When I was diagnosed with terminal cancer at a relatively young age, and told I didn't have long to live, I looked to various sources for guidance and help. But my quest found me frustrated by trying to talk with my doctors, get advice from clergy, relatives, friends, and loved ones who really didn't "get it." Of course they are supportive and loving and helpful and we are blessed to have them in our lives, but they really can't understand. For once you are told you have a month to live, or a year, or whatever, your whole life changes. Your perspectives change. Your concepts of time, your friendships, your values. If you are not terminally ill, you can't understand. But this book does. It's the piece that was missing.
The Art of Dying helps guide you through all the hard-to-discuss stuff, the stuff you don't know you should know, the myriad of feelings, thoughts, and problems with which the terminally ill must face. It discusses things like how to get your things in order, how to deal with loved ones you leave behind, how to ask for help, how to tell your children about your prognosis, perspectives on what happens after we die, forgiveness, how to deal with knowing you won't be around next Christmas, or to meet your grandchildren, retire, etc. It helps answer questions, take away the fear and give you peace of mind you can't get from those who aren't on this path right now. It is written in an informative, non-religious (not anti-religious), practical way. Even my terminally-ill support group and experienced oncology therapist couldn't do for me what this book did. The information is useful, practical, humorous, thorough, and deals with difficult subjects so you can better deal with the situation you're in too. This book was one of the best books I've ever read. It is fabulous as a guide, resource, and friend. I give it my highest recommendation.