The Art of Dying: The Only Book for Persons Facing Their Own Death [Paperback]

Patricia Weenolsen (Author), Bernie S. Siegel (Author), M. Brewster Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 1997

The Art of Dying shows us how to do it well. Practical and encouraging in tone, it leads us through the conflicts we all seek to resolve in our "end time"--from early physical concerns about pain and changes in appearance; to emotional concerns over relatives and reconciliation; to psychological concerns over loss of control and loss of identity; to spiritual concerns and the need to feel that our life has had meaning. Author Patricia Weenolsen, Ph.D., has helped thousands of men and women struggle with these universal yet seldom-discussed issues. With the help of case histories, exercises, and Weenolsen's own warm yet straightforward advice, we learn to integrate the many positive gifts that death and dying bestow upon us.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

For those with terminal illnesses, dying can be a lingering process. While there are many books to help the bereaved, few are available to ease the transition to death for dying people themselves. Weenolsen is a psychologist specializing in counseling the terminally ill. Her book touches on a variety of end-of-life concerns from the practical to the spiritual to help the dying make the most of the remainder of their lives and find meaning in death. Coming to terms with the disease itself, managing pain, planning funerals, making peace with loved ones, deciding about terminal care, and learning what the final experience of death is like are considered in a matter-of-fact way?a reassuring yet sensitive approach to difficult subjects. Although the author argues the pros and cons of euthanasia and belief in an afterlife, her obvious bias in favor of both may be off-putting to some readers. Overall, a good addition to thanatology collections.?Karen McNally Bensing,
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"This practical and encouraging book shows how dying can heal us, and helps us make the final transition a time of love and new beginnings."--Bernie Siegel, M.D.

"The Art of Dying speaks to modern readers with refreshing frankness and wit. It covers the subject thoroughly, from how to inform relatives of impending death, to coping with pain and fear, to death rituals, to preparing for a possible afterlife or, depending on one's viewpoint, the end of it all."--Publishers Weekly

"Along with our caring presence, this book may be the finest gift we can give someone facing the last stage of life."--Rabbi Harold Kushner, author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People

"Dr. Weenolsen . . . doesn't duck the tough questions . . . [or] impose her own answers to them: She goes a long way toward enabling the reader to find ways of coping that are right for him or her. Her book is at once hope-inspiring and clear-headed."--from the preface by M. Brewster Smith Ph.D., former president of the American Psychological Association

"This book gives the same things a good support group does--compassionate sympathy and practical advice for people sharing pain. It will be a Godsend."--Rebecca Brown, author of Gifts of the Baby

"A simple, straightforward guide for dying persons, at once practical and spiritual, with the pervasive themes of hope and love. The author's wisdom, warmth, and wit make it particuarly compelling. It is also for family and friends of dying persons, for professionals in the health-care fields, and for those who train them."--Hannelore Wass, Ph.D., founding editor, Death Studies

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Product Details

• Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (September 15, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312167768
• ISBN-13: 978-0312167769
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,104,569 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

67 of 68 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical book that speaks directly to the dying person., July 6, 1998

By 

Lorraine Johnston - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of Dying: How to Leave This World With Dignity and Grace, at Peace With Yourself and Your Loved Ones (Hardcover)

In my search for material to help those dying of lymphoma, I found many books for caregivers, for the bereaved, and for therapists who aid the dying, but only a few books that speak directly to the dying person. Weenolsen's book fills the gap.

The Art of Dying offers much information, including very practical information, for dealing with the end of life--information not present in many other books, most of which focus primarily on the spirituality of dying, and communicating with loved ones before you die. Although these are terribly important issues, practical advice about arranging finances, preparing advance directives to ensure for or against extraordinary resuscitation efforts, and learning what to expect in the last few moments of life are questions that have been addressed in few other books.

In particular, I appreciate Weenolsen's very pragmatic list of things not to say to children. For instance, she recommends you not say you're "just going to sleep," lest they develop a subsequent fear of sleeping.

If you're facing death soon, or if you believe that one ought to prepare to die at any time, this book will serve you well.

5.0 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT for the Terminally Ill, February 1, 2012

By 

GirlBerry - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Art of Dying: The Only Book for Persons Facing Their Own Death (Paperback)

When I was diagnosed with terminal cancer at a relatively young age, and told I didn't have long to live, I looked to various sources for guidance and help. But my quest found me frustrated by trying to talk with my doctors, get advice from clergy, relatives, friends, and loved ones who really didn't "get it." Of course they are supportive and loving and helpful and we are blessed to have them in our lives, but they really can't understand. For once you are told you have a month to live, or a year, or whatever, your whole life changes. Your perspectives change. Your concepts of time, your friendships, your values. If you are not terminally ill, you can't understand. But this book does. It's the piece that was missing.

The Art of Dying helps guide you through all the hard-to-discuss stuff, the stuff you don't know you should know, the myriad of feelings, thoughts, and problems with which the terminally ill must face. It discusses things like how to get your things in order, how to deal with loved ones you leave behind, how to ask for help, how to tell your children about your prognosis, perspectives on what happens after we die, forgiveness, how to deal with knowing you won't be around next Christmas, or to meet your grandchildren, retire, etc. It helps answer questions, take away the fear and give you peace of mind you can't get from those who aren't on this path right now. It is written in an informative, non-religious (not anti-religious), practical way. Even my terminally-ill support group and experienced oncology therapist couldn't do for me what this book did. The information is useful, practical, humorous, thorough, and deals with difficult subjects so you can better deal with the situation you're in too. This book was one of the best books I've ever read. It is fabulous as a guide, resource, and friend. I give it my highest recommendation.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars QUESTIONS TO ASK IN GETTING READY FOR DEATH, September 15, 2010

By 

James L. Park "James Leonard Park" (Minneapolis, MN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Art of Dying: How to Leave This World with Dignity and Grace, at Peace with Yourself and Your Loved Ones (Hardcover)

Patricia Weenolsen, PhD

The Art of Dying:
How to Leave This World with Dignity and Grace,
at Peace with Yourself and Your Loved Ones

(New York: St. Martin's Press, 1996) 299 pages
(ISBN: 0-312-14278-1; hardcover)
(Library of Congress call number: BF789.D4W34 1996)

The author is a psychologist with extensive experience
dealing with the issues surrounding death and dying.
This wide-ranging book raises all the most important questions.
And when the right questions are asked,
that does not limit the depth of the replies we can make.

Large parts of the book are really about coping with illness and disability
rather than preparing for death.
The book is popular and optimistic in tone.
And some readers will find the answers to be superficial.
But it is always worth raising the questions.
Check the table of contents
for a good overview of The Art of Dying.

If you would like to know about other books on getting ready to die,
search the Internet for the following exact expression:
"Best Books on Preparing for Death".

James Leonard Park, existential philosopher.