Thinking Out Loud is a sharp, essential collection of essays and observations, asking fearless questions about life, love, religion, relationships, parenting and more. Stephen Philip Walrath is clear at the outset: he wishes to give the reader the benefit of the knowledge he has accumulated throughout his life and perhaps spare the reader the same mistakes he made. You will read Thinking Out Loud over and over and never exhaust all that it reveals to you. It is profound, interesting and motivating. The tone of the book is personal, confessional, and intimate. It sometimes feels we are invading his personal space, overhearing conversations you weren't suppose to hear. Each chapter looks at a different moment in Walrath's life and a different question he was driven to explore. He takes you from the front porch of his home in Wisconsin to a Seattle dockside. At each point, he is challenged with questions about the nature of existence and the importance of staying true to oneself. Thinking Out Loud is like a literal and philosophical compass for getting through life. His themes-his relationship with his wife, his relationships with his sons, his questioning of the religious fundamentalism he was raised - lead us to examine our own lives in light of his hard-fought lessons. This is a book for when you don't have all the answers. One main focus of Walrath's work is his important journey away from extreme fundamentalism. He is a man who enjoys pondering the questions of the universe and examining the rigorous answers offered by the structure of his religion. You will sense his struggle and conflict without glossing over the brokenness of our human condition. He stopped pretending and, although uncomfortable for some, decided to say, "This is how it is." The result is illuminating and fulfilling. Make no mistake: these essays are worthwhile, pithy, and to the point. They fully realize the author's intent and are well worth the reader's effort. No matter what order you read the chapters, each will speak to your specific question and need.