The divine art of dying : how to live well while dying /

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Author / Creator:Speerstra, Karen, author.
Imprint:Studio City, CA : DIVINE ARTS, [2014]
Description:xviii, 268 pages ; 23 cm
Language:English
Subject:
Format: Print Book
Local Note:Library's copy gift of Kathleen Billman.
URL for this record:http://pi.lib.uchicago.edu/1001/cat/bib/13211640
Hidden Bibliographic Details
Other authors / contributors:Anderson, Herbert, 1936- author.
Byock, Ira, author of introduction, etc.
Billman, Kathleen D. (Kathleen Diane), 1950- donor.
ISBN:9781611250237 (pbk.)
1611250234 (pbk.)
Notes:Includes bibliographical references (pages 264-267).
committed to retain from JKM Seminaries Library 2023 JKM University of Chicago Library
Summary:"The Divine Art of Dying" explores the unique moment when seriously ill people choose to turn toward death. Combining personal stories with solid research on palliative and hospice care, it provides a well-integrated look at the spiritual dimensions of living fully when death is near. Filled with insights from the world's great wisdom traditions along with references from literature, movies, and current culture, it helps identify the life decisions the dying one and his or her loved ones must make, and what their caregivers can expect.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review

In this courageous and welcome addition to the end-of-life genre, Speerstra (Colors: The Language of Light) and Anderson (Mutuality Matters: Family, Faith, and Just Love) collaborate to produce an intellectually rich and passionately intimate exploration of dying. In four sections, "Taking the Turn toward Death", "Orienting toward Death", "Living Until We Die", and "Dying into Life," the authors trace the spiritual path that begins when someone decides to enter hospice care. Chapters begin with selections from Karen's Hospice Journal, written in a personable, reflective tone that invites readers to walk alongside Speerstra during the final stages of her life journey: "As time goes on, increased dosages of morphine have become a trustworthy companion to dull the pain and make sleep possible. But I continue to want to be awake during those precious last moments." Reflections from her family members and friends augment her story, and Anderson offers insightful theological reflections: "The nearness of death heightens our awareness of ordinary moments as bearers of grace." Bite-sized practical tips under the rubric "From the Caregivers Handbook" close each chapter. A valuable resource; this books brims with wisdom and grace. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.


Review by Publisher's Weekly Review