posted June 24, 2008 01:33 PM         

The American Book of Dying: Lessons In Healing Spiritual Pain (Hardcover)
by Richard Groves (Author), Henriette Anne Klauser

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Book Description
Dying raises fears and questions as old as humanity: What is a good death? What can the dying teach us? How do we prepare for death? How can you best support a dying friend or relative? Written for the non-professional caretaker, THE AMERICAN BOOK OF DYING is an invaluable resource that offers comfort, direction, and hope for those living and those dying. Drawing from real-life experiences, authors Richard F. Groves and Henriette Anne Klauser present a collection of nine stories, each illustrating a common archetype, as well as insightful, timeless lessons gleaned from each experience. THE AMERICAN BOOK OF DYING gives you permission and courage to trust your deepest instincts, as well as a reminder that, by telling the stories of those who have died, we remember and continue to learn from their experiences.

From the Publisher
*A collection of nine stories written for the nonprofessional caretaker, addressing common questions that arise when caring for someone who is dying. *Features extensive information and resources, including various therapies that ease the pain of the person you are caring for. *Includes a historic overview of the hospice movement, tracing the principles of the sacred art of dying back to ancient roots in the monastic, Celtic, Tibetan, and other traditions.

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http://www.amazon.com/American-Book-Dying-Lesso ns-Spiritual/dp/1587612380/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1214328321&sr=1-1

Showing Up and Staying Awake - What we must Learn!, July 20, 2005
By David Wendleton (Snoqualmie, WA) - See all my reviews

This book clearly engages the discussion of death and dying with new energy and clear wisdom drawn from the rich ancient traditions and experiences of those who have walked this path. The references to several "books of dying" highlight the thread and legacy passed on through all cultures and faith traditions regarding the meaning and transition related to death and dying.

The discussion regarding spiritual pain and the expression of this pain through questions of meaning, relationship, forgiveness, and hope has helped to deepen my ability to care for and listen actively to patients in my role as a hospice chaplain.

The highlight for me was the stories of patients and families who have "lived" this encounter with death. Richard Groves' ability to tell these important stories in relationship to the ancient wisdom of the enneagram brings clarity as to how we all appraoch life and death.

This book is a wonderful resource for patients, family members, those who are working with the dying, those in professional caregiver roles, and those wanting to learn. Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? (Report this)

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
the American Book of Dying:Lessons In Healing Spiritual Pain, July 9, 2005
By Carol V. Burr - See all my reviews

I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to understand the process of death as a peaceful transition from this life to the next. There is so much to learn from the dying that is confusion but this book takes you through all the experiences the dying have that is not of this world. You are truly in touch with the spiritual life when you walk the journey with someone who is dying. This book helps to make this experience a blessing and a privilege to be a part of. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a caregiver or has older parents or close to someone who is terminal. This book has also helped my not fear by own death. It is definately worth taking the time to read Richard Groves experiences. Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? (Report this)

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
TOP NOTCH, A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE, February 2, 2007
By John Anthony "Jon" (Detroit Michigan) - See all my reviews

posted June 24, 2008 01:35 PM         

From Library Journal
Health professionals are often sadly lacking in the training needed to deal with bereavement. A nurse who's worked in trauma centers and hospice settings for more than 35 years, Coberly was already an R.N. when her brother was diagnosed with cancer, from which he died, but she had had little helpful experience in relationships with terminally ill patients. Subsequently, Coberly learned about Tibetan Buddhism's view of death: it is not something to be feared but a perfectly natural happening, ordained to all of us. Coberly well addresses three topics: Western healthcare's view of death, Tibetan Buddhism's approach to dying, and advice for people who care for the terminally ill, both professionals and family members. She offers concrete recommendations for dealing with the dying, including what not to do or say, citing numerous examples based on her years of nursing experience. Also included is an extensive list of recommended readings. Recommended for public and academic libraries, and as a gift for anyone who may be in contact with a terminally ill friend, relative, or patient. Mary Prokop, Savannah Cty. Day Preparatory Sch., GA
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review
"A gift for anyone who may be in contact with a terminally ill friend, relative, or patient."— Library Journal "An important book for both caregivers and patients. Coberly compellingly demonstrates how terminally ill people can experience emotional and spiritual healing, even when they cannot be cured."
—Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing

posted June 24, 2008 01:38 PM         

December 21, 2006
By Philippe L. Gross "Book Lover" (Honolulu, HI USA) - See all my reviews

Anybody who knows somebody dear to them who is going to die should read this book.

Every nurse needs to read this book, November 12, 2003
By A Customer

This book was such a surprise to me. I didn't realize how much I needed to hear what was in it. I think all nurses, everywhere,
would get something out of what this book talks about. By the title it seems like it's a book for people who are dying, but it seems just as useful for anyone who cares about people whether they are dying or not. I am so glad that another nurse friend of mine gave me this book to read. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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THE BOOK has been written!, March 12, 2002
By Barbara W. Shirland (Honolulu, HI United States) - See all my reviews

Finally! The book has been written. During my 15 years as a hospice nurse, countless caregivers, students and volunteers have asked me "Which book should I read?" This is The Book, both succinctly written and easy to read. With great compassion, Dr. Coberly covers nearly all our secret fears and inadequacies by talking about her own beginnings using wonderful heart warming stories. Many of us have tried and failed to understand the Tibetan Books of the Dead. She makes the Tibetan Buddhist view on death and dying understandable to a Westerner. And she finishes this brilliant piece by giving us the tools we need to face death with great love. The annotated list of recommended readings alone is worth the price of the book. Nurses can log onto a website listed on the inside back cover and take a test for CEU's.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
Extremely helpful and easy to read too, July 28, 2003
By A Customer

I have a friend who is dying and I am afraid to visit him because I don't know how to act or what I am not supposed to say. I bought some other books about death and dying and Sacred Passage was also suggested. I didn't think I would like it because it has some Tibetan Buddhist stuff in it and I am a Catholic. But, anyway, I got it and liked it better than the other ones because it gave me some actual ways to act and also told me that if I don't know what to say I am not obligated to say anything, really. That was such an eye opener for me. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is forced to be around a dying person and feals afraid, like I am. This book gave me hope that I would be able to do it. I even bought two more copies to give to people for presents.
Thank you to the author for helping me so much. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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posted June 24, 2008 01:47 PM         

This review is from: Sacred Passage: How to Provide Fearless, Compassionate Care for the Dying (Hardcover)

This was a good book that expressed with great honesty what the
author was experiencing. I think anyone would get something new
out of this book.

Inspirational, February 12, 2003
By A Customer

This review is from: Sacred Passage: How to Provide Fearless, Compassionate Care for the Dying (Hardcover)