What Death Taught Terrence

by Derek McFadden

The TV is on, and I’m on the couch, leaning as far back as I can. My heavy, indecisive brown eyes—their lenses blurred ever since my tumultuous, too-soon entrance into the world—flutter between open and shut. I am half-watching half-listening to a football game on a Sunday afternoon. Was that the doorbell?
“Who is it?” I call out, expecting to hear my daughter, Megan’s, voice. These days, she is the one person who visits me. The only person who knows I’m making my home in this little oasis fashioned from wood felled by my own hand.
“Terry, it’s Mom. I’m here to help you move.”
My mom? That’s not possible. She’s...
Wait. To help me move? Oh, God.
I rise from the couch and glance back at my lifeless body.


PRAISE FOR What Death Taught Terrence

“What Death Taught Terrence offers a powerful, painful, and poignant
look at the life of a man rarely encountered in fiction. Derek McFadden’s
writes with an insight few can match.”
— T.F. ALLEN, author of The Night Janitor and The Keeper


“A good story allows the reader to experience life as another person,
and McFadden made me do so on a deeply personal level. If you
like the works of Mitch Albom, I think you’ll find What Death Taught
Terrence a worthy addition to your library and the reading of it a lifeaffirming
journey.”
— BRADLEY HARPER, Edgar-Award Finalist,
author of A Knife In The Fog and Queen’s Gambit


“In What Death Taught Terrence, Derek McFadden builds a world that
satisfies both our desire for imagination and our need for personal
introspection. I found this (story) immediately immersive, and it stuck
with me long after I finished. McFadden is doing something rare in
today’s fiction—exploring the limits of what we will believe to form a
better understanding of who we are.”
—
ALEX DOLAN, author of The Euthanist
and The Empress of Tempera

LIFE IS A JOURNEY. SO IS THE AFTERLIFE.

At the end of his life, Terrence McDonald must discover its meaning,
or he’ll be banned from the afterlife forever, and his soul will cease to
exist.
Join Terrence–
and those who love him–on a poignant and
unforgettable journey through a life at once wonderful and harrowing.
Learn what Terrence learns. See what Terrence sees. By this provocative
story’s end, readers may even learn a thing or two about themselves.

Genres: Fiction

304 pages, Hardcover

First published February 11, 2020

About the author

I was born in 1982 with a mild form of cerebral palsy. From that point to this, I have striven to write the kinds of stories readers want to read (get lost in) and the kinds I want to tell. Often my main characters will have the same palsy I do. This is because, as a kid, when I would read stories I would always think, None of these people are anything like me.
I can't wait for all the readers here at Goodreads--and everywhere there's a reader who hungers for a good story--to read my newest book, The Santa Claus Agreement (2022), and my award-winning novel, What Death Taught Terrence (2020). Both, in their own ways, are absorbing looks at a family and real life, and what life means. There's also a fair amount of the afterlife involved!
It is my sincere hope that I'll get to share my story with you, and that I'll get to meet, thank, and sign a book for every single person who visits my page!
Derek

Reviews

[Pam Stack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional writing from an exceptional young man. Gave pause for introspection rarely found in book these days. Highly recommended.

[Billy Buttons · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE WISHING SHELF BOOK AWARDS
10th May 2021
TITLE: What Death Taught Terrence
AUTHOR: Derek McFadden

Star Rating: 5

To Sum Up
‘A profound, but always entertaining novel as Terrence attempts to uncover the meaning of life. Thoroughly enjoyable!’

REVIEW
It's so easy, I find, to settle for novels which don't make me think. You know the sort of thing, a Clive Cussler thriller or a little Harry Potter to while away the lockdown hours. But, What death Taught Terence, is no ‘ easy’ read. In fact, it’s rather thought-provoking, often even profound. It’s the story of a man (Terrence) who must try to uncover and understand the lessons of his life; by doing so, he'll get to go to the ‘ good place’ and not the terribly, terribly bad! Interesting premise, I thought. And it was. What followed was a well-written and thoroughly gripping novel as I followed Terence through his past life, watching him grapple with death and, well, pretty much the meaning of everything.
Written very much from the POV of Terrence – it sort of had to be really or it wouldn't have worked – the writing style is simple, often even workmanlike. But I loved that. I loved that the author didn't feel the need to impress me with big words to put across his message; that I didn't have to keep delving into a dictionary to work out what was going on. And there is a message in there, but it's not forced upon the reader. This author knows how to show and not tell. He also knows how to let the reader find his or her own way; that not only shows excellently developed writing skills, it also shows that the author knows his readers and what they want
So, can I recommend this book? Absolutely. Who to? Well, if you happen to enjoy a character-led story, if you happen to enjoy being challenged in your reading, and if you happen to enjoy books which you want to talk about over coffee with pals, this novel is for you. When I finished reading it, I knew two things. Firstly, I knew I had to recommend it to my wife. Secondly, I knew I just found a new author to enjoy. What more can a reader ask for?!

A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk


This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: What Death Taught Terrence
Author: Derek McFadden

Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 16
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 10/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 4/5

Of the 16 readers:
16 would read another book by this author.
14 thought the cover was good or excellent.
16 felt it was easy to follow.
16 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
16 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.

Readers’ Comments
“The title of this novel is superb, grabbing the reader, intriguing them, making them want to read it. And it´s a good read too!” Male reader, aged 54
“Such a clever premise: a man must go back and look at his life. If he didn´t learn the lesson of living, it´s the end of everything – literally! Poor Terrence. A very enjoyable story, sad in parts, comic in others; very much a character story with plenty of life lessons hidden in the text. This book is probably not for everybody, the pacing being a little slow and ponderous, but if you enjoy being intellectually pushed, you´ll enjoy this. If you enjoy thrillers with lots of shooting, you´ll hate it.” Female reader, aged 43
“A moving story with strong characters and a thought-provoking message.” Female reader, aged 55
“Engaging story, interesting protagonist, and not overly preachy. It´s even funny in parts. I felt I got to know Terrence well, so I had no problems relating to him. I look forward to reading this author´s next novel.” Female reader, aged 70

To Sum It Up:
‘A compelling, character-led novel with a strong, relatable protagonist. A SILVER MEDAL WINNER and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

[Roger Hyttinen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story follows Terrence McDonald, who has just died. He finds himself in the afterlife, and his presence has garnered the attention of "The Boss" himself. Terrence now has to complete his life review, but the stakes surrounding this event are incredibly high. You see, before he incarnated the last time, he made an agreement with the powers that be: If he does not learn the lesson of his life, he will cease to exist and any form. Goodbye, life; hello oblivion.

So the book then takes us on an incredible journey as we view the life of a man through the eyes of himself and his loved ones, a journey that is poignant, sometimes heartbreaking, oftentimes harrowing but undoubtedly unforgettable. We get to see and experience Terrence's emotions, fears, doubts, and pain; we basically get to experience the pivotal events in Terrence's life along with his family as both Terrence and the reader attempt to figure out his elusive life lesson.

I find stories about the afterlife exceptionally intriguing that this novel did not disappoint. It is a story with a huge heart and a melancholy emotional core that is wistfully sad and joyful at the same time.

I think that the author has created something truly special here — a razor-witted deeply moving that examines the modern human condition. It's a novel of so many layers with such a massive heart that it succeeded in making me weep a time or two. So in this way, it was incredibly profound and shattering yet provided a sense of joy when it all came to an end.

It's narrated with such great compassion that it left me wanting to follow the next chapter in Terrence's life. I also loved how wonderfully full, complex and empathetic the characters are. As people drift in and out of Terrence's story, they seem so complete, like they've wandered in from their own novel to appear briefly in this one.

My only niggle with the story was that there was a small poem before every chapter. Typically I'm not fond of this device very much and mostly gloss over then when reading a novel. There were a lot of chapters in this book meaning a lot of space devoted to the opening poems. I realized that this is just a personal dislike of mine as most people don't seem to mind it.

But all in all, I was totally mesmerized by the story and continued to ruminate over the characters and story long after putting my Kindle to rest. This is such a smart story, an eye-opening account of letting go of prejudices and fear; of seeing beyond what we think we know. It's a story of love, family, friendship, resilience, and truth. It's a story about the boxes we let ourselves be placed in and the labels we refuse to wear.

So if you enjoy stories about the afterlife, then you may wish to give What Death Taught Terrence a go.

[K-BRC · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s a new Goodreads giveaway for signed prints:

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...


Life lessons learned might well be both a subtitle and a literal interpretation of the story of learning to live well in a life where a person is ‘different’. It’s a very insightful, well-documented, and eloquently precise self-analysis of living with cp. The narrator really takes you there. Definitely a must-read.

[Wendy Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gut-wrenching read you'll love!

[Joanne Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is that infrequent book that includes you in the story so much, you’re better for reading it.

[Deb Darling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would think writing this book to be a daunting task. What really happens in the afterlife? What happens when 'our maker' analyzes how you lived your life? Lots to think about in this book.

[Pemberley Pages · Rating 3 out of 5]

Life after death is a premise that is not just intriguing, but also controversial because it is unknown. As a result, books dealing with this topic are usually extremely popular because they feed on man’s need to always know more. Derek Mcfadden’s "What Death Taught Terrence" narrates the journey of newly dead Terrence as he navigates his experiences of life in search of the big picture, his true meaning that will eventually save him from oblivion.
.
The book is exactly what the title says it is. Death, ironically, taught the protagonist what it meant to truly live. The author attempts to hold a mirror up to society through Terrence’s life, and ensure that they understand what their purpose on earth is, and not end up regretting their choices when it’s too late. One of the main lessons we are to learn is to not get caught up in superficiality, but to look beyond appearances and appreciate depth, because that is where the essence of life resides.
.
Deeply introspective, McFadden successfully manages to hold the reader’s attention as Terrence sifts through his friends, family and enemies, without ever sermonizing. What could have been a preachy lecture, is in fact an engrossing, entertaining and thought-provoking read that leaves you spellbound, with a new outlook towards life.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tear jerker in the best way! This book was very emotional and inspirational at the same time. Many of us wonder what happens to us after death. Terry has died and now he is going through his life on earth. His wasn’t a easy one with Cerebral Palsy. Many people can relate to this with a friend or family member who have it. Terry sees know things he did or could have while he was alive. I found this to be very emotional and a fast read. A must read I loved it.

[Laura Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging story that explores the life of one man after his life has ended and touches on his disadvantages, regrets, and the people who helped him get through over the years. A thought-provoking take on the existential questions we all have about life and death.

You can read my full review here: https://laurasbooksandblogs.com/what-...

[Bradley Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good story allows the reader to experience life as another person, and McFadden made me do so on a deeply personal level. If you like the works of Mitch Albom, I think you'll find What Death Taught Terrence a worthy addition to your library and the reading of it a life-affirming journey.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is moving and I was truly moved. I recommend this; it does not disappoint.

[Feather Chelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leaves you pondering

Although this book is fictional, it leaves you pondering about your life and decisions you have made. The author is a very talented writer as well.

[Derek]

Authors write for different reasons.
Some write to allow the reader to escape. Some write to thrill the reader. Some write to chill spines.
I write to uplift. To give the reader an experience at the end of which they say, "My life is a little better for having read this book." I write to chronicle an experience and a life too little seen in literature. I write so that, one day, when I'm no longer here, people who never knew me, who never knew anyone who knew me, can pick my book up and say, "I understand Terrence McDonald and, in learning of him, I now understand a little more about myself."

Terrence McDonald is dead. Now he must determine the purpose of his life. If he cannot, he'll be banished from the afterlife forever and will never again see his loved ones.
Assisting Terrence in his journey is God Himself. Who appears to Terrence in the forms of people he knew throughout his life.
Knowing this brief sketch–and what I, as an author, intended to accomplish with this book, I sincerely hope you'll give it a read. I think it's perfect for anyone who loves books, book clubs, stories about the afterlife, the books of Mitch Albom, stories that might broaden a reader's knowledge.
If you do read Terrence, would you please leave a review here? It will help others find Terrence. Who is excited–though a tad nervous, if he's being honest–to meet each and every one of you!

[T. F. Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story offers a powerful and unforgettable narrative that is full of emotional depth. Terrence’s voice drew me in and helped me identify with such a unique character. Reading this book was an emotional experience for me.

I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of the afterlife. McFadden’s version intrigued me and kept me interested to the very end.

I look forward to revisiting this story in hardcover when it is released.

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes you on a journey to view life, death, and afterlife from a whole different perspective. So many of us have challenges in our lives that leave us asking "Why". This book gives an outlook on life that has honest reactions to life's struggles. It shows that nothing is as simple as it may appear. Everyone has good and bad in them, and there is really no such thing as perfection. Terrence's story will give you pause and make you think. I highly recommend giving this book a read!

[Tiffany Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book. It touches you and makes you contemplate the meaning of your own life. I found it moving and well written. I would reccomend this book.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy free of charge. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of it.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story!
I’m not sure how much of the plot is based on the author’s actual experience with palsy, but it certainly sounds a bit autobiographical—therefore, very real—and opens one’s eyes to the challenges faced daily by those with the condition. It’s both touching and educative.
Will gladly read any further books the author publishes.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is excellent and pulls you in quite naturally and feels personal, emotional, and a bit inspirational. I suspect it will stick with readers for a long time. Highly recommended.

I really appreciate the copy for review!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, touching book. A great book that will make you pause and reflect. I couldn't put this book down!

[Faranae]

Read in a professional capacity, so withholding my star rating and review.

[Samfreene · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Death Taught Terrence

You wake up from what you think is a dream to learn your body and soul are in a predetermined place that has been especially designed and chosen for you and your spirit.
Questions reel through your mind and am image appears as you begin a new journey but where will it take you and what lessons will you learn?
Terrence is about to go on an ethereal trip within the afterworld meeting people from his past and understanding his new future.
Meeting his panel of judges sends him for a direct review with God whose form takes on different people that he knew in the past. Events that marked his life would be revisited and relived as the goal is of him to find out his next destination if there is one. Finding the meaning of his life or his soul will no longer exist. Close your eyes and open your mind as you take the journey along with Terrence and understand through his eyes and the eyes of those who had impacted on his mortal life and we help him understand his important life’s lesson.
His interactions with God are quite unique and help readers understand that no one is perfect and everyone in life experiences difficult situations that they often would like to forget but in this case God hopes it will help Terrence become stronger as the person or spirit wherever his final destination is. First the image is of his friend Charlie, then his philosophy professor and then his father who takes on different personas and images. Each person reflects and helps him flash back to a time in his life that provided difficulties in his physical attributes since he had palsy and his legs often needed surgery and therapy. His father at times as we meet him in many different situations can be warm and caring or hardnosed when drunk. Even his best friend Connor turns on him and the outcome is quite revealing, sad and allows Terrence to learn someone else about himself. Can he withstand all that he learns of the past including when he is in the image of his mother, Lisa who meets his father and the result is he is born?
Each chapter begins with a poem that helps readers understand what is about to happen in the chapter and how it relates to his next flashback or memory. Added in we hear his voice as he narrates the events and helps readers understand through his innermost thoughts presented in italics what he’s thinking and what he is willing to share with God.

Taking different appearances and having to be someone else, Terrence gets to see the past or the world through his father’s eyes and someone close to his father, Chloe who is not his mother yet has taken an interest in him. Throughout his life he thought his father was tough on him, often got drunk and did not think that he had any capacity for much, yet as we get to know Terrence, we realize that is not true. Understanding his new world, reliving the past and sharing his feelings we get to understand the effects of death on him, his true fears and how he might finally come to understand his relationships with his father, his mother who left because he has palsy and friends who teased and bullied him in school as his father told him to toughen up. The two chapters that relate what happens with his friend Connor, allows readers to understand what happens when someone you think you can trust and is a friend, betrays it and the reactions of both of his parents to the same situation.

The author takes us deep inside the heart, mind and thoughts of Terrence as he experiences his review, deals with his past, what he considers his present and the unknown future.

Terrence has to deal with the many images of his father, his mother and even himself as he takes a tour of his life learning more about his palsy, how he had difficulty eating and cutting his food, the fear of not being loved and the fact that his father did not at least he thought have the son he wanted. Not being able to play sports it took someone else to teach him about baseball and how to use the scorecard. This is an intense story and the journey is quite profound.

Through the reviews the author reveals many sides of Terrence as he meets people in the past that had a strong impact on his life during many different phases. His father when God used his image to focus on a review helps him to experience once again his fears with surgery, his inability to cut his food and the fact that he could not participate in sports. Terrence feels as you understand his emotional iOS and downs that he’s a disappointment to so many . His father’s wife explored ways to make him feel whole, normal and realize his intelligence. However, each time the years flashback we learn more about situations and events that might change his perception about them each time the author revisits them .

There are many different phases of this memoir of review of the life of Terrence as he once again is in the presence of God who requests a favor of him, but he is not himself he is someone named Mattie. The focus is writing his own in a sense memoir, helping Megan, his stepdaughter gets her prayers or prayer answered and next we once again hear him talking with Charlie. All of this takes place at times before his death, during and after. The timelines shift very often, and we carefully must follow his life as it flashes back and forth to different times, different dates and yet some are the same. He seems to be wandering around several universes and at times just looking for where he belongs, affirmation that he was a good father, person and hopefully will find success at the end as a writer.

The author helps readers learn about his life through his new wife Mattie who understands his shortcomings and builds on his strengths along with his daughter Megan who we meet early in her life and then as a mother. But how does he feel when she marries the son of a man who taunted him and used him as a punching instrument in school?
Take a huge canvas and divide it into several squares and create a painting, mural or even a mosaic of your life that would be exactly what author Derek McFadden did when creating a total painting of the life of Terrence McDonald. Each square would have a remembrance of his life with his father, Carl, his mother Lisa before she left, Mattie, Chloe who filled a huge hole when his real mother was gone, Charlie his best friend, his uncle, grandfather and more as we come to the close of his life, the end is near, the hope that he will write the memoir he promised to write, the hope that he can forgive himself for his own failings and even more that Terrence understands the true meaning of his life even after death.

If you were given 2 months back on earth to take care of things that you felt undone what would you devote those days to doing? Terrence reflects on the book he promised to write, his love of his wife and his daughter Megan and granddaughter Emma as he is shown through the eyes of others just how valuable he was to so many and that his perception of living in fear of failure, never feeling productive, finally realizing you must be willing to try, know your own limitations and don’t exceed them to a point where you put yourself in an unsafe situation. This novel is a review of his life as if he is writing his own book review including the details, characters, events and the beginning, middle and end of an entire novel with the Verdict the conclusion.

What is his overriding lesson? What is his companion lesson? What is his destination? Can you spend your life blaming yourself for what you could not do? The ending will allow readers to learn his fate, understand the fate of others and his destination as we come to the close of a memoir, review and book that will impact everyone in a different way. This is one novel that will stay with me for a long time as you the reader and this reviewer will understand after reading this review of his life: What Death Taught Terrence.

Fran Lewis: Just reviews

[Reese Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I checked out the audiobook, and I could not stop listening. I feel like I've gotten to know someone real by the end of it. The events are so beautifully described that you feel like you're in the room with the characters. Memories are so crisp and deep you could swear they were yours or those of someone you knew. It was a fascinating journey as well. Like seeing vivid and powerful moments and having some time to reflect on them was perfect for me being able to process how I felt about everything and desire what would come later. And the emotional impact at the end made me cry. This is the kind of story that will stick with me for a long time. Definitely recommend.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very emotional story that brought back the old feelings I had in my real life with my brother having spina bifida (main character was born with cerebral palsy) and all the surgeries he had to make him feel more “normal” when a child. I liked the idea of looking back on some of the good and bad memories of his life and finding the moral of what happened and that gained wisdom from those good and bad memories. The ending made me teary eyed.

[Annabelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an odd one. An interesting premise - it tells the story of a man's life after he has died, where the afterlife requires that he reviews everything that happened to him and learn the overriding lesson of his life. It ought to have been an emotional and moving journey, but somehow it didn't quite hit the right notes.

The author adds what should have been an unnecessary level of conflict, in that Terrance has to get the lesson of his life right or his soul will cease to exist. A condition that apparently he himself insisted on before leaving the afterlife to start his life as Terrance. But rather than ramping up the tension, it falls completely flat. Because we have no idea who Terrance was before he was Terrance, so we don't really understand the reasoning behind that decision. Which means it comes across as a gimmicky way to make the story feel more urgent.

The sad thing is, it really didn't need it. If there had been more emotion in the storytelling, it could have been engaging and involving without the looming threat device. But overall, the characters weren't drawn strongly enough to make you care about them, there wasn't enough detail about the life events, and everything felt surface level, rushed. I think it's the problem with trying to detail a whole life in a short book - and worse, because it's not just Terrance's life, but snippets from the lives of other people around him - there just isn't enough space to get into the relationships and experiences in the level of depth required to make the reader really engage deeply with them.

Not terrible, by any means, and some interesting, imaginative ideas, but while the premise has promise, the execution lets it down.

2.5 stars

I received a copy for review via Netgalley.

[Sadie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply enjoyed this novel. It was a fresh perspective of the afterlife and what our time on earth is meant to teach us. Told from the point of view of a man with cerebral palsy, “What Death Taught Terrance” helped me to experience what life is like for someone with physical limitations. We may not be able to walk a mile in their shoes, but we can spend a few quality hours inside their mind and see life through their eyes. Can’t wait to see what this author comes out with next

[Sara Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! So poignant, heartwarming, thought provoking and hauntingly beautiful. Everyone needs to read this book!! Good job my son!!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed and it was a fast read. Sort of had a "Its a Wonderful Life" feel about it. Tears started for me at page 91. Would like to read more from this author.

[Clwseattle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Death Taught Terrence, page 270

"It's interesting, and off-putting at times, how readers can fashion their own views and beliefs about writers based solely on words they've scribbled down."

Yep, that was me.

I tend to use sticky notes to mark quotes or passages. Of course, that one bit me because the first I noted was very early on and just about made me shut the covers of What Death Taught Terrence for good.

Because no belief system is valued above another", she explains. "Not here."

OK, I thought about it and got past that one, barely. However, God claiming

"When it comes to belief, the key to what to believe is to believe what feels right to you."

Nope. It's a miracle I finished the book after that one. God is not a relativist. If you read HIS book, that's quite clear. Further, relativism allows you to choose your right and wrong above that of everyone else, to put you and your choices above His and theirs. Again, not according to His book. He gave us free will, not freedom to choose our own morality. And clearly relativism is not working too well across the world in these days of chaos.

To say I had a problem with God saying He's 'not perfect' is to diminish my reaction to that by 1000%. He made us in His image - perfect. That we are not is our choice.

Of course, then God says

"The whole world was devastated, but there was another prevalent thought that day besides the devastation. If I've given up - Me, God, The Almighty and Most Powerful - that assumption takes the blame for anything evil that happens to or is perpetrated by humanity ... out of humanity's hand. The truth is, it's in the aftermath of the worst days when I must work My hardest and yet be at My subtlest. People aren't looking for big things then. They're content with small signs of Me. So many are in danger of losing their faith at those times ... it's My job to make sure anyone to whom faith means a great deal has a shot to keep theirs intact. I'm not going to tell you I've got a perfect record. Some faithful do get lost - free will - and faith's composition may change over time, but if it's something an individual depends upon, and if they work on their end to maintain their faith as hard as I work on mine, I can't let it be broken."

Yes! Thank you. I'm not too sure about reincarnation, either, but

" A book should make its reader feel. You should be able to picture the scenery as if it were under your window, hear the autumn leaves crackle underfoot as you step outside. Bathe in the fragrant air as the trees surrender their bounties," he says.

What Death Taught Terrence is really a remarkable book. The writing, the story compelled me on when I vehemently disagreed with some of the ideas and philosophy espoused. I'm grateful for that.

I struggled a bit with the poetry, although I did appreciate it.
THE PLACE WE CALL OUR OWN
"The place we call our own
Is so much more than a home.
It's a sanctuary, ballast.
It may not be a palace,
But you'd be hard-pressed
To convince me of that
When I'm in my beautiful kitchen baking cookies,
Be they the kind known to
Pack on the pounds,
Or non-fat.
Defending the place we call our own,
I'd go to any mat."

Is the author talking about our personal home? Our earthly home? Or our faith home. I choose to believe that, in the authors wisdom, in His wisdom, it's all three.

5 Stars for What Death Taught Terrence.

[Betty Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Death Taught Terrence
by Derek McFadden
5 stars

If you believe in an Afterlife where Heaven’s streets are paved with gold and everyone sits around playing harps, “What Death Taught Terrence” is not the novel for you. But if you frequently wonder – as does author Derek McFadden – what would be a more just (and more entertaining) Afterlife be like, you will love this book. You might even learn something about your own life from it.
When the novel opens, protagonist Terrence McDonald has just died, and the Boss (God) is leading him through the Hall of Records, where pivotal scenes from Terrence’s life are stored. After each slo-mo replay of each scene, the Boss (God) asks Terrence, “What did you learn?” The question is not rhetorical, because Terrence is being judged by a panel of people he has known in life. Even the Boss – who we learn is not perfect – must abide by the panel’s judgement.
If Terrence’s life is found worthy, he has the choice of being reincarnated into a brand-new body, or he can just stick around Heaven to meet some interesting folks. It’s his choice.
All that plot work is fascinating enough, but what makes this novel extraordinary is the “ordinariness” of Terrence’s earthly life. His feelings, and many of his experiences, are probably similar to those endured by most of the book’s readers. Except for…
Like the book’s author, Terrence was born with cerebral palsy and vision poor enough to keep him from getting a driver’s license. To add insult to injury, the clumsy ob-gyn tore off baby Terrence’s ear during a brutal forceps delivery. Thus, his life was filled with one obstacle after another. Getting dressed. Commuting. Finding love. Explaining his messed-up ear.
Saints would find overcoming these obstacles easy enough, but Terrence is no saint. Given his cerebral palsy, he may not be an out-and-out Everyman, but he’s close enough that even readers lucky enough to be born into “perfect” bodies will find it easy to relate to his struggles. When non-saint Terrence leaves the warmth of his home (reigned over by loving stepmother Chloe) to venture into a less-warm world, his temper immediately comes into play. The Panel of Judgement takes note of this. The panel also notes Terrence’s quick dismissal of people a saint would have given a second chance. In short, the Hall of Records shows Terrence the good, bad, and the ugly of his own behavior, and its affect on those around him.
It’s not always pretty.
While Terrence is still shaking from experiencing these slo-mo replays of his worst moments, the Boss sums them all up by again asking, “What did you learn?” I’m not going to give away the ending, other than to say that after finishing this marvelous novel, I was a sodden mess of happy tears. It led me to conduct a “peer-review” of my own past behavior.
That wasn’t pretty, either.
Good novels are fun to read, which is why so many of them make it to the Best Seller list. Great novels (much rarer) can be fun, too – but they also teach.
Which is why I’ve given “What Death Taught Terrence” a well-deserved five stars. When you finish it, you’ll see why.