Customer Reviews

Six Feet Under: Better Living Through Death

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I just spent the past hour and a half reading the brand-new official book from HBO, "Six Feet Under: Better Living Through Death," and it is absolutely fantastic. Not only was it great fun to read, but it was the perfect SFU fix for us poor souls who still have six months to wait until the next season. The book is beautifully put together, and comes in a red and clear plastic case. The book itself is bound in a homemade style that gives it the feel of a family scrapbook, which is what it is meant to be. Unlike most TV tie-in books, this book does not have an episode guide, or any production material. Instead, it is a history of the Fisher family and friends, and, besides a foreward from Alan Ball at the beginning and a copyrights paper on the back, there is no indication in the book that is even about a TV show, which helps you even more feel like you've entered the world of Six Feet Under. This book has no behind-the-scenes information. Instead, you get some truly deep insight into all the characters of SFU and have a collection of things that no true hardcore fan of the show can miss, although I doubt someone less obsessed with the show would be as excited.

Having watched every episode from the first night it aired, I was ecstatic to find all the amazing things in this book, such as Nathaniel and Ruth's marriage certificate, a chapter from "Nathaniel and Isabel," a chapter from "Charlotte: Light and Dark," the short story Claire submitted to the literary magazine about a girl who could make peoples' heads explode, a portion of the novel Brenda was working on, Nate and David's report cards, full-length IMs between Claire and Billy, letters written between Ruth and Bettina after Bettina left for Montana, letters David wrote to his pen pal when he was in elementary school, Claire's submission essay to LAC-Arts, a letter Lisa's psychiatrist had her write to herself in order to get over him, and much, much more. Reading it from cover to cover is kind of like a longer, more in-depth "Wake," very dream-like and metaphysical. You also gain much much more insight into the characters than we even had before. Best of all, the book was written by writers from the show and was edited and put together by Alan Ball, so not only is it official, but it was created by the same people who create the show, so this isn't just an empty promo tie-in, but a truly great piece of work from people who love the show and make the show. The artwork and pictures alone are beautiful, but the content is much better than any other television book I've seen. The first full half of the book is dedicated to the Fishers before we met them; the second half is Nathaniel, Sr.'s death and afterwards.

I could not recommend this book enough. It would make a great Christmas present.

Since "Six Feet Under" is an unusual television series, set primarily in the Fisher & Songs Funeral Home, 2302 West Twenty-fifth Street, Los Angeles, Calif. 90018, it would make sense that what would be labeled the official companion guide to the show is decidedly offbeat as well. "Six Feet Under: Better Living Through Death" does not recount the episodes from the first season, provide biographies of the cast members, or interview the show's creator reviewing mental health issues. As Alan Ball explains in his brief forward, in which he touches on his first encounters with death, this book is a collection of the relics of lives that no longer exist (yes, Ruth says that in an episode). Ball argues that such relics are essential because they are the only means by which we really remember someone, by touching something they once wore, made or wrote. True, these are all fictional relics left behind by fictional characters, but para-social interaction with television characters is hardly a 21st century phenomenon.

Through the book there are quotations on death from the likes of Carlos Castaneda the Tibetan Book of the Dead, as well as quotes from the show. But the prime attractions here are the relics themselves. Correspondence Nathaniel and Ruth when he was serving in Vietnam, a letter from guidance counselor about Nate, David's fan letter to Matt Dillon, and Clare and Russell's IMs. There is Claire and Nathaniel's car contract, an ad for Fisher & Sons, Federico's alumni profile, Lisa's column in Co-op newsletter, Brenda's novel in progress, and Billy's psychiatric release form. You will also find an invitation to the O'Connor-Fisher wedding, a note Ruth wrote to a babysitter, an article about the Chenowith fire, Claire's college application, Nate's Life-Skills Inventory questionnaire and letter from teacher expressing concern, and, as most of you were hoping, the story of "Nathaniel and Isabel" and excerpts from "Charlotte Light and Dark."

If you were expecting lots of input form the show's creator, Alan Ball, then know going in that his sole contribution is Claire's short story (but if he had to pick one thing that is a good choice). Ball and Alan Poul edited the collection so there is a cohesive vision for this madness. There are also lots of photographs of the sets and cast (including the photos Billy asked Claire to take of him), along with other illustrations. The cast has gotten into the spirit of the effort by contributing contributed shots from their personal collections of when they were younger, so you get baby pictures of most of them. Consequently, for fans of the show who are inclined to let Ball get away with this conceit, this is a fascinating look at the backstories of the Fishers and the other characters caught up in their lives. It might be providing depth without true insights, but then such things are left to the mind of the reader, but it is a different way of looking at a different series.

Yeah, I'll admit it. This is simply a document to lend credence to the spectacular series (DVD of first season available) of "Six Feet Under." In that sense, it's hype. But, since the series is so good, why not?

I got this as a surprise for my wife as we're both big fans of the series. From correspondence, documents from the college from which Rico graduated, it's cleverly done, something to make the series all the more "real."

Again, of course it's hype. But it beats, say, dolls of characters in TV cartoon series and countless other nonsense hypes. And since the series is worthwhile to say the least, this makes it all the more real.

For the first time ever, I'll thank the producers for the idea!

While this is a great book for the Six Feet Under fan - which I just became as of 2006-2007 - after renting the discs - and then finally buying the complete set (for only $95!), I just looked thru this book last night and while it's a fascinating and a more "complete" look at the Fisher clan (and also fills in a few things you might haven't known while watching the show), my only complaint is that they should have put this book out after the show is over, since it pretty much covers only up to season 4 - when Lisa disappears. So much more happened after that, and it would have been nice to have a "complete" book that covered EVERYTHING up until the last episode - including "momentos" of things that happened in their future.

This is not in any way the fault of Amazon, but there is a defect with this book ! It comes in a plastic sleeve case since the book is uniquely bound, but the red coloring on the case completely scratches off or nicks with minimum contact. I had to return 2 copies to Amazon as well as settle for a nicked copy at my local Borders store as all of the copies were marred. It is a shame because the book itself is such a labor of love and is just exquisite in both artwork and content. I hope this problem can be remedied on future runs, but for now you would be better off selecting a copy in person -- it's really a shame !!!

As a huge fan of 6 Feet Under, I was initially skeptical that this book could capture the poignant humor and eccentricity of the television series, but I have to say I was blown away. Every detail is here, from the physical production which begs the reader the exhume the book from it's plastic shell to the intimate details of the characters lives told in a variety of different mediums, from the instant Messenger correspondence between Billy and Claire to the Vietnam Letters between Ruth and Nathanial. I was really taken back by the level of detail. It was great fun to browse through the family snapshots of the Fishers, turning each page to reveal the most intimate details of their lives. I would have to say that my understanding of the characters was greatly enhanced. I have bought this book for several friends and they have all loved it too.

And one more thing, I also wanted to say that I bought this book on Amazon and it arrived in perfect shape. I did not have a problem with marring or scratches like the reviewer above.

This book perfectly reflects the intelligence and creativity of Six Feet Under, and lends a wonderful glimpse into the lives of its fascinating characters. Detailed and imaginative writing provides an interesting and authentic back-story. Old pictures of the actors add a delightful touch, also contributing to the "realness" of it all. With a gorgeous layout, this gem of a book will make an excellent gift or collectible for anyone who enjoys the show.

If you are a true die-hard fan of SFU, you must get this book! It let's us into the Fisher's lives, giving us a more intimate look at the character. The most fascinating was the excerpt from "Charlotte Light and Dark". I have nothing else to say but GET THIS BOOK!

This book is as unpredictable and entertaining as the show. The best part about it is that you have no idea what to expect as you're going through, and you're never disappointed. I was fascinated by the content -- really couldn't put the book down. The amazing layout was yet another plus.

This book covers everything that I hoped it would, and more. I appreciate the design choices as well. That the book is so pleasing to look at makes the reading experience even more enjoyable. (I love the exposed spine--very clever.)
Perfect for people, like me, who can't get enough of the show.