I picked up John Graham's astonishing memoir, "Sit Down Young Stranger," yesterday, sat down to briefly glance through it before going to bed at 11:00 PM, and didn't get out of my armchair until 3:30 AM after turning the last page. What a life John has led! What stories he has to tell! Treat yourselves to a great read!
—Diane Kendy, philanthropist and political activist
A riveting, important memoir. On one level, it's about an intellectually brilliant, adventure-seeking man's search for the meaning of manhood. He sets out with a belief in brawny masculinity and the importance personal power, and he ends with the conviction that real men try to be healers. On another level, the book also provides an inside view of Nixon-era U.S. foreign policy. Using a desire for public service as a pretext for acquiring power for himself, Graham becomes a State Department official assigned to the Vietnam war's hottest hotspots and later to a nuclear-war planning unit in which no one questions the rightness of blowing up the planet. The hubris, cynicism and macho self-centeredness that Graham shows in his personal quest for manhood is thus mirrored in the policies in which he's a cog. Finally comes his hard-won epiphany: Compassion and trust, not toughness, are what resolve conflict. Cheney morphs into Mandela. Talk about character arcs. A dynamite read.
—Henry Aubin, columnist, Montreal Gazette, author, The Rescue of Jerusalem
A fascinating book by a fascinating guy! While Graham's life contains enough adventures for a dozen more-ordinary people, I was much more drawn to his parallel, inner quest. Being the mother of an eighteen-year old boy, I'm intensely interested in what factors determine a young man's choices and his direction. Sometimes, the most difficult and wayward individuals somehow end up the most responsible and empathic of adults. You have to take the long view, never give up, and just live long enough.
—Joan Brunwasser, Op-Ed News
I could not put this book down. I finished it with tears in my eyes, inspired by John Graham‚s compelling story and affirmed in my own life’s direction. Whether or not the reader has yet found that “sweet spot” of clear purpose and right livelihood as he eventually did, his words are encouraging and invite reflection. I admire his commitment to a life of service. And I am ever so grateful for his willingness to describe the amazing route by which he learned to listen to and answer his calling.
—Margaret Elwood, musician, teacher and poet
John Graham's personal story is not only very inspiring, it’s very well-written — and as engaging as a novel. Full of unforgettable adventures and moving reflections, this is a great book for encouraging anyone who aims for the high road, even when they don't know where it will take them, as Graham has done this throughout his fascinating life. Read Sit Down Young Stranger, and you'll be grateful for the chance to follow along on his journey of self-discovery.
—Alan AtKisson, author of Believing Cassandra and The ISIS Agreement
I loved the book. As I neared the end I tried to read it slowly as I did not want the stories to end. Thank you for sharing yourself in the deep, personal, intimate way that you have. You are a true inspiration.
—Ken Kortlever, project manager, InfinityQS International
What an amazing life you've created. Reading your heart-full story was a gift to the spirit. Your writing style is captivating, entertaining, wondrously descriptive and packed with profound wisdoms and insights as well. Your language and turn of phrase, vivid images - ahhhhhh. Your openness - sharing of what was going on in your spirit - is most admirable as well as highly instructive - leading to readers' self-discoveries along with yours. I've marked many pages to go back to re-read your clear, concise messages of vital life-awarenesses.
—Marilyn Schoeman Dow, author and consultant
What an inspirational, enlightening and captivating autobiography. I couldn't put it down. Thanks again John!
—Steve Cambridge, entrepreneur, former Vice President of AtriCure, Inc.
I absolutely loved the book! Once I started reading it, I didn't stop until I was finished. It was as if you were speaking directly to me as I read the stories about your struggles to find a purpose. I too have survived a few near-death experiences with the last one really shaking me up. After I recovered from it (as much as is possible), I became determined to find my path and make difference which led me here to Caux where I met you. I truly believe it was all meant to be as part of a greater plan for my life. Hopefully, I can live up to the example you have set and become a "giraffe" some day. Take care!
—Will Bett, graduate student
Bravo, John Graham! An audience mesmerized by your oral biography, standing ovation and autographed book sell-out. How good is that! Your adventures that evolved into international crusades and altruism are awesome.
—Trudy Sundberg, Chair, Whidbey Island Democratic Club
John Graham’s memoir Sit Down Young Stranger is one of the most interesting books I have read in years. It describes John’s exciting life and at the same time I think everyone could draw some parallels with their own life, insecurity, searching, failing and succeeding. John’s journey helps bring our own lives into perspective.
—David W. Finet, Executive Director, Opportunity Council
John Graham rocks. He climbs them, but only the highest and toughest ones. His principles are rock hard in his adherence to them. His life story delivers goose bumps to any reader, whether their interest be social justice, informed patriotism, or just plain old decency.
—Dr. Richard Steckel, Director, Milestones Project
John Graham has lived an incredible life and has written an incredible book about that life, Sit Down Young Stranger. He has followed not one, but three, passions, passions which the rest of us can hardly conceive of, much less attempt. But he has followed them, to their utmost limits, only to find when he reached these limits, that each was fatally flawed. With each such discovery, with triumph in his grasp, he had the courage, the instinct, the wisdom to turn away, to begin to look elsewhere. What he found, finally, was that his purpose and calling was to serve others, to do good, to work to save the world. Read his riveting book, which describes the extraordinary journey of an extraordinary human being.
—Richard Bakal, General Partner, the Bakal Company, LP
Sit Down Young Stranger is one of the most fascinating books I've read in a long time. I think many people have similar experiences but often or never identify them as signs or signals or opportunities for change. This book comes at a critical time.
—Judy Yeakel, community leader