20,000 Days and Counting: The Crash Course for Mastering Your Life Right Now

Robert D. Smith’s book is the result of an epiphany the author experienced upon realizing that he was 20,000 days old and the subsequent two-day retreat he took to contemplate the direction of his life. Smith suggests tips to help others find purpose and live more responsibly—such as saying “yes” more than “no,” and taking ownership of problems in order to gain the power to fix them. The book is infused with reminders about mortality, but this audio edition never feels dour, in part because of Smith’s enthusiastic narration. While he offers up a clear and compelling reading, Smith performs with such unflagging verve that readers may become distracted. The audiobook would have been better served if Smith had occasionally toned down his performance. A Thomas Nelson hardcover. (Jan.)