The Best Things in Life are Free
Finished Reading: January 15, 2010
Got it for free at “Free Books” table at GBOD.
Author: Todd Outcalt
Year of Publication: 1998
Publisher: Health Communications, Inc.
Many of us do not realize that the best things in life are actually free; that is because we are confined in a very materialistic world and we measure the best things in terms of price, weight, karat, size, model, etc. In this book, however, Todd Outcult reminded me of the things that I have but not really aware of them—those things that make me happy—people, faith, love, hope, work and experiences. It is not actually the material things that define a person. He wrote, “the best things often happen to us when we are not aware of them.” True enough, as I flipped through the pages, it made the realize that some things are taken for granted.
I got the book as second hand, it was the author’s gift to Jeff and Arlene (whoever they are). And because they received it for free, they gave it away for free. Have you ever tried “free taste”? Product manufacturers and promoters let prospective customers taste their products for free to let people know that theirs are the best. And “free taste” really are best compared to the same products found on the shelves.
After book made me more conscious in the things I see and feel and more aware of my environment. It made me notice the the simple things and pleasures that may remain unnoticeable when I am always busy or rushing. For example, a street kid smiling at me brightens up the day.
The book is divided into five parts where Outcalt pours his experiences and the lessons he learned in his entire life. This is sort of an autobiographical account of the author but it is also his biographical account for the people he encountered that taught him the best things in life. Though the narratives came from the stories of his childhood and adulthood, his lenses are very sharp to capture the moments. He used very elaborate words of description as if wanting the readers to experience the same in their own eyes.
Sounds like a good eye opening read, guess we all need that gentle reminder in our quest for better things in life. I’ll have to check it out. the authors blog is at, http://www.ToddOutcalt.blogspot.com, I’m sure he’d appreciate hearing from you.
You can “taste test” more HCI Books, at http://www.hcibooks.com, we have many ebook samples available, plus monthly book giveaways. I recommend you check out “The Tap”, it’s a true awakening of the soul.