Death-and-Dying Books

Lighthearted, educational and fun to read, this is an entertaining book. Perfect reading for the bathroom or on the subway.

This is the best discussion of death ever written by a Western philosopher. The author has an exceptionally clear grasp of the fact that I can see my consciousness either as contained within the world or as the container of the world. It is unfortunate that he cannot decide which of these views has metaphysical priority. For the knowledge of immortality is the knowledge of the metaphysical truth that the world is contained within my consciousness.

This look at the process of death removes the fear of the unknown and replaces it with joy and celebration. Through detailed explanation and description, death is shown as a release from ilness, pain, old age, and a life confined by material form; it is a natural process that frees the individual into the next phase of life's expression ... a sort of graduation into new realms of service, learning, and joy.

A friend loaned me a copy of this book when I was doing some serious soul searching. It took me almost 6 months to work up the courage to read Mr. Palmer's book because I did not want to confront 'death' even by opening a book about the subject. When I finally did start reading it I found it hard to put down. Greg Palmer is alternately funny and somber, dealing deftly with each situation as he tries to understand what 'death' means. From his first experience with death, through the many people he encounters along the way, Mr. Palmer provides a much wider view of the world than we are used to. The book is a difficult journey, undertaken both with humor and great love. I recommend this book to anyone seeking an understanding of death and how it affects those left behind.
Do not fear death, come to understand it, we only fear the things we do not know.

Unlike anything that has previously appeared in print, this is an absolutely unique publication. This defense of suicide is as deep as it is broad, citing innumerable positive instances occurring over thousands of years and in various cultures across the planet.

The author, refers to cultural, religious, philosophical, literary and popular sources, and argues from the historical record as well as current evidence. He recommends that suicide, once an honored and honorable act, should be returned to the approved status it once enjoyed. It is an interesting juxtaposition that such a book should come from the author and performer of acclaimed one-person plays on Gandhi, Thoreau, and Whitman (copies only available for sale from the author himself).

Once again I'm writing here a review of one of the most experts in suicidology - Shneidman, Edwin, Ph.D. Dr. Shneidman, the father of Suicidology is the right person write about the defintion of suicide. It is a valuable resource for both students and professional in the mental health area. As Litman, M.D. said - "...this is an epic book of scholarship...", and it surely is. From the characteristics of suicide to an historical view, and a most educational book, I would say that this masterpeace is unique in its scope and content and with no doubt worth reading.

The Delicate Kingdom of Heaven is a book written for young and old who have recently or currently experiencing the trials and tribulations of loosing a loved one. The message that we grieve because of love and not death helps us slowly overcome the massive levels of stress associated with our broken hearts. The book also speaks directly to those who are now struggling with a life threaten circumstance. The warm and caring approach opens our hearts as the family gathers together during this time of need. The book is beautifully written with a chapter of prayers for every member of your family, even family pets are included. It has been said, "for a little book, it carries quite a wallop of insight." The book opens our hearts to the Kingdom of Heaven and the role of those who have passed before us. It has a chapter designated to help you overcome grief and the book is packed full of love, devotion and compassion. You will open it time after time and find understanding wrapped up warmly in its pages. The Delicate Kindom of Heaven is an excellent and heart touching book to give to those with broken hearts.

Garciagodoy book opened my eyes to the depth of history and spirituality that is integral to the Day of the Dead. Her book is an unusual combination of scholarship and personal reflection. As an American whose family and culture pushes death aside as taboo, I was enthralled by how Mexicans remember and love their dead with humor and reverance. A reminder that under our skin we are all skeletons and that our dead deserve our continued love and remembrance. As described by Garciagodoy the celebration of Day of the Dead is an opportunity to bring death and the dead into the lives of the living in a manner rarely seen in the United States. One caveat: her book is not a coffee table book to be skimmed in an evening. It is an in-depth exploration of a fascinating subject. For those who are really interested, it is a must read.

This book is unusual. Containing 17 essays by different authors, it is not focused entirely on the aspects of death and religion.
Instead it includes personal view points and experiences that provide multidimensional pictures of death, dying, faith, and humanity. This is not a technical manual or a religious manual. It is a very interesting helpful book that includes personal feelings and experiences to help clarify the topics presented.

Wolfenstein's work came early in the study of trauma and disaster (1957), predating that of Robert Jay Lifton, Kai Erikson, et al. A psychoanalysis of the human response, it is insightful, overarching, still relevant, and much neeeded in a world so fraught with human-made, human-induced catastrophe.

Chellis Glendinning, PhD, author of When Technology Wounds