Death-and-Dying Books

I recommend this book to every young widow. My husband died 4 months ago and I thought my life was over. This book really helped me see that I will survive and will actually be a better person because of my terrible loss. I have marked certain parts of the book that I read and reread on those days that I need help just to get out of bed in the morning. As the title indicates, it really is a guide at a time when a person needs guidance.

I write as a man whose wife died of cancer after 36 years and 10 months of marriage. This book appeals to me as an honest, tough look at what it means to grieve. I have gained a lot from its models on how grieving can be turned around - if one is willing to work with it - so that loss can be made into something positive. This kind of down-to-earth guidance I found nowhere else. For someone in pain - or trying to help someone suffering from bereavement - this is an invaluable book, short and readable but full of practical advice with rich spiritual implications. Without a doubt the best book I have found on the subject.

Three months after my husbands suicide I came across this book at the local library. Most of the books I've read on the subject of grief and being a widow all say the same things, or say what I already know and understand. The author of this book talks very plainly and frankly about her grief, and tries very hard to find a different perspective to view this whole horrible process from. I really appreciated the approach, as I too have tried to make sense and understand how to deal with the loss of my husband and what that means for my future. After reading it I thouht "finally a helpful book about grief". Hence the subject title for this review.

Heaven's Brightest Star fills a void in dealing with prematurity: the view from the baby's older sibling. The author succeeds in sensitively answering questions through the eyes of a child whose baby brother or sister has died to to prematurity. This book is invaluable not only for parents but for NICU use as well.

"Heaven's Brightest Star" is a beautiful story about hope and compassion. Written from the perspective of a child, this book serves as a invaluable tool to support families in understanding premature birth and loss. Little Katie's character is one that children will be able to relate to... and learn from.

Kara Glad's book is an incredible story that teaches children about a very difficult topic in a way that is easy for them to understand. There is no other book like this to explain to children the concept of premature birth. It is perfect for NICU's or for any child who has lost a sibling. This book will assist a child in their grieving process by offering hope through a star that shines brightly.

Shannon, a priest and professor emeritus in the religions studies department at a Nazareth College, makes an important point in his introduction that informs much of what follows. He offers dictionary definitions for "death" and "dying," each dealing with endings. He then gives the Christian definitions: "Death is the beginning of life, life at its best, at its most real" and dying is "to start living in a most wondrous way." He also takes care to explore death and dying as two different experiences that reflect continuity (existence continues after death) and discontinuity (existence after death is radically different from existence before death.)

Against that background, Shannon addresses the form of life after death, comparing it to resurrection (Jesus) not resuscitation (Lazarus) and posits that the "the resurrection of the body and life everlasting" expressed in the Creed are experienced at the end of each person's mortal experience, "which, for that person, is the end of time."

These are but a few examples of the richness Shannon brings to this imminently readable and thought-provoking work. Other topics include funeral rites and organ donation, diminishments of old age with practical advice on living wills, hospice care, and medical decisions. As one would expect, the author also looks at questions of hell, and purgatory, limbo, and reincarnation. The final section, What We Believe about Heaven, tackles questions about heaven as a family reunion, a garden of delight, the Garden of Eden, and the Glorious Royal City. The book closes with answers to frequently asked questions about heaven, nearly 100 notes, and an index.

Thoughtful, easy to understand, relevant to today's everyday life in America. This book, written by a theologian is a wonderful book for 'all' Christians and non-Christians alike.

I sat down on Friday night, figuring to spend most of the weekend "working through" Here on the Way to There. I finished before I had lunch on Saturday. It was not exactly in one sitting, but i read the book through in one "go" as it were, following its points and even anticipating some of it, but most of all, appreciating, deeply feeling the truth and gentility in what it said.

This book is so very much like Shannon's other writings and his public addresses in tone and pace that you can actually hear his voice in the words. The same mix of deep intellect, and easy understanding, putting next to each other Milton, Joyce, the Doctors of the Church, and quotes from your aunt! and they all fit and flow and create a "seamless garment" that fits so comfortably.

I was very impressed ,and very moved by many of the things that Shannon said. Let me refer to some of them.

The idea of passion as something that is endured, or suffered. Yes, that is exactly what passion is, in any of its forms, and to think of dying as a passion is something that never occurred to me, no matter how many times "The Passion of Jesus" ran through my ears (page 7).

The necessity of "the person... to forgive himself or herself and open the depths of his or her heart to God" is something that I have seen in those I have seen die (page 9).

It never occurred to me that "death is ....something that we do....an action." (page 13) but of course it is. It is something that takes all our concentration. And that is why death is often precedes by more than a week the cessation of biological functions.

Shannon says "In death we at last cease to live the illusion of a separate, self-centered existence and realize that our life is -- and always has been -- lived with God in Christ and without sisters and brothers ( page 14)." And that is precisely why suicide is not an option, it seems to me, because suicide is a self-centered, self-absorbed act. What we want, what we think we need, a kind of ultimate self-centered existence.

The fact that "you cannot see your own face.... The reflection of your face is not your face....." (page 15) is very much like that painting of a pipe by Magritte that is labeled "This is not a pipe." It never occurred to me. And so, the "Beatific" vision is not only seeing and recognizing the face of God, it is also seeing and recognizing our own face! As the Rabbi you tell of did not at first recognize his name when it was read at the gate of Heaven.

And so on, and so on, there are just too many things I want to say about the book, too many passages I want to talk about for me to go over them all here.

Fr. Shannon's book is a comfort and a blessing, beyond words.

To form your own opinion on a subject, particularly if it is controvesal, it it wise to study the origin of the standpoint in question. . Arguments against voluntary death like : "Life is a gift of God, you should respect and leave it to him to end it" look good at first sight. But then you remember that the church used the same argument against birth control. In this matter almost everybody in the western world has accepted that the size of your familiy is your own responsability.
The book 'History of suicide " shows that the taboo against voluntary death is heavily influenced by the wish of the Roman empire and the early christian church to try and stop the decline in population. The economy in that period was very dependent on slaves and serves. A quotation: "The Council of Arles in 452 condemned the suicide of all famuli ( slaves and domestic servants). the servant who kills himself robs his master and his owner. His suicide is an act of revolt".
The book of Mr Minois gives plenty arguments for the statement that a responsable and free human being may find it justified to end his life. The God of the christans wants us to be" ïn his image ", responsable people. Responsable for the beginning and the end of life.

I read this book in one sitting. A scholarly work but no matter. The book will stand as one of the most important works ever published on the subject. Nothing is left out. And I could only guess but most will never be the same again...just to realize the vast scope of despair that has affected the human condition for centuries along with the differing cultural and religious viewpoints on the subject. Not a book for the faint at heart. But a book that provides the other side of what many believe (still) is an assumption that to live - is all there is. The meaning of life itself is the issue and this book tackles the subject as no one else had done for decades.

This book is a reference for those interested in studying Suicide and suicidal behavior. When studying a subject like this, everyone should start with the basics, i.e. historical reviews and perspectives of the phenomena. After reading this very well written book the reader will surely become more familiar with some of the basic thoughts pertaining suicide and its cultural, historical, and some light scientific perspectives of the suicidal phenomena. Everyone should read it, even for cultural enrichment. Webmaster.suicide@clix.pt

This book is the most amazing book I have ever read. I don't like to read and I finished this book in one setting. This book really makes you realize what is important in life and makes you thankful for what you have. The art in this book captures what the people were feeling at the time and you can really see how this is portrayed.

I got this book for a friend who was grieving for her lover, who had died suddenly. I hesitated to give it to her because it has some powerfully disturbing images in it which, if taken out of context, I felt might magnify her grief. In the meantime my mother borrowed it and felt the impact of the images and feelings in this book- she said they helped her to remember. She then gave the book to her neighbor, whose son had just died in a car accident. The neighbor decided to explore art therapy as a result. This is a beautiful, powerful book, transformative for readers who might be grieving. I did eventually get a copy to my friend and she called that same day to tell me how much it meant to her. I haven't, thankfully, experienced the kind of grief these people have, but their stories and their art resonate even for me. The hole in me since the day you died is a book that changes lives.

This book is a wonderful example of the incredible power art can have in the mental health field. It recounts the stories of a handful of people who have been aided by art therapy. The book combines powerful personal stories with beautiful, high quality reproductions of original artworks. This book is a must have for artists, mental health workers, and anyone else who enjoys learning about people and the extraordinary things we do.

Referenced in a Thesis for Masters of Education: "My Mommy Died, Is there A Book About Me?: Death and Dying in Children's Picture Books 2000-2006. By Kelly Nowak. Types of grief: Alarm, Searching, Mitigation, Anger, Guilt, New Identity, The only book that met all five types of grief: Result: Successful.

All of my books were referenced in this Thesis. All were successful on the gradient submitted. I am thankful to all of those who made my books possible and to those who have yet to realize my dreams. Thank you. Cristine Thomas: Mother of angel Brittany, Author, Illustrator, Publisher.

A beautiful childrens picture book that touches on a subject many of us don't like to talk about, a child's death. This books is sensitive and original in its form. The message of hope, love, and faith helps the child who is reading it to understand that it is okay to feel the way they feel. This book helps to open the door for further discussion on this sensitive topic. The author approaches this subject through the eyes of a child, in language and illustrations that they can relate to. There is no other book like this that completely is focused on the child and their struggles with the death of another child.

Shelby is older and likes to have her space, but when Brittany gets sick with cancer, Shelby realizes how precious her sister is to her. Like most kids ages 8-12, Shelby wanted to do big kid stuff and not let Brittany who is younger, hang around her or give her hugs and kisses. The flow is wonderful and the message of hope is ideal. The main message of this books is that Shelby now loves to give and receive hugs and kisses from her family, because her sister Brittany taught her that even in death everytime she gives hugs and kisses on earth, she is giving Brittany hugs and kisses in heaven too!
I also want to add: The visual instance of Brittany being accepted by Jesus is very emotional, and helps the child who is reading this book, to see the actuality of Brittany in Heaven with Jesus.

I loved this book it was so easy to read and enjoy and understand! I have both of her books and cant wait for the next!! This book is good for someone who wants to learn what will ahppen after death, as well as where our deceases loved one are, it is a very encouraging book by a great author!! Buy it, you wont regret it!!

I didnt know what to expect from but I was very happy when I read her book, it was very easy to understand and I didn't want to put it down!! I like it..good book for those wanting to know what the Bible says about the afterlife.

After reading her book, I felt like I really learned about what happens when a person dies, what I learned has helped me not to be afraid of death, it is very thought-provoking.

Shall we 'take the dog' (greyhound bus) to Minnesota and locate this book's author, Loretta Ellsworth? Her 2007 novel "In Search of Mockingbird" grabbed my attention with its new 'take' on the runaway theme. AND, it is the subject of a blog: "In Search of Connections" by a favorite author, Gwenyth Swain ... www.gwenythswain.com.

Erin is a high school sophomore whose favorite book "To Kill a Mockingbird" was authored by famous recluse, Harper Lee. Erin runs away from her Minnesota home on the eve of her sixteenth birthday when her dad's announcement that he will soon remarry sets her in motion. Erin's destination: Monroeville, Alabama. In her mind she mulled over this pilgrimage many times, even before learning that before her mother's early death she, too, had greatly admired the Alabama author, an icon of American literature.

Erin's life, crowded with questions and confusion, aspirations and feelings of being different, led to filling a journal with her longings to become a writer. Author Ellsworth relates with authenticity the relentless miles that stretch between MN and the deep South, the numerous 'stops' and the quirky and memorable passengers who are burdened with their own problems. We want to think the "sharings" on the bus trip are believable: Erin's conflicting emotions of guilt & approval about her dad's intended marriage ... fellow traveler Sedushia's estrangement from an adult son, Epp's dreams of manufacturing an electronic game ... these hidden desires are shown like time-lapse photos that evolve into a beautiful magnolia blossom.

The use of Harper Lee's book "To Kill a Mockingbird" to nudge the fellow bus passengers ('strangers in the night') toward solutions is moving. Loretta Ellsworth has written a made-for-Disney story for young people, their parents & grandparents. It is very readable and is a realistic telling that avoids crudity and cuteness. This is an American novel that serves as a salute to youth in the 1980s. Reviewer mcHaiku read it from start to finish, ignoring all interruptions and feeling like a kid again!

(Also consider adding the audio version of "To Kill a Mockingbird" (Sissy Spacek, narrator) to your shopping cart: #0060888709).

Although the School Library Journal suggests grade level 7-10, I would recommend this book for any age, even us older folks.
Ellsworth's style and skills make this a Store Favorite in my shop. It made me go back and reread To Kill A Mockingbird with a new perspective.

Highly recommended!

Who am I to contradict professional critics; but the professional critiques posted for this book do not do it justice.

I picked up a copy of this book at an ALA conference and fell in love with it. A beautiful story, a beautifully-illustrated setting, and a gentle reminder of why most of us fell in love with Harper Lee's novel are three reasons to read this novel. Harper Lee created Mockingbird's world, and Loretta Ellsworth waltzes into Harper Lee's world easily and effortlessly and takes us with her. I recommend this book for all ages and particularly for young women who need to know that their yearning for self-discovery is a universal anthem.

Who can study Buddhism and not read something by His Holiness The Dalai Lama? This book is one in The Path To Enlightenment Series. The Dalai Lama has written more books than I could list here, and I recommend reading any one of them.

The book discusses the principles of Buddhism from the perspective of our natural human fear of our own death. From the Buddhist point of view, we do not have to fear death if we have a secure understanding of the Dharma, the teachings of the Buddha. The reason a good practitioner of these teachings can die peacefully without regret is because his or her human potential is fulfilled.

Although we may think that we suffer from such things as natural disasters, biological frailties, human enemies or opportunities lost, our real enemy is our own mind. The path to true happiness is basically to let go of our desires for all these impermanent objects and states of mind. Remove the wanting and you remove the tortures of unfulfilled desires and disappointing outcomes. The real goal in life is to just see things as they are. In this way you can live your life to its full potential and not regret when the end comes.

To cultivate this awakening mind, meditation is essential. We must be ever mindful of our disturbing emotions. The mind must be trained and disciplined. But a follower of the Buddha must also act and live his or her life by treating all sentient beings as your friends. Your worst enemies are really your best teachers. Anger is the greatest hindrance to cultivating the spiritual path. It is your enemies who confront you that will test your patience and teach you to be mindful.

The title and subject of this book particularly interested me, but I believe that the wisdom of the teacher can be garnered from any of his books. I am always having to catch myself when I begin pondering why someone did not teach me these things when I was younger. Then I try to apply a little of the wisdom I have read here and I realize that I am feeding my mind with the negative emotion of regret rather than just seeing.

Everyone of us will die one day, and most of us have been living for decades without realising the purpose of this life. This book outlines the basic beliefs of buddhism on the subject of living and dying in a way that will make living more joyful and dying more peaceful. The little examples and analogies used throughout the book (as in most buddhist teaching traditions) help readers relate better to the topics concerned. In a nutshell, it tells you life is not the beginning, we have come a long way to become who we are, and we are working towards the shaping of our future, not just in this life, but many more lives to come.

If you are a buddhist, this little book encapsulates the ideas of living & dying the buddhist way in a brief yet comprehensive manner. If you are not a buddhist, this little book gives you a glimpse into the philosophy and mindset of the religion in a very personal manner and you don't have to be a buddhist to practice the teaching.

Core Teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. I can't recommend this series high enough.

This story not only gives an overview of African animals, it also tells a touching story of a rhino whose mother has been killed by poachers and is left to fend for himself. The pastel double-page spreads beautifully depict the story's mood. An excellent choice for public and personal libraries.

Jubela will please young readers. The book begins with baby rhino Jubela playing in cooling mud and being lovingly cared for by his mother: "Just before sunlight surrendered to darkness, mother scraped the dry mud from baby's body with her great horn. Baby sighed with pleasure." When poachers take his mother's life, Jubela is alone and confused and hungry until an old mother rhino adopts him and teaches him how to survive. An author's note explains that Jubela is based on a true story that occurred in Swaziland. The illustrations, by JoEllen McAllister Stammen, are colorful and soft-edged and enhance this compassionate tale.

Rhinos are dying by the thousands every day due to illegal poaching in Africa and Indonesia. This book focuses on an African rhino. Rest assured that it is a very true story: the likelihood of a calf being orphaned due to poaching, and the way that older rhino females will "adopt" those orphans, describes actual rhino behavior. The most striking things about this particular book are the magnificent illustrations as well as the writing, which you could actually believe is the way a young baby rhino calf processes its world. The language is descriptive and earthy, simple and easy to grasp (good for young readers), and rich with texture and feeling. And as one of the editorial reviews notably points out, there is no anthropomorphizing here. Both author and illustrator play it straight and true.

Kids really need to know about this topic, and this haunting, hopeful book will help them realize what is going on in the world regarding humans and animals such as rhinos. Be prepared for questions such as, "Why did they kill the baby's mommy?" Such issues are not addressed here; Kessler is operating on a more visceral, non-polemical level. That is not to say the book lacks depth regarding the destruction of rhinos at human hands. Just be ready with the answers regarding poaching -- the "why" answers -- when you share this with children. If you need information, e-mail me or go to "Google" and just type in "rhinoceros" or "poaching." You'll find out all you need to know.