Synopses & Reviews
The only book written for the dying person, this life-enhancing guide helps one resolve the physical, emotional, and spiritual concerns unique to this "end time"
Dying is something we all must do. The Art of Dying shows us how to do it well. Practical and encouraging, it leads the reader through the conflicts we all seek to resolve in the end. Author Patricia Weenolsen, Ph.D., has helped thousands of men and women struggle with these universal yet taboo issues. In The Art of Dying she shares their expertise -- and hers -- on what to expect and how to prepare, plan, maintain control, rehearse, and gradually transform ourselves from a physical existence to a spiritual one. With the help of case histories, exercises, and Weenolsen's own warm yet straightforward advice, we learn to integrate the many gifts that death and dying bestow upon us, and that enrich our remaining time on earth.
Review
"This practical and encouraging book shows how dying can heal us, and helps us make the final transition a time of love and new beginnings."--Bernie Siegel, M.D.
"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 . . . [or] impose her own answers to them: She goes a long way toward enabling the reader to find ways of coping that are right for him or her. Her book is at once hope-inspiring and clear-headed."--from the preface by M. Brewster Smith Ph.D., former president of the 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 Baby
"A simple, straightforward guide for dying persons, at once practical and spiritual, with the pervasive themes of hope and love. The author's wisdom, warmth, and wit make it particuarly compelling. It is also for family and friends of dying persons, for professionals in the health-care fields, and for those who train them."--Hannelore Wass, Ph.D., founding editor, Death Studies
Synopsis
The Art of Dying shows us how to do it well. Practical and encouraging in tone, it leads us through the conflicts we all seek to resolve in our "end time"--from early physical concerns about pain and changes in appearance; to emotional concerns over relatives and reconciliation; to psychological concerns over loss of control and loss of identity; to spiritual concerns and the need to feel that our life has had meaning. Author Patricia Weenolsen, Ph.D., has helped thousands of men and women struggle with these universal yet seldom-discussed issues. With the help of case histories, exercises, and Weenolsen's own warm yet straightforward advice, we learn to integrate the many positive gifts that death and dying bestow upon us.
About the Author
Patricia Weenolsen, Ph.D., is a psychologist specializing in life-span development and death and dying. Over the past two decades she has conducted research and taught at several universities, among them the University of California at Santa Cruz and Chicago State. Her first book,
Transcendence of Loss over the Life Span is a classic in the field. She has counseled thousands of bereaved and terminally ill persons, and has led seminars and workshops on dying, loss and related topics. Dr. Weenolsen has appeared on the
Today Show, the
Joan Rivers Show, and
National Public Radio. She lives in Seattle, Washington.