What kind of life is possible when you finally learn to forgive, trust, and love yourself?
“Earning a living isn’t about the earning. It’s about the living. I figured this all out on the day I died, a day filled with love, passion, and creativity. I spent that day running in the mountains, making love to Jess, and writing in my hidden café. I was fulfilled. I was alive. I didn’t earn a dime. I earned something far more valuable; my self-respect. Even just for a moment, I earned my living.”
Dinner at God’s House
“What’s your book about?”
As a marketer, I suppose it’s a huge fail that I still haven’t figured out a consistent answer to this question. But each time I answer I get a little closer. I love the description of “Nick Hornby meets The Alchemist,” but then I suppose if you don’t know Nick Hornby or The Alchemist, I’ve told you nothing. And if you do know them, maybe I’ve still told you nothing.
So here’s my shot:
Dinner at God’s House is a fictionalized and metaphysical exploration of a life time of personal battles with depression and suicidal ideation. It’s a story of self-acceptance, overcoming childhood trauma, and the decision to live in courage over fear. As described on the back cover, (the main character) Erik Bernstein wasn’t afraid of death. He was afraid of life. That was me. And I answer the question: What kind of life is possible when you finally learn to forgive, trust, and love yourself?
This is a book about love. Love of self. Love of the miracles around us. Love of life. What happens when you finally stop wearing masks? As I often say—I know it’s not for everyone. But if you struggle with fear, with understanding where you belong, or just don’t understand “why you feel that way,” Dinner at God’s House might very well be for you.
It’s not about God. It’s not about religion. But it is very much about what it feels like to have faith in ourselves. Thanks for your interest. I’m happy to talk more about it.
Trust. Forgive. Love.
T
I found myself crying multiple times, laughing out loud, and just appreciating the heartfelt truth-bombs all the way through the story. Todd Lieman has touched on something in this book that few authors can – handling the greatest mysteries of life, the greatest heartbreaks and disappointments with so much…grace and honesty. I can feel the lessons of gratitude, of strength, of rebirth, of MERCY for oneself. The humor throughout is done just right – funny, ironic, bittersweet, profound. And the ending just hits it all home.
Anna-Marie O’Brien