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brontherun's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a very practical guide to actions you can take as you (or a loved one) approach dying and the health conditions that are a precursor to dying.
The ability to line up compassionate and consistent resources for good dying and a good death is as difficult as getting a firstborn child in a good daycare quickly. The good facilities are often expensive and in high demand, causing a shortage of quality options.
On top of availability and affordability, the person approaching death needs a strong advocate. Katy Butler calls it like she sees it:
"It may take a village to die well, but it also takes one strong person willing to take ownership - the human equivalent of the central pole holding up a circus tent."
And it definitely feels like a circus around you, just about every day. Especially if the terminal disease is Alzheimer's/ Dementia.
The medical, spiritual, and practical aspects of guiding the reader to a better death experience are spelled out. And indeed, the medical aspects may seem the less pertinent. Butler explains:
"Perfection is not a goal of art; it is an ambition of technology and science. Arts are improvised out of the limited, imperfect materials at hand."
Barring the ability to 'purchase ' a good death, learning and developing your skills towards the arts of dying is a great benefit fot you and your family.
The ability to line up compassionate and consistent resources for good dying and a good death is as difficult as getting a firstborn child in a good daycare quickly. The good facilities are often expensive and in high demand, causing a shortage of quality options.
On top of availability and affordability, the person approaching death needs a strong advocate. Katy Butler calls it like she sees it:
"It may take a village to die well, but it also takes one strong person willing to take ownership - the human equivalent of the central pole holding up a circus tent."
And it definitely feels like a circus around you, just about every day. Especially if the terminal disease is Alzheimer's/ Dementia.
The medical, spiritual, and practical aspects of guiding the reader to a better death experience are spelled out. And indeed, the medical aspects may seem the less pertinent. Butler explains:
"Perfection is not a goal of art; it is an ambition of technology and science. Arts are improvised out of the limited, imperfect materials at hand."
Barring the ability to 'purchase ' a good death, learning and developing your skills towards the arts of dying is a great benefit fot you and your family.
apark1186's review against another edition
3.0
I do not know why I have read or sought out books on death and dying lately. Perhaps, it is the loss of the last few years, or the fact that my father hasn't been in the best of health, but I find comfort in these books, and the knowledge they provide me.
suesklansky's review against another edition
5.0
A no nonsense excellent guide for anyone over 50 who has given any thought to how they want to live well in their second half of life, and especially for anyone that is a caregiver, and anyone with a terminal illness. Information lessens the anxiety about death for all involved.
snuzzbobble's review against another edition
Felt US-centric and geared towards older readers.
rsolon6's review against another edition
5.0
EVERYONE should read this. I listened to the audio, but I’m buying it because I want it on my shelf. I was taking so many notes, it will be worth having.
wintermote's review against another edition
5.0
I’m buying a copy for my parents and one for my in-laws. This is such a fantastic resource for of practical suggestion and knowledge that empowers readers to have needed conversations around aging, dying, and advocating for yourself (or loved one) throughout that journey.
elisha_paige's review against another edition
4.0
I was aware of much of the frustrating aspects of palliative and end-of-life care due to my career in oncology. I applaud Ms. Butler for her call-to-arms for all of us to push for Medicare/insurance reform to change to quality of life care and not the "do-everything-at-any-cost-until-the -very-end care". I believe this book should be given to every person at their first Medicare physical.