Before I Die

In this hope-filled treatise on finding joy in the everyday, designer Chang illustrates the importance of living life to its fullest. After the unexpected death of someone close to her, the author made it her mission to celebrate her friend’s memory. In her hometown of New Orleans, Chang painted the wall of an abandoned house with chalkboard paint along with the words “Before I die...,” hoping to open people’s eyes to the power of intention. She succeeded beyond her wildest dreams. The movement has spread to more than 30 countries, from China, Australia, the U.S. to the United Arab Emirates and Israel. In 10 languages, people shared their dreams, from the prosaic “Have a good day”—to the heartbreaking “See my mother cancer-free.” Much of the book is given over to photos of these inspiring walls and their call-out quotes of writings , with the author explaining why each of the 48 featured locales was chosen. As a finale, Chang offers instructions on how interested readers can start a wall in their own city. “Each wall is a tribute to living an examined life,” she observes—a powerful and valuable reminder that life is for the living, and that it’s never too late, or too early, to join the party. (Nov.)