In an era often defined by rapid change and external pressures, the release of Jon Shattuck's new book, Choices to Live By, arrives as a timely invitation to pause and reflect on the fundamental questions that shape a human life. Announced today, the book is not a prescriptive guide but, as Shattuck describes it, an exploration of the questions that define character and guide decisions over a lifetime. It matters because it offers a counterweight to the noise of modern life, urging readers to consider who they are, what they stand for, and how to live with honesty and purpose.
Shattuck's authority stems from a life richly lived. His journey has taken him from laying asphalt driveways after college to graduating at the top of his class, from a 65-year marriage to leading grief support groups in his later years. This breadth of experience informs every page, grounding abstract concepts in tangible reality. He writes with the credibility of someone who has navigated both triumph and adversity, making his insights not just theoretical but profoundly relatable. The book's implications are significant: it suggests that a well-lived life is not about avoiding hardship but about responding to it with clarity and intention.
Central to the book is a principle Shattuck calls TWTA—The Way Things Are—a framework for responding to life as it actually is rather than as we wish it to be. This thread runs through chapters on truth, authenticity, love, forgiveness, listening, and humility. By addressing topics like grief, escape, and victimhood with unflinching honesty, Shattuck provides readers with tools to confront hard truths without becoming bitter. The implication is clear: by embracing reality and making intentional choices rooted in strong values, individuals can cultivate resilience and joy, even in difficult circumstances. This message is particularly resonant for parents, educators, counselors, and anyone navigating a significant life transition, as it offers a grounded approach to decision-making that transcends age or circumstance.
Shattuck's storytelling brings these lessons to life. He shares vivid anecdotes, such as a woman with multiple sclerosis who decided to make every day her best, or a retired schoolteacher's four-word question that redirected his entire career toward hospital administration. These stories anchor the book's wisdom in lived experience, making its lessons compelling and believable. The book also includes a candid meditation on faith, where Shattuck shares his Christian journey without prescribing it for others, emphasizing love as the bottom line. This approach ensures the book remains inclusive, encouraging readers to seek a foundation larger than self-interest.
For those interested in learning more about the author, his website is https://jonshattuck.com/. Choices to Live By is available now, and its release signals a valuable resource for anyone asking the questions worth asking. By focusing on intentionality and core values, Shattuck offers a timeless guide to living with more honesty and joy, making this book a significant contribution to the literature of personal growth.
