Take a photo of a barcode or cover
krdegan 's review for:
From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death
by Caitlin Doughty
I enjoy books that present global traditions in a respectful manner. One of my favorite parenting books is How Eskimos Keep their Babies Warm. This book reminded me of that one -- obviously not because of the content but because of the manner in which different practices around the world were presented.
My experience with the death industry in the US has been very disappointing -- my son's cremation was handled without any warmth or compassion (or even respect) from the funeral home, whereas my cat's cremation was done with tremendous sensitivity and warmth. Ever since my son's death, I have wanted to read about practices in other cultures; surely there is a lot to learn from people who have preserved traditions that pre-date American institutionalization of intimate practices -- from birth to death. This book was informative and respectful and a great conversation starter to discuss our loved ones' true wishes. I envy the community in which death planning is so normal that people's wishes are known and discussed in everyday conversation. And I hope that the US will somehow break free of the hold that the funereal service monopoly holds over price setting and environmentally toxic practices, allowing people to have more options that are gentle on the earth and the wallet, and ultimately the survivors.
My experience with the death industry in the US has been very disappointing -- my son's cremation was handled without any warmth or compassion (or even respect) from the funeral home, whereas my cat's cremation was done with tremendous sensitivity and warmth. Ever since my son's death, I have wanted to read about practices in other cultures; surely there is a lot to learn from people who have preserved traditions that pre-date American institutionalization of intimate practices -- from birth to death. This book was informative and respectful and a great conversation starter to discuss our loved ones' true wishes. I envy the community in which death planning is so normal that people's wishes are known and discussed in everyday conversation. And I hope that the US will somehow break free of the hold that the funereal service monopoly holds over price setting and environmentally toxic practices, allowing people to have more options that are gentle on the earth and the wallet, and ultimately the survivors.