On Fire

The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life

by John O’Leary, Cynthia DiTiberio

4.8(1,872 ratings)

10 min read

Brief overview

This book follows the journey of a nine-year-old boy who survived a near-fatal accident and found purpose and joy amid pain. It outlines seven key choices that transform fear and despair into faith and optimism. By walking through personal stories of resilience, readers discover how to take ownership of their lives, embrace scars, pursue significance, and awaken each day with a renewed sense of possibility.

A Spark of Hope

Imagine being nine years old, curious and fearless. A single spark in the garage changes everything, leaving you burned on nearly your entire body. At first, it seems like the end. Yet this moment reveals how quickly tragedy can turn into an invitation to truly live.

The story begins with a simple fire experiment gone wrong. Blazing flames ravage a small boy, who’s given almost no chance of survival. But instead of giving in, he and his family turn these darkest moments into building blocks for a richer life. Here, an unexpected hero emerges in a hospital room to remind him that he can still fight.

From day one, the lesson is clear: this is about more than healing physical wounds. It’s about learning how personal choice, hope, and faith can help anyone overcome unthinkable odds. It’s about finding your why when the how seems impossible.

Sometimes the greatest gifts hide within our deepest scars.

Owning Your Life

Soon after the accident, the boy’s mother visits him and pushes him to take ownership: “Do you want to die or fight?” This blunt question challenges him to realize that waiting passively for an external savior isn’t an option. He must find the will within himself to choose life.

Owning your life means dropping excuses and accepting that you’re responsible for your path forward. Despite the chaos, fear, and uncertainty, it’s on you to shape tomorrow. Accountability might sound burdensome, but it’s actually freeing—once you accept it, you reclaim your power to influence outcomes.

We often shrug off big problems or assume someone else will fix them. But that’s when progress stalls. When you realize you are the one who needs to pick up the fork—to feed yourself, to do the hard thing—it changes everything.

Saying “It’s my life” shifts you from bystander to driver.

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What is On Fire about?

"On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life" by John O’Leary and Cynthia DiTiberio is an uplifting narrative of transformation, resilience, and empowerment. Central to the story is nine-year-old John O’Leary, who overcame a devastating accident that left him severely burned. The book provides readers with seven revealing choices that help reshape fear and adversity into potent catalysts for hope and faith. The storytelling, enriched with personal anecdotes and actionable insights, illustrates how to embrace scars, awaken to life's fullest potential, and reclaim one's power in pursuit of deeper significance.

The book's unique value lies in its ability to inspire individuals to take ownership of their lives. It is punctuated by the author’s authentic voice, offering a heartfelt exploration of the human spirit through a blend of humor, vulnerability, and practical wisdom. Each choice within the narrative invites readers to challenge limiting beliefs, nurture hope, and ignite their personal and professional lives. John O’Leary’s story becomes a testament to the profound impact of conscious decisions, motivating readers to awaken daily with renewed purpose and zest for life.

Review of On Fire

"On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life" effortlessly balances inspirational storytelling with practical insights, anchoring its narrative in both personal hardship and triumph. A standout strength is the author's ability to connect deeply with readers, navigating complex emotional landscapes with relatability and clarity. John O’Leary speaks not from ivory towers but as someone who has traversed the searing pain of a life-altering calamity and emerged with vividly transformative insights.

Readers benefit from actionable takeaways seamlessly woven into the narrative, exploring the possibility of flipping hardships into gifts. His candid approach demystifies complex psychological processes, rendering them accessible and practical for everyday life. O'Leary's writing style gracefully mirrors his journey, marrying resilience with levity, authenticity with humor, making the wisdom presented both approachable and impactful.

The relevance of "On Fire" spans a broad audience, from professionals seeking a purpose-driven life to those navigating personal adversities. Its strength lies in elucidating the profound impact of small, conscious choices, which, when embraced courageously, illuminate the path to personal significance and unshakeable joy. In essence, “On Fire” is a must-read for anyone yearning to rekindle their desires and elevate their life experience beyond the ordinary.

Who should read On Fire?

Burn survivors and individuals overcoming severe trauma – to find comfort and a path forward from shared experiences.
Personal development enthusiasts – seeking actionable insights on building resilience and living purposefully.
Professionals feeling stagnant in their careers – to ignite a renewed sense of purpose and direction.
Individuals facing significant life transitions – to learn how intentional choices shape impactful and joyous futures.
Aspiring motivational speakers – who want to convey inspirational narratives effectively and engagingly.

About the author

John O'Leary is a #1 National Bestselling Author and Speaker, known for his inspiring story of survival after being burned on 100% of his body at age nine. He has spoken to nearly 75,000 people at over 100 events annually and has written "On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life," which became an instant bestseller, selling 120,000 copies and translated into 12 languages. Cynthia DiTiberio is a writer and collaborator with 20 years of experience in the publishing industry, contributing to various publications and projects.