Once To Die

by Scott Burgess

"It is appointed unto man once to die, after that the judgment." When the apostle Paul wrote those words he had no idea the trials and tribulations to face Steve Thomas some 2000 years later. Upon Steve's premature deathbed, coworker Rebecca Jones cries out in anguish that she wishes she could change places with him. This unusual exchange occurs, leaving the eternally optimistic Steve in the body of a woman married to a man with no teeth, no job, no morals, and, more importantly no car. With no place to go, no reason to live, and certainly no reason to die (again), Steve is given a second chance at life. But this time around, the cards are all stacked against him....

"The best book I have read in years! The depth of character, the humor, the emotion-it'ds all there."-Scott Burgess

"And all this time I thought he was having an affair. I hope we can get me that new dress." -Cathy Burgess

"Daddy said I can't read it until he dies."--Hannah Burgess

"I'm not sure how he did the research for his finding on page 1247. Makes us all wonder..."-Katie Burgess

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1891852132
• ISBN13: 9781891852138
• Release Date: February 2001
• Publisher: Quarrier Press
• Length: 298 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Once to Die

Read the book on and off for about 4 evenings before i completed it. the author has the most vivid imagination for this book than any other i've ever read. could relate to this author on certain chapters, especially the nine holes of golf with his deceased father.looking forward to his next publication.

a taste of appalachia

"Once to Die" is a must-read for those who enjoy a taste of Appalachia. This novel encompasses some serious issues found in Southern West Virginia today, including domestic violence, poverty, cancer and death. Additionally, the story-line trods on the mountainous region, picking up pieces of culture such as ginsenging, not to mention the picturesque and nature-filled scenes that only true West Virginians can appreciate. With a mixture of realism and a touch of the surreal, "Once to Die,' in it's unpredictability is one of the most unusual and satisfying books I've ever read. Just as a good movie, Steve and all the characters that surround him will stay with you for days.

Five Stars & Why

The book is very entertaining*, full of surprises*. I found myself imagining what it would be like to be Rebecca, to be Steve or to be Steve as Rebecca. It reminded me that favorite music, family, childhood dreams, favorite places, smells, tastes, and other such memories can help us to understand and appreciate who we are. It reminded me that no one person is better than the other.* We just have different favorite music, family, childhood dreams, favorite places, smells, tastes, and other such memories. Finally, heaven is also different for each of us.* "Stop and smell the roses", you might find out what is important to you and experience life fully.*

Wow, my dad is the greatest...

Ok, I really didn't understand the more esoteric and cerebral parts of the book, but I did find some of the language quite arresting. Dad washes out my mouth with soap when I use those words...not fair...