Gene O'Kelly

One would expect that a book in which the author chronicles the months leading up to his own death would be something of a downer. In fact, O'Kelly does a good job of keeping his book focused on the positive changes he made in his life to give himself "the best death possible." That being said, it's pretty hard to read the last chapter without crying.

Chasing Daylight is a relativly short read. The hardback is only 177 pages, and the type and leading were both quite generous. It's a thought-provoking look at not only death and dying, but life and living. I'm glad I read it.… (mais)

At age 53 the CEO of KPMG is given 3 months to live (brain cancer). He "organizes" his departure to the n-th degree of his type AAAA personality. He says formal goodbyes (in appropriate settings & circumstances - eg. favorite restaurants, boating, golf course, etc). He writes this book. He learns instantly to go from king-of-the-heap personality to being-in-the-now "Buddhistic" expert.
This is a book unlike anything I've ever or will ever encounter - producing in this reader an existential nausea. Yet despite this revulsion I couldn't put it down becuase I was sure he would manage somehow to bury his own casket - else what could a SUCCESSFUL life be all about? Still & all, if there is any truth to this book (which seemed James Frey-ish to me all the way through) you've got to sickeningly begrudge Mr. O'Kelly some admiration.
Now I'm going to look up all the buddies he left a few years back & see how involved they were in our economic catastrophe of autumn 2008. Sorry, O'Kelly. "CEO" is not an admirable position these days -- you checked out just in time.… (mais)