Live Like You Were Dying: A Story About Living

by Michael Morris

Live Like You Were Dying is the unforgettable story inspired by Tim McGraw's #1 Country Music song of the same name. It weaves a tale of the miracles that happen once you stop being so busy with life that you actually have time to live it. Millions have embraced the song's lyrics. Now experience the inspirational story that will touch your heart and soul.

Genres: Fiction, Christian, Christian Fiction

178 pages, Hardcover

First published October 27, 2004

About the author

A fifth-generation native of Perry, Florida, Michael Morris knows Southern culture and characters. They are the foundation and inspiration for the stories he writes.

His latest novel, Man in the Blue Moon, is based on a true story about a man on the run for murder who was shipped in a crate to his grandfather's family in the Florida Panhandle. The novel was named one of the Best Books of 2012 by Publishers Weekly and received the Book of the Year Award for Fiction by the Alabama Library Association. Man in the Blue Moon was also named a top three book club recommendation by the independent bookseller's association.

While working in the pharmaceutical industry and taking night classes with author Tim McLaurin at North Carolina State University, Michael started the story that would eventually become his first novel, A Place Called Wiregrass. The debut book won the Christy Award for Best First Novel.

Michael’s second novel, Slow Way Home, was compared to the work of Harper Lee and Flannery O’Connor by the Washington Post. It was nationally ranked as one of the top three recommended books by the American Booksellers Association and named one of the best novels of the year by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Michael is also the author of a novella based on the Grammy-nominated song “Live Like You Were Dying,” which became a finalist for the Southern Book Critics Circle Award. His essays have appeared in the Los Angeles Times, The Dallas Morning News and the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

A graduate of Auburn University, Michael also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Spalding University. He lives in Alabama with his wife, Melanie.

Reviews

[Debbie is on Storygraph · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an impulse buy from the bargain rack. I was familiar with the Tim McGraw song and was interested to see how it might be translated into a short novel. The writing was good but I thought that the characterization and parts of the plot were trite because they were forced to conform to the story told in the song lyrics. I think that it should have been much longer just to give the story less of a rushed feeling, and to let the characters fully evolve.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very short easy book to read. Good and predictable.

[Travis Gensler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked it up for something to read to help me sleep, but the story actually pulled me in a little. It's a very simple read, and reminds me of the importance of living each day to the fullest.

[Becky Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I worked for 21 years in a Paper Mill so I could totally relate to the descriptions in this book. It takes you on a journey to discover the priorities of your life.

[Gail Sacharski · Rating 3 out of 5]

With the popularity of the song recorded by Tim McGraw, it was decided to find an author who could create a story based on the lyrics. Michael Morris was chosen for the job & he did it pretty well. His main character, Nathan, is a construction engineer who lives to work much to the worry of his wife & 12-year old daughter who are tired of spending so little quality time with him & his missing all the important occasions of their life together. But one day at work puts a stop to that when, stressed over deadlines, short-staffed, & working a double shift, Nathan suffers a catastrophic accident in which he nearly loses his life. While recovering in the hospital, a spot is found in his lung. No one can say specifically what it might be, but cancer is a high possibility. Told by two specialists to monitor it for the present, Nathan, worried about his project at work, goes in before being given the all-clear only to discover he's been replaced. Angry about his demotion after dedicating his working life to the company, he returns home to brood, but finding one of his daughter's school projects about dream destinations & what you would do & see if you could, leads to a discussion with her & making his own list of what he might like to do. After surprising his daughter by granting one of the wishes on her list, she & his wife decide to grant one of his & pack up to return to Nathan's hometown in Georgia where he was raised with the help of his Native American grandmother. The visit forces Nathan to face up to the issues of his mother's death from cancer before she could live her dreams & his ambivalent feelings about his dad. And, of course, he begins to restructure the priorities in his life & to live like he were dying. A good story with a lot of great lessons about love, life, family, & forgiveness.

[Andreas Booktok · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up at a goodwill since it said it is based off one of my favorite songs. The book does follow along with the song but also provides a nice narrative and story. It is based on a man/father who finds a spot in his lung and tells the story of him figuring out what’s really important in life. A quick and easy feel good read which I enjoyed.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I nearly cried. The whole book makes you review your life and what you want from your future.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story has a beautiful message for those who's values may need a shift. A wonderfully woven story about second chances.

[Andria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read. Never heard the song until I saw the lyrics in the book. A good reminder to assess our life priorities.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone knows the song "Live like you were dying" by Tim McGraw well this author and him wrote the book to match the song. I absolutely loved this book. I think everyone should read it!!!! Or at least it should be required for kids in school to read.

[Barbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

writing was a little cliche but the storyline is good (and I "borrowed" it from my mother-in-law a few days after she died, so it was particular appropriate).

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really makes you think!

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story based on Tim McGraw's country western song is a must read for everyone! It is filled with gems that indeed we each must remember to "live like we were dying"!

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good short little read.

[Shannon Marlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

simple, fast read. very good book...made me think about some relationships in my life

[Catherine Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read. Read it quickly. especially if you're familiar with the song. A good lesson in how to live. It's sad when people die without ever having lived.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book a couple of years ago and never got around to reading it. this book is a very touching story that takes you through many emotions but leaves you at peace in the end.

[Preston · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book, yet had some gaps in the story.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Life's only worth living if you're willing to share it with the people who matter most."

[Hanna Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredibly moving and it was a quick read.

[Dina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book packed a strong message that so many people can relate to -- working so hard you neglect your family until a major health scare comes up and makes you re-evaluate your priorities.

[savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book got me back into reading again. I loved it! You start to bond with the main character in the book and can picture his life as he tells it.

[Kristie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great inspirational story. Wish it were a little bit longer. Recommend reading.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read.