40 for 40: Forty stories, sayings, and lessons learned from a non-celebrity, Costco-shopping, minivan-driving, extremely grateful married father of 5 kids who is turning forty years old.

By Dennis O'Donnell

Recipient of the 2023 IPPY Awards Silver Medal for Best Non-Fiction Book How often do you reflect on the journey you've taken that has led you to the exact place you stand today? The ups, the downs, the zigs, the zags - those events, ideas, successes, failures, and developments that have shaped you into the person you are at this very moment. 40 for 40 is my story. Actually, forty short stories, each of which representing a different theme, saying, and lesson learned along the way that I compiled ahead of turning forty years old. Why you may ask? Because I believe there are just too many extraordinary moments we experience that are worthy of capturing, sharing so we can learn from one another and celebrate all that life has to offer us. The topics within the book are as wide ranging as the experiences I've had over 40 years, including funny stories around what life is like raising 5 young children with my wife, Colleen; preparing for fatherhood and marriage; the beauty that can be discovered when adventuring in the outdoors; and so much more. But when you get precise, this book is simply a tale of gratitude. Gratitude for the people I have met, for the experiences I've had (both the good ones and the challenging ones), and most importantly for the loving wife, children, family, and friends I am blessed to have today. What will be included in your stories when you turn 40 years old? Or 50? 60? They're worth telling. Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoy. "This is a funny book. And heartfelt, and sincere, and original. The authorial voice is never preachy and the references are broad-ranging enough to not shut any readers out. This book is exemplary in its structure, organization, and pacing and is exemplary in its voice and writing style. Here is the everyday father who is not writing about doing stupid things with his life. Instead, he is grateful, and his gratitude is contagious." - Writer's Digest Review "In 40 for 40, Dennis O'Donnell has written a memoir with universal appeal...His descriptions of family outings are a delight. He offers hard-gained wisdom to problems that have no easy answers. Above all, Dennis O'Donnell offers hope in 40 for 40 ." - Readers' Favorite Review "A personal look at life as a father of five easing towards the big 4-0 in 40 digestible, easy-to-read and concise chapters. Inspiration, gratitude, intuition, humor, and understanding are a few of the elements that make up the author's idea of a good, bad or great day." - IndieReader Review "Very easy to understand and relate to. Friendly, kind, and positive message." - Midwest Book Awards Review "I liked it. But I can't really read yet. So maybe you should ask someone else? I'm hungry, where's Mom?" - Danny O'Donnell, Age 5

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0BHR7VZ4K
• ISBN13: 9798847895156
• Release Date: October 2022
• Publisher: Independently published
• Length: 267 Pages
• Weight: 1.03 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.6" x 6.0"