By Richard J. Leider and David A. Shapiro (Berrett-Koehler, 2004)

The setting: a starlit night in an African baobab forest. The cast of characters: tribal elders, fleet-footed impalas, and the winged Honey Guide. Whoa! Is this a business book? Well, not exactly. Claiming Your Place at the Fire is as much a take-back-your-life manifesto as it is a business book. For baby boomers approaching middle age and wondering what they are going to need to live the second half of their lives with passion, this is an inspiring blueprint. (If that doesn't sound like you, you're just as likely to say "no thanks.") The authors, who previously wrote the best-sellers Repacking Your Bags and Whistle While You Work, offer help for those struggling with work-life balance, dwindling passion in their jobs, and a feeling that they are doing little more than slouching toward retirement.

BACKSTORY Leider leads annual safaris through Tanzania. Sitting around a fire with the area's Hadza elders, his group shares in the words of wisdom that have sustained the tribe for centuries, listening to their stories and parables (like that of the Honey Guide).

TAKEAWAY In order to "claim one's place at the fire," each person who wants to be a "new elder" must be able to answer, "Who am I? Where do I belong? What do I care about? What is my life's purpose?" The book encourages exploration through exercises such as the Firestarter Questions (example: "What is the gift, lesson, or legacy you most want to pass on to those who follow you? Why?") and having literal fireside chats with both older and younger people.

WHAT WE LIKED The authors include intimate profiles of dozens of new elders, many of whom remain vital by connecting with younger people through a shared passion, such as bike riding, painting, or yoga. Many readers will relate to the book's concern about how poorly those aging in Western society are treated.

WHAT WE DIDN'T The new elders are, for the most part, free spirits who have little in common with the general population of cubicle land. Overuse of the fire metaphor almost made us want to get out the matchbook ourselves.

WHAT TO SAY TO SOUND LIKE YOU'VE READ IT Feeling vulnerable or even useless as you approach midcareer? What really energizes you? How can you make your mark? This book can spark the next leg of your journey.