What do you think?
Rate this book
To Live
Elmore Thadeus Nix, it's retirement time. You're sixty-five and ready. Take that final physical and then it's adios to your old life and hello to the new.
Not so fast.
Sorry, Elmore. Your plan's about to change.
It's Elmore's last day of work. As part of his retirement, he heads to the family doctor for the follow-up to a routine physical. That's when the universe shifts on its axis. Cancer. Then we find out that Elmore's wife lies at home with only days to live. The stroke of injustice falls hard.
And so, with a final word from his wife, and the buck passed to the opposition's corner, Elmore must decide whether to take his wife's advice or just wither away. To Elmore, the choice seems easy.
Which path will he choose? Only time will tell, but time is not on our friend's side. Along the way, we'll find out what secrets Elmore's been hiding from the world, and maybe even himself...
FROM THE AUTHOR
"TO LIVE" is a novel that came about after a handful of emotional conversations with my readers on Christmas Day 2017. What started as outreach to make sure no one spent Christmas alone, turned into a story in my head, and then a journey of soul searching that I hadn't intended to take. This novel is a work of fiction, but I hope it encapsulates the fear so many of us face in living up to our potential, and more importantly, I hope it highlights the brave life so many choose to live after the loss of a loved one. Because it is a choice; a hard choice with so many possible endings.
This novel is for the readers who have shared their stories, and for those who have yet to tell. Thank you for your honesty, your bravery and your incredible will to live. I've learned so much from you all. God bless. - C. G. Cooper
Not so fast.
Sorry, Elmore. Your plan's about to change.
It's Elmore's last day of work. As part of his retirement, he heads to the family doctor for the follow-up to a routine physical. That's when the universe shifts on its axis. Cancer. Then we find out that Elmore's wife lies at home with only days to live. The stroke of injustice falls hard.
And so, with a final word from his wife, and the buck passed to the opposition's corner, Elmore must decide whether to take his wife's advice or just wither away. To Elmore, the choice seems easy.
Which path will he choose? Only time will tell, but time is not on our friend's side. Along the way, we'll find out what secrets Elmore's been hiding from the world, and maybe even himself...
FROM THE AUTHOR
"TO LIVE" is a novel that came about after a handful of emotional conversations with my readers on Christmas Day 2017. What started as outreach to make sure no one spent Christmas alone, turned into a story in my head, and then a journey of soul searching that I hadn't intended to take. This novel is a work of fiction, but I hope it encapsulates the fear so many of us face in living up to our potential, and more importantly, I hope it highlights the brave life so many choose to live after the loss of a loved one. Because it is a choice; a hard choice with so many possible endings.
This novel is for the readers who have shared their stories, and for those who have yet to tell. Thank you for your honesty, your bravery and your incredible will to live. I've learned so much from you all. God bless. - C. G. Cooper
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2018
755 people are currently reading
1782 people want to read
About the author
C.G. Cooper
87 books392 followersC. G. Cooper is the USA TODAY and AMAZON BESTSELLING author of the CORPS JUSTICE novels, several spinoffs and a growing number of stand-alone novels.
One of his novels, CHAIN OF COMMAND, won the 2020 James Webb Award presented by the Marine Heritage Foundation for its portrayal of the United States Marine Corps in fiction. Cooper doesn't chase awards, but this one was special.
Cooper grew up on a steady diet of Dungeons & Dragons and the travels of a Navy family.
Upon graduating from the University of Virginia with a degree in Foreign Affairs, Cooper was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps and went on to serve six years as an infantry officer. C. G. Cooper's final Marine duty station was in Nashville, Tennessee, where he fell in love with the laid-back lifestyle of Music City.
His first published novel, BACK TO WAR, came out of a desire to link back to his time in the Marine Corps. That novel, written as a side project, spawned many follow-on novels, several exciting spinoffs, and catapulted Cooper's career.
Cooper lives just south of Nashville with his wife, three children, and their German shorthaired pointer, Liberty, who's become a popular character in the Corps Justice novels.
One of his novels, CHAIN OF COMMAND, won the 2020 James Webb Award presented by the Marine Heritage Foundation for its portrayal of the United States Marine Corps in fiction. Cooper doesn't chase awards, but this one was special.
Cooper grew up on a steady diet of Dungeons & Dragons and the travels of a Navy family.
Upon graduating from the University of Virginia with a degree in Foreign Affairs, Cooper was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps and went on to serve six years as an infantry officer. C. G. Cooper's final Marine duty station was in Nashville, Tennessee, where he fell in love with the laid-back lifestyle of Music City.
His first published novel, BACK TO WAR, came out of a desire to link back to his time in the Marine Corps. That novel, written as a side project, spawned many follow-on novels, several exciting spinoffs, and catapulted Cooper's career.
Cooper lives just south of Nashville with his wife, three children, and their German shorthaired pointer, Liberty, who's become a popular character in the Corps Justice novels.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
September 6, 2018
WOW!!! I have just finished reading To Live and have so many emotions and memories flowing through me right now it is hard to describe. NEVER EVER have I had a fictional book affect me as much as this one did. When C.G. Cooper first announced this book and what it was going to be about I knew it was going to hit close to home for me. I just didn't realise how close or how raw I would feel after reading it.
Thank you C.G. Cooper for writing an incredible story. Your writing is amazing and I love all your books but this one stands alone above all the others you have written. It shines a light on a side of life many know about but few acknowledge. Thank you for reminding us we all need to embrace life and to live.
Thank you C.G. Cooper for writing an incredible story. Your writing is amazing and I love all your books but this one stands alone above all the others you have written. It shines a light on a side of life many know about but few acknowledge. Thank you for reminding us we all need to embrace life and to live.
September 2, 2018
Heartwarming
I have read about all of CG Cooper’s books and again I am blown away by the way it speaks to the heart. Thank you for your dedication to bring characters to life.
I have read about all of CG Cooper’s books and again I am blown away by the way it speaks to the heart. Thank you for your dedication to bring characters to life.
Read
September 9, 2019Not my normal kind of read I thought, I would just take a quick peek. Read page one this morning at 10 AM, finished the book at 1600 (4 PM) this afternoon. Could not put it down. C.G. Cooper captured me and would not let go. Thadious Nix the main character, comes alive and becomes my best friend. I don't know how to explain my thoughts about this book, except to say, OUTSTANDING/EMOTIONALLY GRIPPING,& EXTREMELY WELL WRITTEN. This is about Mr. Nix's life, service to his country, his friends, devotion to his wife, and his renewed will to live.C. G. Cooper This book has brought back memories of my own military service. Highly recommend this story. I also recommend his CORPS SERIESC. G. Cooper
September 19, 2018
To Live
What a charming book. When I first started reading it, I thought, wow, this is way out of character for C.G. Cooper, until I got to the part where it wasn't. Even then, it was like a toned down version of his usual full of action writing. This book had more of an emotional undertone. A link to our humanity. What it is that makes us tick. What's really important in life.
This book definitely had some places where it jerked a few tears out of me but there were also places that made me smile, nod my head knowingly, and laugh along with the characters.
Cooper pleasantly surprised me with this book and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an inspiring story.
What a charming book. When I first started reading it, I thought, wow, this is way out of character for C.G. Cooper, until I got to the part where it wasn't. Even then, it was like a toned down version of his usual full of action writing. This book had more of an emotional undertone. A link to our humanity. What it is that makes us tick. What's really important in life.
This book definitely had some places where it jerked a few tears out of me but there were also places that made me smile, nod my head knowingly, and laugh along with the characters.
Cooper pleasantly surprised me with this book and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an inspiring story.
December 12, 2020
Best book I've read in a long while!
As an older, Vietnam era military wife, I could relate to Lcpl Box's memories. I saw my husband of 52 years in some of his thought processes. Longevity of life together and the unfolding of their struggles and blessings helped me appreciate a similar path albeit fictionalized. Not knowing what to say to a gay child who comes out to you is difficult at best to those parents who have grown up in a traditional society and identity. Adopting at an older age also carries its own set of issues, particularly if grown children are not as accepting as the Box son, who was himself adopted. Most of all to understand that the need to step in, serve and help others doesn't com with age or illness. Service to others, the secret to a fulfilling life.
As an older, Vietnam era military wife, I could relate to Lcpl Box's memories. I saw my husband of 52 years in some of his thought processes. Longevity of life together and the unfolding of their struggles and blessings helped me appreciate a similar path albeit fictionalized. Not knowing what to say to a gay child who comes out to you is difficult at best to those parents who have grown up in a traditional society and identity. Adopting at an older age also carries its own set of issues, particularly if grown children are not as accepting as the Box son, who was himself adopted. Most of all to understand that the need to step in, serve and help others doesn't com with age or illness. Service to others, the secret to a fulfilling life.
February 27, 2022
Elmore Thaddeus Nix, it's retirement time. You're sixty-five and ready. Take that final physical and then it's adios to your old life and hello to the new. Not so fast. Sorry, Elmore. Your plan's about to change. It's Elmore's last day of work. As part of his retirement, he heads to the family doctor for the follow-up to a routine physical. That's when the universe shifts on its axis. Cancer. Then we find out that Elmore's wife lies at home with only days to live. The stroke of injustice falls hard. And so, with a final word from his wife, and the buck passed to the opposition's corner, Elmore must decide whether to take his wife's advice or just wither away. To Elmore, the choice seems easy. Which path will he choose? Only time will tell, but time is not on our friend's side. Along the way, we'll find out what secrets Elmore's been hiding from the world, and maybe even himself.
September 8, 2018
I laughed, I cried, and read this book without putting it down.
Everyone knows someone whose life was touched by tragedy. This book was written in such a way that you clearly saw the hand of God intertwined in the lives of the characters. The Lord took my mother, my husband, and both of my pets in five months.. In my grieving I pushed away my only daughter. Now, I hear from her on my birthday, and see her and the boys at Christmas. Although I know it's my doing, I'd give anything just to be friends. Again. This story was all about living your life. A must read. Hope is always there for the brave who dare to reach out.
Everyone knows someone whose life was touched by tragedy. This book was written in such a way that you clearly saw the hand of God intertwined in the lives of the characters. The Lord took my mother, my husband, and both of my pets in five months.. In my grieving I pushed away my only daughter. Now, I hear from her on my birthday, and see her and the boys at Christmas. Although I know it's my doing, I'd give anything just to be friends. Again. This story was all about living your life. A must read. Hope is always there for the brave who dare to reach out.
January 14, 2019
TO LIVE is a sweet heartwarming story about the friendship between an older man and a teenage girl. They meet at a time when they are both hurting and, through the relationship, discover the good things in their lives. It deals with the past and the present and coming full circle to make the future better. It is a sweet sweet book with an uplifting message, and powerful, quiet characters.
It slowed down a bit near the end and parts of it were more fairy tale than real. Despite that, it is definitely worth reading and will make you smile with its theme of choosing life, friendship and forgiveness.
It slowed down a bit near the end and parts of it were more fairy tale than real. Despite that, it is definitely worth reading and will make you smile with its theme of choosing life, friendship and forgiveness.
September 6, 2018
Deeply moving story of love and loss, friendship and hope
Elmore is almost extinguished by despair. On top of the slow death of his soulmate, his wife Eve, he has cancer. He is devoid of human contact until a random act of kindness to a teenage girl leads to a friendship which slowly draws him back to life. We learn of his extraordinary background and the impact his life has had, and of the people who have been trying to reach out to him. It’s a beautifully written book. Life-affirming.
Elmore is almost extinguished by despair. On top of the slow death of his soulmate, his wife Eve, he has cancer. He is devoid of human contact until a random act of kindness to a teenage girl leads to a friendship which slowly draws him back to life. We learn of his extraordinary background and the impact his life has had, and of the people who have been trying to reach out to him. It’s a beautifully written book. Life-affirming.
December 23, 2019
Good at What it Does
There are many heartfelt things about this book that I appreciate. It takes you through an emotional rollercoaster that is something similar to mashing Saving Private Ryan with a myriad of other ideas.
There were times that I felt as though the story was going through too much near the middle. Mashing in as many bad things as you possibly can into several chapters. Following by mashing as many good things as you can near the end.
In the end, I felt something good for reading it. And I do encourage you to do the same if the concept appeals to you.
There are many heartfelt things about this book that I appreciate. It takes you through an emotional rollercoaster that is something similar to mashing Saving Private Ryan with a myriad of other ideas.
There were times that I felt as though the story was going through too much near the middle. Mashing in as many bad things as you possibly can into several chapters. Following by mashing as many good things as you can near the end.
In the end, I felt something good for reading it. And I do encourage you to do the same if the concept appeals to you.
December 28, 2019
A beautiful story.
Wasn't sure what I was signing up for, having not had the pleasure of reading this author. I was pleasantly surprised and deeply moved by the simplicity of the story. I feel like Elmore Nix probably represents millions of men of his generation, not just military veterans. This generation does not inherently know how to express feelings/emotions, and must learn to do so, most often reluctantly. It was a pleasure to get to know Elmore, Franks, and Sam.
Wasn't sure what I was signing up for, having not had the pleasure of reading this author. I was pleasantly surprised and deeply moved by the simplicity of the story. I feel like Elmore Nix probably represents millions of men of his generation, not just military veterans. This generation does not inherently know how to express feelings/emotions, and must learn to do so, most often reluctantly. It was a pleasure to get to know Elmore, Franks, and Sam.
January 15, 2020
Three Marine Corps brothers
I graduated high school in 1968 in Ohio, a few miles from Kent State. Two brothers were in Viet Nam, one in Da Nang and one later after the Tet offensive who was badly wounded. My eldest brother (Da Nang), then served at 8th and I as a body bearer and was the USMC body bearer for Eisenhower.
I loved this story on so many levels, and it lifted me up. Thank you
I graduated high school in 1968 in Ohio, a few miles from Kent State. Two brothers were in Viet Nam, one in Da Nang and one later after the Tet offensive who was badly wounded. My eldest brother (Da Nang), then served at 8th and I as a body bearer and was the USMC body bearer for Eisenhower.
I loved this story on so many levels, and it lifted me up. Thank you
March 30, 2020
Первая половина неплохая и я даже начал менять свое мнение о книжках из kindle unlimited.
Хороший язык, небанальный сюжет, читать было интересно.
Но потом началось - главный герой оказался каким-то эпического уровня суперменом.
А потом уж (закройте глаза - спойлер) он магически излечивается от рака и как теперь пишут в интернетах "врачи не могут поверить".
Так и напрашивается добавить "и жил он вечно".
Хороший язык, небанальный сюжет, читать было интересно.
Но потом началось - главный герой оказался каким-то эпического уровня суперменом.
А потом уж (закройте глаза - спойлер) он магически излечивается от рака и как теперь пишут в интернетах "врачи не могут поверить".
Так и напрашивается добавить "и жил он вечно".
August 19, 2020
'To Live' completely blew me away. The story line is incredible. I was taken on a journey through Elmore's life, and I am so glad for this. Once I started reading I could not stop. Love, loss, life, death and friendship are just a few things that kept me wanting more. Elmore is basically an exceptional man. He doesn't see it, maybe because he wasn't ready. The story line, the characters and the way this book is written are incredible. Definitely a must add to your tbr list. Highly recommended.
September 2, 2020
The emotions will roll.
Things to know upfront: There is violence as well as adult language and situations.
Elmore Thaddeus Nix's retirement is not quite what he planned. After the loss of his beloved wife, he wants to change up his routine a bit. A simple act changes the course of his life.
Keeping tissues/handkerchief handy, read this story and see how the emotions well up within you until the twists and turns of the story take you to the end.
Things to know upfront: There is violence as well as adult language and situations.
Elmore Thaddeus Nix's retirement is not quite what he planned. After the loss of his beloved wife, he wants to change up his routine a bit. A simple act changes the course of his life.
Keeping tissues/handkerchief handy, read this story and see how the emotions well up within you until the twists and turns of the story take you to the end.
September 1, 2018
Smiles,tears , pain and love
This book is magnificent, so well written and so many. Character's to fall in love with. I will not go I to detail but this is a book you will not want to put down until you have finished it. I have loved this Author's books for a long time but this one is special. I highly recommend all of C.G. Cooper's books.
This book is magnificent, so well written and so many. Character's to fall in love with. I will not go I to detail but this is a book you will not want to put down until you have finished it. I have loved this Author's books for a long time but this one is special. I highly recommend all of C.G. Cooper's books.
October 1, 2018
Excellent Read
I did not know what to expect, but I couldn’t put this book down! What an encouragement for those of us in troubled times or who have lost loved ones. The power of prayer...there is NOTHING like it. Also, a good reminder to love your family, warts and all. Keep friends close. They can be a lifeline. A must read!
I did not know what to expect, but I couldn’t put this book down! What an encouragement for those of us in troubled times or who have lost loved ones. The power of prayer...there is NOTHING like it. Also, a good reminder to love your family, warts and all. Keep friends close. They can be a lifeline. A must read!
October 25, 2018
Lovely story!
I've read all of the Corps Justice books and thoroughly enjoyed every one. I was kind of reluctant to read this novel as I could not imagine CG Cooper writing something that wasn't action packed.
I am so glad I read it! A beautiful story but also filled with the twists and turns and surprises that I've come to expect from this author.
I've read all of the Corps Justice books and thoroughly enjoyed every one. I was kind of reluctant to read this novel as I could not imagine CG Cooper writing something that wasn't action packed.
I am so glad I read it! A beautiful story but also filled with the twists and turns and surprises that I've come to expect from this author.
August 19, 2019
Wonderful!
I didn't know what this book was about. I normally read murder mysteries and I chose this based on the title. I'm glad I was pleasantly surprised. I loved this story about a man who has lost all that he feels he has lived for. A small act of kindness changes everything. A lovely uplifting story.
I didn't know what this book was about. I normally read murder mysteries and I chose this based on the title. I'm glad I was pleasantly surprised. I loved this story about a man who has lost all that he feels he has lived for. A small act of kindness changes everything. A lovely uplifting story.
September 5, 2019
This was a nice heartwarming story, but I didn't find the writing especially good and I didn't think there were really any ideas or concepts that were thought provoking or induced more than the quick smile or tear. It was pretty basic. Not sure where all of the love comes from for this book. It seems like many other simplistic books out there with a predictable ending.
December 6, 2019
I have now read all of your books. I have had this one downloaded for a month and until this morning
I had been hesitant to start it because it was so different from all your previous books. My best friend just lost her husband who was a West Point, Vietnam vet. I cried most all the way through the book. Could not stop reading. A very moving and inspirational read.
I had been hesitant to start it because it was so different from all your previous books. My best friend just lost her husband who was a West Point, Vietnam vet. I cried most all the way through the book. Could not stop reading. A very moving and inspirational read.
March 20, 2021
Tongue tied
I have never been good expressing myself with words. Thank God Carlos doesn't have that problem. Had this book read in 4 hrs but many tears were shed in that time. It hits those of us who have lost loved ones hard and reminds us we still need "To Live". Loved this book and recommend it highly. Thank you Carlos
I have never been good expressing myself with words. Thank God Carlos doesn't have that problem. Had this book read in 4 hrs but many tears were shed in that time. It hits those of us who have lost loved ones hard and reminds us we still need "To Live". Loved this book and recommend it highly. Thank you Carlos
March 12, 2022
An outstanding story about a marine (once a marine always a marine) who loses his wife and is diagnosed with cancer and what he does to cope. At first he shuts himself off from everyone and when he finally decides to leave the house a chance encounter changes his life forever. Always nice to have a support system for all of our ills. Thanks for the great story
September 7, 2018
Great story
I hate books that make me cry. I really hope they make a movie from this story. This is a perfect indie movie. Too many things in this book took place in my life. Hope others enjoy as much as I did.
I hate books that make me cry. I really hope they make a movie from this story. This is a perfect indie movie. Too many things in this book took place in my life. Hope others enjoy as much as I did.
September 7, 2018
OMG What a story!
Reading this evokes so many emotions! As a veteran, I empathized with Elmore’s service and experience with cancer. I just wished Sam and Elmore’s story would have gone on. Wonderful book. Can’t imagine any vet reading this doesn’t get a little tears eyed.
Reading this evokes so many emotions! As a veteran, I empathized with Elmore’s service and experience with cancer. I just wished Sam and Elmore’s story would have gone on. Wonderful book. Can’t imagine any vet reading this doesn’t get a little tears eyed.
September 17, 2018
OMG. This is wonderful!
I’ve read most of what CG Cooper has on Amazon. I have to say, this was one of the best pieces he’s ever written. Uplifting, very real, and true to the ethos of Marines everywhere. Everybody, buy this book!
I’ve read most of what CG Cooper has on Amazon. I have to say, this was one of the best pieces he’s ever written. Uplifting, very real, and true to the ethos of Marines everywhere. Everybody, buy this book!
September 18, 2018
-He writes a great story with a lot of emotion involved. I was on an emotional roller coaster reading this book,but I loved it. Never has a book affected me so deeply. This is one you can’t put down, and keep the tissues close by. This maybe Cooper’s best work, you have to read it!
September 21, 2018
Happy little sighs of I needed this book!
All the stars! I would give this book 20 billion million trillion stars if I could. I loved everything about this book. EVERYTHING! Read it and weep. The good kind.
All the stars! I would give this book 20 billion million trillion stars if I could. I loved everything about this book. EVERYTHING! Read it and weep. The good kind.
September 21, 2018
Uplifting
I'm a Cooper fan. This book is a surprise subject that is great reading as well! If you don't feel better about life after reading this book, you weren't paying attention! Thank you Coop. Another winner!
I'm a Cooper fan. This book is a surprise subject that is great reading as well! If you don't feel better about life after reading this book, you weren't paying attention! Thank you Coop. Another winner!
December 6, 2018
Hope
I read constantly. Love all genres of books as long as they leave me feeling like I Just had an adventure. One I took in my own house. One that left me feeling fulfilled. This book did that magnificently. Thank you Mr. Cooper for adding an adventure full of hope to my day.
I read constantly. Love all genres of books as long as they leave me feeling like I Just had an adventure. One I took in my own house. One that left me feeling fulfilled. This book did that magnificently. Thank you Mr. Cooper for adding an adventure full of hope to my day.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews