Go Deep and Take Plenty of Root: A Prairie-Norwegian Father, Rebellion in Minneapolis, Basement Zen, Growing Up, Growing Tender

This book struck home on two fronts. How many of us have had reserved, distant fathers, wary of emotion? And, for those of us who recall the 60's (though I remember little from the 50's), this fills in a lot of gaps--especially as to Minneapolis in the (very) early Dylan era.Storlie brings to vivid life the family and friends of his early years, growing up in a rapidly urbanizing Minneapolis, whose last wild places were being bulldozed and developed. Storlie recalls putting sand into the gas tanks of the heavy machinery, trying to save his beloved bluffs above Cedar Lake, where he played as a child. He recounts his adolescent years, falling in with tough kids from bad neighborhoods with alcoholic fathers, as well as his first love (an account both steamy and emotionally moving). As he moves on to his undergraduate years at the U of M, some famous figures, such as the poet James Wright, become close friends. (Wright seems to also be sort of second father--the one Storlie wished he could have had . . . or at least so he thinks.) Storlie lets alcohol take over his life and--faced with choosing between going to endless parties where he can meet and impress the bohemian/hipster crowd or spend more time with his girlfriend (since high school)--he chooses the former. Then he is destroyed when his girlfriend drifts away.Storlie doesn't shy away from examining his self-centeredness and self-destructiveness. Through all of this the figure of his father (and their dysfunctional relationship) looms in the background. Yet it is his father (I don't want to give too much away) who proves pivotal in helping him face his own demons. Gradually he comes to know--and love--his father, to see beyond his flaws and woundedness into the nobility and pathos of his soul . . . but also to recognize his father's flaws within himself.Storlie covers lots of ground, from hopping boxcars to booze and acid and beatnik poets--and later to Zen and marriage (two of them) and caring for his elderly parents--all very poignantly and evocatively. Storlie has taught literature for decades; the man can write! An excellent book for anyone, this is a must-read for Minnesotans :)

I had read Erik’s previous book “Nothing on My Mind” and thus already knew what a hardcore spiritual seeker he is. “Nothing on My Mind” is a very good and important book, it provides wonderful insight into what it was like in early San Francisco and Minneapolis Zen, I definitely recommend it. But both as a book and in the breadth of its appeal “Go Deep and Take Plenty of Root” is just on another whole level.It begins with his earliest childhood memories and beautifully weaves together Erik’s relationship with his Father. The relationship is experienced through an unfolding of the changing perspectives of an entire life. We share in his deeply human challenges, Jr. High bullies, budding sexuality, rebellion, poetry, alcohol/drugs, psychedelics, spiritual path, finding our career, family legacy, and the sweet hello’s and goodbye’s that are life. From his experiences, Erik brings to light the challenge that can happen in Zen practice when there is an over emphasis on commitment to daily sitting and extended Sesshins. Where the quest for a future Enlightenment or support of Sangha can become out of balance and cause us to miss the small enlightenments of being there now with our family, spouses, kids, and regular western lives.But the real power of this book is in that it conveys the beauty of the human condition that we can only get from the deep connection created when an author writes from their heart/soul. The Father and Son relationship here was the highlight for me, I think it will cause you to hug your Dad or Son a little tighter next time you see them. The book may be of particular interest to those of you who may have had stone-faced Norwegian fathers.I found myself having a good sob near the end of the book and it had been a very long time since a book did that to me. Very powerful stuff, highly recommended!

Storlie's journey, from early childhood to death of his parents, parallels mine in many respects: the same era, same area of same city, same awful junior HS and HS (which he doesn't deal much with) and also rebellion against conformity and perceived mediocrity of our culture. As well, similar self-inflicted, near disasters. Well, we grew up in a time of transition leading to social, cultural, & political upheavals complicated by the Vietnam war. Some of our friends made it thru unscathed, lucky for them.This book is a fine, fine testament to that period, from Storlie's father's psychology that severely stunted Erik's emotional being (he is amazingly open about this), to his searching in a literary milieu of drinking buddies at the university, to eventual spiritual opening with LSD and zen meditation (in Berkeley, of course). All depicted in straight-forward, can I say Mid-Western?, way. Most touching is his relationship with his parents, especially his father, and his mother's last months are beautifully, lovingly portrayed. For anyone who lived through this period (and survived or even flourished), I highly recommend this book.

wonderful stories and insights into the mind and emotions of the author. As we grew up at the same timein the same place, Minneapolis MN, I followed with strong identification the authors experiences as he tellshis story with amazing detail that forms the people and the places of his life as a youth and an adult. I readhis journey I went along with him and felt some of the same emotions and thoughts that he had. I came awaywith a better understanding of Mr. Storlie and myself.

A great read. Had the pleasure of meeting Erik recently. So glad that he's so eloquently shared his story with us.

Have met Erik, and growing up in Minneapolis, it is fun to read about places I know and people we both know. Fun read on mass transit.

A Very revealing story that created a reflection of my own personal experience.