FOR ADULTS AND TEENS OF ALL AGES AND BELIEFS! The Gala is Book #20 of the epic book series, Living A Meaningful Life. The storylines of The Gala are interrelated with those in Books 1 - 19 of the series, so a reader might consider reading the prior books first, although The Gala can be enjoyed on its own. The Gala is the next step in the journey of Living A Meaningful Life. The Gala produces another epic accomplishment for Rudy, and some very heartwarming family moments. For those new to the series, Books #1 and #2, The Bench and The Farm, introduce us to the initial key characters. These installments act as the basic foundation from which the storylines are built. They feature the first main character as a child, and thus include some "juvenile" and "coming of age" storylines. Book 3, The Lake, is when some of the real action begins. The main character is a more mature teenager. Book 4, The Favor, is the first pivotal installment of the series. The main character is a young adult, and we get a better view of what the series is really about. We also get introduced to the eventual star of the series, Rudy, who becomes the iconic character whom everyone talks about when discussing this book series. After Book #4, the reader, the series, and the storylines, are off and running. The reader will experience an epic journey which they could have never imagined. The characters and storylines become more sophisticated, and the series in general just gets better and better. The Living A Meaningful Life book series is a "family saga" series, written as an autobiography by the narrator. The journey takes us through childhood, into later adulthood, and spans multiple generations, and includes extended family. The main premise involves a huge charity organization that becomes a family dynasty. Those who control the charity have proven themselves as having the highest level of integrity, compassion, and deep moral character. The charity is used to change everyone's lives around them, including their entire community. The characters are constantly tested by every-day obstacles, problems, mistakes, and losses, which we all face in our own lives. We watch as the characters handle these challenges in the best possible ways. We learn and become inspired to introduce some of these ways of thinking and techniques into our own lives. This is not just a book series for idle amusement. This is a book series that can change your life in dramatic and profound ways. The series is neutral on religion and politics. This is a series for everyone of all beliefs, and is not used to push any particular agenda or belief. The only values heavily promoted are those of integrity, decency, and compassion. The phrase, "doing the right thing," is often used. Main themes of the series include mentoring between adults and kids of all ages, father and son, coming of age, ethical behavior, creating your own "soul family," grieving losses, loving each other, supporting those in need, achieving great success, and making incredible dreams come true. The Living A Meaningful Life series will make you laugh and cry, sometimes at the same time. Mostly, this is a highly humorous series, and the banter between the characters will have you laughing out loud. The father and son relationship which develops, is riveting, heartwarming, and inspiring. You will come to love all of these characters, and you will become part of their family. Your life will never be the same again, and you will be grateful for having known them. It is not a story, but rather a lifestyle. Join the family and get started on this epic journey with additional installments added often, which will make this series one of the largest and most life-changing series out there.