Jon Shattuck, a former hospital administrator and longtime community volunteer, has released a new book, Choices to Live By, that invites readers to examine the fundamental questions of identity, purpose, and fulfillment. The book, announced this week, is not a formula for perfection but a reflective guide drawn from Shattuck's own experiences, including 65 years of marriage, leadership in grief support groups, and a career that began with manual labor and led to the top of his graduate school class.
At a time when many people feel overwhelmed by rapid social and technological change, Shattuck's message is that intentional decision-making rooted in strong values is the foundation of a life well lived. He introduces a principle called TWTA—The Way Things Are—which encourages individuals to respond to life as it actually is rather than as they wish it to be. This framework runs through chapters on truth, love, forgiveness, listening, humility, and grief, offering a coherent approach to navigating both everyday challenges and major life transitions.
The book's relevance extends to parents, educators, counselors, and mentors who are guiding others through difficult choices. Shattuck's storytelling—such as the woman with multiple sclerosis who resolved to make every day her best, or the retired schoolteacher whose four-word question redirected his career—anchors abstract wisdom in concrete, believable moments. These narratives make the book's lessons accessible and actionable, rather than purely theoretical.
Shattuck also addresses the temptations of escape and victimhood, urging readers to confront hard truths with honesty and compassion. His reflections on faith are personal and non-prescriptive, aiming to encourage a foundation in something larger than self-interest. As he writes, "Your life is or has been a culmination of the choices and decisions you have made. At any point, you decide how to react, how to respond, and how to move forward. My hope is that this book helps readers make those decisions with more intention, more honesty, and more joy."
In a cultural moment often marked by division and uncertainty, Choices to Live By offers a counterweight: a calm, experienced voice that prioritizes integrity and love as bottom lines. The book is available now, and more information can be found at https://jonshattuck.com/. Its publication matters because it provides a timeless, practical resource for anyone seeking to live with greater purpose and clarity, regardless of age or circumstance.
