In this poignant and imaginative tribute, a grieving sibling explores the life that might have been lived by a beloved brother lost too soon.

In 1989, tragedy struck when nineteen-year-old Rick was killed in a devastating car accident. Decades later, his sibling revisits cherished memories and unanswered questions to imagine the journey Rick might have taken had he survived. The result is a deeply moving, fictional coming-of-age story rooted in love, faith, and family.

Set within a tight-knit Hispanic family, this heartfelt narrative brings to life the cultural richness, laughter, and traditions that shaped Rick's world. It envisions his growth into adulthood-his evolving faith, his relationships, and his dreams for the future. Along the way, Rick finds love with a compassionate nurse, faces injustice head-on after a life-changing encounter with the police, and becomes an unexpected voice for his community.

Blending emotional depth with moments of warmth and resilience, "What If You Lived?" is a celebration of life, identity, and the enduring bonds of family. Perfect for readers who enjoy literary fiction, family sagas, and stories with emotional resonance, this novel honors the memory of a young man whose life continues to inspire.

Themes: Grief & Healing Family & Cultural Heritage Love & Identity Social Justice Coming of Age

Ideal for fans of: The Five People You Meet in Heaven , A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius , and There There .

This book is dedicated to my brother Rick who left us way too soon. I always wondered how your life may have turned out and it took me nearly 40 years to create one possible outcome.