indiscretion, but because they were without support, friendship and, most of all love. “This collection of thoughts, poems, and songs is not the story of that other life—for all that only led me to this time and place where I began to discover what my life was meant to be,” says Kaufman. Kaufman’s moving work will forever echo in the heart of the reader.
Transitioning resumes the journey begun in Book One, Learning to Love Again. After his bitter sweet romance had ended, Mr. Kaufman began to come to grips with its aftermath. The pain, the anger, the growth, the acknowledgment and finally the healing were all necessary steps on his ongoing journey.
“Many of us can recall periods of our life when we experienced a powerful "spiritual growth spurt". Stephen Kaufman's book "Into My Life Unexpected" represents a very personal account of one of his own growth spurts - helped along by an exciting and tumultuous relationship with a lover...and himself. I admire Stephen's courage to grow in self-awareness and share his journey with others in such a vulnerable way and through a unique combination of prose and poetry. I believe the book also serves as a reminder that the only place to find true wholeness is from within, not through others. And it's only through self-acceptance that we can genuinely accept and love others. Well done!”
“Through the skillful use of poetry and prose, the author presents himself not only as narrator, but also as the main personality of this journey. From the outset, the author interweaves his inner thoughts and search for purpose. Through a parade of emotions and a new found freedom he reinvents and rediscovers himself. In the end, he found paradise in Paradise.”
“A beautiful sharing of the insights of this life journey. It will strike a chord with everyone who cares about how they live their life. I'm looking forward to the sequel!”
“For those of us who have changed course in our later years, or thought about it, this is a must read. Kaufman's insightful collection of thoughts, poems, and songs is intriguing. It caused me to reflect on my own journey.”
“It's so wonderful to read heartfelt and tender thoughts on love and loss from a male perspective. Kaufman is unafraid to put his vulnerability on display, and I love that.”
“A very insightful book with smooth transitioning. The back and forth between verse and story was a very creative way to share the emotional journey through the adjustments of the author's new life. Divorce is not just a piece of paper or action, but rather a major lifestyle change. Very nicely written Stephen Kaufman.”
“This book will inspire you, it is truly a great read. I've had the honor to meet the author personally and he is a magnificent person with great creativity and he is in-lightning with his story telling. I recommend this book to everyone looking to be inspired and/or in-lighted.”
“A poignant and poetic soul search of a transplanted New Yorker's attempt to find intimacy and normalcy amidst the sun scorched beauty of the Tropics. Mr. Kaufman's first tome weaves both narrative and poetry to often touchingly capture the romantic dichotomy of this sultry slice of southern Florida paradise. Sir Paul McCartney, in his hauntingly beautiful song Eleanor Rigby, poses the question: "All the lonely people, where do they all belong?" Mr. Kaufman's book, perhaps unknowingly, deftly answers that query.”
“Into My Life Unexpected… by S.L.Kaufman Fantastic book, everyone should read. Once you pick it up you won't put it down. The author really lets you feel and connect as he takes you on an incredible journey. The best part being that each one of us gets to apply the pieces and parts that help us to find our way in our journey. He helps us to see that even thru our past whether failures, or experiences life lessons are to be gained and we are always rewarded in the end. Loved it can't wait for more.”
“An excellent read for both men and women who have experienced life's rocky road. The author's ability to share his experiences is very moving and poignant. I hope S L Kaufman pens a sequel to the journey.”
“SL Kaufman, in his book, Into My Life Unexpected..., has courageously provided insights into his the process of adjusting to a geographical, and professional relocation. This with a coincident new romantic interest. He shares his feelings of desperation and pain associated with the end of the relationship while permitting the reader to see his vulnerability.”
“Received this book as a gift. Read it in one sitting. Captivated by the authenticity and openness with which Kaufman pens his soul baring journey. We can all learn something from this candid self exploration, hopefully sooner than later in our own life journey.”
“It has been a long time since I have read a book such as this. I use to love poetry books and books that truly are heartfelt , and you can tell what comes from the heart. For a long time I have not found one… worthy of reading fully, I read a few but they were not the same as I remembered from years ago. I often wondered what happened. Low and behold I found” Into My Life Unexpected”. This is a book that truly gets to the heart of finding love, finding the ONE and the journey along the way. This book tell it all in heartfelt and wondrous words and emotions. I highly recommend this book. I say find a comfy chair and a sip of wine place them under a shade tree and quietly take it in. Leaves you with a sense of hope and peace.”
“I finished reading “Into My Life Unexpected” it was courageous to confront ones fears publicly. It was admirable the way the author changed his life at the age of. 62 . I thought it was brilliantly written. Very enjoyable reading.”
“Fantastic book, everyone should read. Once you pick it up you won’t put it down. The author really lets you feel and connect as he takes you on an incredible journey. The best part being that each one of us gets to apply the pieces and parts that help us to find our way in our journey. He helps us to see that even thru our past whether failures, or experiences life lessons are to be gained and we are always rewarded in the end. Loved it can’t wait for more.”
“Into My Life Unexpected is a beautiful story of a man's struggles and successes on his journey to love and self-actualization. I enjoyed the unique mix of prose and poetry. I was left feeling as if I had truly entered the mind and heart of the writer.”
“Amazing... Beautiful story of "Pro's" and "Narrative" creating a romantic story of one man's journey to search for love and learning to love again... Written from his soul... A must read.”
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MLS
A beautiful sharing of the insights of this life journey
“A beautiful sharing of the insights of this life journey. It will strike a chord with everyone who cares about how they live their life. I'm looking forward to the sequel!”
“These books are not like any other. I found them poignant and colorful, easy to read and relate to. I am not a fan of normal poetry - these are not ordinary. If you are looking for something out of the box and new - It's a great series.”
“I can leave comments on every book/poetry Mr. Kaufman has written without hesitation. His writings are filled with deep emotions and are so heartfelt. In this series Mr. Kaufman also awakens thoughts and feelings of your own life. I think Mr. Kaufman is a honest and brave man to share his feelings with the world. Amazing writer!!!!!!!!”
“Book 2 of Mr. Kaufman's series was touching and emotional. Experiencing the loss of love is something we can all relate to. It was both painful and uplifting. Bravo SL for exposing yourself in this way. I'm anxiously awaiting Book 3.”
