Live and Learn or Die Stupid!: The Struggle for Happiness

As soon as you open the book, you feel as though you are sitting down with Dave, over a glass of great wine, and enjoying a witty, disarming yet insightful conversation. "Live, Learn or Die Stupid" contains those simple nuggets of wisdom that we all acknowledge, know to be true, but rarely act upon! Yet, there is more truth than we may care to admit in Dave's reminder to us that we all perceive reality through our own filters and those filters guide us toward our focus--our reality. Most significantly, in a world that takes itself way too seriously, Dave reminds us to laugh, most especially at ourselves...after all, "you have so much more material to work with that way!"

While it sounds a little over the top, I truly believe this is a life-changing book -- and I don't say that lightly. Even as an avid reader, I've had perhaps only five books impact me so strongly. Dave Mitchell addresses - with humor, humility and utter sincerity - the struggle that we all have as we strive to find ever-elusive happiness. This is not some stereotypical self-help book that will leave you with more questions than answers once you finally complete a War-and-Peace-esque epic. Mr. Mitchell has written a short, hilarious, thoroughly enjoyable, poignant book that gives you a few simple steps to help you find happiness, joy and contentment in your life. I promise you that after reading it once you'll want to read it again, and you'll want to share it with every single person who is dear to you and important in your life. It's that good.

Hilarious and insightful... Not always two words that you find together, however Dave Mitchell somehow blends the perfect mix of introspection and comedy together in his book. His down-to-earth story-telling will keep you intrigued about the lessons from his own life and challenge you to look at your's from a different perspective This book is a great read and will have you laughing out loud!

A humorous look at growing up in central Illinois and learning to cope in the world at large. We are all in this struggle for happiness together. This "down to earth" accounting helps us not take ourselves so seriously. A quick fun read with some basic truths.

The struggle to find happiness and balance in life is something that everyone can relate to and a theme that has been addressed in so many books....believe me because I think I've read them all. Not until I read this book was I able to examine some of the hindrances to finding happiness in my own life. All of this happened while being taken on a hilarious journey through Mr. Mitchell life and mind. He writes with clarity, humor and itelligence without implying that he has all of the answers or that there is an answer to finding happiness. The day after I finished the book I was able to apply some of the concepts or at least recognize them. Chapter 8, "Wild Monkeys in Duncan, Oklahoma" really hit home. His message: SMILE. No, it's not some new-agey acronym for self actualization. It is exactly what it says. Smile and you will reap the rewards. Dave Mitchell made a believer out of me and I'm sure will do the same for you.