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The Net Present Value of Life
It can't get any worse for Charles.
Even though he's got a great job, lots of money and a secure future, Charles is miserable. His job just doesn't cut it anymore and the endless monotony is wearing Charles down-physically and emotionally.
If it weren't for his iPod and a park across the street, where he spends every lunch hour, Charles would probably go nuts.
One day, at the park, Charles meets an enigmatic, elderly Englishwoman who brings into question every one of Charles' beliefs about life, about money, and about his very existence.
Doubtful of this enigmatic woman's life-changing secrets, Charles' doubts are compounded when he learns that this enigmatic woman has an even more mysterious past.
Just what is Charles getting himself into?
The Net Present Value of Life. A novel that redefines the meaning of money, success and living life to the fullest.
Even though he's got a great job, lots of money and a secure future, Charles is miserable. His job just doesn't cut it anymore and the endless monotony is wearing Charles down-physically and emotionally.
If it weren't for his iPod and a park across the street, where he spends every lunch hour, Charles would probably go nuts.
One day, at the park, Charles meets an enigmatic, elderly Englishwoman who brings into question every one of Charles' beliefs about life, about money, and about his very existence.
Doubtful of this enigmatic woman's life-changing secrets, Charles' doubts are compounded when he learns that this enigmatic woman has an even more mysterious past.
Just what is Charles getting himself into?
The Net Present Value of Life. A novel that redefines the meaning of money, success and living life to the fullest.
- GenresFiction
262 pages, Paperback
First published February 10, 2010
96 people want to read
About the author
Michael Di Lauro
1 book20 followersAuthor of Net Present Value of Life.
My second novel, Rock Kills, is coming out soon.
My second novel, Rock Kills, is coming out soon.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 7, 2010
Shortly after joining Goodreads, Michael Di Lauro contacted me and asked if I would review his book, The Net Present Value of Life. He promised a book that would challenge my beliefs, and that it has. While most books I read to challenge my beliefs are more religious or political in nature, The Net Present Value of life focuses on personal, internal beliefs.
While in his forties, Charles meets a strange older woman named Fay at the park near his office building as she interrupts his break from the monotony of his job with quizzical statements leaving him confused and annoyed. After letting Fay know he does not want to converse during his lunch hour, Charles feels guilty for being rude and apologizes, but Fay dismisses his apology and begins discussing her unconventional perception of the world. With several lunch time conversations discussing the Logical Levels of Thinking, Beliefs, Values, and Attitudes, and Purpose and Identity, Charles becomes addicted to Fay’s philosophical conversations and psychological theories. Experiencing a crisis point in his life, Charles must decide whether to adopt Fay’s teachings or return to his unfulfilled life.
Although written as fiction, The Net Present Value of Life reminds me of a self-help book with a philosophical twist. Michael Di Lauro uses the writer’s mantra of showing rather than telling to present a great deal of information unlike the typical textbook fashion. Many of the concepts discussed in this book I’ve learned in Psychology classes or in my own reading, but I’ve never seen them presented together.
The Net Present Value of Life is about changing one’s mind set. It is an ideal read for people who feel stuck in a rut, a dead-end job, if they’re trying to figure out what to do with their life, or ready to start a new career. The book is also a great read for those who want a change in their life, such as to fulfill a New Year’s resolution, with the main message being “Stop making excuses and do it!”
As Charles struggles to grasp the concepts revealed by Fay, the reader is also able to understand the concepts. Writers too, can not only apply the knowledge revealed in The Net Present Value of Life to their own life, but use the book as a reference of psychological attributes when writing characters.
Will Charles eventually grasp the concepts revealed by Fay? Is he willing to change his life for something more meaningful? Find out by reading The Net Present Value of Life by Michael Di Lauro.
While in his forties, Charles meets a strange older woman named Fay at the park near his office building as she interrupts his break from the monotony of his job with quizzical statements leaving him confused and annoyed. After letting Fay know he does not want to converse during his lunch hour, Charles feels guilty for being rude and apologizes, but Fay dismisses his apology and begins discussing her unconventional perception of the world. With several lunch time conversations discussing the Logical Levels of Thinking, Beliefs, Values, and Attitudes, and Purpose and Identity, Charles becomes addicted to Fay’s philosophical conversations and psychological theories. Experiencing a crisis point in his life, Charles must decide whether to adopt Fay’s teachings or return to his unfulfilled life.
Although written as fiction, The Net Present Value of Life reminds me of a self-help book with a philosophical twist. Michael Di Lauro uses the writer’s mantra of showing rather than telling to present a great deal of information unlike the typical textbook fashion. Many of the concepts discussed in this book I’ve learned in Psychology classes or in my own reading, but I’ve never seen them presented together.
The Net Present Value of Life is about changing one’s mind set. It is an ideal read for people who feel stuck in a rut, a dead-end job, if they’re trying to figure out what to do with their life, or ready to start a new career. The book is also a great read for those who want a change in their life, such as to fulfill a New Year’s resolution, with the main message being “Stop making excuses and do it!”
As Charles struggles to grasp the concepts revealed by Fay, the reader is also able to understand the concepts. Writers too, can not only apply the knowledge revealed in The Net Present Value of Life to their own life, but use the book as a reference of psychological attributes when writing characters.
Will Charles eventually grasp the concepts revealed by Fay? Is he willing to change his life for something more meaningful? Find out by reading The Net Present Value of Life by Michael Di Lauro.
June 22, 2010
the journey that the narrator takes during the course of this tale is one that i wish a significant portion of the population (if not all) could take (myself included). via a chance meeting in the park, charles finds himself the benefactor of an unlikely tutor/mentor, fay. through the course of their daily lunchtime meetings, she imparts upon him a new view of the world - and helps him to find the path to what promises to be a more meaningful existance to him.
the concept of living a life of meaning rather than a life that is more existance than living is beautifully argued. and key points relative to gaining an understanding of what is meaningful to the individual and taking the steps to overcoming the fear associated with the transition from a secure existance to a meaningful life are all hashed out. while this is a work of fiction, it does provide the reader with a sense of 'maybe' or 'what if' because the reasoning and logic provided by fay resonates as that which could be the path to a life of purpose.
the concept of living a life of meaning rather than a life that is more existance than living is beautifully argued. and key points relative to gaining an understanding of what is meaningful to the individual and taking the steps to overcoming the fear associated with the transition from a secure existance to a meaningful life are all hashed out. while this is a work of fiction, it does provide the reader with a sense of 'maybe' or 'what if' because the reasoning and logic provided by fay resonates as that which could be the path to a life of purpose.
Read
June 24, 2010keeping this one on my night stand for a 2nd read!
December 1, 2024
Even though this book was published some 15 years ago, it still is quite relevant today. The questions the main character is faced with, are often the same questions people have been asking themselves today!
As a dear friend once said to me many years ago, 'Don't let fear take over your life.'
This book may just be the read that one needs to help with that !
Bravo Michael Di Lauro !
As a dear friend once said to me many years ago, 'Don't let fear take over your life.'
This book may just be the read that one needs to help with that !
Bravo Michael Di Lauro !
February 15, 2022
Hey Michael— I really enjoyed this! ( Chris lent it to me 🙂) It comes at a good time on my life. I’ve never understood how anyone writes a book— what a massive achievement Well done!
March 3, 2017
The interesting thing about The Net Present Value of Life is that it is driven not by a story, but by an idea--or rather, a set of ideas. That’s nothing new, of course, but I don't come across such novels often, and it's quite a daring move (I thought) for a first novel. The plot is quickly summarized: a jaded 40-something financial analyst, Charles, meets an elderly British lady, Fay, and is challenged by her to rethink all of his values. Consumed by his career and his supposed need for financial security, he has suppressed the creativity and joy of his younger days and is miserable and hostile. His meetings with Fay open up a new life based on meaning rather than money.
As I read this novel I was often struck by how it captured the Zeitgeist of my own generation (I’m 50) and how it echoed many themes that I’ve come across in my own reading. Many of us are now questioning the American Dream model that has dominated the Western economies for the last 70 years or so: work hard at school, get a good job, buy a nice house and retire near a golf course. Writers like Daniel Pink and Barbara Sher are making a living by urging us towards creativity and passion, Christians are signing up in droves for Crown Financial courses based on swapping debt-fuelled “prosperity” for fewer possessions, financial freedom and a meaningful life, and our children… well, who knows what they’ll do, but I don’t think the nine-to-five job will feature prominently. So if all of this interests you, you’ll find The Net Present Value of Life a thought-provoking read. If these ideas are new to you, you’ll find a few avenues for further exploration in the dialogues, and a few more listed in the afterword.
As I read this novel I was often struck by how it captured the Zeitgeist of my own generation (I’m 50) and how it echoed many themes that I’ve come across in my own reading. Many of us are now questioning the American Dream model that has dominated the Western economies for the last 70 years or so: work hard at school, get a good job, buy a nice house and retire near a golf course. Writers like Daniel Pink and Barbara Sher are making a living by urging us towards creativity and passion, Christians are signing up in droves for Crown Financial courses based on swapping debt-fuelled “prosperity” for fewer possessions, financial freedom and a meaningful life, and our children… well, who knows what they’ll do, but I don’t think the nine-to-five job will feature prominently. So if all of this interests you, you’ll find The Net Present Value of Life a thought-provoking read. If these ideas are new to you, you’ll find a few avenues for further exploration in the dialogues, and a few more listed in the afterword.
March 12, 2011
You know it's a great book when after you finish it, you go back to the first page and start reading it again. I fell in love with Fay, all her questions, witty retorts and insights.
The guy reminded me of so many corporate and gov't people who I've met in my career and life. No time to stop and smell any flowers, just after the all mighty buck but that wears thin after a couple of decades.
Money truly doesn't make anyone happy as happiness is in the everyday and in the journey. I've tried to live my life with no regrets and doing something just for the money is not the way to happiness as I've found out.
Fay's advice that what other people think of you is none of your business is so true! This is definitely one book to re-read and savour. Great gift for anyone struggling to get out of their comfort rut or approaching retirement or better yet - early in life so that they don't look back with regrets so good for new graduates.
Thanks Mike for sharing your insights with us.
The guy reminded me of so many corporate and gov't people who I've met in my career and life. No time to stop and smell any flowers, just after the all mighty buck but that wears thin after a couple of decades.
Money truly doesn't make anyone happy as happiness is in the everyday and in the journey. I've tried to live my life with no regrets and doing something just for the money is not the way to happiness as I've found out.
Fay's advice that what other people think of you is none of your business is so true! This is definitely one book to re-read and savour. Great gift for anyone struggling to get out of their comfort rut or approaching retirement or better yet - early in life so that they don't look back with regrets so good for new graduates.
Thanks Mike for sharing your insights with us.
Read
May 19, 2010The LA Book Examiner said, "(The Net Present Value of Life is) a thought-provoking debut novel by Michael Di Lauro that couldn’t be more timely." http://ht.ly/1N8CJ
The National Post said, "I enjoyed Di Lauro's story and found it well done." and "...Maybe we should emulate Di Lauro's protagonist and gamble on doing what we love in the here and now..." http://ht.ly/1N8Fl
Click here to see The National Post interview with Michael Di Lauro http://ht.ly/1N8JW
The National Post said, "I enjoyed Di Lauro's story and found it well done." and "...Maybe we should emulate Di Lauro's protagonist and gamble on doing what we love in the here and now..." http://ht.ly/1N8Fl
Click here to see The National Post interview with Michael Di Lauro http://ht.ly/1N8JW
August 10, 2010
I won this is a good reads giveaway.
Liked the way it started and enjoyed the conversational style, but my mind was not quite in the right mood for a philosophy book. I was interested and wanted to discuss the ideas of the book, but still didn't feel like it was the right time.
I plan to reread it in the future and share with others to discuss.
Liked the way it started and enjoyed the conversational style, but my mind was not quite in the right mood for a philosophy book. I was interested and wanted to discuss the ideas of the book, but still didn't feel like it was the right time.
I plan to reread it in the future and share with others to discuss.
Want to read
June 21, 2010I won this book on goodreads. I look forward to getting it in my hands. Thanks goodreads!
(Received this in the mail on June 21)
(Received this in the mail on June 21)
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews