Dying To Be Happy: Discovering the Truth About Life

by Chris Stepien

A few days before Thanksgiving 2014, author Chris Stepien found himself in an oncologist s office. But he wasn't the patient. Stepien's wife, Ellen, was just beginning her battle with aggressive breast cancer. That day, while listening to the oncologist's treatment strategy, Stepien began writing Dying to Be Happy: Discovering the Truth About Life.

In the pages of this book, a brush with a life-threatening disease sparks a frank discussion on mortality. The author explores the prospects of embracing death on a daily basis versus denying it. He encourages readers to follow the advice of Jesus Christ: always be ready for the end of life. Along the way, Stepien highlights a spectrum of short, true stories where people rise above the fear of death, including the harrowing account of a child who survived the Holocaust -- Stepien's own mother.

But Dying to Be Happy is more than an anthology of grim tales and close calls. It beckons readers to admit the inescapability of death in order to find true joy in this life and the next.

Genres: Religion

115 pages, Paperback

Published February 20, 2017

Reviews

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice quick one day read. I believe it’s healthy to think about our mortality realizing that we are all going to die. How we live our lives determines where we will spend eternity. Fortunately we having a forgiving and merciful God who is always calling us to love more like his son Jesus. Jesus is the way.

[Tom Kristan Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read. The author is facing a crises, his wife has just been told she has cancer and life expectancy is limited. At this point the individual begins thinking about death and realizes that heaven is not as close as originally thought. Now one must work towards getting into
heaven and to do so requires an immense effort.
Specifically showing Mercy towards others and being happy about doing so. Not doing it for any reason except because it is the proper thing to do. An individual must act mercifully towards others without any strings attached. Not only that but the individual also must do the right thing at all times without expecting anything in return. The author's wife was able to survive the cancer. The reader can also survive life and possibly enter heaven by doing the right thing. A very good self help read.

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

We’re all going to die someday. That’s a fact. And even though we don’t know when that will be, it could be tomorrow or 50 years from now, the book asks a great question, “Are you living your best life?” If you died tomorrow would you go to heaven or hell? Are you living your life to serve God and others, or to just get by? It made me reflect on my life and ask those questions. Consider if I’m in the right career, am I surrounding myself with those I love and those that will help me grow, am I dedicating enough time to my relationship with God?

Great book for thought starters and self reflection.

[John Lochner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joy is obtainable through service

[Denise Hlavka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good catholic reminder about what our faith really is all about. Do we espouse faith or actually DO something for others everyday?

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful and life changing little book published by Dynamic Catholic. Great read especially during Lent and in the midst of the global pandemic crisis we are experiencing.

[Rachel S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite the challenge. A message of truly living the way Christ intended.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Incredibly PC.

[Erinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Church book club book

[MargaRAT · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written guide to life by a man who practices what he preaches! I felt like getting up and moving with the first chapter. Time is short! Live! Live! Live!