These two books (one & two) are as much a novel as an autobiography. Born with grand parents who struggled in the difficult aftermath of the American Civil War, it is the story of one American who sought the purpose of life as he neared 90 years of age. The chapters of his life have taught him to respect his ancestors and the importance of his family, friends, and mentors. His early religious teachings set him on a quest to discover the nature of God, but his life as a scientist, veterinarian, college professor, researcher, artist, writer and publisher, and just for fun an owner/operator of a mountain lodge and RV park. Through it all he tried to discover who God was and why it mattered. He struggles most of his life to gain maturity in character, but finds it illusive. It would only be as an old man that he begins to adjust his view of reality and learn that he is a segment of the humanity stream which is born of God himself. The story is told in two segments. Book 1 describes the author's search for maturity. He finds that he is not the master of his soul, but simply a leaf in the wind. His scientific background causes him to question modern religious thinking about reality. Book 2 describes his introduction to a new way of thinking about reality, and gives him a glimpse of the purpose of life. It takes a lifetime to learn what the purpose of it all is. The author, in his twilight years, finally discovers his soul and what its purpose is.