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David H. Wagner
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Backbone: The Modern Man's Ultimate Guide to Purpose, Passion and Power Hardcover – May 5, 2015

by David H. Wagner (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 144 ratings
See all formats and editions

You deserve the best of life. And your life deserves the best of you.

What does it mean to be a powerful happy man in today s world? What does it take for a man to know himself, know his mission in life, and live a life of strength, honor, and wisdom?

Learning to be a good man used to be part of our culture; sons learned from fathers, nephews learned from uncles, apprentices learned from masters. But today this rarely happens. Modern men have to figure it out by themselves. Backbone is a practical, step-by-step guide to help men know themselves deeply, root out weaknesses, enhance strengths, and upgrade their experience of life.

Backbone combines no-nonsense wisdom with brutally honest exercises to help men to: find their purpose and be on track with their vision
access and hone their spiritual and emotional intelligence
get free from unhelpful beliefs, patterns, and habits
live an amazing, powerful, passion-filled life.

Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    272 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Watkins Publishing
  4. Publication date
    May 5, 2015
  5. Dimensions
    5.54 x 0.96 x 8.8 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    178028828X
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1780288284
Next slide of product details
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The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Editorial Reviews

Review

David Wagner is a transformational teacher and dedicated leader, on a committed path of service, guiding others to awaken to their inner wisdom and authentic power. --Gabrielle Bernstein, New York Times bestselling author of Miracles Now

"Most men are allergic to the big conversations around purpose, passion, and power because, well, they’re usually boring or too far ‘out there’. David is one of the rare men on this Earth who has the brains, heart, and balls to go deep without losing his sense of humor. He’s a modern teacher for wisdom of the ages." --Tripp Lanier, International Men's Coach and Host of The New Man Podcast

‘This is a book that every man needs to read! Wagner has a way of making practical, no-bullshit, life-changing wisdom totally accessible.’ --Dominic Carubba, men’s coach, author of 7 Pages to Success

‘Such an important and accessible read for men of today. David’s compelling voice offers men the most perfect distinctions – and the best questions – to be both powerful AND happy.’ --Elena Brower, yoga teacher and author of Art of Attention

‘Backbone is a fabulous title – and it exactly what David has given me – a spiritual backbone with which I can blast off and accomplish my goals and live my dreams – bravo!!!’ --Lev Gorn, actor on The Americans (FX Network)

‘In a world that controls language toward neutrality, and weakens traditional gender lines, where men are shamed for “acting like a man,” David gets straight to the point of what it means to be a spiritual man, and to reach a deeper level of understanding of what it means to be a man.’ --Ron Silver, restauranteur-chef and author of Bubby’s Brunch Cookbook

About the Author

David H Wagner is a spiritual teacher, men's group leader, and proud father who has dedicated his life to the exploration of personal transformation. He travels widely leading workshops and retreats for people from all walks of life from all over the world. He is the host of The Whole Manchilada Podcast, is a featured meditation teacher on Yogaglo.com, and serves on the faculties of Kripalu and Omega Institutes. Learn more on his website www.davidhwagner.com.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Watkins Publishing (May 5, 2015)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 178028828X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1780288284
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.2 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.54 x 0.96 x 8.8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 144 ratings

About the author

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David H. Wagner

David H. Wagner

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David H Wagner is a transformational teacher, men's group leader, and proud father who has dedicated his life to the exploration of personal transformation. He travels widely leading workshops and retreats for people from all walks of life from all over the world. He is the host of The Whole Manchilada Podcast, is a featured meditation teacher on Yogaglo.com, and serves on the faculties of Kripalu and Omega Institutes. Learn more on his website www.davidhwagner.com.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
144 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book full of powerful teachings and great insights. They describe it as an excellent, clear, and easy read with a straightforward voice. Readers mention that the book brings positive energy and helps them find their true purpose in life. The book is described as hard to put down and hard to understand. Customers feel empowered and authentic after reading the book.

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InfluenceReadabilityHappinessEase of readingPowerAuthenticity
14 customers mention "Influence"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book full of powerful teachings and insights. They say it's thought-provoking and a great read that changes their lives. Readers understand the research, experience, and parallels with their own indigenous beliefs. The book is described as revolutionary for men of our time.

"...It will positively impact anyone in your circle, and they will notice a marked change in your words, actions, and attitude towards life...." Read more

"...David's teachings are straightforward, with no BS...." Read more

"...if it might benefit my boyfriend and/or male friends, and learned SO much about men and about finding one's life purpose(s)...." Read more

"...It's nice that others see it too, but for me, this is a journey toward being a better man, a better husband, father, friend...." Read more

12 customers mention "Readability"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and engaging. They say it's a must-read for men trying to navigate modern times. The voice is straightforward and helpful to understand. Readers mention it's powerful and necessary, providing purpose, joy, and satisfaction.

"...his toolbox of how to truly live a life with purpose, joy, and ultimate satisfaction! Thank you David!" Read more

"...This is a must read for any man trying to navigate modern day times, and his place in it...." Read more

"...It's a clear, easy read, with a great, straightforward "voice" throughout...." Read more

"An enjoyable book. Seemed somehow disappointing though. Worth reading despite this.read other references though." Read more

6 customers mention "Happiness"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book inspiring and uplifting. They say it helps them understand their true purpose and live their vision.

"...any man to put in his toolbox of how to truly live a life with purpose, joy, and ultimate satisfaction! Thank you David!" Read more

"...with Harshada in NYC and can't say enough about the powerful and positive energy he brought to my life...." Read more

""1. Know your true purpose in life, and be on track with living your vision 2. Cultivate a strong and authentic spiritual connection 3...." Read more

"...It is positive, real, and full of great insights. Highly recommended." Read more

4 customers mention "Ease of reading"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to understand and hard to put down. They appreciate the clear, straightforward writing style and find it difficult to stop reading once they start.

"...it like it is, in a highly humorous and ingestible format that makes it very simple...." Read more

"...So, women should certainly read it, too! It's a clear, easy read, with a great, straightforward "voice" throughout...." Read more

"This book was easy to understand and deeply influential for me...." Read more

"...This book is hard to put down once you start reading it and will certainly help you get the best out of your life!" Read more

4 customers mention "Power"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's positive energy helpful. They say it helps them feel happier, more authentic, and empowered to live their lives to their full potential.

"...any man seeking to finally take control of his life and live it to its fullest potential...." Read more

"...changes in your life so that you can be happier, more authentic, empowered, and give parts of you a voice that didn't have one, then this book is..." Read more

"...meditation with Harshada in NYC and can't say enough about the powerful and positive energy he brought to my life...." Read more

"A Really Powerful and Necessary Book..." Read more

3 customers mention "Authenticity"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's authenticity. They find it positive, real, and full of great insights that help them feel happier and empowered.

"...A huge, heartfelt thanks to Mr. Wagner for sharing these honest, positive teachings with the world." Read more

"...about making changes in your life so that you can be happier, more authentic, empowered, and give parts of you a voice that didn't have one, then..." Read more

"...It is positive, real, and full of great insights. Highly recommended." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Lou
    5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a life changer!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This book is a true gift for any man seeking to finally take control of his life and live it to its fullest potential. It will positively impact anyone in your circle, and they will notice a marked change in your words, actions, and attitude towards life. After buying a copy for myself and reading it a few times, I have now bought copies for both of my sweethearts adult sons, my two teenage boys, and a very close friend. David truly tells it like it is, in a highly humorous and ingestible format that makes it very simple. The work itself that we do on ourselves may not be as simple, but David provides a guidebook and tools to get there. This book is a must for any man to put in his toolbox of how to truly live a life with purpose, joy, and ultimate satisfaction! Thank you David!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Stacey
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Really Powerful and Necessary Book
    Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    This book has been an absolute gift in my life. It really allows you to do the work necessary to start answering the questions on how to live to your potential. This is not a book full of self help tricks and catchy phrases. This is not about accumulating more quotes to post on your favorite social networking site. This book is a guide to help you start living the life you were meant to live. David's teachings are straightforward, with no BS. That type of teaching is rare at a time where everything seems to focus on being overly positive. Sometimes you need a kick in the butt to get started on this path. This book provides that, and much more. The lessons after each of the chapters have helped me gain an insight that I was previously missing. The layout and progression of the book made me feel like I was actually going deeper as went along. This is a must read for any man trying to navigate modern day times, and his place in it. My wife is about to read it too, so it's not just for the fellas :-)
    12 people found this helpful
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  • D.B. Miller
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Revolutionary and Positive Read
    Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Simply put, this is a revolutionary book for men of our time! Just read it. I began skimming it to see if it might benefit my boyfriend and/or male friends, and learned SO much about men and about finding one's life purpose(s). So, women should certainly read it, too! It's a clear, easy read, with a great, straightforward "voice" throughout. So far, I've bought half a dozen copies to give as gifts and lend out to the men in my life, and recommended it to dozens of other folks. One of my friends is going to be reading it with his men's group soon. A huge, heartfelt thanks to Mr. Wagner for sharing these honest, positive teachings with the world.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Russ
    4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
    Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    An enjoyable book. Seemed somehow disappointing though. Worth reading despite this.read other references though.
    Helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book that will change your life
    Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I don't say many things are life changing but for me, this was! I only would have hoped someone dropped this book on my when I was 25 rather than 45. It sure would have saved me years of BS relationships that didn't add value to my life.
    Helpful
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  • David
    5.0 out of 5 stars This Book changed my life
    Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This Book changed my life. Prior to reading this (& attending a men's weekend w/ David H Wagner), I'm not sure I really valued my male friends and what they had to offer. So, for that alone, I'm truly grateful. But what the book is really about is self examination and holding yourself to a higher standard. For years I used to constantly say I need to lose some weight, but most of my actions were half measures at best, and more often than not, mumbled wishes. Almost a year has passed and I still haven't met all my goals but I'm bringing more integrity to my intentions and have seen a lot of progress. It's nice that others see it too, but for me, this is a journey toward being a better man, a better husband, father, friend. If you read this book, that's a great start. But if you DO the exercises, that's when you'll start to get the most out of this book. Good luck!!
    One person found this helpful
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  • AP
    5.0 out of 5 stars Radical Happiness
    Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    After working for some time with David I decided to buy this book for my husband. I read it to him on a road trip and we both learned so much from the book and the exercises within it. Even more surprising was that we learned so much about each other through discussion. This is a book that gets to work quickly and is full of powerful teachings that are presented in a way that is both supportive and challenging. You get a sense of who David is as a person and a teacher because he makes himself accessible and shares his own story. David teaches us that we can choose to live consciously even though that will sometimes to be difficult and messy. This book is a must have for anyone who is ready to wake up into a radically happy life.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Jesse Gros
    3.0 out of 5 stars Strong start.. dies in the middle
    Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This book starts strong and dies in the middle with a bunch of activities that you likely won't do. I tried to finish the book, but I couldn't. It has some great stuff for young guys and deals well with the challenges of modern masculinity.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Mr H Parsey
    5.0 out of 5 stars It’s a book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 8, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Its cheap
    Report
  • Burial
    5.0 out of 5 stars Très bon livre pour devenir meilleur
    Reviewed in France on December 7, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Très bon livre de développement personnel. L’auteur va droit au but, détaille des tonnes de comportements foireux que l’on peut adopter au cours de notre vie, nous aide grâce à des exercices à trouver l’origine et la solution à ces comportements et donne plusieurs clés pour devenir un homme meilleur. Exhaustif, interactif, réaliste.
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  • Alex
    5.0 out of 5 stars Clarity, honesty and pragmatism.
    Reviewed in Australia on March 19, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    David writes in a trusty way. Even if you don’t agree with him, the way he puts the words together makes you ponder and it’s your call to go as deep as you want. Worth the time and energy. If you reading this review, you’re ready for the book.
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  • Freddie G
    5.0 out of 5 stars Go for it!
    Reviewed in Canada on May 27, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I've been waiting for this book to be released for a while. Now that I have it, it does not disappoint. It's a call to action to real self improvement. It is written in a direct style that anyone can engage with. There are a lot of books that focus on developing our lost masculinity...this one draws from many of them and presents them in a way that is more tangible, more straightforward, and more able to be put into action. I'm excited to get deeper into the book. David Wagner's writing style is honest and approachable. I recommend that if you're considering this book, GO FOR IT!
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  • Amazon Kunde
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best Questions for us all to become radically happy
    Reviewed in Germany on December 14, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    This is an incredibly honest and powerful book for everybody who is interested in building a great life and evolve as a leader.
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