Talking About Dying: Help in Facing Death & Dying

by Philip Giddings, Martin Down, Elaine Sugden

The four authors of Talking About Dying bring a depth of wisdom from their broad personal, pastoral and medical experience to shed light upon this hugely important subject. The book offers practical and spiritual guidance to those facing the death of a loved one, or their own terminal illness. It will help people to address the many difficult issues that arise in a wide range of situations which are discussed with understanding and compassion.

186 pages, Paperback

Published December 20, 2016

Reviews

[Ben Jeapes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This slim little books works on two levels, and despite being written by practising Christians, the main level is not religious. It is quite simply a sensitive and helpful guide to talking about dying, both for the patients themselves and for their loved ones. Mostly the context is a terminal disease so everyone knows what is coming, but sudden and unexpected death is covered too. What to say and do, what NOT to say and do, and helpful pointers to online resources like living wills and powers of attorney make it indispensable to people of any or no religion, all in bite-sized chapters

But then the Christian aspect kicks in and adds value, bringing the perspective of that particular religion and its message of hope. The specifically religious topics are in chapters of their own, so can be read or ignored as the reader sees fit without detracting from the book's overall purpose.