Recommended Reads about Death, Dying, and Bereavement

There are a lot of books out there about death, dying, grief, and mourning. Some are exceptional, others...not so much. I'm trying to read as many of them as I can so I can better direct my readers to the ones worth buying. I do have some favorites that I consider must-reads for anyone facing a terminal illness and their caregivers. Here's my list:

1. Dying Well by Dr. Ira Byock - A classic book about how to have a "good death". Dr. Byock is one of my favorite experts on death and dying.
2. The Four Things that Matter Most - Another book by Dr. Ira Byock and another excellent read. This book applies to everyone, not just those facing death.
3. The End-of-Life Handbook by David B. Feldman, PH.D. and S. Andrew Lasher, Jr. - Directed to both patients and primarily their caregivers, this book should be on your short list of ones to buy. And if you're ever lucky enough to hear one of these gentleman speak, you won't be disappointed. They are both exceptionally smart, compassionate, and funny.
4. Final Gifts - If you wonder what yours or your loved ones final moment might look like, this is a fascinating look into the dying process and the gifts it can bring us. Any hospice nurse can easily relate to the stories in the book, as they have likely witnessed similar extraordinary phenomenon.
5. The Gifts of Grief: A Film by Nancee Sobonya - This isn't a read, but rather an exceptional film about the grieving process. Grief and the healing process is examined through the stories of survivors. The film is often showed at grief conferences and support groups. If you have the opportunity to view this film, don't miss it!

There you have it, my short list of must-reads. The list is ever-growing as I read more books. Please recommend your favorite books in the comment section below.

You can read more Book Reviews with links to purchase the ones that interest you the most.