Humans have expressed ideas about death since cave paintings and stone tablets. In this space we’re offering some more recent books that we find particularly important, thought provoking, and helpful.
Click on a book image for a full description.
If you have reading suggestions, click here!
Using the Buy Now button helps support the Alliance. Thank you.
The Art of Dying Well
“A common sense path to define what a ‘good’ death looks like” (USA TODAY), The Art of Dying Well is about living as well as possible for as long as possible and adapting successfully to change. Packed with extraordinarily helpful insights and inspiring true stories, award-winning journalist Katy Butler shows how to thrive in later life (even […]
Scripting Death: Stories of Assisted Dying in America
This book, writes NH Options ally Charles Felton, discusses the problems and various practical aspects navigating Vermont’s Patient Choice and Control at End of Life Act. The author is a research anthropologist at the Center for Bioethics at the University of North Carolina. She interviewed patients, caregivers, activists, healthcare providers, and legislators. It’s an important contribution for everyone working on legalizing medical aid in dying – and especially for us next door in New Hampshire. There’s a link to the author discussing her work: Watch here.
Farewell: Vital End-of-Life Questions with Candid Answers
Creagan is a cancer specialist and first board certified palliative care and hospice physician at the Mayo Clinic. He covers emotional and medical aspects of dying, including considerations for advance directives.
On Death and Dying: What the Dying Have to Teach Doctors, Nurses, Clergy and Their Own Families
We’ve all heard of Kübler-Ross and the five stages of grief. But how many have read her book? People haven’t changed since she wrote this now-classic. The stories, emotions, and challenges, addressed with her insight and humanity is well worth experiencing.
When My Time Comes
After her husband’s death, Rehm committed herself to the movement for death with dignity. The former NPR radio host interviewed a range of medical professionals, family members, advocates, ethicists, and others on both sides of right to die issues.