There are No Answers Here, Only Questions: A Memoir

by Charles Bruce McIntyre

"This book is a warm and neighborly invitation to join Bruce McIntyre on the weathered teak bench under the giant oak in his yard and be spellbound by the dual stories he spins-how he sold his successful business at the same time he was enduring debilitating cancer treatments. There Are No Answers Here, Only Questions is beautifully crafted, wise, humorous, touching, and inspiring. Perhaps one of the most heartening questions in the "Is it strength that gives hope, or hope that gives strength?" McIntyre rewards the reader with a generous helping of both. -Judy Goldman, author of A Memoir There Are No Answers Here-Only Questions , is the true story of two life-altering events and the personal transformation that resulted from their unlikely collision. It's the story of an owner preparing to sell his business and retire just as he is diagnosed with cancer. Faced with the choice of continuing with the sale and waiting to deal with cancer or putting the deal-making on hold while treating cancer, our business owner decides to take on both at the same time. Is this possible? Perhaps, but only if he allows others to step in while he steps back, and that's never easy when you're the boss. Once free, our now-retired owner rearranges the paradigms of his life to help the homeless find jobs and travels to a marginalized village in Central America, joining others in creating the holistic community only its people could envision. There Are No Answers Here, Only Questions is a story of transformation and the never-ending promise of hope.

392 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2023

Reviews

[Sally Irish]

Some books, like There Are No Answers Here, Only Questions, by Charles Bruce McIntyre, read like a conversation with an old friend, one you haven’t talked to in years, but the kind for whom the years don’t matter. Mr. McIntyre has, with tenderness and care, summarized his transformation during a crisis: the sale of his successful business in Charlotte and the simultaneous and grueling treatment for serious cancer. I'm not saying too much to tell you he survived, but thriving is another result, and you should read his book to understand how he has done it. Although he did not make his name with writing, he has done the task well, keeping on point with only those details needed to tell his tale. And in the telling, without providing answers, he has pointed the way for his readers. I encourage anyone seeking answers to read the guidance in There Are No Answers Here, Only Questions.

[Mandy Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

There Are No Answers Here, Only Questions is a beautifully written memoir full of hope and inspiration. With humor, grace, and the cleansing power of complete honesty, McIntyre writes about two life-changing events and how he found the courage to meet them head-on. This memoir teaches gratitude, humility, and the beauty of the human spirit. So many questions, yet the answers are found between the lines as Bruce shares the stories of people he meets along the way. Through a series of encounters, Bruce remembers what’s most important. It’s more than an inspiring memoir; it’s an invitation to sit for a spell and share the stories that matter most. It is a book I will turn to again and again. ––Mandy Haynes, author of Oliver and editor of WELL READ Magazine

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

McIntyre has taken on the task of memoir with eloquence, honesty, and insight that will resonate
with all. It takes guts to share your life with strangers—and his struggles, particularly his
harrowing bout with cancer, are profound. His thoughtful words will allow readers to find
meaning and hope in their own time of crises. The scenes in this story that describe how he built
and eventually sold a successful business hold fascinating lessons, and those detailing his work
with the poor and homeless in Charlotte and El Salvador are truly humbling and inspirational.
His is unquestionably a life well lived.

[Judy Goldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a warm and neighborly invitation to join Bruce McIntyre on the weathered teak bench under the giant oak in his yard and be spellbound by the dual stories he spins – how he sold his very successful business at the same time he was enduring debilitating cancer treatment. There Are No Answers Here – Only Questions is beautifully crafted, wise, humorous, touching, and inspiring. Perhaps one of the most heartening questions in the book: “Is it strength that gives hope, or hope that gives strength?” McInyre rewards the reader with a generous helping of both.

[Mark Castrique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing with honesty and humility, Bruce McIntyre pulled me into his world where unexpected events create transformational consequences. McIntyre skillfully portrays a personal story that will have readers reflecting on how his life lessons resonate with their own lives. He has given the reader a wonderful gift.

[Violeta Powell]

Charles's courage, endurance and will to live are clearly transparent in his book.

[Howard Kerstine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this wonderful book by Bruce McIntire. Interesting, introspective, challenging, and very kind. Many excellent lessons learned. The author and I have a lot in common. He’s much nicer than I am.

[Maria Hanlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bruce McIntyre’s insightful memoir is a spiritual journey of transformation that will offer hope when life becomes difficult. A man of deep faith who makes the world a better place through his serving “the least of these”, Bruce’s story will inspire you and help you to reflect on your own story.

[Amy Peacock · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a business to sell and cancer to deal with as McIntyre takes us deep into his story, guided by his parent’s early words, “Work on it for a while, and then I’ll be along.” It’s a brave and compassionate story; I recommend it.