Books matching: human experience with death
20 result(s)
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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:In 'Death with Interruptions', Jose Saramago presents an imagined scenario where death goes on strike, leading to social chaos in an unspecified year and country. The plot revolves around Death resuming her work with a new twist of sending advance notification letters, introducing philosophical reflections on life and death. The writing style combines dark humor, satire, and political commentary, with long, convoluted sentences creating a unique reading experience.
Although it had immediately been ridiculed by rival newspapers, which had managed to draw on the inspiration of their principal writers for the most diverse and meaty of headlines, some dramatic, some... - #3
Save:In 'Reaper Man' by Terry Pratchett, Death finds himself out of a job when the auditors of reality decide he has developed too much of a personality. As a result, Death becomes mortal and must experience life among humans until the new Death arrives. With the Discworld temporarily without a Death, chaos ensues as things cannot die properly and excess life force accumulates, leading to strange occurrences like inanimate objects coming to life. The book humorously explores Death's journey of living in the real world and facing the consequences of his forced retirement.
The plot of 'Reaper Man' follows Death adjusting to life on Discworld, helping out on a farm and experiencing the joys and challenges of being mortal. Meanwhile, the story delves into the repercussions of Death's absence, such as the buildup of life energy causing unusual phenomena and the struggle to find a replacement Death. Through witty writing and clever storytelling, Terry Pratchett weaves together themes of life, death, and the importance of balance in the universe with a touch of humor and philosophical musings.
It is danced under blue skies to celebrate the quickening of the soil and under bare stars because it’s springtime and with any luck the carbon dioxide will unfreeze again. The imperative is felt by d...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Discworld ) - #4
Save:Delights and Shadows by Ted Kooser is a collection of poetry that captures the beauty and wonder of everyday life through simple yet powerful imagery. The poems in this book explore a wide range of topics, from nature and human experiences to art and history. Written in an accessible and lyrical style, Kooser's poetry evokes deep emotions and invites readers to see the extraordinary in the ordinary moments of life. The book is divided into four sections, each offering a unique perspective on the world around us and the complexities of human existence.
- #5
Save:'Sandcastle' by Pierre Oscar Levy and Frederik Peeters is a graphic novel that delves into a mysterious and intense story about rapid aging and the fragility of life. Readers are taken on a journey where characters are reduced to their purest forms, exploring themes of life, death, loss of innocence, and the passage of time. The plot unfolds in a thrilling and thought-provoking manner, leaving readers pondering the human condition and the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones.
The storytelling in 'Sandcastle' is gripping and intriguing, with a unique premise that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. The book's writing style is described as smart and well-written, offering a slow burn narrative that may have more depth than initially perceived. Despite its short length, the graphic novel manages to convey a powerful message about seizing the present moment and reflecting on the transient nature of life.
- #6
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... - #7
Save:'Existential Psychotherapy' by Irvin D. Yalom delves into the existential concerns that drive human behavior and shape mental health. Yalom integrates insights from philosophy, literature, history, and sociology to present a theory on how existential realities such as death, aloneness, and meaninglessness influence individuals' mental well-being. The book emphasizes the importance of facing existential fears and reframing them as engines for personal growth and change.
- #8
Save:'Herbert West: Reanimator' by H.P. Lovecraft is a collection of six linked stories that follow the mad scientist, Dr. Herbert West, and his assistant as they experiment with bringing the dead back to life. The plot revolves around their gruesome and disturbing experiments, starting with lab animals and escalating to human cadavers. Lovecraft's writing style in this book is described as pulp fiction, with shocking entertainment value and a non-literary feel. Each story tries to outdo the previous one with gory and unsettling details, creating a sense of parody or homage to Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein'.
Of Herbert West, who was my friend in college and in after life, I can speak only with extreme terror. This terror is not due altogether to the sinister manner of his recent disappearance, but was eng... 'A Little Larger Than the Entire Universe: Selected Poems' by Fernando Pessoa is a collection of poetry that delves into philosophical themes and explores the importance of sensations over reason. The poems are described as deep and thought-provoking, written with immense sensitivity and exploring a wide range of emotions. Pessoa's writing style is praised for its uniqueness and depth, with the poet using different heteronyms to convey varying perspectives and voices within the poems.
Old and enormous are the stars. Old and small is the heart, and it Holds more than all the stars, being, Without space, greater than the vast expanse. FROM PESSOA’S RUBA’IYAT IN THE MANNER OF OMAR KHA...- #10
Save:'Human Chain' by Seamus Heaney is a poetry collection that delves into themes of memory, death, aging, and the interconnectedness of human experiences. Through his poems, Heaney explores the beauty, fragility, and complexities of life, touching on subjects like material belongings, personal memories, and the passage of time. The writing style is described as lyrical, insightful, and honest, with a focus on portraying vivid imagery and deep observations about human existence.
