The Great Western Divide is not about John Spivey. He's one example cited along the way. His is not the only story that is being told in these pages, nor is it only his family. Others, like Hale Tharp quoted above, make their entrances to be examples, offer advice, and serve as warnings.

Earlier I said his stories aren't meant to frighten us away from the darkness but teach us to examine it. That does not mean that this book will not scare a lot of people. It asks you to take things you hold dear, accept as normal and right, and look at them in a different light. That is a very intimidating task that not many of us are prepared to take on.

As an aside, and on a personal note, what was nice for me was to see someone articulate a lot of the things that I believe personally in such a thoughtful and intelligent manner. This book is such a refreshing change from what is out there; there's no divine message from angels, or channeling spirits from ancient cultures substantiating his theories. It's one man having the courage and the integrity to speak his mind about what he believes in.

Some of the theories, like childhood conditioning affecting behaviour for the rest of your life, are accepted theories of modern psychology, and some are hypotheses that he has generated from his own experiences. He's not proselytising a religion or a lifestyle or selling classes that in just seven days will make you a man - oh sorry, enlightened.

All he's asking is you sit by the fire with him for a while and listen to the stories he has to tell. What you get out them is up to you. I personally agree with everything he says, but seeing as how I started a similar journey twelve years ago, that's not surprising.

Just remember one thing before you start reading: you don't have to be afraid of the dark because after a while your eyes will adjust and you'll be able to see. Think of The Great Western Divide as the infrared glasses you need to get you started and you'll be fine.