Books

Reading a book

The following books with end of life related themes can help individuals, families and caregivers with end-of-life challenges.


How to Die: An Ancient Guide to the End of Life
Nothing says ‘how to live your life’ quite like advice from someone who lived before electricity or the miracle of the internet connected fridge. All joking aside, the ancient Roman philosopher Seneca (c. 4 BC–65 AD) wrote about death a lot, and his wisdom has finally been collected, edited and translated by James S. Romm. How to Die is a volume full of wise words and is a reminder to “study death always.”
(Ancient Wisdom for Modern Readers) by Roman Stoic philosopher Seneca, edited and translated by James S. Romm, Princeton University Press (February 27, 2018)


The Work of the Dead: A Cultural History of Mortal Remains
Why do we care about the dead? This question lies at the heart of Thomas Laqueur’s book The Work of the Dead. Diogenes and Socrates may have told their followers to leave their bodies to rot after their deaths, but the reality is that humans care deeply about the remains of the dead. Through an examination of Church history, politics, mortuary science, art, poetry and more, Laqueur seeks to recover the work that the dead do for the living.
Thomas W. Laqueur Princeton University Press; Reprint edition (May 8, 2018)


Death (The Art of Living)
Death (The Art of Living) is a philosophical treatise by Todd May. When we think about death, many of us find ways to avoid the inevitable. May asks us to confront death head-on. Socrates once said that the goal of a philosopher is learning how to die. Todd May wants us all to be philosophers, and see life and death through a new lens.
Todd May Routledge; 1 edition (August 20, 2014)


My Father’s Wake
A powerful exploration of mortality, loss, and Western death denial. Kevin Toolis describes the hurried anxieties, confusion and pain inherent within the experience of the death of the other. Toolis reminds the reader that while death is a collection of moments humans have experienced forever, it is nonetheless unique to those experiencing it.
Kevin Toolis, Da Capo Press (February 27, 2018)


Let’s Talk about Death (over Dinner)
Michael Hebb founded Death Over Dinner as a way to make having difficult conversations a little easier. His end-of-life awareness campaign is now internationally recognized, inspiring conversations around death and dying at the dinner table and beyond. Death Over Dinner is a guide on how to start your own conversation, with practical and spiritual advice.
Michael Hebb, Da Capo Lifelong Books (October 2, 2018)


The Widower's Notebook
Written by Jonathan Santlofer with unexpected humor and great warmth, The Widower's Notebook is a portrait of a marriage, an account of the complexities of finding oneself single again after losing your spouse, and a story of the enduring power of familial love.
Jonathan Santlofer, Penguin Books (July 10, 2018)


Not If But When
A list of featured books for young people about death and loss. Not If But When encourages and supports sharing good books and stories about loss with children and teens throughout their lives.
http://www.notifbutwhen.org/


Anything you want to share?

Can you recommend a book that helped you or think may help others? Email us at arts@endwithcare.org. Your contact information will never be displayed and is entirely confidential.

 

Select Other Artistic Expressions

 

SHARE THIS PAGE


About End With Care

End With Care Corp is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization helping to provide end-of-life information and access to resources found
throughout Massachusetts.

Connect With Us

    

Contact