Professor Bruce Stevens offers us a rich account and analysis of stories from the aging. In doing so he provides remarkable insight into the importance and abiding value of a narrative therapy. In doing so he builds on and extends our understanding of the storied self; the deep stories we dwell in and that shape our lives. What we discover is a discernible thread of spiritual understanding in the lives of those who are towards the latter years of their life. The result is a deeply touching and wise book that will be of great encouragement to all who care for and accompany the elderly as they are freed to tell their story.

- Stephen Pickard, Director for the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture at Charles Sturt University, Canberra,

The Storied Self offers a fresh perspective on narrative gerontology by analyzing the challenges elders encounter in telling their life stories and by depicting the different story forms that can contribute to their late life spiritual growth. Many important stories are not easily accessed and this book offers helpful guidance to spiritual carers willing to accompany older persons as they explore the “deep story” of their lives.

- Susan H. McFadden, Professor Emerita, Psychology, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh,

This book makes a major contribution to the study of narrative especially in later life. It brings new understandings to a developmental approach for the final life story, weaving perspectives of scholarship from psychology and pastoral aspects of ageing. Professor Stevens has opened avenues for recognizing and constructing alternative and meaningful narratives in later life, using a wide variety of stories to illustrate the complexity of story among older adults. It will be of value to all who work with older people.

- Elizabeth MacKinlay, Charles Sturt University,