What do you think?
Rate this book
Life Force
Barry du Bois shares an incredible story that is heart-breaking and life-affirming in equal measures.
Faced with the recurrence of his incurable cancer Channel 10 The Living Room building and design expert Barry Du Bois leaves nothing to chance as he embraces a do-or-die treatment to extend his time with his precious young children and wife Leonie. With the team at Chris O’Brien Life House and his best mates, TV chef Miguel Maestre, Amanda Keller and Chris Brown in his corner, Barry shares an incredible story that is heart-breaking and life-affirming in equal measure.
Raised in a fibro house beside a six-lane highway in Sydney’s West, Barry retired from his successful building business in his early forties to deal with crippling depression but got a second wind as a television presenter talking about his favourite subjects, building and design, and becoming a later-life father to twins after a long quest via IVF and surrogacy. Now, during what Barry describes as his last episode he contemplates a gifted life and the lessons learned.
Faced with the recurrence of his incurable cancer Channel 10 The Living Room building and design expert Barry Du Bois leaves nothing to chance as he embraces a do-or-die treatment to extend his time with his precious young children and wife Leonie. With the team at Chris O’Brien Life House and his best mates, TV chef Miguel Maestre, Amanda Keller and Chris Brown in his corner, Barry shares an incredible story that is heart-breaking and life-affirming in equal measure.
Raised in a fibro house beside a six-lane highway in Sydney’s West, Barry retired from his successful building business in his early forties to deal with crippling depression but got a second wind as a television presenter talking about his favourite subjects, building and design, and becoming a later-life father to twins after a long quest via IVF and surrogacy. Now, during what Barry describes as his last episode he contemplates a gifted life and the lessons learned.
- GenresNonfictionBiography
232 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2018
About the author
Barry du Bois
2 books2 followersBarry Du Bois is an Interior Designer and Master Builder with over 30 years experience. As one of Australia's best-loved TV personalities, Barry possesses the unique ability to communicate his professional knowledge on design, architecture, renovations and DIY to homeowners who are outside the building industry.
Barry works together on the three time Logie winning show TEN's "The Living Room", alongside Amanda Keller, Miguel Maestre and Dr Chris Brown.
Barry works together on the three time Logie winning show TEN's "The Living Room", alongside Amanda Keller, Miguel Maestre and Dr Chris Brown.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 2, 2018
After being such a big fan of the living room since the show started, I knew I had to pick this book up!
Such an honest telling of Barry’s life and the struggles he’s faced with his cancer battle/s, going through IVF and struggling with depression!
Loved that Miguel’s section included recipes that had been created specifically for people undergoing cancer treatment, but also could be a healthy alternative for any other person! Can’t wait to try out some of the recipes!
Such an honest telling of Barry’s life and the struggles he’s faced with his cancer battle/s, going through IVF and struggling with depression!
Loved that Miguel’s section included recipes that had been created specifically for people undergoing cancer treatment, but also could be a healthy alternative for any other person! Can’t wait to try out some of the recipes!
January 4, 2019
I loved this inspiring journey through Barry's life, flowing with the good times & traumatic times, he has been through a lot & has a wonderful family & friends who have supported him, great read!!!
June 19, 2018
An open and candid book which gives the true ups and downs in life.
Barry tells it as it is, with humour as well as sadness.
Mindfulness, cancer, recreational pursuits like sailing amazing places, family life as a child and adult, tv presenter, builder, husband, dad, mateship.
This is a book to read even if you've not been touched by anyone close going through ill-health. Recipes at the end are tested and formulated with love and with the needs and experiences of someone going through chemotherapy in mind.
Life force is divided into two sections with the latter made up of comments by the dedicated and
reputable team supporting Barry and his family through, plus a wonderful range of recipes presented by Miguel, which anyone would find valuable to make, be it for themself or another.
A book with great depth by two mates, one dyslexic and one a native Spanish speaker. Pnce my husband reads it I'll be revisiting it.
Barry tells it as it is, with humour as well as sadness.
Mindfulness, cancer, recreational pursuits like sailing amazing places, family life as a child and adult, tv presenter, builder, husband, dad, mateship.
This is a book to read even if you've not been touched by anyone close going through ill-health. Recipes at the end are tested and formulated with love and with the needs and experiences of someone going through chemotherapy in mind.
Life force is divided into two sections with the latter made up of comments by the dedicated and
reputable team supporting Barry and his family through, plus a wonderful range of recipes presented by Miguel, which anyone would find valuable to make, be it for themself or another.
A book with great depth by two mates, one dyslexic and one a native Spanish speaker. Pnce my husband reads it I'll be revisiting it.
May 10, 2018
What a lovely man. Beautiful, inspiring and eloquent. Live long Mr du Bois, thank you for sharing with us
June 22, 2019
As a fan of the "Living Room", I decided to pick up this book and find out more about Barry Du Bois and his cancer journey.
There was a lot here about Barry I never knew! He's certainly had an interesting life and it's amazing he's got through his cancer battles.
And of course I do love Miguel and his energy, so his part of the book was a fun read too!
There was a lot here about Barry I never knew! He's certainly had an interesting life and it's amazing he's got through his cancer battles.
And of course I do love Miguel and his energy, so his part of the book was a fun read too!
October 16, 2019
What a brave and inspirational man. So positive in his outlook on life. I watched in admiration as he announced on "The Living Room" that his cancer, which had been in remission for several years, had returned. He was pragmatic and determined to fight it once again through healthy living and eating.
August 4, 2018
This is an honest, heartwarming and very down to earth account of Barry Dubois’s struggles and triumphs throughout his life. I was inspired and often moved to tears. A great read and includes some fantastic recipes.
November 15, 2018
A very personal journey through cancer, ivf, and depression and the love of his family and friends. Barry makes you think about what’s important and makes you think about what we should be doing. The second section has some thoughts from other people.
November 12, 2018
I couldn’t put this book down! It was so honest, and Barry is so strong.
December 30, 2018
An inspirational story
January 21, 2020
“Life Force” by Barry Du Bois and Miguel Maestre is a great read. It is an unforgettable story of family, friendship, food and cance
September 22, 2020
Great read. Makes one think about how money doesn't buy happiness and how lucky you are if you're blessed with good health and good friends. And Miguel's recipes for health is an excellent bonus!
December 27, 2021
Magnificent. What a man.!!!!! A must read for everyone.
June 13, 2022
Inspiring
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews