The Art of Dying: Facing Your Own Death

By Patricia Weenolsen

Book Overview

" The Art of Dying speaks to modern readers with refreshing frankness and wit. It covers the subject thoroughly, from how to inform relatives of impending death, to coping with pain and fear, to death rituals, to preparing for a possible afterlife or, depending on one's viewpoint, the end of it all." -- Publishers Weekly "Along with our caring presence, this book may be the finest gift we can give someone facing the last stage of life." --Rabbi Harold Kushner, author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People "Dr. Weenolsen . . . doesn't duck the tough questions." --M. Brewster Smith, PhD, former president, American Psychological Association "This book gives the same things a good support group does--compassionate sympathy and practical advice for people sharing pain. It will be a godsend." --Rebecca Brown, author of Gifts of the Body "Begins with 'the day you receive the diagnosis' and the sudden realization that 'never again will you be as you were. Even if by some miracle you heal, it will be only temporary.' Weenolsen takes the panic and paralysis out of such news through wise, aggressive, no-holds-barred approaches." --Patricia Holt, San Francisco Chronicle "A book everyone can benefit from reading." --Nancy Pearl, author of More Book Lust "Also for family and friends of dying persons, for professionals in the health-care fields, and for those who train them." --Hannelore Wass, PhD, founding editor, Death Studies

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1504029275
• ISBN13: 9781504029278
• Release Date: February 2016
• Publisher: Open Road Distribution
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Practical book that speaks directly to the dying person.

In my search for material to help those dying of lymphoma, I found many books for caregivers, for the bereaved, and for therapists who aid the dying, but only a few books that speak directly to the dying person. Weenolsen's book fills the gap.The Art of Dying offers much information, including very practical information, for dealing with the end of life--information not present in many other books, most of which focus primarily on the spirituality of dying, and communicating with loved ones before you die. Although these are terribly important issues, practical advice about arranging finances, preparing advance directives to ensure for or against extraordinary resuscitation efforts, and learning what to expect in the last few moments of life are questions that have been addressed in few other books. In particular, I appreciate Weenolsen's very pragmatic list of things not to say to children. For instance, she recommends you not say you're "just going to sleep," lest they develop a subsequent fear of sleeping.If you're facing death soon, or if you believe that one ought to prepare to die at any time, this book will serve you well.