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.
Nothing to Fear Journal
Questions and Reflections for Demystifying and Preparing for the End of Life
Julie McFadden, RN, @HospiceNurseJulie
Tarcher Perigee, 2025
From bestselling author and compassionate expert @hospicenursejulie, a comforting and practical companion for making peace with the end of life.
Millions of fans look to hospice nurse Julie McFadden for insights on the end of life—what to expect, how to help a loved one who is approaching death, and how to manage our emotions to replace fear and denial with hope and acceptance.
On the heels of her bestselling book Nothing to Fear, this guided journal offers readers a tool for exploring these essential topics on a personal level, with thought-provoking questions that prompt reflection, clarification, planning, and more.
Briefly Perfectly Human
Making an Authentic Life
by Getting Real About 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”.
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.
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!
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.
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.
LGBTQIA+ Ally