Gene O'Kelly

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 show more 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. show less

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 show more thought-provoking look at not only death and dying, but life and living. I'm glad I read it. show less

Moving book about KPMG CEO who gets diagnosed with terminal cancer at 53 and has 3 months to live.

Quite simplistic language and very ‘businesslike’ but a few things worth keeping…

1. Create perfect moments. Create perfect days. Put your energy into this. It makes a difference

2. Live in the present.

3. Organize your death. Prepare for it. Unwind relationships. This will make you more ready for it… spiritually going to the other place is easier if you have done the work..

4. Simplify… show more deal with what matters - leave noise aside show less

This isn’t a book I feel comfortable reviewing.