What do you think?
Rate this book
Are You Ready?: How to Build a Legacy to Die For
We all know the importance of life insurance to make certain our loved ones are financially secure after we pass on, but what can we do to ensure they are emotionally secure without us? Are You Ready? How to Build a Legacy to Die For is designed to help us do just that. It is a book in three parts.
Part One encourages us to focus our lives on building positive legacies such as love, peace, trust, education, and hard work. We will meet incredible people who have lived lives full of hope and resilience and have passed these traits on through multiple generations.
Part Two examines the process of death itself and asks the “Is death a grim or gentle reaper?” The fascinating research on near death experiences and life after death is explored with the understanding that this topic yields different beliefs.
Part Three is a workbook to help us prepare our loved ones for a life lived without us. It includes a complete checklist and discussion of traditional legacy documents such as a will, health care directive, and password record as well as an emotional life insurance plan to psychologically help our loved ones survive and thrive in a time when we are no longer
physically present with them. The workbook includes handy templates to encourage us to write legacy letters, reconciliation letters, and even a letter to help our survivors understand the mourning process.
Don’t wait to get ready. Our graduation from life comes unexpectedly. This book will help you be prepared to graduate with honors.
What’s your legacy?
Part One encourages us to focus our lives on building positive legacies such as love, peace, trust, education, and hard work. We will meet incredible people who have lived lives full of hope and resilience and have passed these traits on through multiple generations.
Part Two examines the process of death itself and asks the “Is death a grim or gentle reaper?” The fascinating research on near death experiences and life after death is explored with the understanding that this topic yields different beliefs.
Part Three is a workbook to help us prepare our loved ones for a life lived without us. It includes a complete checklist and discussion of traditional legacy documents such as a will, health care directive, and password record as well as an emotional life insurance plan to psychologically help our loved ones survive and thrive in a time when we are no longer
physically present with them. The workbook includes handy templates to encourage us to write legacy letters, reconciliation letters, and even a letter to help our survivors understand the mourning process.
Don’t wait to get ready. Our graduation from life comes unexpectedly. This book will help you be prepared to graduate with honors.
What’s your legacy?
300 pages, Paperback
Published October 21, 2023
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 23, 2026
Are You Ready?: How to Build a Legacy to Die For by Kimberly Harms is a powerful, compassionate, and deeply practical guide to one of life’s most avoided, but most important, questions: What will we leave behind when we’re gone?
While most people focus on financial planning and life insurance, Harms expands the definition of legacy to include something far more enduring, emotional security, values, love, wisdom, and peace of mind for those we leave behind. The book challenges readers to consider not only how their families will survive financially, but how they will cope emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually in their absence.
Structured in three thoughtfully designed sections, the book creates both inspiration and action.
Part One focuses on legacy-building through daily living. Through compelling stories of resilience, hope, love, and perseverance, Harms illustrates how character traits and values can ripple through generations. These narratives remind readers that legacy is not built at death, but through intentional living.
Part Two courageously explores the dying process itself. Rather than presenting death as something to fear, Harms opens space for reflection and curiosity, addressing near-death research and differing beliefs about life beyond physical existence. The discussion remains respectful and inclusive, allowing readers to engage at their own comfort level while expanding understanding.
Part Three transforms the book into an invaluable hands-on resource. The workbook section provides clear checklists and templates covering both traditional documents, such as wills, healthcare directives, and password records, and the often-overlooked emotional preparations. Legacy letters, reconciliation letters, and guidance on grief education help families navigate loss with clarity, connection, and love.
What makes Are You Ready? exceptional is its balance of heart and structure. It neither overwhelms nor sentimentalizes death. Instead, it empowers readers with tools to face mortality thoughtfully, offering peace not only to the individual preparing, but to the loved ones who remain.
This book is an essential resource for families, caregivers, hospice professionals, financial planners, clergy, and anyone seeking to leave behind more than possessions, a legacy of meaning.
Are You Ready? reminds us that death is not the end of our influence. With preparation, intention, and love, it can become the final act of generosity.
While most people focus on financial planning and life insurance, Harms expands the definition of legacy to include something far more enduring, emotional security, values, love, wisdom, and peace of mind for those we leave behind. The book challenges readers to consider not only how their families will survive financially, but how they will cope emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually in their absence.
Structured in three thoughtfully designed sections, the book creates both inspiration and action.
Part One focuses on legacy-building through daily living. Through compelling stories of resilience, hope, love, and perseverance, Harms illustrates how character traits and values can ripple through generations. These narratives remind readers that legacy is not built at death, but through intentional living.
Part Two courageously explores the dying process itself. Rather than presenting death as something to fear, Harms opens space for reflection and curiosity, addressing near-death research and differing beliefs about life beyond physical existence. The discussion remains respectful and inclusive, allowing readers to engage at their own comfort level while expanding understanding.
Part Three transforms the book into an invaluable hands-on resource. The workbook section provides clear checklists and templates covering both traditional documents, such as wills, healthcare directives, and password records, and the often-overlooked emotional preparations. Legacy letters, reconciliation letters, and guidance on grief education help families navigate loss with clarity, connection, and love.
What makes Are You Ready? exceptional is its balance of heart and structure. It neither overwhelms nor sentimentalizes death. Instead, it empowers readers with tools to face mortality thoughtfully, offering peace not only to the individual preparing, but to the loved ones who remain.
This book is an essential resource for families, caregivers, hospice professionals, financial planners, clergy, and anyone seeking to leave behind more than possessions, a legacy of meaning.
Are You Ready? reminds us that death is not the end of our influence. With preparation, intention, and love, it can become the final act of generosity.
May 21, 2024
Are You Ready? How to Build a Legacy to Die For by Dr. Harms tackles the profound yet often unspoken aspects of life's journey—legacy, mortality, and the lasting impact we hope to leave. This work is an introspective guide that delves into the intricate dance between life's beginning and end, acknowledging the chaos and beauty that define our existence. Dr. Harms addresses these themes with grace, articulating the dualities of love and pain, joy and sorrow.
In her exploration, Dr. Harms defines what legacy means by sharing compelling narratives of individuals who have turned adversity into opportunities for growth and compassion. These stories not only inspire but also challenge readers to reflect on their own legacies and the marks they wish to leave on the world. Dr. Harms embraces a variety of belief systems, emphasizing their validity and the universal truths that connect humanity—the cycles of birth and the inevitability of death. This book pushes the reader into sometimes uncomfortable but necessary contemplations about proactive legacy building, which can alleviate the burdens of uncertainty and grief for loved ones.
Dr. Harms encourages persistence, her writing style imbuing a sense of resilience and urging readers to continue despite discomfort. What sets this book apart is Dr. Harms' compassionate and relatable storytelling. She injects her own experiences into the narrative, providing comfort and guiding readers towards making essential life decisions. Her gentle yet effective nudging is designed to move you from contemplation to action, leaving readers grateful for the encouragement to take proactive steps in legacy planning.
Are You Ready? How to Build a Legacy to Die For is clearly a labor of love, reflecting Dr. Harms' commitment to thoughtful writing and genuine connection with her audience. Her message is poised to resonate with anyone pondering their impact on the world, making this book a valuable read for those seeking to understand the importance of crafting a meaningful legacy.
In her exploration, Dr. Harms defines what legacy means by sharing compelling narratives of individuals who have turned adversity into opportunities for growth and compassion. These stories not only inspire but also challenge readers to reflect on their own legacies and the marks they wish to leave on the world. Dr. Harms embraces a variety of belief systems, emphasizing their validity and the universal truths that connect humanity—the cycles of birth and the inevitability of death. This book pushes the reader into sometimes uncomfortable but necessary contemplations about proactive legacy building, which can alleviate the burdens of uncertainty and grief for loved ones.
Dr. Harms encourages persistence, her writing style imbuing a sense of resilience and urging readers to continue despite discomfort. What sets this book apart is Dr. Harms' compassionate and relatable storytelling. She injects her own experiences into the narrative, providing comfort and guiding readers towards making essential life decisions. Her gentle yet effective nudging is designed to move you from contemplation to action, leaving readers grateful for the encouragement to take proactive steps in legacy planning.
Are You Ready? How to Build a Legacy to Die For is clearly a labor of love, reflecting Dr. Harms' commitment to thoughtful writing and genuine connection with her audience. Her message is poised to resonate with anyone pondering their impact on the world, making this book a valuable read for those seeking to understand the importance of crafting a meaningful legacy.
June 18, 2024
Are You Ready? by Kimberly Harms delves into the profound subject of living life meaningfully and preparing responsibly for its inevitable end. The book blends motivating personal stories with practical advice, encouraging readers to aim high while ensuring they leave as little burden as possible on others. For example, it shares anecdotes like that of Louise and Big Al, who supported their daughter’s theatrical ambitions and a consistently cheerful and efficient Northwest Airlines porter.
The narrative also includes Harms’ experiences, adding a personal and emotional layer to the book. She shares the sorrow of losing relatives to suicide yet draws strength from these tragedies to foster personal growth and resilience. This personal connection humanizes the broader topics discussed and enhances the book’s impact on its readers. Harms addresses the often taboo topics of death and preparation with clarity and logic, arguing for acceptance over fear.
The book is structured to guide readers through various preparations like decluttering, writing wills, and having crucial family discussions. Such content is designed to inform and prompt action, making the book a practical guide for those looking to organize their affairs. Interwoven with these practical elements are stories of extraordinary individuals and diverse themes, including art, mentorship, and healthcare directives. One particularly memorable story is that of Reme, who survived the Rwandan genocide by hiding in a tiny wood bin for nearly three months. These narratives add depth and a wide range of emotional and experiential layers to the book.
Are You Ready? is a compelling mixture of life-affirming stories and essential life-planning advice. It educates its readers on significant, often overlooked aspects of life preparation, from understanding the differences between wakes and funerals to embracing the full spectrum of human experiences. Kimberly Harms’ work is a commendable resource for anyone looking to enrich their life’s journey and prepare thoughtfully for its conclusion.
The narrative also includes Harms’ experiences, adding a personal and emotional layer to the book. She shares the sorrow of losing relatives to suicide yet draws strength from these tragedies to foster personal growth and resilience. This personal connection humanizes the broader topics discussed and enhances the book’s impact on its readers. Harms addresses the often taboo topics of death and preparation with clarity and logic, arguing for acceptance over fear.
The book is structured to guide readers through various preparations like decluttering, writing wills, and having crucial family discussions. Such content is designed to inform and prompt action, making the book a practical guide for those looking to organize their affairs. Interwoven with these practical elements are stories of extraordinary individuals and diverse themes, including art, mentorship, and healthcare directives. One particularly memorable story is that of Reme, who survived the Rwandan genocide by hiding in a tiny wood bin for nearly three months. These narratives add depth and a wide range of emotional and experiential layers to the book.
Are You Ready? is a compelling mixture of life-affirming stories and essential life-planning advice. It educates its readers on significant, often overlooked aspects of life preparation, from understanding the differences between wakes and funerals to embracing the full spectrum of human experiences. Kimberly Harms’ work is a commendable resource for anyone looking to enrich their life’s journey and prepare thoughtfully for its conclusion.
July 2, 2024
In Are You Ready? How to Build a Legacy to Die For, Dr. Kimberly Harms masterfully explores the profound concept of legacy through a blend of personal stories and practical guidance, aiming to inspire readers to lead lives of deep meaning. Across its chapters, Harms delves into themes such as love, resilience, hard work, faith, and preparation for death, all richly interwoven with her own experiences and those who have significantly impacted her life. Each chapter opens with motivational quotes and closes with actionable steps, rendering the book both reflective and pragmatic.
The book excels in personalizing the often abstract concept of legacy. Harms employs relatable narratives and vivid examples to animate the themes, fostering a connection between the reader and her journey, along with the valuable lessons she shares. The abundance of advice and stories in each chapter provides a wealth of insights. The later sections, which focus on preparing for death, are crucial and offer profound insights, providing readers with valuable guidance on this important topic. Dr. Harms writes with a heartfelt, conversational tone that readily engages the reader, making complex topics accessible and relatable. The practical tips concluding each chapter are particularly beneficial, providing clear guidance on how to apply the lessons to one's own life. While the book covers a wide array of topics, from managing personal relationships to meticulous planning for one's end-of-life affairs, it maintains a cohesive narrative centered on the importance of building a meaningful legacy.
Are You Ready? How to Build a Legacy to Die For is a compelling read that prompts readers to ponder deeply the legacy they wish to leave. It combines motivational discourse with practical planning, serving as a valuable resource for anyone aiming to enrich their life and the lives of those around them. It adeptly balances inspirational content with practical advice, though it occasionally grapples with pacing and density.
The book excels in personalizing the often abstract concept of legacy. Harms employs relatable narratives and vivid examples to animate the themes, fostering a connection between the reader and her journey, along with the valuable lessons she shares. The abundance of advice and stories in each chapter provides a wealth of insights. The later sections, which focus on preparing for death, are crucial and offer profound insights, providing readers with valuable guidance on this important topic. Dr. Harms writes with a heartfelt, conversational tone that readily engages the reader, making complex topics accessible and relatable. The practical tips concluding each chapter are particularly beneficial, providing clear guidance on how to apply the lessons to one's own life. While the book covers a wide array of topics, from managing personal relationships to meticulous planning for one's end-of-life affairs, it maintains a cohesive narrative centered on the importance of building a meaningful legacy.
Are You Ready? How to Build a Legacy to Die For is a compelling read that prompts readers to ponder deeply the legacy they wish to leave. It combines motivational discourse with practical planning, serving as a valuable resource for anyone aiming to enrich their life and the lives of those around them. It adeptly balances inspirational content with practical advice, though it occasionally grapples with pacing and density.
November 12, 2023
Preparing for Departure...
"Are You Ready?: How to Build a Legacy to Die for" by Kimberly Harms stands as a comprehensive guide transcending the typical scope of life insurance discussions, offering a profound exploration of emotional preparation for our loved ones post our departure. The book unfolds a holistic strategy for legacy construction.
Emphasizing the urgency of not delaying preparations for life's inevitable conclusion, "Are You Ready?" serves as a thoughtful and proactive guide to building a lasting legacy that surpasses financial security, ensuring our impact resonates in the hearts and minds of those we cherish. Highly recommended.
"Are You Ready?: How to Build a Legacy to Die for" by Kimberly Harms stands as a comprehensive guide transcending the typical scope of life insurance discussions, offering a profound exploration of emotional preparation for our loved ones post our departure. The book unfolds a holistic strategy for legacy construction.
Emphasizing the urgency of not delaying preparations for life's inevitable conclusion, "Are You Ready?" serves as a thoughtful and proactive guide to building a lasting legacy that surpasses financial security, ensuring our impact resonates in the hearts and minds of those we cherish. Highly recommended.
March 21, 2024
Great book for anyone facing death ( all of us)
I really resonated with all of Kim's ideas in this book. I have done many of the things she asks people to do. It makes sense to prepare yourself and others for you death
I really resonated with all of Kim's ideas in this book. I have done many of the things she asks people to do. It makes sense to prepare yourself and others for you death
December 3, 2023
A beautifully written book that gently encourages each of us to recognize the human-ness of this existence, the spiritualness of our experience and the legacy we will leave behind.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews