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In today's society, being self-engrossed has become the norm to the utmost degree, where humanity, more often than not, is unable to see the plight of anyone but themselves. In Deasy's authentically refreshing work, he uses the metaphor of living on the cross as a visceral illustration to his readers that even though problems exist, we should serve to help others in need and appreciate the silver linings in our orbit.
Deasy's evolution as a human being is aptly captured in the progression of this book. What begins as angry commentary transitions to tranquil, thought-provoking prose that is instrumental in acknowledging one fundamental, universal truth: every story matters. As he attests, this work is, in some ways, his confession—an act directly connected to his growth and shift in perspective toward the common good.
Through snapshots from different moments in the author's life, audiences gain unique insight into Deasy's life journey, including his tenuous relationship with his father, one that was especially exacerbated by his father's chameleon-like behavior: he was a kind, generous soul on the outside, disguising his insidious, alcoholic, wife-beating ways on the inside. For the author, seeing this dysfunctional behavior at the age of four speaks volumes to his ability to channel the trauma into something more healthy and beneficial for all he encounters.
At its core, the book is intensely personal, yet it flows with such narrative grace that it will undoubtedly energize readers and infuse them with purpose. What's even more intriguing is the author's candor in describing his passion for cooking, health and wellness, and a taboo topic for men, sensitivity. At every juncture in his life, Deasy has sought to escape, and yet each phase has become a blessing on which the next one was predicated, allowing him to shape his philosophy of life. This notion is incredibly human and endearing, particularly from an individual whose position would normally exude reverence doused with fear. Similarly, his deep dive into love and happiness is incredibly exhilarating as he debunks the belief that being happy means one is doing something wrong. On the contrary, he presents the idea of living in the path of the Lord in a new light, one where individuals can embrace progress over perfection.
As the work progresses, there is a distinct shift from the author's personal life to social commentary on the pertinent issues that mankind faces today. From examples of what it means to truly sacrifice to having accountability no matter who you are, Deasy drives home the blueprint for what it means to embody the human spirit. He probes into challenging questions asked of him, including, but not limited to, why God would let catastrophic events like 9/11 happen. Towards the end of the book, he pens a poignant section on being a Christian and living with passion and joy in his life as opposed to living a life of rigidity and fear that is often purported and proposed by religious zealots. Above all else, Deasy's blend of memoir and roadmap is imbued with a unique, relatable voice, seamless storytelling, and commentary that instantly connects with all audiences.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review