Books matching: death and the afterlife
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- #1
Save:'What Dreams May Come' by Richard Matheson is a novel that delves into the concept of life after death. The protagonist, Chris, dies in a tragic accident and finds himself in the afterlife, where he discovers a mental world shaped by the minds of its inhabitants. The book follows Chris's journey as he navigates through different realms, including heaven and hell, in an attempt to reunite with his beloved wife, Annie, who is struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts in the wake of his passing. Matheson's writing style presents a thought-provoking exploration of themes such as love, devotion, the afterlife, and the power of belief.
I began to hear a whispering voice. I couldn’t make out the words. Briefly, I could see a form nearby. My eyes were closed but I saw it. I couldn’t tell if the form was male or female but I knew that ... - #2
Save:'Ancient Evenings' by Norman Mailer is a novel that delves into the magical perspective of the Pharaohs in ancient Egypt. The book follows the story of Menenhetet Two, who meets his great grandfather, Menenhetet One, in the afterlife. Through Menenhetet One's recounting of his previous lives, the readers are taken on a journey through royal charioteering, guarding concubines, and the mystical world of ancient Egypt. The narrative is rich in historical details, complex characters, and a unique outlook on life that sets it apart from typical historical novels.
Norman Mailer's writing style in 'Ancient Evenings' is described as immersive and detailed, providing readers with a rich sensory experience of ancient Egypt. The novel combines historical accuracy with elements of speculative fiction, creating a world that feels both foreign and genuine. Mailer's ability to weave intricate narratives, explore abstract themes, and maintain a sense of mystery throughout the story adds depth and complexity to the novel, making it a compelling read for those interested in ancient Egyptian history and mythology.
In the dark, between two blocks of stone, my fingers soon found a niche not much greater in width than a man’s head. Still, by its fresh breath, it must lead outside. The air that arrived through the ... - #3
Save:'Elsewhere' by Gabrielle Zevin is a young adult novel that follows the story of fifteen-year-old Liz Hall who wakes up on an ocean liner in the afterlife after dying in a hit-and-run accident. In Elsewhere, the dead age backward until they are infants and sent back to Earth. Liz must come to terms with her death, let go of her past life, and navigate her new existence in Elsewhere. The book explores themes of life, death, grief, acceptance, and the concept of starting anew in the afterlife.
The writing style of 'Elsewhere' is described as imaginative, thought-provoking, and engaging. The author, Gabrielle Zevin, presents a unique perspective on the afterlife, creating a world that is both familiar and different from our own. The plot unfolds with a mix of humor, touching moments, and deep reflections on life and loss, making it a compelling read for young adult readers.
Liz (who is Elizabeth to her teachers; Lizzie at home, except when she’s in trouble; and just plain Liz everywhere else in the world) sits up in bed, bumping her head on an unforeseen upper bunk. From... - #4
Save:Under the Whispering Door by T.J. Klune is a heartwarming and emotional story that explores the themes of life, death, grief, and acceptance. The book follows Wallace, a workaholic lawyer who unexpectedly dies and finds himself in a tea shop in the afterlife, guided by Meiying and Hugo. Through interactions with the residents of the tea shop and the reapers, Wallace undergoes a journey of self-discovery and redemption, learning the true meaning of life and love even after death. The writing style is described as tender, insightful, and kind, offering a unique perspective on death and the afterlife with a touch of humor and whimsy.
“How could I not?” he said. He folded his hands on his oak desk, his Arper Aston chair squeaking as he settled in for what he was sure was going to be a case of unfortunate histrionics, all while tryi... Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach is an exploration into the history and uses of human cadavers, delving into emblematic activities like cremation and research. The author takes readers on a journey through the world of cadavers, from cosmetic surgery to embalming, addressing questions about what happens to bodies after death with a blend of hard science and humor. Roach's writing style is described as quirky, humorous, and respectful, providing a balance between factual information and entertainment value while discussing various options for the body after death.
The way I see it, being dead is not terribly far off from being on a cruise ship. Most of your time is spent lying on your back. The brain has shut down. The flesh begins to soften. Nothing much new h...- #6
Save:'The Other Wind' is the final book in the Earthsea series by Ursula K. Le Guin. The story follows Alder, a mender, who starts having dreams about the dead seeking to be free from the dry lands, ultimately leading to a transformation that involves all the races of Earthsea. The novel delves into the relationship between humans and dragons, explores themes of life and death, and provides a philosophical reflection on the balance of power in the world. The book ties up loose ends from the previous novels, bringing back familiar characters and introducing new elements that challenge the beliefs established in the initial series.
The writing style of 'The Other Wind' is praised for its beauty and intricacy, with readers appreciating Le Guin's ability to weave symbolism and philosophy into the narrative seamlessly. The book is noted for its character development, strong themes about the role of women, good versus bad, freedom, and greed. Despite some mixed feelings about the pacing and predictability of the story, the conclusion of the Earthsea cycle is described as satisfying, leaving readers with a sense of finality and a new perspective on the series.
Sails long and white as swan’s wings carried the ship Farflyer through summer air down the bay from the Armed Cliffs toward Gont Port. She glided into the still water landward of the jetty, so sure an...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Earthsea Cycle ) - #7
Save:In "When Breath Becomes Air" by Paul Kalanithi, readers are taken on a poignant journey through the author's experiences as a neurosurgeon facing a terminal cancer diagnosis. The book beautifully captures Kalanithi's reflections on life, death, and the pursuit of meaning amidst his battle with illness. Through eloquent writing and a blend of medical insights, personal anecdotes, and literary references, Kalanithi shares his profound thoughts on mortality, resilience, and the importance of living purposefully even in the face of imminent death.
PAUL DIED ON MONDAY, March 9, 2015, surrounded by his family, in a hospital bed roughly two hundred yards from the labor and delivery ward where our daughter, Cady, had entered the world eight months ... - #8
Save:'The Lovely Bones' by Alice Sebold is a poignant and haunting story narrated by a murdered fourteen-year-old girl, Susie Salmon, speaking from heaven. The book explores the aftermath of her death on her family and friends as they cope with the tragedy and try to find her killer. The unique perspective of the deceased protagonist offers a fresh and emotional insight into grief, loss, and the struggle for justice. The writing style is described as beautiful, clear, and powerful, creating a compelling narrative that delves into both the heartbreaking and hopeful aspects of the story.
The plot of 'The Lovely Bones' unfolds through Susie's observations from the afterlife as she watches over her loved ones and the man who took her life. The book touches on themes of coping with loss, seeking redemption, and the impact of a tragic event on relationships. Despite some readers finding certain aspects disturbing or slow-paced, the overall story is praised for its unique perspective, emotional depth, and thought-provoking exploration of life, death, and the human experience.
My name was Salmon, like the fish; first name, Susie. I was fourteen when I was murdered on December 6, 1973. In newspaper photos of missing girls from the seventies, most looked like me: white girls ... - #9
Save:'Passage' by Connie Willis is a science fiction novel that delves into the exploration of Near Death Experiences (NDEs) through the eyes of researchers at a hospital. The story follows the investigations of two scientists, a psychologist, and a neurologist, who are studying NDEs both naturally and artificially induced. The book portrays a deep dive into the human psyche, mortality, and the mysteries surrounding life after death. Willis weaves a complex narrative filled with suspense, scientific exploration, and a touch of the supernatural, all set in a modern hospital setting.
Willis' writing style in 'Passage' is characterized by intricate plotting, detailed scientific explanations, and well-developed characters. The author creates a sense of urgency and intensity throughout the book, keeping readers engaged with a fast-paced narrative that explores profound themes of death, spirituality, and the human spirit. The story unfolds through a series of twists and turns, leading to a climactic revelation that challenges the characters' beliefs and perceptions about the afterlife.
Joanna waited. Any question, even “How dark was it?” could be a leading one when it came to interviewing people about their near-death experiences, and most people, when confronted with a silence, wou... - #10
Save:'Reincarnation Blues' by Michael Poore is a unique and thought-provoking novel that follows the journey of Milo, a soul who has been reincarnated nearly 10,000 times in various lives throughout history and the future. The book explores Milo's quest to achieve perfection before his 10,000th life, all while navigating his unconventional relationship with Death, personified as Suzie. Through a blend of humor, philosophy, and science fiction elements, the story delves into themes of love, life's absurdity, and the pursuit of meaning across multiple lifetimes.
The narrative style of 'Reincarnation Blues' is characterized by its non-linear timeline, diverse settings, and interconnected stories that provide a rich tapestry of Milo's experiences. The novel seamlessly weaves together elements of reincarnation, love, and existential exploration, offering a compelling and engaging exploration of the human experience across different lives and time periods.
Milo sat down in the sugar-white sand, closed his eyes, and felt the warm salt breeze in his beard. He took note of his ponytail feathering against his back and seagulls crying. That’s what you were s...
