Life Lessons: Two Experts on Death and Dying Teach Us About the Mysteries of Life and Living (Paperback)

by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross (Author), David Kessler (Author) "Stephanie, a woman in her early forties, shared this story at a lecture: "One Friday afternoon several years ago, I was on my way from..." (more)
Key Phrases: Elisabeth Mann, Los Angeles

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
After experiencing a paralyzing stroke in 1995 and facing her own mortality, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross (author of the renowned On Death and Dying) realized she had some unfinished business to take care of. "I wanted to write one more book, not on death and dying, but on life and living," she explains. So she joined forces with coauthor David Kessler, a leader in the field of hospice care, and together they wrote about the lessons we can learn about living from those who are dying. As Kessler explains in his introduction, "The dying have always been teachers of great lessons, for it's when we are pushed to the edge of life that we see most clearly."

In days gone by, the community would have gathering places where children and adults listened to elders tell their stories of life's challenges and the meaning they found in life. In lieu of that kind of extended community, the authors offer this book, filled with stories from the edge. Then, like fireside elders, they weave these personal stories into themes, such as living authentically, the importance of play, finding one's power, loving relationships, and self-compassion. One cannot say enough about the lasting value of this beautifully written and carefully rendered book. This is your chance to see life from the 20/20 vision of hindsight. In the end what will we value most? Here are some hints: the days we surrendered and became calm, the times we healed that which was broken, and of course all the moments we opened ourselves to love. --Gail Hudson --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Publishers Weekly
Blending the words of two authors is a precarious undertaking, particularly when the two voices are as strong and well-known as those of K bler-Ross and hospice-care leader Kessler (The Rights of the Dying). Given the similarity in their viewpoints as experts on death and dying, this collaboration seems logical, but unfortunately the alternating entries result in repetitive, rambling prose that lacks punch. The "lessons from the edge of life" culled from the authors' patients include letting go of anger, guilt and fear; learning patience; mourning and accepting loss; playing, laughing and enjoying life; and surrendering to what can't be changed. Although some of the brief personal stories are poignant, the underlying precepts are not new. Kessler and K bler-Ross offer only familiar aphorisms: "live every day to its fullest," "each of us has the power of the universe within us," happiness is a state of mind we can choose, suffering is an opportunity for growth, "life is a school, complete with individualized tests and challenges." Such lessons may be true and useful, but here they come off as trite. K bler-Ross has been ill for many years, suffering two strokes that left her partially incapacitated and may have made writing difficult, but the brief glimpses into her personal journey through illness and near death cry out for elaboration. Mentions of coping with a home health-care worker who stole from her, a nurse who labeled her "combative" and friends who must help this previously vigorous woman navigate the world in a wheelchair indicate a much fuller, richer story than the expanded platitudes offered here, which are unlikely to widen either author's readership. (Nov.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Scribner (November 6, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684870754
• ISBN-13: 978-0684870755
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (50 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #84,715 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

371 of 375 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Book, November 11, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Life Lessons: Two Experts on Death and Dying Teach Us About the Mysteries of Life and Living (Hardcover)

This book teaches how to live a richer life. Many have attained this by near death experiences. Many of us have not had such experience but can learn from those who have if we choose to. I loved this book. I would also recommend the book An Encounter With A Prophet

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Life lessons can be taught by the dying, October 23, 2004

By	Sarah Luciani (Phoenix, AZ) - See all my reviews

I have had the priveledge and honor of working in hospice nursing for several years now. Sometimes it seems that there just aren't ways to put into words that valuable lessons that those that are so close to leaving this world have to teach us. I listened to the tape version, which I have to say was wonderful.
I feel like Kessler and Ross put into words so much of what is experienced when faced with the ending of this chapter we call life. Death is not ugly, scary, horrible, if you are touched by it, you really can learn from it.
Ross and Kessler in their work with the dying remind us that this time we have here on this planet is not forever. What we say and do everyday to the one's we love, this lovely book reminds us that they may be the last words we say and hear from our dear ones. It is not meant to scare us. life is limited. No one, not one person is immune from death. I see it everyday. It is not scary, but it is a journey in itself and a teacher, to teach us that we want to look back and say I didn't fill my life with anger, I remembered to love because this day can be my last. I remembered to live, and I will tell you that is one of the greatest lessons I have learned from the "dying". Boy do they live. laughter surrounds, hugs are free, words are shared. I don't usually hear stories about how many hours a person worked, or how much money they made, or what clothes they had. They tell me about who they knew, who they loved and love, they show me albums, letters. They talk about their spiritual beliefs. They laugh, they cry. It may sound like I am getting off they subject of the book, but I am not. This IS what the book is about. LIVING now. Remember to Live.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Profound Wake up Call for the Living, November 4, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Life Lessons: Two Experts on Death and Dying Teach Us About the Mysteries of Life and Living (Hardcover)

Life Lessons is one of those books that EVERYONE should read. It is a call to all of us to live deeper richer lives. Because so many of the thoughts and lessons are taken from individuals who are near death, including author, Elizabeth Kubler Ross, each lesson is deeply inspiring and profound. I work as a hospital chaplain and have read many books on death and dying, but none has captured the wisdom and spirit that those near death offer us in the same way that Life Lessons does.