Scan barcode
r0b3rta's review against another edition
5.0
I was not familiar with his work but read a review of the book and thought it would be an interesting read. Over the last few years I've attended more funerals than weddings. Most were friends' whose mother or father passed. More and more of my friends have family members who are/were ill. Death has definitely visited family members. Hitchens's writing is very honest and if you have a few hours and are at ease with your own mortality I highly recommend the book.
"Death is the dark backing that a mirror needs if we are to see anything (Saul Bellow).”
"Death is the dark backing that a mirror needs if we are to see anything (Saul Bellow).”
merilyn_ohtla's review against another edition
informative
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
"Mortality" by Christopher Hitchens presents a departure from conventional discussions on impending death by rejecting religious solace in favour of unvarnished truth. Hitchens bravely confronts his oesophagal cancer diagnosis with his characteristic blend of courage and intellect, inviting readers into the deeply personal journey he undertakes.
What distinguishes "Mortality" is Hitchens' steadfast refusal to embrace simplistic explanations or artificial comforts. Instead, he navigates the complexities of his illness with exceptional clarity, uncovering moments of beauty and significance amid the pain and uncertainty.
In a society often saturated with religious interpretations of death, Hitchens offers a refreshing perspective. He urges readers to confront mortality with bravery and sincerity, emphasizing that our reaction to death is a deeply personal choice.
voodoo_dexter's review
4.0
I am amazed how the dark concept of death was described with such wit and curiosity. The author did what he did when living. This is the first book I read by him, but surely curious enough to search for other titles. I have earlier read another book based on a similar scenario, by Randy Pausch, titled "The Last Lecture". Even though a quick read, this book dives deep into your questioning and healthy contemplation.
alyshadeshae's review against another edition
5.0
I knew this book would be about death, but I didn't realize that this was about his death. That was an oversight on my part because I literally said "oh, this one from Hitchens is short-ish and I can easily read it this morning before work since I can't sleep" and didn't read the blurb. I was crying for parts of this for him. He's a brilliant writer and this was a powerful insight into his last years.
rbixby's review against another edition
5.0
This is a wonderful coda for a writer of incomparable intellect and skill.