Books matching: death and mortality
100 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:A moving, beautifully written memoir that explores life, death, purpose, and the human spirit - guaranteed to make you reflect on what really matters. Highly recommended, especially for fans of introspective nonfiction.
In "When Breath Becomes Air" by Paul Kalanithi, readers are taken on a poignant journey through the author's experiences as a neurosurgeon facing a terminal cancer diagnosis. The book beautifully captures Kalanithi's reflections on life, death, and the pursuit of meaning amidst his battle with illness. Through eloquent writing and a blend of medical insights, personal anecdotes, and literary references, Kalanithi shares his profound thoughts on mortality, resilience, and the importance of living purposefully even in the face of imminent death.
PAUL DIED ON MONDAY, March 9, 2015, surrounded by his family, in a hospital bed roughly two hundred yards from the labor and delivery ward where our daughter, Cady, had entered the world eight months...January 2016•244 pages - #2
Save:A short, moving, and uplifting read that offers timeless life lessons - sometimes familiar, but always with heart. Worth picking up if you need some perspective or a gentle emotional reset.
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom is a heartwarming memoir that follows the touching relationship between a student and his professor, Morrie Schwartz, as Morrie faces his battle with ALS. The book delves into deep conversations held between the two characters every Tuesday, exploring life lessons, love, and the importance of relationships. Albom's writing style is described as emotional, insightful, and thought-provoking, capturing the essence of Morrie's wisdom and philosophy towards life and death.
He had always been a dancer, my old professor. The music didn’t matter. Rock and roll, big band, the blues. He loved them all. He would close his eyes and with a blissful smile begin to move to his ow...1994•213 pages A short, touching, and easy-to-read fable about the unseen impact we have on others’ lives - perfect for those who love comforting, thoughtful stories that linger with you after the last page.
'The Five People You Meet in Heaven' by Mitch Albom follows the journey of Eddie, an 82-year-old man who dies trying to save a little girl. In heaven, he meets five people who demonstrate that his life had more meaning and impact than he had realized. Through these encounters, Eddie learns valuable lessons about interconnectedness, the importance of every life, and the hidden influences people can have on one another. is described as a heartwarming and thought-provoking exploration of life, death, and the deeper meanings behind our actions and relationships.
The writing style of the book is often praised for being quick, easy to read, and engaging. Readers appreciate the creative premise, the emotional depth of the characters, and the way the narrative prompts reflection on one's own life and relationships. While some find the book to be light and lacking in substance, many readers are drawn to its themes of interconnectedness, redemption, and the idea that every life has a purpose and impact on others.
THIS IS A STORY ABOUT A MAN named Eddie and it begins at the end, with Eddie dying in the sun. It might seem strange to start a story with an ending. But all endings are also beginnings. We just don’t...April 2003•215 pages- #4
Save:A beautifully written, heart-tugging YA novel that’s both clever and devastating - a must-read for anyone who likes their love stories real, funny, and a little bit messy.
"The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green follows the story of Hazel, a teenager battling terminal cancer who meets Augustus at a support group, leading to a deep and poignant romance. The book delves into themes of life, love, friendship, and death, offering a unique perspective on facing mortality with humor and grace. Green's writing style is described as witty, emotionally captivating, and realistic, portraying teenage characters dealing with philosophical issues and existential questions in a relatable manner.
Late in the winter of my seventeenth year, my mother decided I was depressed, presumably because I rarely left the house, spent quite a lot of time in bed, read the same book over and over, ate infreq...2010•336 pages - #5
Save:A masterful and haunting collection: brilliant, challenging, and essential for fans of thoughtful, darker science fiction.
'Her Smoke Rose Up Forever' by James Tiptree Jr. is a collection of bleak and twisty science fiction tales that delve into profound issues while showcasing the author's unique perspective. The stories cover themes such as femicide, gender roles, sexuality, and the inevitability of death, all presented in a thought-provoking and emotionally impactful manner. Tiptree's writing style is described as sophisticated, deep, and sometimes incomprehensible yet achingly emotional, rewarding readers with layers of meaning upon re-reading.
Jilshat pushed the heavy cargo loader as fast as she dared through the darkness, praying that she would not attract the attention of the Terran guard under the floodlights ahead. The last time she pas...1985•516 pages Profound, poetic, and challenging - Rilke’s Notebooks is more about the experience than the story, rewarding curious and patient readers with haunting beauty and insight, but likely to baffle or bore those looking for a conventional novel.
'The Notebooks of Malte Laurids Brigge' by Rainer Maria Rilke is a novel that follows the reflections and observations of Malte Brigge, a young Danish aristocrat living in Paris. The book delves into Malte's childhood memories, his experiences in Paris, and his contemplations on themes like death, family, and existentialism. The narrative is non-linear, fragmented, and reads more like poetry than a traditional novel, challenging readers to view the world differently.
The book lacks a clear plot and jumps abruptly between episodes and intellectual themes, giving it a disjointed quality. Despite the fragmented narration, Rilke's descriptions of Paris street scenes and his character's reminiscences of childhood in Denmark are praised for their beauty and vivid imagery. The prose is noted for its intensity and poetic quality, showcasing Rilke's skills as a poet through themes of death, love, and self-reflection.
[1] This, then, is where people come to live; I'd have thought it more of a place to die. I have been out. I saw hospitals. I saw one man who tottered and then collapsed. People gathered around him, w...1910•236 pages- #7
Save:A beautifully atmospheric, emotion-filled historical paranormal romance that packs a punch in just a few pages – perfect for anyone seeking a quick but memorable read.
'Follow Me to the Yew Tree' by Desiree M. Niccoli is a novella that tells the tale of Eireann, a woman who has made a deal with death and serves as his herald. When she meets Elin, a man destined for death, she sees a glimpse of the life they could have together and decides to fight against fate to help him cheat death. The story is a blend of sweet, heartfelt, sexy, and mysterious elements intertwined with Irish folklore. The writing style is hauntingly beautiful, explicit, and evocative, with well-developed characters that leave a lasting impact on the reader.
Alarm stabs in my chest, my eyes swimming with unbidden tears. In my haste to dry them , I’m clumsy with the canteen and spill our water. There’s a wail, too, building in my diaphragm that I forcibly...January 2024•87 pages A thoughtful, compassionate, and necessary book about aging, dying, and the choices that shape the end of our stories. Read it before you think you need to - your future self and loved ones will thank you.
'Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End' by Atul Gawande is a deeply touching examination of how Americans deal with end-of-life issues. The author draws on his own medical practice and personal experiences to highlight the importance of prioritizing quality of life and dignity in the final stages. Through a blend of personal anecdotes and medical research, Gawande explores the societal approach to mortality, advocating for a shift towards hospice care, terminal care, and individual autonomy in end-of-life decision-making. The book presents a thought-provoking narrative on the need for open conversations about mortality and the importance of respecting the wishes of the elderly and terminally ill individuals.
Growing up, I never witnessed serious illness or the difficulties of old age. My parents, both doctors, were fit and healthy. They were immigrants from India, raising me and my sister in the small col...October 2014•303 pages- #9
Save:A funny, illuminating, sometimes gut-wrenching deep dive into the death industry that challenges taboos and will make you rethink how we approach death - recommended for curious minds and the morbidly inclined!
"Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" by Caitlin Doughty is a memoir about the author's experiences working in the funeral industry, specifically at a crematorium. Doughty delves into the cultural views and practices surrounding death, providing an eye-opening look into how different societies deal with mortality. Her writing style is described as humorous, enlightening, and thought-provoking, as she shares her journey of confronting fears and misconceptions about death.
Doughty's book offers a candid exploration of the funeral industry, demystifying the process of caring for the deceased and shedding light on the often taboo topic of death. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, she challenges readers to rethink their perceptions of mortality and embrace the inevitability of death as a natural part of life. The book combines informative insights with a touch of dark humor, making it an engaging and educational read for those curious about death practices and the human experience.
My second day at Westwind I met Padma. It wasn’t that Padma was gross. “Gross” is such a simple word, with simple connotations. Padma was more like a creature from a horror film, cast in the lead role...September 2014•274 pages - #10
Save:A profound, mind-bending meditation on the role of death anxiety in human life - equal parts challenging and illuminating. Not for the faint of heart, but likely to change how you think about everything.
"The Denial of Death" by Ernest Becker delves into the concept that all human behavior is driven by the fear of death. Becker explores how individuals and societies construct elaborate mechanisms to shield themselves from the reality of mortality, leading to a range of psychological and existential tensions. Drawing from psychology, existentialism, and anthropology, Becker presents a multidisciplinary analysis of the human condition, emphasizing the eternal struggle between the animalistic nature of man and the quest for immortality through heroic actions. Despite the heavy psychological jargon and academic writing style, Becker's work challenges readers to confront their fear of death and the illusions they create to cope with this fundamental existential dilemma.
1973•337 pages
