As a mental health counsellor, I start a lot of self-help books and finish very few of them. And when I discovered this one's chirpy tone and constant quips, I was pretty sure it would land on the DNF pile. So, it came as an immense shock that I read the entire book and took a lot from it. I saved passages and made notes. I have referenced it in session with clients. I plan to buy hard copies. I really, really like this book.
The chirpy tone and constant quips ARE ANNOYING. There is no way around that. Presumable Wellman felt the she to lighten the mood in order to tackle the subject of death. It is ALMOST unbearable. .But the book's main argument -- that we can enrich our lives by developing a relationship with death -- is powerful. She provides background on how our culture has become so death-averse, gives some tools for making friends with death, and offers ways to make the most of the time we do have. There are valuable lessons for people wherever they are on life's journey.

The Death Practice I didn't realize I needed! YOU ONLY DIE ONCE was easy to read & reminded me of how to live more fully & appreciate my loved ones while they are still alive. Thanks for the ARC!

In her insightful exploration, Wellman prompts introspection with a crucial query often overlooked: What is the remainder of your Mondays? This literary work serves as a powerful catalyst, jarring individuals out of stagnation to redirect their finite time towards fulfilling and joyful pursuits. The salient point being, the choice is ours in how each of these days is invested - laboring in discontent or crafting a career that ignites passion; aimlessly scrolling through time or engaging in activities that inspire and uplift; anticipating the end or embracing a life rich with satisfaction, allowing for a contented encounter with life's inevitable conclusion.

This book is rooted in positive psychology and attempts to vitalize the reader into action. It is bursting with anecdotes, interactive exercises, thought provoking assessments, quotes, and a structured blueprint of how to live a life “worth living” before you die. This book is immersive and to actually complete the exercises will take you time. However, I promise you, it’s worth it.

This book is a profound, enlightening read. It will remind you of your mortality and lead you to a more purposeful life. It does this, not in a morbid way, but in a witty, entertaining fashion. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a journey of self-reflecting and improving his/her life.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

YOU ONLY DIE ONCE by Jodi Wellman is subtitled "How to Make It to the End with No Regrets." Wellman is a former corporate executive turned executive coach with a Master's in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. She relies on her coaching experience and positive psychology principles to persuade readers to take stock and live more meaningfully. I think in person she could be quite entertaining and motivating, but something fell flat in the book for me. Sadly, her tone (e.g., referring to readers as Pre-Deceased) and attempts at jovial banter did not appeal.

Author Jodi Wellman uses “death” as a motivational speaker to help readers think and move in new ways to fill their days with more enjoyable and meaningful activities. The book has short stories, action steps, exercises and more that will help readers plot their way to a more joyful life. While all of that is indeed good and helpful, I do not like the layout of the book. I feel like I am reading a lengthy, academic dissertation of some sort. After all, if I only have so many more Mondays to go before the grim reaper swoops in to take me away, I do not want to spend a minute longer than necessary to understand everything the author wants me to learn. In its current format, it could take me weeks to read this book and work through all the exercises, especially since I have so many other things to juggle in my life. If a reader has time for that, this is a book to certainly enjoy and benefit from reading.