Books matching: cultural views on death
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- #1
Save:"Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" by Caitlin Doughty is a memoir about the author's experiences working in the funeral industry, specifically at a crematorium. Doughty delves into the cultural views and practices surrounding death, providing an eye-opening look into how different societies deal with mortality. Her writing style is described as humorous, enlightening, and thought-provoking, as she shares her journey of confronting fears and misconceptions about death.
Doughty's book offers a candid exploration of the funeral industry, demystifying the process of caring for the deceased and shedding light on the often taboo topic of death. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, she challenges readers to rethink their perceptions of mortality and embrace the inevitability of death as a natural part of life. The book combines informative insights with a touch of dark humor, making it an engaging and educational read for those curious about death practices and the human experience.
My second day at Westwind I met Padma. It wasn’t that Padma was gross. “Gross” is such a simple word, with simple connotations. Padma was more like a creature from a horror film, cast in the lead role... - #2
Save:Mary Roach's book 'Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife' delves into the world of paranormal research, exploring modern science's relationship with the afterlife. Roach approaches the topic with her signature humor and curiosity, investigating reincarnation, mediums, near-death experiences, and more. Through anecdotes and travel stories, she presents a scientific yet entertaining look at the possibility of life after death, all while maintaining a skeptical outlook towards the subject matter.
IDON’T RECALL my mood the morning I was born, but I imagine I felt a bit out of sorts. Nothing I looked at was familiar. People were staring at me and making odd sounds and wearing incomprehensible it... Journey of Souls: Case Studies of Life Between Lives by Michael Newton is a thought-provoking exploration of the afterlife through regression hypnotherapy sessions with 29 individuals. The book delves into the experiences between lives, discussing topics such as the purpose of life, the role of guides, karma, soul groups, and the nature of the spirit world. Newton's writing style combines dialogue from regression sessions with his clients, providing insights into the gate of death, interactions in the spirit world, and the continuous journey of souls through reincarnation. The book challenges traditional beliefs about heaven, hell, and judgment, offering a more comforting and inclusive perspective on the eternal evolution of souls.
S. (Subject): Oh, my god! I’m not really dead—am I? I mean, my body is dead—I can see it below me—but I’m floating … I can look down and see my body lying flat in the hospital bed. Everyone around me ...- #4
Save:'The Colour of Magic' by Terry Pratchett is the first book in the Discworld series, introducing readers to the adventures of Twoflower, the Disc's first tourist, and Rincewind, a failed wizard who becomes his guide. The book is a humorous and whimsical fantasy satire that cleverly turns fantasy tropes on their heads, featuring a variety of eccentric characters and imaginative situations. The writing style of Terry Pratchett is described as witty, clever, and full of clever wordplay that creates a detailed and fantastical world for readers to explore.
FIRE ROARED through the bifurcated city of Ankh-Morpork. Where it licked the Wizards’ Quarter it burned blue and green and was even laced with strange sparks of the eighth color, octarine; where its o... - #5
Save:Mort by Terry Pratchett follows the story of Mort, an unsuccessful farmer who is chosen as an apprentice to Death. As Mort navigates his new role, he impulsively saves a doomed princess, challenging fate and love. The book explores themes of life and death, duty, and the consequences of meddling with the natural order. Pratchett's writing style is humorous, witty, and inventive, with memorable characters like Death and Mort bringing depth and humor to the narrative.
In Mort, Pratchett weaves a tale of unlikely friendships, self-discovery, and the complexities of the afterlife. Through Mort's journey as Death's apprentice, readers are treated to a blend of satire, clever wordplay, and poignant moments that explore the human experience in a fantastical setting. The book's plot is engaging, with a mix of humor, absurdity, and heartfelt moments that keep readers entertained and invested in the whimsical world of Discworld.
A light frost began to crisp the cobblestones. In the ornamental clock tower that overlooked the square a couple of delicately-carved little automatons whirred out of trapdoors in the clockface and st...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Discworld ) - #6
Save:The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy is a novella that delves into the contemplation of death and the meaning of life through the lens of the protagonist, Ivan Ilyich. The story follows the journey of a high-level judge who discovers he has an incurable illness, leading him to question his life choices, relationships, and societal norms as he approaches his inevitable death. Tolstoy masterfully captures the psychological turmoil of a dying man and explores themes of suffering, decay, and the human struggle to come to terms with mortality.
The narrative skillfully portrays Ivan Ilyich's internal struggles, self-reflection, and existential crisis as he grapples with his impending death. Through a series of introspective moments, the reader is confronted with the stark reality of mortality and the protagonist's quest for redemption and understanding in the face of life's uncertainties.
1847 Inherits estate of Yasnaya Polyana. Recovering from gonorrhoea, draws up scheme for self-perfection. Leaves university without completing studies ‘on grounds of ill health and domestic circumstan... - #7
Save:The Red Market by Scott Carney is a thought-provoking and heartbreaking exploration into the world of organ brokers, bone thieves, blood farmers, and child traffickers. The book delves into the dark realities of the red market, shedding light on the exploitation and desperation that drive individuals to participate in these markets, all while presenting the information in a compelling and sometimes horrific manner. Carney's writing style is described as frank, sensitive, and beautifully written, offering readers an enlightening and eye-opening journey through the business of life and death.
FOR A BRIEF moment Emily is weightless, suspended between the point where the upward momentum from her limbs is about to give way to gravity. Here, at the apogee of her ascent, the physics have sealed... - #8
Save:'Japanese Death Poems' by Yoel Hoffmann is a comprehensive exploration of the history and cultural significance of death poetry in Japan. The book delves into the origins of Japanese poetry, providing a deep insight into how the Japanese perceive death through the lens of their poetic tradition. Divided into three parts, the book covers historical context, poems from monks and poets, and offers a collection of hundreds of death poems written by various figures from the 12th to the late 19th century. The author presents the haiku in English alongside their Japanese translation in Romaji, allowing readers to experience the original form of the poems.
"In the Slender Margin: The Intimate Strangeness of Dying" by Eve Joseph is a moving and thought-provoking exploration of death and dying. The author shares her personal journey of loss and death, drawing from her years of hospice work and reflections on the death of her brother. Through a mix of personal experiences and research on different cultures' perspectives on death, Joseph weaves a narrative that is both intimate and insightful. The writing style is poetic, with references to historical, artistic, and literary elements that add depth to the exploration of this difficult subject.
I had just turned twelve when my brother was killed in a car accident. In 1965, the year Allen Ginsberg coined the term flower power and Malcolm X was shot dead inside Harlem’s Audubon Ballroom, the y...'The Undertaking: Life Studies from the Dismal Trade' by Thomas Lynch is a collection of essays that provide a unique perspective on life and death through the eyes of a small-town funeral director who is also a poet. Lynch intricately weaves together anecdotes of the dead with reflections on funeral conventions, the art of caring for the deceased, and his own experiences in the funeral industry. The book delves into delicate subjects such as children's funerals, embalming, love, grief, and the existential questions surrounding mortality, all while maintaining a compassionate and insightful narrative.
Lynch's writing style in 'The Undertaking' is described as poetic, compassionate, and thought-provoking. He combines wit, sensitivity, and insight to explore the cultural aspects of death from various perspectives. Through his essays, Lynch manages to find humor in the midst of somber topics, offering a life-affirming view on the inevitable aspect of death. The book not only focuses on the author's profession as an undertaker but also delves into broader themes of love, loss, and the human experience, making it a compelling read for those interested in introspective musings on life and mortality.
