Synopses & Reviews
Examining what the dying person and their caregivers can expect,
The Divine Art of Dying looks at the unique moment when a person turns toward death. Based on the authors own experience, its about how we might die well and live well up to the very end of our physical existence. Combining personal stories with solid research on palliative and hospice care, this book identifies the decisions the dying one and his or her loved ones and friends must make. Unlike other books on dying,
The Divine Art of Dying takes a broader approach than just a medical one. It is not a case book but rather a well-integrated look at the divine art of living and dying to the fullest, including spiritual insights from many sources along with references from literature, movies, and current culture.
Review
Writing about dying, while "in the act," is a bit like writing a mountaineering guidebook while hanging off the North Face of K2 with wind clawing at your face. I wanted this book to be as authentic as possible, and still offer readers other ways of approaching this final stage of our lives in ways that may not necessarily be "my" way. For that reason, Herbert and I include dozens of stories from people who are family members, care-givers or others who are at that point we call our "blessed recognition." It's that point when we know that no more treatment is advisable or necessary. We realize now that death isn't just around the corner--it's standing on the sidewalk waving at us.
Review
"Writing about dying, while "in the act," is a bit like writing a mountaineering guidebook while hanging off the North Face of K2 with wind clawing at your face. I wanted this book to be as authentic as possible, and still offer readers other ways of approaching this final stage of our lives in ways that may not necessarily be "my" way. For that reason, Herbert and I include dozens of stories from people who are family members, care-givers or others who are at that point we call our "blessed recognition." It's that point when we know that no more treatment is advisable or necessary. We realize now that death isn't just around the corner--it's standing on the sidewalk waving at us".
"We need not fear death even though we do. We need not fear pain even though we do. Ira Byock, the widely recognized physician writing our Foreword, points out that pain can be dealt with more effectively because of new developments in palliative care. We intend this book to be a spiritual resource supporting people who choose to take the turn toward death in order to live fully until they die. The support of a dedicated hospice team also makes it possible to live comfortably and peacefully toward. There is still hard work to do letting things and dreams and people go. The dying will grieve for all we're leaving behind. Those who are gifted with time for living while dying have an amazing opportunity for quality conversations, joyous gift-giving, and deepening friendships as we love and are loved. We want this to be a book to inspire, to help and to offer courage to others who can intentionally choose, as Karen did, for our final passage to be as rich and as fulfilling as possible. Living while dying is our final human act--it's not a medical craft, but a Divine Art".
Review
“The Divine Art of Dying is a magnificent achievement. Beautifully written, it is a moving and inspiring book about taking control of your life as it starts to come to a close.” - Will Schwalbe, author of the New York Times bestselling
The End Of Your Life Book Club
"This is a profound and practical guide to the art of living well while dying and of helping others do the same. I was very touched by Speerstra's personal journey. Both authors are compassionate and skillful guides into another country." - Mary Pipher, author of Another Country and The Green Boat.
“Like a delectable, patiently simmered bisque from loving chefs, The Divine Art of Dying is rich with wisdom, spiced with morsels from philosophers, theologians, artists, essayists, novelists, playwrights, and poets, and generously sprinkled with insights from ordinary people living through the extraordinary personal experience of dying. Fortunately, one can now take lifes final exam with an open book and the answer to mortalitys question can be found within the pages of The Divine Art of Dying. How then shall we live? Fully, Intentionally, Attentively, Lovingly.” - Ira Byock, MD, bestselling author of Dying Well: Peace and Possibilities At The End Of Life
Review
"Those who are gifted with time for living while dying have an amazing opportunity for quality conversations, joyous gift-giving, and deepening friendships as we love and are loved. We want this to be a book to inspire, to help and to offer courage to others who can intentionally choose, as Karen did, for our final passage to be as rich and as fulfilling as possible. Living while dying is our final human act it's not a medical craft, but a Divine Art." from the book
Review
[A] courageous and welcome addition to the end-of-life genre, and an intellectually rich and passionately intimate exploration of dying. A valuable resource; this book brims with wisdom and grace. -
Publishers WeeklyThe Divine Art of Dying is a magnificent achievement. Beautifully written, it is a moving and inspiring book about taking control of your life as it starts to come to a close.” Will Schwalbe, author of the New York Times bestselling The End of Your Life Book Club
This book is like wise hands extended to those dealing with death. Speerstra shares the skillful means and open heart necessary to survive the common miracle of death with a grace we might call divine.” Stephen and Ondrea Levine, authors of Who Dies?: An Investigation of Conscious Living and Conscious Dying
This is a profound and practical guide to the art of living well while dying and of helping others do the same. Both authors are compassionate and skillful guides into another country.” Mary Pipher, author of Another Country and The Green Boat
Fortunately, one can now take lifes final exam with an open book and the answer to mortalitys question can be found within the pages of The Divine Art of Dying. How then shall we live? Fully, Intentionally, Attentively, Lovingly.”
Ira Byock, MD, bestselling author of Dying Well: Peace and Possibilities at the End of Life
This incredibly eyes-wide-open comforting and informative and inspiring guidebook recasts anticipation of imminent death into an awakened celebration of life for the dying person and her or his companions. I feel the wiser for having read it. An important book for everyone in the family of life!”
Sylvia Boorstein, author of Happiness is An Inside Job: Practicing for a Joyful Life
Synopsis
WINNER 2015 INDIEFAB Book of the Year Award (Mind, Body, Spirit category)
The Divine Art of Dying explores the unique moment when seriously ill people choose to turn toward death. Combining personal stories with solid research on palliative and hospice care, it provides a well-integrated look at the spiritual dimensions of living fully when death is near. Filled with insights from the worlds great wisdom traditions along with references from literature, movies, and current culture, it helps identify the life decisions the dying one and his or her loved ones must make, and what their caregivers can expect.
About the Author
Karen Speerstra was a writer, editor, and the author of ten books, including the Nautilus gold medal winner,
Sophia: the Feminine Face of God. She died in 2013 shortly after completing the manuscript for
The Divine Art of Dying.
Herbert Anderson has been a pastor, a seminary professor, and a hospital chaplain and is the author or coauthor of numerous books and articles on death and grief, family living, pastoral care, ritual and stories, and spirituality. He lives in Sonoma, CA.
Dr. Ira Byock is one of the foremost palliative-care physicians in the country and an expert in end of life decisions. His book Dying Well has sold over 50,000 copies. He served as the president of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine and is currently the director of Palliative Medicine at Dartmouth- Hitchcock Medical Center. He lives in Enfield, NH.
Table of Contents
Foreword: Dr. Ira Byock Introduction
Part 1. Taking the Turn Toward Death
1. The Porch Light is On
2. Hospice at the Door
3. Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
4. Facing Finality
5. Peering Into the Dark
On Transparency
Part 2. Orienting Toward Death
6. The Blessed Ambiguity of Dying
7. How Do We Talk About Death?
8. Taking Charge in the Midst of Chaos
9. Trusting the Capacity of Others
10. Hurry Up and Wait
On Stewarding Our Resources
Part 3. Living Until We Die
11. Celebrating the Ordinary
12. Sharing Memories; Telling Stories
13. Letting Go
14. The Joy of Gift-Giving
15. How Are You Feeling?
On Gratitude
Part 4. Dying into life
16. The Goodness of Grieving
17. Rituals for the Journey
18. When Death Draws Near
19. Living in the Mystery
Epilogue
Resources Index