Meet New Books

Books matching: reflections on mortality

100 result(s)

Page 1
Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    Dreamtigers by Jorge Luis Borges
    Save:

    'Dreamtigers' by Jorge Luis Borges is a collection that delves into reflections, interpretations, and meditations on death and life. The book is described as a blend of short prose fiction and poetry, with hidden meanings and allusions that require effort to uncover. Borges intricately weaves together stories, myths, and cultural references that create a unique and thought-provoking reading experience. The writing style is precise, mysterious, and often acerbic, leading readers to deep contemplation on the interior realms of existence.


  2. The Dark Interval: Letters on Loss, Grief, and Transformation by Rainer Maria Rilke is a collection of 23 letters written in the early 20th century to console friends and acquaintances experiencing loss, including the loss of loved ones and pets. Rilke's writing style is described as formal and timeless, offering thought-provoking ruminations on death, grief, and the transformative power of pain. The letters advocate for embracing the dark interval between birth and death as a means of contributing to a more intensely lived life.

    Throughout his life, the poet Rainer Maria Rilke addressed in direct and personal letters individuals who were close to him, who had contacted him after reading his works, or whom he had met briefly—a...

  3. '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.


  4. #4

    Death with Interruptions by Jose Saramago
    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...

  5. #5

    The Opposite of Loneliness: Essays and Stories by Marina Keegan
    Save:

    'The Opposite of Loneliness: Essays and Stories' by Marina Keegan is a posthumous collection of work by a young writer who tragically died in a car accident just days after graduating from Yale. The book features a mix of fiction and nonfiction pieces that delve into a wide range of topics, from personal reflections on mortality and the meaning of life to fictional stories that touch on themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. Keegan's writing style is described as lyrical, earnest, and imbued with a special kind of optimism that resonates with readers, despite her young age and untimely death.

    I was stoned when I saw the eskimoed figure crunching down the street with a flashlight and a cocker spaniel. The iced trees hung in on the road and my dazed synapses made suburbia look like a cave. T...

  6. #6

    Angry Candy by Harlan Ellison
    Save:

    'Angry Candy' by Harlan Ellison is a collection of 18 short stories centered around the theme of death and dying. The stories range from deeply moving to hilarious to disturbing, showcasing Ellison's wide variety of storytelling abilities and vivid imagination. The book is described as a triumph of beauty over loss, guiding readers through dreamscapes remarkable for their brilliance and vitality.

    I was reading Harlan Ellison's Approaching Oblivion in 8th-grade detention, from 3:20 pm to 4:20 pm, after school at Seneca Ridge Middle School in Sterling, Virginia. It was 1982. And those were the t...

  7. #7

    The Death of Ivan Ilych by Leo Tolstoy
    Save:

    "The Death of Ivan Ilych" by Leo Tolstoy is a short novella that delves into themes of mortality and self-realization. The story follows Ivan Ilych, a high-ranking judge in Russia, as he grapples with his impending death. Through Ivan's journey, the book explores the concept of living an inauthentic life driven by societal expectations, only to realize the true meaning of existence on his deathbed. Tolstoy's writing style in this novella is described as impactful, eye-opening, and profound, leaving readers reflecting on their own lives and mortality.

    Within the edifice of the Public Courts, the advocates and prosecutor from the proceedings of the Melvinski trial spent a recess together in the office of Ivan Yegorovich Shebek, and a conversation ar...

  8. #8

    When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
    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 ...

  9. 'Adventures in Human Being: A Grand Tour from the Cranium to the Calcaneum' by Gavin Francis is a captivating exploration of the human body that combines medical knowledge with folklore, history, and personal anecdotes. Francis takes readers on a journey through different body parts, sharing patient stories, cultural significances, and philosophical reflections. The book is a mix of medical information, historical insights, and poetic writing style that offers a unique perspective on the human anatomy.


  10. Irvin D. Yalom's book 'Staring at the Sun: Overcoming the Terror of Death' delves into the exploration of mortality and the fear of death. Through a combination of personal experiences, patient stories, literature, and philosophy, Yalom offers solutions to help readers alleviate their death anxiety. The book is described as a blend of psychology, philosophy, and practical advice, encouraging readers to confront their mortality and live a more fulfilling life. Yalom's writing style is praised for being engaging, conversational, and thought-provoking, making the heavy topic of death approachable and enlightening.

    Self-awareness is a supreme gift, a treasure as precious as life. This is what makes us human. But it comes with a costly price: the wound of mortality. Our existence is forever shadowed by the knowle...

Page 1 of 10Next Page