What a fun guide to our own lives, and for people of all ages! Everyone needs this book because everyone wants to be successful, and the best way to do that is to learn from others. Frank Boehm found 200 such role models for us. We identify with them because Frank listened so carefully and tenderly to their stories . . . just like the superb physician that he is. Frank shows us the reset button in our lives so that we can become our best selves.” —Jim Cooper, U.S. Congressman
"Dr. Boehm’s gifts as a physician and scholar are surpassed only by his extraordinary talent for illuminating the metacognitive perspective on human experience. His earlier writings, from Doctors Cry, Too to decades of editorials published in The Tennessean and other media, have given readers a special sensitivity to the emotional and cognitive manifestations of healing, living, and dying. Here, Dr. Boehm poignantly explores the ages and stages of meaning-making through people sharing their own compelling stories, giving us all food for thought as we reflect on our own." —Jeff Balser, MD, PhD. CEO, Vanderbilt UniversityMedical Center
"This book is filled with heart, humor, and amazing wake-up calls–as inspiring and original as it is fun. You might even expand your personal definition of a successful life like I did." —Arnold Shapiro, Academy Award & Emmy Award–Winning Producer
"Dr. Frank Boehm, an astute lifelong observer of human nature as a beloved and respected physician, artfully weaves the wisdom he gleaned from conversations with 200 remarkable people into a thought provoking and compassionate guide for fulfillment and success." —Bill Frist, U.S. Senator
"We all want to be happy and successful. Frank has put his magic touch on a book filled with his inspiration and wisdom and with insight from people of every walk of life. This is a book you will want to read more than once." —Crystal Gayle, Grammy Award–Winning Singer and Songwriter
"As we age, our perspective on what success is matures, as Frank demonstrates with his many interviews in Is Your Life Successful?. We can benefit from these insights to think about our own lives and take steps to ensure that the success we pursue is in the final analysis, that which we ourselves truly value." —Senator Bob Corker
"Frank has been my friend always and has given me the best advice throughout the years. There’s no doubt, he’s one of the best at what he does. Many people go to their grave never realizing their accomplishments or their self-worth and I’m sure some do, thinking they were more successful than they really were! This book will shed light on what success feels like to people from different walks of life and will leave you pondering and asking yourself if you feel like your life’s been successful. You may be surprised by your answer!" —Tanya Tucker, Award-Winning Singer and Songwriter
08/23/2021
In this contemplative volume, OB-GYN Boehm (Doctors Cry, Too) considers what makes a successful life through a wide assortment of interviews. Nearing retirement and reflecting on his life, Boehm wondered how others defined success at the end of one’s days. To answer the question, he interviewed those from diverse socioeconomic situations and different stages of life. In response, most explain they’ve succeeded if they have strong family ties, solid friendships, and work that feels meaningful. Filled with eloquent, sincere answers, the results are truly touching. As a wealth manager expresses: “While financial assets give one security and perhaps freedom, they do not define success. I have seen many individuals with every earthly pleasure at their disposal and yet still unfulfilled.” Beverly, a strong-minded paraplegic, reminds readers that “her definition of a successful life is one in which ‘I have had a purposeful life.’ ” One of Boehm’s most noteworthy, insightful concepts is the idea of success by proxy: success is one’s children being safe and doing well, rather than one’s own personal gains. For readers who enjoy the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, this soothing work will reassure that all one needs is love. (Oct.)
