Every life is a story
342513
A heart wrenching story about choices we never wish to make, yet nonetheless are face with...only to be outdone and diverted by fate and that over which we have no control. This is our lives, it is what it is... and the road we travel takes us where we go, even when we don't realize it or have a different plan.  The characters are vivid, memorable, and will find a place deep in your heart.
4370694
One may safely conclude that this rich harvest of stories, How I Taught My Grandmother and Other Stories is marked by fidelity to truth and beauty. Like a proverbial Indian sage, she overpowers the readers with her convincing view of life. All the stories are morally elevating and told with catholicity of stance towards life. The picture of grandmother, the pathetic story her teacher, her husband, Nayana Murthy's initial trials and financial stringency to come up in life, her variegated experiences in her classroom and the rest of her stories - 35 in all - make us wonder at the tender human being amalgamating all the diverse experiences

In all the stories she harks back to past and takes us aloft with her. Each story has a liberal dose of morality about it and she deftly makes it an inalienable part of the story. In fact, they stories are hallowed in reality, is the impression one would get, even if you randomly take up a story. The cover picture is attractive and price is reasonably placed. I recommend this for all for young and old.
3636427
Its a story that brings to mind the basis of our very existence that we lose track of in our very busy day to day existence.  Its food for the heart and soul.
2868615
Life is the amount of memories we collect through the years, and this books is the perfect example of it. This is a story about love, forgiveness, family, sorrow, grief, it will be simple to say that is a story about life, but this is not a simple story. It's one of the best stories you will ever read.

This book leads us throught the path of two people destined to find themselves more than once during their lives. A story that show us how every decision we make affects us and others, and determined who we are.

The book presents us to Danielle and Michael (or Miguel) in a moment of their lifes when they think they have grown up, and that the past is just a memory. But when they met again all the past resurges and we discovered what happened eighteen years ago. Then, during the course of the months we see the comes and goes of their relationship. And like everything in lifes, it doesn't come easy.

A man who is a Veteran of Vietnam and a girl who helps him faces his demons, a girl that was the only woman capable of truly understanding him.

Deanna has the great ability of describe characters with such deepness that you really feel you know them. You cry and laugh along them, and feel everything they face. Every dialogue, every scene is described in an excellent way! She really know how to make a girl cry.
3103623
I am a very big reader of non-fiction and rarely pick up any thing else thru out the year,but the title of this book and the appropriate length ( all good books are under 250 pages ) caught my interest. In my opinion this book belongs in a catagory, along with select others, of non-fiction with an asterisks for although the characters are fiction the story depicts something every thinking thoughtful person cannot escape, that if individually in the episodes of our life, no matter how foreign the experience, we don't attempt to do the right thing we eventually ,thru time ,become consumed into the collective white noise of society. whether this was the authors intent or just an attempt to write an enjoyable story ,I hope he continues writing and I am looking forward to reading book two,between my non-fiction readings.
2999178
Stories for all ages. Events of heartbreak and of heart. Love, loss and celebration of life. Talent in literature on every page.
1590482
David Lida's "One Life" is a beautifully told story about what lies in the shadow of our shiny-bright idea of American prosperity and justice.

The story of "One Life" is told to us by Richard, a man who has found purpose in his work -- "mitigation" -- finding evidence regarding the personal histories of defendants accused of capital crimes, in hopes that their life stories may sway prosecutors or juries not to seek the death penalty. In Richard's current case, Esperanza, an illegal Mexican immigrant, has been accused of murdering her own child, in what appears to be an act of horrific torture. As Richard researches her case, he is drawn deeply into the story that created Esperanza, and eventually into her world.

Lida has a talent for writing stories that introduce the reader to the lives lived behind and beyond the bubble of opportunity and safety that our society promises. If you're worried this sounds like a bad day in social studies class, be fully assured that he avoids any taint of preachy judgment or easy answers.  Alongside the drama, there is humor here -- and sex, and alcohol, and the music that scores (and sometimes determines) the lives of the characters -- all serving an incisive observation of character.

It is a very good read. And, ultimately, for me, it is a lingeringly bittersweet travelogue through a foreign world, that invites the reader to cherish what we have in this one life.
4783027
Everyone has a story. This book describes the importance of choosing one's story, and choosing to unite one's story with the story of Christ in the process. It has a lot of helpful hints, stories and lists to get the reader's life focused and heading in the right direction. If you feel yourself wandering around not getting where you want to with your life, this might be the book for you.
2535011
Jeff Goins wanted to write a book that looks like a narrative, a story. He does this because the flow of the book can follow the flow of ones lifeit may take some unexpected turns and twists, but all comes together in the end. Thats the point behind The Art of Work: A Proven Path to Discovering What You Were Meant to Do.
INTRODUCING THE INTRODUCTION
The books story begins by giving the details about Eric and Garrett Millers life. Thinking young Garretts time on earth would be cut short by cancer, EricGarretts fatherdecided to live a little. Together, they tackled triathlons, despite Garrets health.
The book follows many more stories of hope. As Goins states from the beginning, his book isn't about the faithful few outliers who break the odds and then write inspirational self-help books to hordes of people who won't be faced with the same challengesor successes. Rather, this book is about the everyday fulfilled callings of normal people. Its a good premise to begin talking about work. Its because most of us are the normal people who work 9-5, come home tired, and really want to do nothing but recharge and regroup, so we can do it all over again.
That might be okay, if not for the fact that we are all human and have within us a desire for something more. But this desire needs a little training and coaching.
PART ONE: PREPARATION
Goins begins his treatise by examining how each of us hears our calling. Its not mystical, its something that requires awareness. Awareness is something that may come through losing a loved one, being rejected by your culture, or going through normal work/life imbalance and dissatisfaction (and yes, those individual stories are told throughout this book!).
By listening to your life, according to Goins, will you begin to know (rather than just know somehow) what your calling is. Instead of just giving up, Goins suggests committing to letting life do its thing, and applying whatever lessons we learned after we come out on the other side.
Every good story in the classic Heros Journey needs an experienced, wise teacherwhether its Ben Kenobi, Gandalf, or Mr. Miyagi. If were to be heroes in our narrative, well need to find experienced mentors, too. Jeffs point in this section is that without being apprenticed to someone (or even apprenticed to our environment), well never graduate to becoming a master, a master of our own lives.
In the painful practice section of the book, Goins highlights what it means to truly learn. Truly learning involves failing, being told no, and learning to accept rejection. Excuses are really just ways for us to let fear take over. Innately, we don't want to let fear take over, but its easier to sit at the sidelines rather than to dance like no ones watching. This is why Jeff states that success is a process of persevering though difficulties, but its also about knowing yourself. Overcoming difficulties and gaining greater self-knowledge are two key and worthwhile reasons for doing hard things.
MOVING FORWARD
Goins has two other sections in the book that are worth reading: the action and the completion sections. Each of these is tuned into the narrative-style approach that Goins takes in the book. If youve liked the feel of the book as described so far, I won't spoil the rest.
Lets talk about the book, then. If you're not a fan of the life coaching, self-help style of book, you might want to stay away from this. If you're looking for deep theology, you're better off looking to Grudem (though Goins does write from a believers perspective with a Biblical worldview in mind). If you're needing a pick-me-up, this book is like a good piece of hard candyits not a full meal, but itll keep you preoccupied and engaged. This book will certainly give you some great stories to think about, apply, and share with others.
Work is an art, and art is at its best when its studied. This book is intended to create a Michelangelo across every industry and culture.
Rating: 7/10.
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2665658
All in the title. A beautifully written story to inspire people of all ages. Reminds us what life is really all about.
3858537
We all learn from stories as they share who we are.
It's these that make you real,that's if you want
.
Life's too short to not confront our own realities
313570
Charles Kuralt had the gift of seeing a story in the littlest thing.  He took the thread of everyman's life and wove a tapestry of America and then gave it as a gift to us.
3272054
Roshomon, written in 1952, is truly genius in storytelling. From Japanese author Ryunosuke Akutagawa, Roshomon (the story which I write about is titled "In a Grove") deals with a murder and the trial that takes  place. Essentially it demonstrates that no point of views are ever alike.  The killer, the witnesses, the girl and the dead himself all testify to  what 'really' happened. Of course, in such an incident, no one has any  story that seems equal to anothers. Reality, is whats being demonstrated,  is subjective due by the fact that no one has an all-seeing point of view.  The story is simple, yet well written. It moves along smoothly and  swiftly.
The stories that make up the rest of the book I did not read,  for this story was suggested by psychologist Paul Watzlawick who was  inspired by the multiple point of view story telling. This story was also  made into a film by Japanses master film maker Akira Kurosawa, which is  also highly reccomended. Great story telling, and reccomeded for anyone who  loves short stories with a psychological twist. Remarkable!
3202993
A lifetime of secret and lives never leave, it is always lived.  The adage of not allowing the past to dictate your future is fiction because your past shapes you as you walk into the future as told in this story
3562946
The title and the picture on the cover caught my attention and just had to get it.  Even though the story is an autobiography, it is the most inspiring story I have ever read. What a different kind of life this author has had than most pople I have known.  The story was compelling and keeps your interest right to the end, it is a must for everyone that enjoys a good story.  It is hard to believe that anyone could have overcome so many obstacles in her lifetime.  I am so happy that Ms. Perkins was able to relive her life in order to write this book, there must have been some painful experiences while doing this.  She has a writing style that is easy reading, and you can almost see her living throughout her lifetime.  What an amazing person she must be.  I intend to get copies for my friends as I know they will enjoy it as much as I did.  This is one book I don't want to share, as I know I will want to re-read it from time to time.
3018908
Reading Shellee's biography is to experience more than just another personal journey; it is to see the course of life played out in excruciatingly beautiful condensed format, covering the darkest most injurious, to its eventual reconciliation and return to full peace. It is a display of the terrible agony all humans can relate to in one form or another, and the awaiting joy that many still aspire to embody. Shellee's conversational style adds remarkable ease to passages that would otherwise lend themselves to drama and heaviness. This affords a subtle teaching in itself, as the reader takes in her complete lack of judgment and then gently warms to an even more stunning realization - gratitude for life's every unfolding trick. This is after all the path we all go through - and often mistakenly battle with along the way.

In summary, Shellee's life story is as gripping as it is relevant, whether or not our past is composed of similar circumstances. Reading her tale made me feel deep human kinship and life appreciation despite never having lived any of her actual experiences. I strongly recommend reading the book and seizing the opportunity to consult with Shellee in person.
4470767
The Wilsons love stories. To know them is, in an important way, to know their stories. They trade in family stories. They are one of those families that take down the heirlooms from the mantel to entertain their guests and friends, but in the Wilson household the most treasured heirlooms are oral histories. Death By Living is, in part, an invitation to be Nates guest and friend, a hospitable initiation into the Wilson family stories. And this collection of stories (the explosive near-deaths of grandparents, insane and unwieldy family vacations, and more) is, as the title suggests, all about living life right up to the hilt.

The Swedish theologian, Eugen Rosenstock-Huessy, is best known for his development of a concept he calls the cross of reality, The Christian exists, he explains, at the center of the cross, and is pulled outward along the four arms; the demands of reality are constantly pulling us in four directions: backward into the memory and traditions of the past, forward into the hopes and concerns for the future, downward into ourselves, and upward/outward into interaction with others and with God. The pull is enough to tear a person apart, and life becomes a continual process of dying and being remade at the foot of the cross. Death By Living is Rosenstock-Huessys thesis given moving narrative embodiment

As a rationale for this self-consuming, meteor-through-upper-atmosphere way of living, Wilson offers a kind of reversed lex talionis: I owe my Benefactor big. I owe Him my feet, hands, teeth, and eyes. I owe Him my life. He makes reference to the golden rule and asks the pregnant question, And if they have done you nothing but good? The answer, when one is dealing with the God of the cosmos, is to love what He has given so fervently that one is all but used up, exhausted in the act. The truest gratitude will prompt one to stretch their arms wide in love for Gods gifts, assuming the posture of the cross, to be pulled apart and remade after a life well lived.

The whole prospect may be an intimidating or a terrifying one. Like a kindergartener shoved out from behind the curtain during his first play, you might not know which scene you are in or what comes next, but God is far less patronizing than we are. You are His art, and He has no trouble stooping. You can even ask Him for your lines.

I received a copy of N. D. Wilsons Death By Living gratis from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.