Books matching: death and mortality
100 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
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 ... - #2
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... '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...- #4
"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... - #5
'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... '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...- #7
'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.
- #8
"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... - #9
"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.
In times such as ours there is a great pressure to come up with concepts that help men understand their dilemma; there is an urge toward vital ideas, toward a simplification of needless intellectual c... - #10
Mort by Terry Pratchett follows the story of Mort, an unsuccessful farmer who is chosen as an apprentice to Death. As Mort navigates his new role, he impulsively saves a doomed princess, challenging fate and love. The book explores themes of life and death, duty, and the consequences of meddling with the natural order. Pratchett's writing style is humorous, witty, and inventive, with memorable characters like Death and Mort bringing depth and humor to the narrative.
In Mort, Pratchett weaves a tale of unlikely friendships, self-discovery, and the complexities of the afterlife. Through Mort's journey as Death's apprentice, readers are treated to a blend of satire, clever wordplay, and poignant moments that explore the human experience in a fantastical setting. The book's plot is engaging, with a mix of humor, absurdity, and heartfelt moments that keep readers entertained and invested in the whimsical world of Discworld.
A light frost began to crisp the cobblestones. In the ornamental clock tower that overlooked the square a couple of delicately-carved little automatons whirred out of trapdoors in the clockface and st...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Discworld )