I’ve long supported the idea that an essential component of living well is keeping death close, a part of our daily experiences. My hope is that by talking often and openly about illness, decline, and dying, I’m preparing myself and those I care about in practical, emotional, and spiritual ways for the unknown path that lies ahead. And while I lean toward fiction when it comes to my leisure reading, when a colleague recommended Katy Butler’s latest, The Art of Dying Well: A Practical Guide to a Good End of Life, I couldn’t resist. And I’m so glad I didn’t.
The author provides practical, useful, and easily-implemented guidance for every phase of life that helps us think clearly about the next one, wherever we may be on the timelines of age or health. I want you to read it. It will make your life better. And I want everyone you know to read it, too. This is exactly the kind of book I would have loved to have written myself, if only I had Katy Butler’s research and journalistic skills. Had her book existed when I was working as a care manager, I would have purchased copies for every client and family I served. I can’t think of a better example of the empowering impact of health information.
On October 24th, I’ll have the pleasure of moderating an online “book club” webinar event with Katy Butler and the National Academy of Certified Care Managers as she discusses The Art of Dying Well, her research, and her findings about the changes we can make in our lives now to increase the likelihood of a good decline and a good death. Whether you’ve read the book or not, her lecture and our live discussion with the audience will surely inform and enlighten, and I hope you can join us. Click here for all of the details and registration information.
The Art of Dying Well is available in a variety of formats:
- Buy a printed copy or download the e-book for Kindle on Amazon
- Download the audiobook (read by the author) on Audible
- Purchase a copy at your local independent book seller
- Check out the print, e-book, or audio book at your local public library
And finally: if you have any thoughts or questions about this book or the subject for the author that I can incorporate into our discussion during the webinar, I’d love to hear them! Please feel free to comment below, or message me privately.
(leaf image by Nika Akin)
brain dump 
thanks so much for this recommendation, Amy. I’m ordering it pronto.
how are you? are your studies going well. I think of you and Marc often.
Rose Thomas
Hi Rose! I can’t wait to hear what you think about the book – please write back and let me know. All is well here. Library school overwhelms and delights me daily, and my work with Alzheimer’s San Diego is as challenging and stimulating as ever. I’m getting ready to head to South Dakota next week to run my next marathon (at Crazy Horse!), and still dream of that magical liniment you and Josephine brought me after the 40-mile Run 4 All Women adventure. I’ve never been able to find more! I hope you, your family, and your critters are all well. Would love to catch up again soon! XO Amy
What a wonderful blog Amy! So glad we have reconnected. Warmest wishes for a lovely holiday. Anne Rosenthal