Before You Wake

Life Lessons from a Father to His Children

By: Erick Erickson

Narrated by: Erick Erickson

From Erick Erickson, "arguably the most powerful conservative in America today" (The Atlantic), an inspiring book about life's enduring values, based on a viral essay he wrote for his children after he and his wife both faced grave medical situations.

"A must read." -- RedState

In late 2016, prompted by the news that his wife was battling cancer and his own pulmonary medical scare, Erick Erickson posted a piece to his website, The Resurgent. Styled as a letter to his young children, the piece, titled "If I Should Die Before You Wake," was a stirring message--and challenge--about how to live a life of purpose and joy. The essay went viral, shared by figures like New York Times columnist and author of The Road to Character, David Brooks. Now, in a time when our country needs healing and a reminder of our values more than ever, Erickson has expanded the project, composing a total of ten letters, featuring a wonderful mix of the practical, inspirational, and spiritual.

Critic reviews

"A must read: Erick Erickson's Before You Wake is a heartfelt reminder of what's important."—RedState

"Poignant."—"The Daily Briefing," Fox News

"Striking ... Reading [Erickson's] personal story is a small experiment in weakening the filter, in shaking off the spell of simulated life, of letting a person's suffering give you a glimpse of them in full."—Ross Douthat, New York Times

A great book

I got the audio book and started listening as soon as it released and could not stop listening until the end. I have just finished listening to it for the third time and am about to start it again. It has made me think, smile, cry, laugh and want to do my best to become a better person to those around me and to my God. Very little about politics (which I love to hear Erick talk about) and a lot about family, friends, faith, good and bad, right and wrong and love. It is definitely a book I would recommend for anyone to read.

Life experiences

We are who we are because of our life experiences. Several years ago I found out that Mr. Erickson grew up in Dubai and I've always wondered what more there was to that story. This book goes above and beyond to explain why he is how he is, good and bad. I wonder now what I would write to my own kids to explain why I am the way I am and what I would want them to learn. The fact that he reads it as well makes the experience that much better. And yes, I do think he needs his own food show.

Best book I have read in a long time!

I enjoy listening to Erick on WSB in Atlanta everyday on my ride home. Lately, I have been turning off the radio show & listen to this book. As much as I like listening to his show, I really enjoyed this book. Usually he talks about politics, with some personal stories & cooking tips sprinkled in throughout the program. This book is the exact opposite, very little about politics & almost exclusively about personal experiences, life advice, & great recipes. The only problem I have with this audio book is the chapter with the recipes. I have to keep rewinding the audio to make sure I write everything down correctly. This is my new favorite book and expected nothing less from Mr. Erickson.