When the Sun Goes Down: Planning the Funeral of Your Life

by Betty Breuhaus

Optimistic and full of life, this book helps to lift the burden off family, while allowing the readers to appreciate life right now, and to prepare for their eventual death.

160 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2008

Reviews

[Diane D · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was asked to read and review this book, my response was "sure--cool cover". While some people might shy away from books about planning your own funeral, I thought hey if we made out our wills, why not read this book. I've already accepted the fact I'm not living forever.

In When the Sun Goes Down, the author offers thought provoking suggestions in planning the celebration of your life. From traditions services to some creative, unique events which I never thought about, the options out there are too many too mention in this review.

The book is only 160 pages (12 chapters), however, almost every page contains helpful information on this subject people don't seem to openly discuss. The topics covered are:

Benefits of a Funeral
Funeral Homes
Disposition of the Body
Cemeteries
Type of Service
Fundamentals
Service Basics
Service Enhancements
Service Accessories
After Party
Obituaries
Ethical Wills

Also included are references and a Personal Funeral Planner. A serious topic, but not too dark, the book also includes some illustrations and epitaphs of the monuments of some well known people.

Certainly, not a book everyone will move to the top of their wish list, but a well done reference guide that will help people who enjoy taking control, to have a say in their final celebration.

RATING - 4/5; COMPLETED - 7/20/09; My Stacks (Review

[George Howard · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a bad read at all. Having read it first, I considered it quiet good until I read Enodares "Funeral planning basics". It’s only with knowledge that a real judgment can be made. I just felt there were some massive gaps missing at that point from the book. Of course it does cover all the basics but I can’t help feeling not all stones were uncovered. I was disappointed.

Of course it helps you plan your funeral. Information regarding funeral homes, burials, costs cemeteries, services, obituaries etc is all included. However what it lacks is the big picture. We don’t just die and need a funeral and all ends happy after, it’s much more complex than that and that’s what this book lack - the big picture.

The sun just went down to early for this book.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

We usually think of weddings as the biggest event of our lives, but we forget about another important event—our funeral. When the Sun Goes Down is an accessible reference guide to planning the last party you’ll be privy to. Betty Breuhaus shows us timely options in planning a funeral, such as going ‘green’ with your burial, with an emphasis on celebrating the life that has passed. I read this about a month before my stepmother passed away from lung cancer and it really helped with the details of putting the event together in a unique and positive way.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually a fun read about how you can leave your final mark in this world. Planning your own funeral can be a message to those you love - bring a smile, laughter and a knowing look that your personality was all around. It also helps with the practical matters to lift some of the burden from family and friends about final arrangements.