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hedyd's review
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Full of practical information, check lists, words to say to get your point across to family and medical professionals.
bafeltz's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Thank you, I love you, I forgive you, Forgive me, Good bye!
social_eyes's review against another edition
Great book but I feel too young for it rn
carolpk's review
As I get older and loved ones die, the question of a good death has become important to me. Not only to help those I love leave this life as peacefully as possible but also that my own death will be the same. I have read many books on death and dying but none has resonated with me as much as
The Art of Dying Well: A Practical Guide to a Good End of Life by Katy Butler. It is a practical guide to all stages of the stages of life and of dying. It is well organized and includes a glossary, resources, notes, an index and many thought provoking as well as ways to plan for that best death.
If I'm not to die without a struggle in the middle of the night, I want to be ready, I want my family to know my wishes, I want my doctors to listen to me, I want palliative care, I want to face death and look it in the eye on my terms. I also want to be able to help those that will go before me do the same.
I borrowed this book from my local library but need my own copy. I'd like to buy a few copies to give to others. The Art of Dying Well is chock full of useful information but is also a personal read, a personal journey, a personal experience for each individual. Highly recommended.
The Art of Dying Well: A Practical Guide to a Good End of Life by Katy Butler. It is a practical guide to all stages of the stages of life and of dying. It is well organized and includes a glossary, resources, notes, an index and many thought provoking as well as ways to plan for that best death.
If I'm not to die without a struggle in the middle of the night, I want to be ready, I want my family to know my wishes, I want my doctors to listen to me, I want palliative care, I want to face death and look it in the eye on my terms. I also want to be able to help those that will go before me do the same.
I borrowed this book from my local library but need my own copy. I'd like to buy a few copies to give to others. The Art of Dying Well is chock full of useful information but is also a personal read, a personal journey, a personal experience for each individual. Highly recommended.
dcmr's review
4.0
Katy Butler offers practical end-of-life advice in a clear, warm and wise manner. This is an excellent guide. I just wish more doctors shared her perspective on quality-over-quantity of life. It takes real perseverance (and a lot of mental and emotional energy) to push back against doctors who want to run more tests, more meds, more action.
brontherun's review
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
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.