"The call of death is a call of love," Herman Hesse wrote. "Death can be sweet if we answer it in the affirmative, if we accept it as one of the great eternal forms of life and transformation." This is only one of the many quotations and practices in this book by author Richard Reoch. The author has brought together the wise counsel of medical specialists, psychologists, counselors, and hospice workers on helping individuals achieve an appropriate death-one with dignity and meaning.
Reoch begins with exercises for body and mind that can be used by dying people and their caregivers. He moves on to cover a variety of complementary therapies (massage, herbs, shiatsu, aromatherapy, etc.) that can bring comfort to those facing death. This is followed by an inspiring chapter on ways in which terminally ill individuals have discovered their potential for generosity, forgiveness, and personal transformation. The last section offers all kinds of ideas on bereavement, grief, and remembrance. To Die Well is a well-done and handy resource on a difficult subject of interest to everyone.