Find the Good: Unexpected Life Lessons from a Small-Town Obituary Writer.

by Heather Lende Narrated by Heather Lende

Overview

“Compared to front-page news, obituaries are downright inspirational. Writing them is my way of transcending the bad and has taught me the value of intentionally trying to find the good in people and situations. We are all writing our own obituary every day by how we live. The best news is that there's still time for additions and revisions before mine goes to press.” - Heather Lende, from Find the Good

As she was digging deep into the lives of community members, Heather Lende, the obituary writer for her tiny hometown newspaper in Haines, Alaska, began to notice something. Even the crustiest old Alaskan sourpuss who died in a one-room cabin, always had Halloween candy for the neighborhood kids; the eccentric owner of the seafood store who regularly warned her about government conspiracies knew how to be a true friend-his memorial service was packed. When Lende started intentionally seeking what was positive and true in people and situations in her own life-whether it was finding common ground with her opponents on the school board or accepting that her unmarried daughter's pregnancy might be a blessing-she felt happier and life seemed more meaningful, too. Awful events-from recent school shooting across the country to a fisherman drowning in Haines-are always followed by dozens and dozens of good deeds. When tragedy strikes we can choose to focus on the first responders rushing toward the scene or the guys grilling hot dogs for hurricane refugees, and, like yawning, caring is contagious.

There's so much to gain by taking responsibility for your own happiness and nothing to lose. In stormy times like these we have to make our own good weather and Find the Good shows us how.

Editorial Reviews

JUNE 2015 - AudioFile

As a newspaper obituary writer in the small and rugged town of Haines, Alaska, Heather Lende is called upon to "find the good" as she writes the final words describing the lives of those who have died. In both the tone of her voice and her positive message, she radiates warmth and caring for others, whatever their background or how they found themselves at the end of their days in this small town. While the circumstances of those deaths are sometimes tragic, she always manages to glean bits of happiness and wisdom from the lives of those who have passed. Her narration is down-to-earth—she sounds like a woman you might know in your own everyday life—and her message of positivity is both heartfelt and inspirational. S.E.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940170041657
Publisher:	HighBridge Company
Publication date:	04/28/2015
Edition description:	Unabridged

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