Customer Reviews

Living Consciously, Dying Gracefully - A Journey with Cancer and Beyond

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Authors Nancy Manahan and Becky Bohan weave the inspiring story of a woman's five-year experience with [...] cancer. We are given the ending in the title of the book, Living Consciously, Dying Gracefully: A Journey With Cancer and Beyond but the essence of the narrative is more about the celebration of a life well-lived in every way.

I did not want to read this book. We may all have a loved one who has traveled this frightening journey in some way. Perhaps it is our own path. My own sister is now a seven-year [...] cancer survivor, and I certainly did not want to relive those helpless years when my family was consumed in grief and on an emotional roller coaster, living each day in fear for the next.

But this is the story of a very different model of one woman's choice to "deal with life's gifts and life's uncertainties as they have been thrust upon me." From her initial journal entry on the first page, Diane Manahan, a nurse, a teacher, and sister-in-law to Nancy Manahan, invites us to experience the life she tried to live in "an out-loud way."

The book is in four parts:

-- This Long Journey with Cancer as My Companion

-- A Graceful Death

-- Living On. The authors reference Diane's own journals, interviews with her family and friends, as well as their own personal relationship with her.

-- The last section, Guidebook: Lessons from Diane on dealing with serious illness or death, contains practical suggestions for individuals, caregivers, and anyone seeking a loving and spiritual experience in "living consciously and dying gracefully."

This is an unforgettable, deeply touching and honestly written book and I highly recommend it. It's not about fearing death--it's about embracing life.

Armchair Interviews says: It is a difficult journey that we might all face one day. Learning how others handle such situations is helpful.

Diane Manahan loved life, lived it to the fullest, and shared it with family, friends, colleagues, and students to the end. She was an expert teacher of living a quality life and teaching the art and science of nursing. The authors of this book share her journey with cancer. The book is well organized and written in a compelling way that tells how life choices help "make lemonade out of lemons." As one of her friends I lived this story. I am so pleased that it is written so that those who read it can continue to learn through her deliberate and intuitive wisdom, caring, and gentleness of mind, body, and spirit.

"Living Consciously, Dying Gracefully" is excellent. I believe this book will make a difference in people's lives -- just as Diane's life and death made such a deep and positive difference in the lives of so many of us who were blessed to know her.

Sharing the wisdom from a terminally ill nurse educator's own journals, this book enables Diane Manahan to convey her final, greatest lesson: how to live fully until-and beyond-death. Her inspiring story elicits goose bumps, laughter and tears. It is a priceless template for patients, caregivers, and loved ones who seek a holistic, sacred approach to a serious illness or end of life care. The after-death experiences that comforted Diane's family and friends also will provide hope for readers who are grieving the loss of their own loved ones.

I recently discovered and bought a copy of your wonderful book "Living Consciously, Dying Gracefully: A Journey with Cancer and Beyond." Stayed up late a couple of nights to devour it! What a skilled blending of love, compassion, and purpose with invaluable practical information and resources. You have so beautifully told the story of a remarkable woman and the equally remarkable circle of friends who surrounded her. I have already recommended your book to friends and will continue to do so. I will also give it to our two adult children to read so that they can better understand their parents' philosophy about our wishes for the end of life journey. Thank you for writing "Living Consciously, Dying Gracefully!"

Thank you Diane. We walked a different ether towards the same light.

An old friend,

Jane Elizabeth Wallace

Chapel Hill , N.C.

LIVING CONSCIOUSLY, DYING GRACEFULLY offers a sensitive and informative look at illness and life transitions.

As a hospice volunteer I encountered a variety of texts and articles on death and dying, but there is a completeness to this book that makes it one I know I will return to as a source of comfort and guidance.

The four core sections of the book focus on Diane Manahan's breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, her physical death, the lessons that continue to unfold with her family and friends, and a guidebook containing practical applications.

Excerpts from Diane's journal give readers insight into the spectrum of emotions she experiences. We see her not only as a remarkable woman (nurse educator, wife, mother, friend, musician, athlete), but fully human as she acknowledges all aspects of her character in facing such a daunting challenge with courage, dignity and humor.

Authors Nancy Manahan and Becky Bohan have written a loving tribute which inspires and educates.

The final chapter in Diane Manahan's beautifully lived life is clearly articulated in this captivating text. The authors have lovingly threaded her message throughout this true story and have generously chosen to share their personal journey with the rest of the world. Anyone who reads "Living Consciously, Dying Gracefully" will be profoundly affected by its direct, honest and tender content. Diane's eloquent example, and the evidence of support provided by her family and friends, will assist thousands seeking a conscious awareness approach to the inevitable process of death and dying.

Living Consciously Dying Gracefully: A Journey With Cancer and Beyond is a memoir reminiscing about and paying tribute to nursing professor Diane Manahan, a courageous, warm and loving woman. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she chose to blend complementary therapies and orthodox cancer treatments, and she lived a full and vibrant life for five and a half years until her death. Written by Nancy Manahan and Becky Bohan, life-partners who were both graced to know Diane, Living Consciously, Dying Gracefully isn't just about illness and death, but also life and spirituality. A heart-touching journey, and uplifting inspirational resource for anyone going through life-or-death trials or witnessing such challenges visited upon a loved one.