Norman grew up in a loving Jewish family in the midwest. His father was a veteran and although all seem well, Norman felt a disconnect, a deep-felt sense of suffering all around him that was never Acknowledged or discussed. In his early twenties, Norman experienced a great deal of internal turmoil and when he learned the First Noble Truth, one of the central beliefs of Buddhism, he experienced great relief -- his suffering was not his alone, it was universal. Norman has dedicated his life to the study and practice of Buddhism, to live a life of kindness and compassion, and to sharing his path with a wide audiences. He is the author of more than 25 books, including the brilliant Taking Our Places : the Buddhist Path to Truly Growing Up, and Sailing Home: using Homer’s Odyssey to navigate life's perils and pitfalls