Resources: Books

There are books that are so insightful, so inspiring… I encourage you to browse these resources and find those that stir you to introspection and awareness. (Let me know if you’d like recommendations based on your interests and situation.)

Briefly Perfectly Human

Making an Authentic Life
by Getting Real Around the End

Alua Arthur, Death Doula
Mariner Books, 2024

Inspiring. Also watch Alua Arthur’s TedTalk “Why thinking about death helps you live a better life”.

Knocking on Heaven’s Door

The Path to a Better Way of Death

Katy Butler
Scribner, 2013

This book was so packed with pertinent information that I’ve read it twice and underlined many passages! 

VSED Handbook

A Practical Guide to Voluntarily
Stopping Eating and Drinking

Kate Christie
Second Growth Books, 2022

A clear, short read for those who contemplate, or have family that contemplates “VSED”. Essential. 

Still Here

Embracing Aging, Changing and Dying

Ram Dass, author of “Be Here Now”
Riverhead Books, 2000

So many passages I underlined! Thoughts on LIVING.

Being Mortal

Medicine and What Matters in the End

Atul Gawande, MD
Simon and Schuster, 2019

We should all contemplate what makes a “good death”.

When Breath Becomes Air

Paul Kalanithi and Abraham Verghese
Random House, 2016

Again… “Good death”? “Good aging”? What should we all ponder?

End of Life Guideline Series

A Compilation of Barbara Karnes Booklets
Barbara Karnes Books, 1986-2024

Like all of Barbara’s booklets, this series is written in large print and the information is conveyed in a simple, direct yet gentle manner. The booklets range from 14 to 26 pages.

Nothing to Fear

Demystifying Death
to Live More Fully

Julie McFadden, RN, @HospiceNurseJulie
Tarcher Perigee, 2024

READ THIS! Also check out her many YouTube videos that are straight-talking about what death really looks like.
https://www.youtube.com/@hospicenursejulie

A Beginner’s Guide to the End

Practical Advice for Living Life and Facing Death

by BJ Miller, MD and Shoshana Berger
Scribner, 2013

Somehow they’ve made death “light and easy”, complete with cartoons and illustrations. Very graspable. 

Choosing to Die

A Personal Story: Elective Death by Voluntarily
Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED)
in the Face of Degenerative Disease

Phyllis Shacter
Second Growth Books, 2017

This is a personal story of one that chose VSED. It’s informative about an option we should all be aware of.