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3.71k reviews for:
From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death
Caitlin Doughty
4.32 AVERAGE
3.71k reviews for:
From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death
Caitlin Doughty
4.32 AVERAGE
I'm fascinated by this subject, but ultimately Caitlin Doughty's works don't click with me, not sure why. If I had to put forth a real complaint it's that the author often makes it seem like other cultures do death...better? Which is an interesting take but this book doesn't really go into much sociological depth so it can feel like Doughty puts forth this bias with no backing. Really though, that's a minor thing and only minorly contributes to my tepid reaction while reading this book. It just didn't work that well for me, it was fine.
(3.5/5)
I arguably waited too long to write this review so I don't remember enough to make meaningful commentary, BUT this book was great! not as good as her other book, which literally changed my life, but still good! I found her other memoir to be more meaningful because it focused on her personal history, her motivations to join the death industry, and the problems that western countries have facing death; the content was more eye-opening.
this book, however, was more of an objective exploration of death practices around the world. objectivity is great; that was kind of her whole point writing the book, that we shouldn't judge the practices of others. still, it felt much more informative and "hey look at this" (neutral-- it felt neutral) than her other work, which was more "this is why this industry is important, and these are the gut-wrenching things I've experienced while realizing its importance." I'd say it had a more powerful message, but the difference is so big it's almost not worth comparing.
"from here to eternity" helped me find a couple more places to add my tourist bucket list, and it did a good job highlighting things that could fill the deficit of meaning that Americans struggle to attribute to end-of-life rituals. caitlin did a great job (as per usual) handling death and its subjects with all the tact and humor of a veteran mortician. I felt re-inspired to make sure I'm prepared emotionally, physically, and even legally for the eventual deaths of myself and those I know. still-- despite the fact that she probably wasn't trying to do the same thing twice-- I was comparing this to her memoir too much to really enjoy it. solid read nonetheless!
I arguably waited too long to write this review so I don't remember enough to make meaningful commentary, BUT this book was great! not as good as her other book, which literally changed my life, but still good! I found her other memoir to be more meaningful because it focused on her personal history, her motivations to join the death industry, and the problems that western countries have facing death; the content was more eye-opening.
this book, however, was more of an objective exploration of death practices around the world. objectivity is great; that was kind of her whole point writing the book, that we shouldn't judge the practices of others. still, it felt much more informative and "hey look at this" (neutral-- it felt neutral) than her other work, which was more "this is why this industry is important, and these are the gut-wrenching things I've experienced while realizing its importance." I'd say it had a more powerful message, but the difference is so big it's almost not worth comparing.
"from here to eternity" helped me find a couple more places to add my tourist bucket list, and it did a good job highlighting things that could fill the deficit of meaning that Americans struggle to attribute to end-of-life rituals. caitlin did a great job (as per usual) handling death and its subjects with all the tact and humor of a veteran mortician. I felt re-inspired to make sure I'm prepared emotionally, physically, and even legally for the eventual deaths of myself and those I know. still-- despite the fact that she probably wasn't trying to do the same thing twice-- I was comparing this to her memoir too much to really enjoy it. solid read nonetheless!
A fascinating exploration of what it means to care for the dead. Mortician Caitlin Doughty travels around the world to learn about how people of various backgrounds handle the death in their communities. It explores the connections between how humans react to death and bodies and how cultures treat (or ignore) death.
adventurous
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Even though I had to read this for class, I thought it was great. The book revolves around thanatourism, where we follow Doughty as she travels to different parts of the world (including different parts of the U.S) to learn about a culture's death rituals. Each chapter broadened my perspective on different cultural practices and also informed me more about how the death industry in the West often works.
I've been obsessed about this book since I've started it, even talking about it with my partner, friends, and family because it opens up a great conversation. The only thing I didn't really like about this book is Doughty's prose, because it was giving quirky millennial at times, but I was able to look past it.
I would like to mention that I was also disappointed with the lack of African or African derived cultures despite being marketed as her going on a global expedition. I get that traveling to certain places could be hard, especially to view death practices, but the North Carolina chapter really got my hopes up. At this point though, I've learned that "global perspectives" will never include Africa, or just black people in general; and people seem to be fine with that for some reason, so whatever.
I've been obsessed about this book since I've started it, even talking about it with my partner, friends, and family because it opens up a great conversation. The only thing I didn't really like about this book is Doughty's prose, because it was giving quirky millennial at times, but I was able to look past it.
I would like to mention that I was also disappointed with the lack of African or African derived cultures despite being marketed as her going on a global expedition. I get that traveling to certain places could be hard, especially to view death practices, but the North Carolina chapter really got my hopes up. At this point though, I've learned that "global perspectives" will never include Africa, or just black people in general; and people seem to be fine with that for some reason, so whatever.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Medical content
Moderate: Body horror, Gore, Misogyny, Religious bigotry
Minor: Child death, Miscarriage, Abortion, Death of parent
medium-paced
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
This book reminds me that maybe the best way to cope with death is simply to embrace it. See it, realize it, know it, and enjoy your time for it is precious.
"All that surrounds us comes from death, every part of every city, and every part of every person."
"All that surrounds us comes from death, every part of every city, and every part of every person."
Wow, what a fantastic read! So fascinating. The kind of book I'll over-share about at the dinner table. Kind of excited about planning my own funeral now?
adventurous
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
This was an appropriate Literati Finding Wonder book club selection for October, and it’s my favorite of Doughty’s three books. A “Mondo Cane” of today’s death rituals around the world, it immediately struck me as a more jovial “Dark Tourist” and then near the end I learned the proper term for this sort of roving macabre curiosity: thanotourism.