The Good Death: A Guide for Supporting Your Loved One Through the End of Life

By Suzanne B. O’Brien RN and Suzanne B. O’Brien

INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER

"A must-read for every family caregiver." ―Hospice Nurse Julie, New York Times bestselling author of NOTHING TO FEAR

Practical wisdom and holistic planning to ease life's most difficult transition, from an acclaimed hospice nurse, death doula, and end-of-life educator.

Many of us have to show up for someone we love at the end of life. Knowing how to do that changes everything. With over twenty years of experience as a hospice nurse, palliative care professional, and founder of the Doulagivers Institute, Suzanne B. O'Brien, RN has trained more than 350,000 people in what can be done to help the dying person, caregiver and other loved ones so they may move through each stage with as much comfort and ease as possible.

In The Good Death, O'Brien provides a comprehensive plan and the empowering knowledge to make a beautiful, sacred, and profound experience for everyone involved. Through practical advice, emotional support, and expert insights, O'Brien gently holds your hand through every aspect of the process, including:

- Learning how fear of death makes end of life harder, and how we can begin to quell it
- Care instructions to ensure your loved one's comfort
- Support system strategies to avoid burnout as a caregiver

To further empower you in facilitating a good death, the second half of the book is presented workbook-style. The Peace of Mind Planner features prompts to initiate important conversations with your loved one about their physical, mental, emotional, financial, and spiritual preferences, and space to record this important information. The planner allows you to be fully present in these last precious moments, and come away with a thorough plan for your loved one's end- of- life wishes. With empathy and a careful approach, The Good Death is not only a comprehensive, compassionate, and in-depth resource, it is a beacon of hope and support.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0316574864
• ISBN13: 9780316574860
• Release Date: March 2025
• Publisher: Little, Brown Spark
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.1" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Bringing Peace to the Final Journey: Why The Good Death Is Essential Reading

Reading The Good Death was a deeply moving and affirming experience for me. I didn’t just buy this book for myself—I bought several copies to give away, because I believe so strongly in its message. I recently graduated from the Doulagivers Institute as a Certified Doulagiver Specialist, and I found this book to be an essential companion to the work we’re called to do. Suzanne B. O’Brien writes with warmth, clarity, and deep compassion. Her years of experience as a hospice nurse and educator shine through on every page. What she offers isn’t just information—it’s wisdom, born from walking alongside countless people during life’s most sacred transition. What I found especially powerful is how this book reframes death—not as something to fear, but as a natural, even beautiful, part of life when it’s approached with preparation, presence, and love. The real-life stories she shares, and the Doulagivers method she outlines, are both empowering and practical. This book reminded me why I chose this path—to be a steady, loving presence at the end of life. Whether you’re a fellow doula, a caregiver, or simply someone who wants to understand how to support a loved one in their final days, The Good Death is a must-read. It’s more than a book—it’s a guide for creating peace, meaning, and dignity at the end of life. – Stacie Webb, Certified Doulagiver Specialist Legacy of Love | Certified Doulagiver Specialist Facebook: Legacy of Love

This is a must read book

Everyone should have this book, it is easy to read and understand. This book has great information on death and dying, something we all should talk about more. She talks how to support others at the end of life and things to think about for your your own end of life.