Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Dash

Rate this book
Inspirational

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

18 people are currently reading
106 people want to read

About the author

Mac Anderson

90 books16 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
113 (68%)
4 stars
36 (21%)
3 stars
15 (9%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Pak Fatemi.
40 reviews1 follower
September 5, 2024
After recently experiencing a series of heartbreaking losses, I found this book deeply resonated with me. The past few weeks have taught me that life is fragile and can be taken from us unexpectedly, making it even more important to cherish every moment. This book reinforces the value of expressing love to those close to us and appreciating the fleeting time we have left.

One passage in particular, a beautiful poem about the meaning of our time on earth, struck a lasting chord with me. It expresses the essence of what truly matters in life—not material possessions, but how we live, love, and spend the time between our birth and death.

“For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own,
The cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.”

These words will stay with me, a constant reminder of life's preciousness. This book has become a source of comfort and a call to embrace life with even more purpose and love.
Profile Image for Jean-Paul Adriaansen.
267 reviews24 followers
October 10, 2012
Imagine a gravestone; a name, the dates of birth and death in big fonts, connected with a dash ... And that little tiny dash, that's what it's all about. That is what represents your life span. The dash contains everything that a person might do, what a person is doing, and what a person has done.
This small but inspirational book reads very fast but contains a lot of wisdom and advice.
A must read for everyone who is still alive.
Profile Image for Melissa.
109 reviews21 followers
December 4, 2012
I really loved this book and its' message. What a great concept to live by. I also finished it in one sitting while not able to sleep last night (oh sweet, sweet insomnia - how I loath thee). I only wish that everyone would read this book so that I can share my love with more people...
Profile Image for Barbara.
562 reviews5 followers
August 20, 2018
A very quick read that should not be read in one day, but over several days so that the messages can be internalized and grasped.

In Linda Ellis’ open, The Dash, there are 9 “Dash” goals:
1. Slow down and savor the moments
2. Understand the way others feel
3. Less quick to anger
4. Appreciate more
5. Love the people in our lives
6. Treat others with respect
7. Smile more often
8. Change our attitude
9. Make a difference in someone else’s life

The dash is between the date of our birth and the date of our death. It is up to us to make the most of it. Some dashes are shorter than others, but we all have the “Dash” we are remembered for. What will your Dash say?
1 review
May 27, 2018
Life Enhancing

Very meaningful and easy to read. The message will remain powerful throughout the ages. I will purchase several copies of this book and make sure my loved ones have an opportunity to read it.
3 reviews
July 30, 2018
How to measure a life...

Good book! Short, easy read. Poignant. Compelling. Thought provoking views on how to measure one's life; how we should focus our thoughts, activities and, most importantly, our relationships.
Profile Image for Patty Stephens.
227 reviews30 followers
February 28, 2021
I was given this book as a gift and will have it on my side tables to read and reread. ". . . to consider what is true and real and always try to understand the way other people feel." Such profound small lessons about life and how we live it.
219 reviews1 follower
September 6, 2025
A must read for anyone who knows the poem and those who don't. It is helpful for those in the midst of grief as well as those who just want inspiration in the kindest format.
The poem is explored then personal anecdotes are shared. So helpful and will be a definite reread material...
Profile Image for Jen Mosich.
27 reviews3 followers
June 20, 2017
Moving

Really makes you think about whAt you are doing with your life and how you could change it to better everyone
Profile Image for Lisa.
16 reviews
November 18, 2023
Love this book. Based on the poem The Dash by Linda Ellis. It is an inspiring read, really makes you think about your life and how you're choosing to live it.
Profile Image for Frank Straus.
9 reviews
October 15, 2018
Do

Keep your eyes on the dash and not the goal line! Quick easy read that was good but not great.
Profile Image for Cindi.
397 reviews
March 24, 2012
Lovely book. A short read. A good reminder of all the things we all know.
Profile Image for Hope.
90 reviews4 followers
July 31, 2012
Such a POWERFUL message!!! a MUST read.
Profile Image for Ken.
89 reviews1 follower
August 18, 2013
Beautiful little innuendos and personal stories of life. Helps you to remember that life is about being, about people and about love. Not the material propaganda we get caught up in.
Profile Image for Fran Ihm.
1 review
February 24, 2013
Wonderful reminder of the things that matter and those that don't. Life is lived in the dash of our lives. My dash looks like this: 1955 -
Profile Image for Sandra.
201 reviews3 followers
May 6, 2014
I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! i recommend everyone to read this book to put life in a different prospected & guide you to the right path
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.