The End of the Island

What if you were to look at human suffering, pain, and loss with another lens? Not as something that you merely make it through but as something that you move around within. In this fresh, creative, and provocative new book, Jeffrey Tucker explores suffering in new ways, challenging our existing beliefs and theologies while offering a healthier and more helpful approach to viewing ourselves, our faith, and others in the face of suffering. Tucker addresses specific and practical questions that we often ask ourselves when we suffer--attempting to locate our suffering, our identity, the persons of the Divine, our support, and our hope in the process. He also engages us along the way by wrapping wisdom within the framework of a story of an old man on an island who is seeking answers to his pain and loss. The journey takes unexpected turns as the old man learns new ways to walk and to live in the midst of his pain. As we join the old man in his walk, we learn new ways as well. This highly readable and accessible book offers thought-provoking and transforming ideas for persons of every walk of life and faith.

""So often in life, it is not so much the experience but the reflection upon each experience that gives our life meaning and purpose. This book, written sometimes like a story, sometimes like a conversation, and supported every step of the way with thought-provoking questions and prayer, gives the reader many opportunities to pause and reflect. It is a simple yet profound guide to choosing how to live wisely, with meaning and purpose.""
--Barbara Hunter, certified Presence-Based Coach®

""This book gently encourages the reader to embark on a journey through the deepest questions of life, pausing here and there for reflection and inviting personal insight. It is to be savored slowly and prayerfully. Tucker's strong faith leads him to a universal comprehension of suffering and belief that supersedes denominational and religious affiliation. One cannot read this book without being touched.""
--Elsa Hale Mintz, Rector Emeritus of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Glenmoore, PA

""Jeffrey Tucker, a thoughtful and compassionate chaplain, draws from his experiences in the hospital setting to share poignantly about the reality of suffering within the human experience. Almost poetically he gives voice to the various faces of suffering and the movement of suffering through its challenges and questions to places of resolve and acceptance.""
--Barbara Emery, Chaplain and Spiritual Care Team Leader, Paoli Hospital

""The End of the Island is a book to embrace. Initially [Tucker] promises much, and as you are moved by the narrative . . . you soon discover he delivers what he promises. Read it first alone, then read it with your book club or with a church group. But by all means, read it.""
--Stephen L. Dutton, Christiana Care Health System, Manager of Pastoral Services, CPE Supervisor & CPE Program Director


Jeffrey C. Tucker is a hospital chaplain in the Philadelphia area. He earned his Master of Theological Studies Degree from Palmer Theological Seminary. As part of his degree program, he researched and wrote extensively on contextual theologies, completing a double thesis on them from a Latin American perspective. Tucker is currently nearing completion of his Master of Divinity from the same seminary. He is active in his church community, supporting outreach to the poor.