In the Checklist of Life: A "Working Book" to Help You Live and Leave This Life! [Paperback]

Lynn McPhelimy (Author), Martin McPhelimy (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

"Death is certain. Life is not." So begins this commonsensical, infinitely useful workbook that's aimed at helping your survivors handle the requisite legal and household affairs after your death. Author Lynn McPhelimy was inspired to write the book when her parents were both diagnosed with terminal cancer and her father said to her, "'You know when I'm gone, I don't want the yard all dug up when you're looking for the septic tank. So here is this little map.'" It's a book that's not meant just for the elderly or the seriously ill, but for anyone who wants a handy reference with all the necessary "facts of life" in one spot. This way, your family won't be left grieving and scrambling around trying to find your Social Security number, or the name of your insurance company, your lawyer, your second cousin who's supposed to be left your antique lead crystal vase ... you get the picture.

The book includes the nitty-gritty: writing a will, what music you want played at your funeral or memorial service (that is, if you want one), what should be included in your obituary or epitaph, and a hundred other things you've pondered--but never bothered to deal with. Granted, this is scary terrain, but it'll make things a lot less traumatic for your survivors if they feel organized and know things like where you hide the key to your safe deposit box and which bank it's with. It also covers the intricacies of your house, with space for recording the facts you take for granted: where's the damn fuse box? Do you have anything hidden in the attic, under floorboards, or somewhere else? Which sentimental items do you want left with whom or donated to which charity? What are the stories behind those objects that make them sentimental, anyway? And who's that person in the back row of the old family photo that's hidden at the bottom of a shoebox that was stashed in the back of the hallway closet??

In addition to its practicality, this workbook is also meant to be a keepsake, with space for writing down memories of important life events and things you've always meant to accomplish, the things you've always meant to tell people. In this way, The Checklist of Life also functions as a psychological kick in the pants, inspiring you to actually get out and do those things you've promised yourself you'd get around to, "one of these years." --Erica Jorgensen

Product Details

• Paperback: 138 pages
• Publisher: Aaip Publishing Company; 2 edition (March 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0965784355
• ISBN-13: 978-0965784351
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 11 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #72,084 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

61 of 63 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Every home should have one!!!, July 24, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: In the Checklist of Life: A "Working Book" to Help You Live and Leave This Life! (Paperback)

"In the Checklist of Life" was a book that I found to be indispensible. In retrospect, after losing someone close to you, you realize how important this book really is. I have always joked with my family about writing my own obituary, and here is my very own chapter in which to do just that. The chapter about your pets is one that should not be missed for all pet lovers. This book is smart, it's funny, it makes you think, it makes you cry. Be kind to your family and fill in the pages of this wonderful book. They will forever be thankful.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars In the Checklist of Life: A Working Book to Help You Live &, February 27, 2001

By 

C. Schmenk (Georgia USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: In the Checklist of Life: A "Working Book" to Help You Live and Leave This Life! (Paperback)

I found this book on my Daddy's desk last week when he died. Without it we would have been utterly LOST. I came up here to Amazon to purchase this book for my desk - it was indispensible, and once again my GOOD Father has shown me the RIGHT way to help loved ones. C.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Invaluable information, August 14, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: In the Checklist of Life: A "Working Book" to Help You Live and Leave This Life! (Paperback)

After losing my mother in April, I realized just how much more difficult it would have been had I not had this book. She spelled out everything I needed to know to fullfill her wishes and to make the process easier for me. EVERYONE, no matter the age, should have their own copy to assist their family once they are gone. It's a peaceful feeling knowing you've taken care of your family member exactly the way they would have liked.