Nestled in the foothills of Massachusetts, Sirius Community celebrates 40 years this year as one of the longest-standing Intentional Communities in the United States.

Last fall, Sirius lost its co-founding face of the community Bruce Davidson. A charismatic leader since day one, Bruce interacted with each guest and visitor with stories of wisdom and humor. Armed with only a dream and faith in a divine calling, but no address and little money, he, along with other founding members, persisted and built a community. Through late night nail pounding, confronting interpersonal conflict, crippling lawsuits, unwavering tenacity, and abundant contributions from countless others at Sirius he has left a legacy that touched the lives of many.

How has Sirius survived and continued to blossom into a thriving community against all odds? What are the secrets of success?

In this new book, compiled from recorded interviews with Bruce two years before he died, he shares personal struggle and insight in his role of leadership. His stories will make you laugh and cry as he dances between personal life experiences and community wisdom.

After falling 50 feet out of a tree, almost dying and breaking his back, he takes us with him on his own personal journey. The wisdom and challenges he faced over the course of his seven-year illness are illuminated in his words.

He lays out the mistakes and perseverance, the tragedies and miracles as he outlines the history and construction of Sirius both physically and spiritually. He speaks of the spirituality in all of us, how group process aligns us with our truth, and finding paths through conflict.

While sometimes successful and other times full of frustration and difficulty, he never gave up on a 40-year experiment called community.

Co-edited by Devin Lafferty, former community member, and Llani Davidson, Bruce’s daughter.

If you have landed at Sirius some time in your life, are considering community living, face challenges in your own community, or have an interest in your own personal growth, this book offers new wisdom on the human condition.