We've had some very kind feedback on the 2DO Before I Die book from contributors, book-buying strangers, friends and visitors to the site. Here's a selection below...
Click here to post your own review on Amazon.com
Reader Reviews:
"Without a hint of the 'do as I say, not as I do' this is a very brave idea, project and now book. From conception to delivery it is a liberation - I would lend you my copy but know I wouldn't get it back. It dares to 'think small' and celebrates the pleasure - personal or wide reaching - that freeing yourself from your own expectations can so often bring. But there are absolutely no excuses made for excuses and as the book says it is less 'how to' than 'why not'.
People have been moved to tell their stories - lots of them. And these are sometimes funny or inspiring and not always perfect. This is a very generous book, in all ways." -- Sophie Hunt, London
"I've never read a book like '2DO Before I Die.' It's an uncomplicated way to review your life and plan for the future. Peppered throughout the book are thought provoking questions... smartly illustrated... that enhance the reader's experience. It reminds us that life can be exciting and fulfilling. It's insightful, uplifting, and has inspired me to think about what I want to do in my lifetime." -- Karen Masters, CA
"I can't tell you how much I enjoyed your book! You did a marvelous job laying that book out...it's phenomenal, and really quite inspiring." -- Colleen Kinder, New York
"Out of all the 'before I die' books -- and it seems there are a lot out right now -- this one is my absolute favourite. I don't know why it's stuck in self-help. Not at all chicken-soup. I usually run a mile from anything listed in that section but the graphics of this book caught my eye, along with its wide variety of true stories. And I like that while the book is obviously interested in some big topics, it keeps a nice sense of humour running throughout, while mostly letting the stories do the talking. It's mixed up, but feels fresh. An original in a world of copy-cats. It doesn't suggest it knows all the answers - but it does a great job at getting the conversation started. It has a slightly edgy feel that may just keep it from reaching blockbuster status, but I think an ever-growing cult status could beckon...I for my part am inspired to do the things I really want to do before I die." -- S. Petersen
"The first chapter of the book rattled me...shook me up. Inspired I called my old school and got in touch with my cricket coach...told him I'd like to give something back, would like to come and help with coaching the kids. He said he'd love to have me come and help out.
It was the boldest thing I had done in many years. Come Saturday morning I was up at the break of dawn stretched a bit and went down to my old school. I felt out of this world. 45 minutes later the ground was packed with kids. I watched them play and helped some of them with their techniques. I've never felt better.
Your little red book has made me rethink the way I live life. It's also given me a whole new perspective on all the small things I've take for granted. As the days go by I'm sure my list will get bigger." -- Vikram, 31, Chennai, India
"I have to say that this little book is very moving at times. Some of the stories are playful and carefree but there are some very introspective and powerful moments. I think people of all ages can find something emotive and empowering within its animated pages. High on the gift list! Cheers to all of the contributors!" -- J.M. Rawlings, Washington D.C.
"The book looks and reads great. Your introductory story about Grumps is a very cool way to get things started. Great story" -- Kevin, 34, San Francisco
"Having just turned the big 6-0 a few weeks earlier...inspiration was needed. This little book proved to be just that. It's not a boring goal setting book with a kazillion exercises... It's full of short essays submitted by people like you and me... it's an easy read but one that will keep you coming back to soak up the full richness of what the writers offer." -- Bill Sonsin, 60, Prescott, AZ.
"I'm enjoying the stories of others and feel very proud to be a small part of this great project. The book looks great and I hope it does extremely well. After taking a good, hard look at my life and realizing I've only got one life to live, I've decided to go back to school. I am forever changed because of your website and book." -- Sherryl, 35, Madison, AL
"On the day I quit my deadend job I walked into Tower Records, was intrigued by your book and bought it on the spot. It is changing my life as I type this..." -- Angelica, 32, L.A.
"I read this book whilst having a lazy morning. And it was a perfect time to read it - actually making time to reflect on my life and what I really want to make of it!
This book is very provocative - it's essentially a collection of individual stories, hopes and thoughts, organized into 10 sections, combined with some helpful practical hints and tips. The aim is to enable each reader to begin, or to continue, planning what he/she really wants to achieve - whether that's making a major life change such as having a child, or daring to be spontaneous. I really liked the fact the wide variety of contributions from different age groups - it added to the book's legitimacy and its interest. It's also got some brilliant design which definitely added to the overall appeal of the book.
I strongly recommend reading this and it's also a perfect gift for someone - especially if that person is at a critical juncture in his/her life, either positively or negatively. Enjoy!" -- Alice, Washington D.C.
"Refreshingly, the editors seem to have deliberately chosen stories that don't necessarily end happily or neatly. Best of all is "Start All Over Again" - written while the writer was travelling to begin a new life in San Francisco, as if dictated over an aeroplane telephone. A must." -- Tim, 31, London
"I first came across this book through the authors' website ([...]) and enjoyed the wide range of stories they gathered. It's an old idea - what do you really want to do before you die? - but I've never seen the question handled in such an entertaining, inspirational, and provocative way. And though it's useful as a conversation starter, or as a way to get one thinking of your own equivalents, the book can also be read just as an anthology of really good, well-told stories.
The stories are divided into 10 categories, and though I didn't like them all, most were nicely written, and didn't get soppy or cliched. My favorites are 'Perform Stand-up comedy', 'Open a restaurant', and 'Build something that lasts' - but I also like the fact that serious stuff ('Come out of the closet') sits so well next to small, experimental stuff like "Grow a beard" and "Plant a tree".
Overall, the book is a really refreshing take on the subject matter. I bought one for myself but plan to pick up a couple more as gifts. A nice surprise." -- "PJ"
Curious? Pick up a copy here...
Thank you for making a site full of motivation. I am glad to have visited this site. thanks again
Posted by: Before Business | September 02, 2009 at 09:54 AM