Customer Reviews

An Hour to Live, an Hour to Love: The True Story of the Best Gift Ever Given [With Headphones]

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Richard Carlson, author of the "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" series of books died prematurely of a pulmonary embolism at age 45. I have loved his books since reading them years ago - they have always had the ability to inspire and motivate me when life got me down. In this book, 'An Hour to Live, an Hour to Love", we get to read Richard's love letter to his wife on their 18th anniversary, which basically entreats one to live life to the fullest and be in the moment, treasuring our time with the people that truly matter to us, and Kristine's response to it.It is an uplifting, inspiring read not just for those who are grieving over the loss of a loved one, but for those of us who feel the need to get off the conveyor belt of a hectic existence and live life to its fullest, amongst the people who love us.

After seeing the author on Oprah and hearing the story behind this book and the author's husband's sudden death (Richard Carlson - author of New York Times' Best Seller "Don't Sweat The Small Stuff") I knew I had to read this book. I ordered it immediately and just finished reading it.... what a beautiful, well-written book emphasizing the importance of living every day of our life as though it were our last. A nice, easy-to-read, one-sitting book that will really give you pause to think about your own life and what you can maybe do differently to get the most out of living. Thank you Kristine for sharing such a personal part of you life with others. You are truly a blessed woman to have had the time you did with such an amazing man. I will cherish this book greatly. God Bless!

I just received this book in the mail tonight, opened it up, and read the entire thing without setting it down. It has been one of the most touching, beautiful, inspiring pieces I have ever read. Who wouldn't live their life differently if they paused and saw their life from the end? Unfortunately, by the time most people get that glimpse, it is too late. We are living in a blind world, where people run non-stop with their heads down, chasing the wind. People don't know what really matters. This book is a gift -- a "pause" to stop and realize what really matters. I am grateful to have been given this pause at such a young age, when the vast majority don't get it until their lives have already been lived. Thank you, Kristine, for sharing this with us. God bless you -- you are in my prayers.

It is in the nature of so many of us to far too often ignore the fundamental tenets of a successful life until it is too late. This powerful little book is such a great reminder of the importance of living every day like it is our last. For, none of us really know when our time on this earth will be over.

Triple kudos to the author Kristine Carlson for having the strength to share with us her sad, yet so empowering story of the sudden loss of her husband at 45. Her husband, Richard Carlson, had a huge impact on me....and many millions more...with his series of books urging us to not sweat the small stuff. Truly amazing that three years before his death that he wrote the thoughtful letter that forms the basis for this book. How wonderful that Kristine has chosen to share that letter so that all of us may be reminded to honor the truly important in our lives.

I highly, highly recommend that EVERY couple read and absorb the beautiful message in this book. Likewise for family members and partners of all kind.

Most importantly, readers...myself included...need to live the message. We need to make sure that all of our love ones know how important they are to us. In this hyper kinetic, stressed-out world, oh how easy it is to fail to do so.

Kristine, my heart goes out to you for your loss and for the manner in which you have transformed your loss into a gift to the world.

"An Hour to Live, an Hour to Love" was a Christmas gift from a dear friend who knows how crazy our lives can be these days. We all get so busy, we forget that in the end relationships are the most important thing. My husband and I read the book together - which I would highly recommend couples do. It's not just for couples though - anyone could benefit from the inspiring reminders of what is truly most important in life. While it is sad, it's also very uplifting. We read it in less than an hour too! A must have!

This book is a small gem. On their wedding anniversary, a few years before he died unexpectedly at a young age, Richard Carlson gave his wife an incredible gift of love through a letter based on Stephen Levine's challenge: If you only had an hour to live, who would you call and what would you say? Not only does Carlson tell his wife all that she has meant to him and how much he loves her, his words allow all of us to understand that if we only had an hour to live, most of the things we currently think are important truly are not. That extra hour at the office, making more money, etc., pale in comparison to the moments we spend expressing our love and paying attention to our lives. We don't need to wait until we only have an hour to begin to live and appreciate our lives and those we love. Start now!

This is a beautiful book that will feed the heart, make you smile, make you laugh and most importantly make you think about how you spend your life and share your moments with the people most important to YOU!

I was disappointed once I read this book. I thought it would be much more powerful. I love Richard Carlson's work and his death is untimely. It is very unfortunate for his family, as well as his readers.

This book is a nice little tribute to his life and love for his wife and children. I think I just went into it believe it would be more dynamic or heartwrenching. In other words, I thought it might bring out more emotion from the reader than it did.

It is a nicely written tribute but honestly the most powerful part of the entire thing is the poem that someone else had written at the end. The poem ties in perfect with the story of Kris and Richards life together. This review is not meant to be malicious, just an honest response. I have high respect for the Carlson family and their work. God belss them.

If you are looking for a quick read, this is a good one. It took me about an hour and half to get through it. I hope this helps. :)

I discovered "An Hour to Live, an Hour to Love" by Richard and Kristine Carlson, on Amazon.com after purchasing "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch. I enjoyed both books and highly recommend them. There are significant differences in both books even though they are dealing with the final stages of life ... while giving heartfelt thoughts to loved ones left behind.

While Randy Pausch knew he was dying, Mr. Carlson's book was more a hypothesis, which became a sudden reality three years later after giving letters of love to his wife on their eighteenth wedding anniversary. Some among us have chastised the authors because of the simplicity of their messages. I beg to differ. The complexity of thought is not important. I have often felt profound ideas and exquisite prose ... reveal their points without obfuscation. What can be more powerful, practical, and poetical, than this quote from Mr. Carlson? "You will be remembered most not from your accomplishments in life, but for how well you lived and how much love you carried in your heart".

Mrs. Carlson answers him back (hypothetically) with her own thoughts on paper. The letters between these two marvelous people are sensitive, compassionate, and almost too personal to read. She has elected to share them with fans of Mr. Carlson's work for the greater good of society. I for one am thankful for the privilege.

Initially I was going to write this review from another perspective. I thought by focusing on his death, the author created a self-fulfilling-prophecy; until I read this quote from Mrs. Carlson: "I never dreamed I would be able to live an hour without Richard and truthfully after an initial death wish upon learning that that hour was now, the image of my daughters came to me, I knew I had to and I would go on." It reminded me in a meaningful way ... we, all of us, need to serve (and love) something greater than ourselves. Therein lies the wisdom of the message and the poignancy of the book.
Reggie Johnson, Success-Tapes.Com

VERY ENJOYABLE READ. MAKES YOU WANT TO STOP AND TAKE THE TIME ON A DAILY BASIS TO ENJOY WHAT YOU HAVE AROUND YOU AND LET THOSE IN YOU LIFE KNOW HOW MUCH THEY MEAN TO YOU.