Noel Paul Stookey Chronicles Spiritual Journey in New Book

Noel Paul Stookey, the last surviving member of the iconic folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, is set to release a new book that reflects on his spiritual journey and connection to Maine. Titled “There is Love,” the book, co-written with Jeanne Torrence Finley, explores Stookey’s life beyond the political activism for which the group is widely known.

A Journey Through Music and Faith

The story begins in 1962, when Stookey and his bandmates first heard their hit song “Lemon Tree” playing on the radio while traveling across San Francisco Bay. Stookey recalls the moment vividly, describing how they were captivated by their own music. “Peter, Mary and I have no ‘cool’ at all,” he writes, reflecting on their initial reaction.

For nearly a decade, Stookey has been working on this book, revisiting significant moments from his life and career. The writing process has yielded unexpected insights, allowing him to delve into the spiritual dimensions that have shaped his personal and professional experiences. According to Stookey, the project is not just a memoir; it aims to express progressive Christian views and offer accessible reflections on current events.

“The trio does have, and did have, its political opportunities,” Stookey stated in an interview with the Bangor Daily News. “Maybe this is an opportunity to tell the tale of a young kid who goes through some changes… and now is confessing the core of his ongoing enthusiasm for performing being something deeper than a political call.”

Life in Maine and the Evolution of Belief

At 87 years old, Stookey’s journey took a transformative turn during his early years with the trio as they became involved in significant social movements, including the Civil Rights movement and opposition to the Vietnam War. Following a spiritual revelation, he refocused his priorities, ultimately leading his family to settle in South Blue Hill, Maine.

Stookey’s decision to step back from touring to prioritize family life marked a pivotal moment in his career. He recalls a night when he shaved off his beard and announced to his daughter that he would no longer tour, a decision that led them to explore the beauty of Maine’s coast.

Over the years, Stookey and his wife, Betty, became integral members of their community, participating in local concerts and charitable events. Their commitment to community initiatives has included the founding of the multifaith reading and music program, One Light Many Candles, which played a significant role in the development of this new book.

Finley, an ordained Methodist minister, recognized the richness of Stookey’s life story and proposed the idea of writing the biography. She aims to present Stookey’s journey as a reflection rather than a directive, allowing readers to contemplate their own spiritual paths. As she noted, “A good biography can share one person’s spiritual journey, not to set a specific path for the reader but rather give them a jumping-off point.”

The collaboration has been a lengthy process, initially expected to take a year but extending due to various life and political events. Stookey and Finley are now finalizing the book, just three chapters away from completion.

The writing incorporates anecdotes that serve as metaphors, allowing deeper themes to emerge gradually. Stookey has found a consistent thread in his songwriting, often unveiling layers of meaning years after the fact. His experiences during the politically charged landscape of the 1970s also feature prominently, as he navigated the challenges of being a public figure with strong beliefs.

Throughout this journey, Stookey has shifted from using overt religious language in his performances to employing metaphorical expressions that resonate with a broader audience. “Welcome to the land of metaphor, where you can speak about the depth of something in terms that allow another person to interpret the depth,” he explains.

As Stookey and Finley prepare to publish “There is Love,” they hope to inspire readers to reflect on their own life journeys while providing a fresh perspective on the intersection of spirituality and everyday experiences.