Thoughts on Fire: Life Lessons of a Volunteer Firefighter [Paperback]

Frank B. McCluskey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 4, 2004

They can walk through fire. They would sacrifice their own lives to save yours.In the tradition of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Thoughts on Fire is a meditation on how to live a life that matters. Drawing on his dual life as a philosophy professor and firefighter, "Dr. Frank" begins a journey not just into the fire, but inside himself. The lessons of this voyage are not just about axes and hoses but hope, forgiveness and love."As a professor and a firefighter, Dr. McCluskey shifts gears easily between the metaphysical and the macho, pontificating in a pin striped suit by day and plunging into a smoky, flaming house by night." -The New York Times"It is a book that you will want to read again and again. It is a remarkable story that you will want to share with those you love." -Dr. Robert Schachat, author of The Seven Conditions of Trust"Thoughts on Fire is a book that is at once entertaining and enlightening" -Dr. John Briggs, author of The Seven Life Lessons of Chaos

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dr. Frank McCluskey is a Professor of Philosophy and Religion at Mercy College in New York where he is a member of the Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department. He has studied at the New School and Yale University. His double life as a firefighting philosopher is the foundation of Thoughts on Fire.

Product Details

• Paperback: 210 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse (January 4, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595297234
• ISBN-13: 978-0595297238
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,452,737 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A journey into the lives of small-town firefighters., August 1, 2002

By 

Gene Linfante (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thoughts on Fire: Life Lessons of a Volunteer Firefighter (Print on Demand (Paperback))

Thoughts on Fire gives us a glimpse into the mind of a philosophy professor turned firefighter. At the start of each chapter "Dr. Frank" relates the ideas of classic philosophy to our modern lives. Then suddenly, the fire bells sound and we're whisked off with sirens screaming, down rural highways and small-town streets, to the scene of a deadly blaze. But it's not until we get inside the steamy furnace that was once a neighbor's home and come face-to-face with the flames that can take away life that we begin to understand the secrets the author is trying to reveal. This book is thought provoking, moving and often funny. It's an uplifting story about friendship and trust, as well as community and courage. And in the end I think we learn that maybe the greatest teacher about life is life itself.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read, October 17, 2003

By 

Joseph Macchiarulo (Portland, Maine) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Thoughts on Fire: Life Lessons of a Volunteer Firefighter (Print on Demand (Paperback))

"Thoughts On Fire" is a very unique book that tells about a lot more than fire fighting. It is a book about life, filled with wisdom and inspriring thoughts that anyone can benefit from. Unlike many inspirational or "Spiritual" books about life, this book makes the great teachings REAL by communicating these teachings through real-life events and circumstances. I have read many books of this type; and "Thoughts On Fire" has touched my heart, moved my soul, and challenged my thinking and outlook on life more than anything I've found. This book is a MUST READ for anyone who is willing to look at things differently and gain the priceless benefits of a new outlook on life.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book Great Author!, May 9, 2003

By 

Justin Evans (Kent, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thoughts on Fire: Life Lessons of a Volunteer Firefighter (Print on Demand (Paperback))

I would highly recommend Dr. McCluskey's book "Thoughts on Fire". Through his compelling stories and sincerity, Dr. Frank opens the door to a secret world of intrigue, smoke filled rooms and others in need. Through his many years as a volunteer Firefighter and Professor of Philosophy, he's able to show the insight of the common firefighter thorough philosophical means. His poignancy and descriptive accounts are the same as those found in every fire house across America. Through his abilities, he puts into words feelings and emotions that most are unable to describe. He enlightens his readers through his education and consumes them through his desires.
Dr. Frank is a talented writer and has passion for others in his community. Through his involvement with his local volunteer Fire Department he shares the story of his life. A touching portrayal of both the good and the bad encountered on and off the scene. His story turns a community of ordinary men and women into a story of extraordinary heroes.
"Thoughts on Fire" should be required reading material for any and all Volunteer Fire Departments across the nation and a great read for anyone searching for inner peace and a heart felt motivational story.