Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Harper Perennial; 10 Anv edition (January 9, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0061137596
ISBN-13: 978-0061137594
Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 0.6 x 8 inches
Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (47 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #58,141 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #87 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Sociology > Death #3263 in Books > Parenting & Relationships #8780 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting
I bought this book because my mother is dying and I needed to know more. Kessler has a wonderful way of delivering this knowledge. He is thorough in imparting this knowledge and does so with total compassion for the dying and the living. I underscored many passages in this work and especially appreciated someone telling me (chapter 8) what can I expect in the way of physical signs as mom goes through the dying process. This book is very user friendly having a very readable quality. I strongly recommend it!
I have loved Kübler -Ross's work and bought this book when I bought "On Grief and Grieving" by her and David Kessler. I have had it by my bed for months now. I thought that Kübler Ross's last book with Kessler is one of the best books on Grief I have ever read. Now after reading "The Needs of the Dying" I am so sorry I waited so long to read it. Any one who has a loved one with a terminal illness needs this book. It begins with how to deal with the diagnosis, the importance of hope and very helpful tips on getting the help you need from the medical system. It has two great chapters on dealing with pain and preventing unnecessary suffering. There is great information on medications and the fear of addiction. It has sections on advanced directives and how to use them in the hospital situation. What I loved the most is it gives you the information that the doctors and nurses don't always have time to explain. Beside the vital medical information it just has great suggestions on how to have the hard conversations. There are great stories with examples on what to say and not to say to children and insightful information on spirituality. David even talks about people having visions as they near death. It also tenderly describes what to expect at the end. It helps you feel like you can have some control in a situation that makes you feel you have lost all control. I wish I had this book when my loved one was dying. I know this is not a book that anyone wants to read, but if you find yourself in this situation , do not wait to read this book. I now know why Mother Teresa, Marianne Williamson and Elisabeth Kübler Ross and my friends felt this book was important. I highly recommend it. Don't miss the comfort it will bring you and your loved ones.
As a baby boomer, I have more and more friends dealing with their own illnesses or with the terminal illnesses of their friends and parents. I have ordered a stock of Mr. Kessler's book to give to them. It offers helpful advice on how to communicate in a compassionate and loving way--whether you are suffering from your own illness and trying to find a way to talk about it or trying to talk to dying friends or family. It is extraordinarily difficult to know how to approach the subject of dying--this book is a godsend.
I bought this book when my Dad was entering into the final few months of his life and I wanted to go through this final chapter of his life with him in a meaningful way. David Kessler provides information on the needs of the dying in a kind, compassionate and truthful way. I find knowledge to be comforting and grounding. If you do also, this book will be a special gift to yourself.
This is the book that has guided and supported me as a hospice social worker over the past 8 years. Kessler brings clarity and wisdom about the needs of the dying that can be used by everyone involved in the process, including the dying individual and their loved ones. My copy is so dog eared, highlighted and annotated, I bought another copy today. I also appreciate how well the book is organized. I never fail to find an answer to a question I am thinking about or some wit or wisdom to help me solve a problem with a patient. Thank you, David, for writing this book! Anyone interested in "bringing hope, comfort and love to life's final chapter" will find much to help them in this book.
First I want to say that there are a number of good points and areas of this book that will provide comfort to many. BUT for those who are well read on the subject of death and dying this book leaves a bit to be desired. I think I could have been more invested in this book if the author had written it from something other than the "I" perspective..,to use a previous reviewers term. Additionally, it could have been much more inclusive of people who either don't believe in any god or believe in a different spiritual or emotional guide in their lives. Some of the analogies are a bit cheesy and I found myself doing a bit of eye rolling and saying "give me a break". The issue of dying is emotional enough without needing to add empty sentiment such as ...the loss of a grain of sand impacts the world. A bit much for my taste. For a more inclusive and less self-absorbed perspective I would recommend Final Gifts over this book.
A must-read for anyone who is experiencing the death of a loved one. This book really helps you understand what your father or mother or other loved one is experiencing, and gives you practical suggestions for how to deal with all the emotions YOU might be experiencing. Beautifully written and easy to read without a bunch of psycho-babble.Thank you David Kessler.
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