Escaping Death is written to show how the fear of death is similar to the fear of failure and that once a person finds a cause in life that is greater than the consequence of embracing the cause, death is no longer a threat. Four-year-old Gain Watson's father dies after saving his life. His last words to Gain are so powerful that they help to shape Gain's perspective on life from that point on. Also inherited from his father, Gain develops an extremely keen sense of danger. He grows up to join a "Mission Impossible" type group of intellectuals who, among other things, attempt to rid the U.S. of illegal drugs, only to find that there is trouble with their leader. This creates for Gain a roller coaster of events, which leave him doubtful of his abilities. Gain's turning point is when he narrowly escapes death (but not because of his gift) and runs for help. He finds help in the form of a priest and a long, mind-altering conversation. Gain is instructed to go back and learn again how to live fearlessly. It's a difficult task for him, however, because fearing death is not his only problem. His biggest fear is losing the person he loves most: Selena.