What do you think?
Rate this book
The Way Home: Discovering the Hero's Journey to Wholeness at Midlife
A guidebook for those at midlife struggling to find themselves, applying Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey to the modern reader’s quest for wholeness.
Those reaching midlife often discover that they have been bombarded with messages from society telling them who they should be and what their life should look like. While chasing the three-headed monster (achievement, perfection, and the approval of others), author Ben Katt realized that he had lost himself along the way. The Way Home is a book for those struggling to find their way back to themselves, especially at midlife.
Katt distills Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey into an accessible, ten-step program to help readers move beyond their limitations, find fulfillment, and make the greatest possible contribution to their community and world. Anyone – ordinary, extraordinary, or somewhere in between – can embark upon the Hero’s Journey, leaving the familiar, falling into the unknown, and ultimately rising to wholeness.
Bringing together personal experience, spiritual wisdom, and well-known mythologies, The Way Home serves as a practical guidebook to inspire and equip people in the second half of life, helping them move from isolation to belonging, from security to surrender, from conformity to wildness. Katt employs a number of tools and rituals to guide readers along the path back to themselves, including solitude, dreamwork, fasting, and meditation.
This book serves as a reminder to those at a transition point in their life that the most important task is to stay connected with their own heart.
Those reaching midlife often discover that they have been bombarded with messages from society telling them who they should be and what their life should look like. While chasing the three-headed monster (achievement, perfection, and the approval of others), author Ben Katt realized that he had lost himself along the way. The Way Home is a book for those struggling to find their way back to themselves, especially at midlife.
Katt distills Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey into an accessible, ten-step program to help readers move beyond their limitations, find fulfillment, and make the greatest possible contribution to their community and world. Anyone – ordinary, extraordinary, or somewhere in between – can embark upon the Hero’s Journey, leaving the familiar, falling into the unknown, and ultimately rising to wholeness.
Bringing together personal experience, spiritual wisdom, and well-known mythologies, The Way Home serves as a practical guidebook to inspire and equip people in the second half of life, helping them move from isolation to belonging, from security to surrender, from conformity to wildness. Katt employs a number of tools and rituals to guide readers along the path back to themselves, including solitude, dreamwork, fasting, and meditation.
This book serves as a reminder to those at a transition point in their life that the most important task is to stay connected with their own heart.
288 pages, Paperback
Published February 20, 2024
29 people are currently reading
3129 people want to read
About the author
Ben Katt
1 book16 followersBen Katt is a meditation teacher, spiritual coach, and writer. As a perpetual student of wisdom traditions, Ben is an expert at adapting ancient personal development practices for modern contexts in order to help people wake up to their fullest lives. He is a certified advanced meditation teacher, holds a Master of Divinity degree, and was an ordained minister for over a decade. Previously, he led The On Being Project’s work in supporting religious and spiritual leaders. He lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with his family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 23, 2024
Wow — so resonant! If it says anything, I couldn’t put it down and read this in one day. Purchased as a gesture of support because I lived with the author in college, but pretty much immediately discovered that the journeys he describes in the book: ego death, career uncertainties, desire for community and affirmation, how and by what we’re defined — are all things I’ve encountered in a very personal way, especially in the last year. Fully recommend to all, especially anyone who feels they’re in transition, rebirth, or still feels stuck.
July 13, 2024
This book spoke to me on many different levels— as parent, professional, and curious being. Katt’s interest in Jung and Campbell echoed for me a time when the hero’s journey spoke to me as a powerful organizing force to interpret life. The theme still has potency for me, yet more in chorus with other constructs and not as a singular mode.
While at times the book felt formulaic or a bit too structuralist for interpreting of one’s quest for personal discovery, at other times his words cut through with insight in surprising ways. It was the passages where he’d analyze his own life that would capture me most — at times causing me to speak aloud, “oh my.” His ability to name and describe his own fallibility and vulnerability stunned and inspired me. In a way, it also reignited in me the power of myth, fable, and archetypes to function as temporary footholds in life — not road maps to be followed, but poetic portals that playfully invite us to consider what if.
Quotes Katt included that grabbed me:
Katt describes poetry as his "cave art" and that poetry writing, rather than a performance for him, is a vehicle for reflection, self discovery, and personal growth.
"Poetry has the power to give name to the nameless so that it can be thought."
-- Audre Lorde, writer and activist (see also "Poetry is not a luxury")
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive."
-- Howard Thurman, writer and philosopher (see also the work of his wife Sue Bailey Thurman, writer, historian and activist)
Used: MPL
While at times the book felt formulaic or a bit too structuralist for interpreting of one’s quest for personal discovery, at other times his words cut through with insight in surprising ways. It was the passages where he’d analyze his own life that would capture me most — at times causing me to speak aloud, “oh my.” His ability to name and describe his own fallibility and vulnerability stunned and inspired me. In a way, it also reignited in me the power of myth, fable, and archetypes to function as temporary footholds in life — not road maps to be followed, but poetic portals that playfully invite us to consider what if.
Quotes Katt included that grabbed me:
Katt describes poetry as his "cave art" and that poetry writing, rather than a performance for him, is a vehicle for reflection, self discovery, and personal growth.
"Poetry has the power to give name to the nameless so that it can be thought."
-- Audre Lorde, writer and activist (see also "Poetry is not a luxury")
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive."
-- Howard Thurman, writer and philosopher (see also the work of his wife Sue Bailey Thurman, writer, historian and activist)
Used: MPL
June 13, 2024
Beautiful cover. Intriguing concept. Too "woo woo" for me overall.
I believe the author fully believes all of his spiritual experiences described in his book, and I am so glad he found what he was looking for and continued to journey on. However, those experiences didn't connect with me. A dream is sometimes just a dream. Hugging a cactus in the nude seems bananas to me, not revelatory. Of course, I'm interested in learning about spiritual practices (and that's why I picked up the book). I did learn... And maybe other readers will get more out of it.
I believe the author fully believes all of his spiritual experiences described in his book, and I am so glad he found what he was looking for and continued to journey on. However, those experiences didn't connect with me. A dream is sometimes just a dream. Hugging a cactus in the nude seems bananas to me, not revelatory. Of course, I'm interested in learning about spiritual practices (and that's why I picked up the book). I did learn... And maybe other readers will get more out of it.
Read
February 15, 2024Thank you St. Martin’s Essentials for my #gifted copy!
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐲 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 - 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨’𝐬 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐖𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐢𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐁𝐞𝐧 𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐭
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
I slowly worked my way through The Way Home and really enjoyed the way the author was able to implore his storytelling and wisdom through the book. When I heard the author was a meditation teacher and life transformation coach, I knew this was a book I wanted to read and savor. The focus of this book is to guide those struggling in midlife back to themselves. While I feel like this book is especially impactful for men, I was able to find the tools and rituals very beneficial.
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐲 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 - 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨’𝐬 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐖𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐢𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐁𝐞𝐧 𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐭
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
I slowly worked my way through The Way Home and really enjoyed the way the author was able to implore his storytelling and wisdom through the book. When I heard the author was a meditation teacher and life transformation coach, I knew this was a book I wanted to read and savor. The focus of this book is to guide those struggling in midlife back to themselves. While I feel like this book is especially impactful for men, I was able to find the tools and rituals very beneficial.
March 14, 2025
I love memoirs like this and I love Joseph Campbell’s hero’s journey theme. It was wonderful to learn about that theme through many world religions and mainstream stories. I wish the book had more story from the author. His story of his life was choppy, not always chronological so the details were not clear, and there was not enough “before” story so I was left with a lot of unknown of why a hero’s journey was so necessary. I was actually left with a lot of unknown throughout the whole book, about Ben and his life. At times the book read more like a textbook about hero’s journeys with quotes and references, which I liked, but just didn’t help in the flow of story telling.
This book gets only three stars from me, but I don’t want to put down the author and his need to write this book for himself and his journey. I just wish it read more like a memoir and had more details of his personal story, but maybe there is a reason he framed the book the way he did.
This book gets only three stars from me, but I don’t want to put down the author and his need to write this book for himself and his journey. I just wish it read more like a memoir and had more details of his personal story, but maybe there is a reason he framed the book the way he did.
August 10, 2023
"The Way Home: Discovering the Hero's Journey to Wholeness at Midlife" by Ben Katt appears to be a valuable guidebook for individuals navigating the challenges and self-discovery that often accompany the midlife phase. The book draws inspiration from Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey, a well-known narrative structure often applied to personal growth and transformation, and applies it to the modern context of finding one's true self and purpose.
The author, Ben Katt, shares his own experiences and reflections on reaching midlife and realizing that societal pressures and expectations had led him away from his authentic self. Through this realization, he distills the Hero's Journey into a practical, ten-step program designed to help readers move beyond societal limitations, embrace personal fulfillment, and contribute positively to their community and the world.
The book acknowledges the common struggles faced by those in midlife, including the pursuit of external validation and the relentless pursuit of achievement and perfection. It aims to guide readers back to themselves, encouraging them to embark on their own Hero's Journey by leaving their comfort zone, exploring the unknown, and ultimately achieving a sense of wholeness.
Katt weaves personal anecdotes, spiritual insights, and familiar mythologies into the narrative, making the Hero's Journey concept accessible and relatable. The book provides practical tools and rituals, such as solitude, dreamwork, fasting, and meditation, to help readers engage with the journey towards self-discovery and belonging.
At its core, "The Way Home" emphasizes the importance of staying connected to one's own heart during periods of transition. It encourages readers to embrace their individuality and move away from conformity, fostering a sense of wildness and authenticity.
For individuals who find themselves at a crossroads in midlife, "The Way Home" seems to offer a thoughtful and actionable guide to navigate the challenges of this phase and embark on a journey of self-exploration, growth, and transformation. By combining personal experience, spiritual wisdom, and practical guidance, the book could potentially provide a roadmap for readers seeking greater meaning and fulfillment in the second half of their lives.
The author, Ben Katt, shares his own experiences and reflections on reaching midlife and realizing that societal pressures and expectations had led him away from his authentic self. Through this realization, he distills the Hero's Journey into a practical, ten-step program designed to help readers move beyond societal limitations, embrace personal fulfillment, and contribute positively to their community and the world.
The book acknowledges the common struggles faced by those in midlife, including the pursuit of external validation and the relentless pursuit of achievement and perfection. It aims to guide readers back to themselves, encouraging them to embark on their own Hero's Journey by leaving their comfort zone, exploring the unknown, and ultimately achieving a sense of wholeness.
Katt weaves personal anecdotes, spiritual insights, and familiar mythologies into the narrative, making the Hero's Journey concept accessible and relatable. The book provides practical tools and rituals, such as solitude, dreamwork, fasting, and meditation, to help readers engage with the journey towards self-discovery and belonging.
At its core, "The Way Home" emphasizes the importance of staying connected to one's own heart during periods of transition. It encourages readers to embrace their individuality and move away from conformity, fostering a sense of wildness and authenticity.
For individuals who find themselves at a crossroads in midlife, "The Way Home" seems to offer a thoughtful and actionable guide to navigate the challenges of this phase and embark on a journey of self-exploration, growth, and transformation. By combining personal experience, spiritual wisdom, and practical guidance, the book could potentially provide a roadmap for readers seeking greater meaning and fulfillment in the second half of their lives.
April 7, 2025
In The Way Home, Ben Katt has written a book about he had lost his own way home and his journey to getting back to wholeness. He was entering his 30s about to hit his midlife. He had three kids in three years. His wife was about done with graduate school. He started three community minded startups. He was a community organizer, pastor, a social entrepreneur. He was beginning to experience fatigue and losing his heart. He knew he had to make a change when one day he was running and he felt a notice that stated if he didn’t have a heart then you have nothing. He was headed towards a burnout. He breaks the book down into three phases. Phase one is the process of leaving the familiarity of the false version of ourselves. The 2nd is failing into the unknown. 3rd is rising to wholeness. He looked at the power of letting go. In the book, he shared the meaning behind the jaguar and how it come to pass in a dream. This changed the entire scope of his life and how he chooses to live. He explained the importance of slowing down and being careful in detecting our calling.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is ready to change their lives and maybe they are about to enter their midlife and they are worried about what’s next. This book will guide readers on living in their purpose and finding their way home. I appreciated how he admitted that he had to tend to his wounds and slow down and this helped him to figure out his calling and rediscover his passion.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is ready to change their lives and maybe they are about to enter their midlife and they are worried about what’s next. This book will guide readers on living in their purpose and finding their way home. I appreciated how he admitted that he had to tend to his wounds and slow down and this helped him to figure out his calling and rediscover his passion.
January 2, 2025
I typically wouldn’t read this kind of book, save for the fact that I recently completed a pilgrimage (of sorts) over the course of 2024. Ergo, reading through Katt’s approach to his own style of sacred quest, spread across six years, reminded me very much of the past three years of preparation for my own journey. While the style and intensity of our pilgrimages differs, I found Katt’s preparation inspiring and informative. There were several things he incorporated that I never considered; meanwhile, there were elements of my pilgrimage that didn’t factor into his considerations. Indeed, each person’s pilgrimage remains their own individualised journey.
Still, I found his approach useful, and, as I’ve not written a write-up of my experience just yet, would recommend to readers who are in the process of contemplating what it might mean to follow the development of their own life path. Katt provides clear, useful takeaways, and several of the quotes included at the start of each chapter remain empowering. He has thoroughly reflected on his process, and while it may not provide answers for every pilgrim, it nevertheless remains a solid starting point.
4 stars. Katt provides a few links to external sources that come across as extremely useful. In fact, one of the prime takeaways of this work include the tools and techniques he incorporated into his quest. To have discovered elements of what worked for him helped plant seeds of re-examining my own, even presenting me with the question of whether the quest is complete or not. Readers of this text may find themselves asking the same question.
Still, I found his approach useful, and, as I’ve not written a write-up of my experience just yet, would recommend to readers who are in the process of contemplating what it might mean to follow the development of their own life path. Katt provides clear, useful takeaways, and several of the quotes included at the start of each chapter remain empowering. He has thoroughly reflected on his process, and while it may not provide answers for every pilgrim, it nevertheless remains a solid starting point.
4 stars. Katt provides a few links to external sources that come across as extremely useful. In fact, one of the prime takeaways of this work include the tools and techniques he incorporated into his quest. To have discovered elements of what worked for him helped plant seeds of re-examining my own, even presenting me with the question of whether the quest is complete or not. Readers of this text may find themselves asking the same question.
September 22, 2023
Ben Katt's THE WAY HOME: DISCOVERING THE HERO'S JOURNEY TO WHOLENESS AT MIDLIFE is a powerful, jolting read. From the observation of "losing your heart and finding the way to get it back," Katt offers his own story and magnifies it for everyone to reflect upon their own lives: "Our individual journeys are not the same, but we are on our human journey." A standing ovation to a daring person who shared their heart, thoughts, and life in order to benefit the rest of us stumbling, wincing at our scrapes, falls, and missteps and showing us a different path entirely. it was a privilege to learn from this frank and open author. I received a copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.
March 5, 2024
This book is an amazing read for those searching to find their true self. from the first page I couldn't not put the book down, I spent 9 hours totally enthralled with the book. there is wisdom on ever page (I would suggest having a highlighter with you), but wisdom can be seen everywhere so what makes this book different? Comparing this to other "self Help" or "Self Love" books (which I have read very few, so take this as you will), I see myself actually guided into searching for my own path without being told that there is only ONE solution to the daunting task. Ben Katt digs deep into the nature of humans and confronts you with the insecurities that we all bury deep down. And alongside these potentially life changing lessons, you read an amazing journey of leaving, falling and rising.
May 27, 2024
This book can be a good companion for someone who wants to find their way based on what feels genuine and true to their soul rather than mainly strive to reach external markers of success.
I support endeavors like the author’s: he recognized that he was going through the motions in life but wasn’t feeling in touch with his heart’s purpose. He embarked on a journey to reconnect with his true self.
Stylistically, the book didn’t flow easily for me, even though his voice and delivery feel sincere. Some of his observations and experiences were hard to relate to. He gives nicknames and labels to the people and rituals, but doing so somehow made them feel less relatable and understandable.
I support endeavors like the author’s: he recognized that he was going through the motions in life but wasn’t feeling in touch with his heart’s purpose. He embarked on a journey to reconnect with his true self.
Stylistically, the book didn’t flow easily for me, even though his voice and delivery feel sincere. Some of his observations and experiences were hard to relate to. He gives nicknames and labels to the people and rituals, but doing so somehow made them feel less relatable and understandable.
January 18, 2024
I'm reading a lot of these kinds of books right now because I am doing a lot of self-assessment. I like how this one is framed around the idea of finding your heart again.
In some ways, the advice here is practical, although most people won't be able to physically do the things the author did. But we can stop and take stock of where we are and own our weirdness and learn to let go and accept ourselves. I think it takes practice, and we need to keep reminding ourselves of where we are on the path.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read an ARC of this
In some ways, the advice here is practical, although most people won't be able to physically do the things the author did. But we can stop and take stock of where we are and own our weirdness and learn to let go and accept ourselves. I think it takes practice, and we need to keep reminding ourselves of where we are on the path.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read an ARC of this
March 11, 2024
Significantly worthwhile book. If you are in any sort of life transition - work, location, relationship, identity - or if you’re trying to find your way, then this book is for you. Ben crafts a marvelous story, with absolute authenticity and vulnerability (and, yes, some “wyrd”) that had me turning pages non-stop. Paralleling the story, Ben invites the reader to apply the concepts in their own life, as they desire or need. The Way Home correlates well to those who are leading or seeking a more purpose-driven life.
November 17, 2023
Thanks to Goodreads, Ben Katt, & St Martin's Essentials for the Advanced Readers Copy
This book is exactly what it claims to be. A guide starting a spiritual journey at mid life. Using Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey as a template, Katt walks the beginner through the steps of opening to the spiritual & crafting a path for yourself.
Definitely geared toward beginners the book also can help the old hand at spiritual journeys tweak they work for the new stage of life.
This book is exactly what it claims to be. A guide starting a spiritual journey at mid life. Using Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey as a template, Katt walks the beginner through the steps of opening to the spiritual & crafting a path for yourself.
Definitely geared toward beginners the book also can help the old hand at spiritual journeys tweak they work for the new stage of life.
June 23, 2024
wholehearted living
Ben Katt’s storytelling ability is superb! I have a better understanding of why striving to meet society’s expectations leaves me feeling empty regardless of my achievements. I also have words and pictures to describe the desire for contentment and to live wholeheartedly through love once I give myself permission to get in touch with my heart. Highly recommended!
Ben Katt’s storytelling ability is superb! I have a better understanding of why striving to meet society’s expectations leaves me feeling empty regardless of my achievements. I also have words and pictures to describe the desire for contentment and to live wholeheartedly through love once I give myself permission to get in touch with my heart. Highly recommended!
November 2, 2023
Joseph Campbell's visionary work on mythologies from many tradition is the alembic for Ben Katt's inspiring book. There's much to learn here -- and to be bolstered by as the journey unfolds. It's wonderful to have this practical, modern application of Campbell's timeless ideas.
October 31, 2024
Honest and Raw
Ben Katt does a beautiful job of being real, raw, vulnerable and honest in sharing his journey which inspires me and hopefully others to continue the path of The Hero’s’s Journey in finding your own heart.
Ben Katt does a beautiful job of being real, raw, vulnerable and honest in sharing his journey which inspires me and hopefully others to continue the path of The Hero’s’s Journey in finding your own heart.
December 29, 2023
Beautiful, vulnerable, brave and inspiring.
April 12, 2024
Vulnerable. Inspirational. Actionable.
June 19, 2024
A prophetic and insightful yearning for the elusive journey of self-realization of oneself in our ever busy and distracting world.
January 12, 2025
I appreciate the premise of this book and took away some nuggets of inspiration from the author’s spiritual journey. But there was a lot I didn’t connect with and felt repetitive at times.
June 26, 2025
DNF 70%
January 26, 2024
This year instead of a long list of resolutions I have only two personal and one bookish.
My personal is to be kinder to myself and say no more often, I don't want the constant Yesses to erase who I am and it's been enough of me putting others first.
The bookish is to tackle that TRB of fantasy series and trilogies that I've been waiting for have more than 5 books out.
I was very invested in reading this book because I usually am drawn to books that are self-help but put me on the path to do more art or work more. But this one is for HIM. We can't address our self-care and not include our partner. Whether my husband needs this journey or will one day, I want to be ready to help and support him.
I appreciate that this book focuses on things we (fantasy nerds) know and that the author also comes from a tradition of having a nob that works with people, violence, and unfortunate situations. It's very relatable, but this is something you must decide (if it is helpful to you as well). I already underlined many phrases and will continue to keep this book closer to me. It's inspirational and very relatable but like any self-help book the one who needs help must want to read it with 100% of will and take from it only what inspires. We all have different lives.
It will be released on February 20th, 2024 and so far I am loving it and taking it all in. Thank you to the publisher for the advance copy
My personal is to be kinder to myself and say no more often, I don't want the constant Yesses to erase who I am and it's been enough of me putting others first.
The bookish is to tackle that TRB of fantasy series and trilogies that I've been waiting for have more than 5 books out.
I was very invested in reading this book because I usually am drawn to books that are self-help but put me on the path to do more art or work more. But this one is for HIM. We can't address our self-care and not include our partner. Whether my husband needs this journey or will one day, I want to be ready to help and support him.
I appreciate that this book focuses on things we (fantasy nerds) know and that the author also comes from a tradition of having a nob that works with people, violence, and unfortunate situations. It's very relatable, but this is something you must decide (if it is helpful to you as well). I already underlined many phrases and will continue to keep this book closer to me. It's inspirational and very relatable but like any self-help book the one who needs help must want to read it with 100% of will and take from it only what inspires. We all have different lives.
It will be released on February 20th, 2024 and so far I am loving it and taking it all in. Thank you to the publisher for the advance copy
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews