Grave Expectations: Planning The End Like There's No Tomorrow (Paperback)

~ Sue Bailey (Author), Carmen Flowers (Author)
Key Phrases: memorial reef, green burial, traditional burial, United States, Grave Expectations, New York (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Having difficulty mustering a celebratory mood in advance of what looks to be the grimmest of New Years? Why not just bury yourself in arrangements for the one event where all and sundry will be (you hope) truly bummed out -- your funeral. Who knows, you might even enjoy yourself. Especially if you consult Grave Expectations: Planning the End Like There's No Tomorrow,... Interspersed with practical if often wildly opinionated advice...and funereal factoids... this fill-in-the-blanks, do-it-yourself handbook will allow you to, as the chapter called "The Visitation/Viewing" has it, 'wake up to the possibilities.'"-- Alida Becker, New York Times blog "Paper Cuts"

"Few of us can face the idea of planning our own funerals - but authors Carmen Flowers and Sue Bailey argue we all should, and have fun while we're at it! In their book Grave Expectations, they spell out how to address 'death's pesky details' and ensure that your funeral really is about YOU. You won't be there, so you've got to do some things in advance, if you want to have a say." -- AARP Primetime Radio

Product Description

There isn’t a person alive who likes to think about dying—but eventually it does happen to all of us. And no one knows better what we’d like at our own funerals than we do ourselves. So, start planning! You’d be surprised that it can even be…well fun, thanks to the lighthearted tone Carmen Flowers and Sue Bailey take in this practical guide. They offer really useful, valuable advice along with a comforting perspective.
Full of humorous and poignant funeral stories and first-person accounts, Grave Expectations is the ultimate handbook. It’s packed with creative suggestions for realizing one’s final wishes, and gives you the chance to memorialize your life on your own terms in your own way. Rather than being morbid, following the steps in the book with friends and family can be an event in itself, providing guidance, peace of mind, and even an opportunity for self-discovery and expression. Plus, it’s good to know that the family and friends who love you won’t be burdened by making difficult decisions during a challenging time.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Cider Mill Press (January 6, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 160433021X
• ISBN-13: 978-1604330212
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #123,215 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Grave Expectations is a winner, January 29, 2009

By	Book Boy NYC - See all my reviews

This book sheds entertaining and informative light on a subject that we all have to face at some point - the end of our lives. It was really thought provoking and made me think about all the different options there are in planning for the end. Who knew there were so many choices? The writers keep it really lively and funny, with tidbits about how different cultures deal with death and planning the end. It's a great read and is an easy way to start a dialogue with a loved one about the inevitable end. The interactive features of the book are helpful too. I recommend it wholeheartedly.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Funny and Informative Book. Lifts the Fear of Dying!, January 28, 2009

By	K. Boccia "diddy pops" (Long Island, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Could there be such a thing; a book that actually makes dying and the means in which you do it, as normal and fearless of an event as planning a dinner party? I found this book to be very informative and thought provoking as well as funny. Not the kind of book that you would expect to enjoy, but you will!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful read., January 30, 2009

By	JSF "Avid reader in Alabama" (USA) - See all my reviews

A wonderful read of a very serious subject. The authors have approached a subject that most of us would rather ignore and have rendered a page-turning highly entertaining book, while at the same time giving us a highly doable plan for setting our own house in order. Trust me, your family will truly appreciate your using this book to help them understand exactly what you want before and after you depart this world. You will laugh out loud many times while reading this book, but you will also pause for reflection many times. Enjoy yourself!