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fluencer's review against another edition
5.0
It can be daunting to read about death anxiety, I have come to agree with the author of this book that everyone has death anxiety, but most of are not aware of it. But the author assures in the beginning of the book that he can make you feel better, that he has done this work with many patients and you are in good hands. I think he keeps his word, and as I finish this book, I am less afraid than I ever was.
In some places in the book, especially in the conversations with his patients, he comes across as preachy. It seems to be more like a lecture than a conversation. It's possible that the conversational tone was modified for the book, it would be hard to have a conversation like that with someone.
I would also caution readers to not jump into the ideas and techniques offered in this book immediately. Being confronted with death, not everyone turns into Walter White, but I think it is possible that in the attempt to confront our fears, we can end up acting on them.
In some places in the book, especially in the conversations with his patients, he comes across as preachy. It seems to be more like a lecture than a conversation. It's possible that the conversational tone was modified for the book, it would be hard to have a conversation like that with someone.
I would also caution readers to not jump into the ideas and techniques offered in this book immediately. Being confronted with death, not everyone turns into Walter White, but I think it is possible that in the attempt to confront our fears, we can end up acting on them.
erenscollarbone's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
mirandaleighhhh's review against another edition
medium-paced
2.5
This year I am on a reading journey to explore death and grief to cope with my death anxiety, and there were definitely kernels within this book that I found helpful, but that I didn't necessarily need to read this book to find. The concept of rippling particularly resonated with me. I think it is a comforting truth.
I also wholeheartedly support the reasons this book was published - there is a lot of avoidance surrounding death, at least in America. We have separated ourselves from it as much as is possible, and I think it's a disservice to our ability to live, love, and connect.
However...
This book would probably be better received by someone just starting to dip their toe into conversations and considerations about death (and psychology). I did not care for the constant philosophy references (personal preference) in part because every individual referenced was a man. Overall it read very much like it was written by a man, which probably contributed to it not resonating deeply with me. I was uncomfortable with the whole chapter (also the longest chapter) with personal anecdotes, especially as it pertained to his therapist-client-turned-friends and the individual who couldn't stop having sexual thoughts about a current client. HOW does that have anything to do with the topic and WHY ON EARTH did that man keep seeing that client?
Therapists are just human beings, I know! My own father is one. And sure, that man didn't act on his feelings and sought therapy, but I did not need to read about it in a book about coping with death anxiety, and it made my trust of the author waver in that he didn't recommend that client/friend stop seeing the client they were having thoughts about. He even referred another client to him during the same time!
I was very tired with the dreams. It seemed every client listed 'coincidentally' had a dream which, after analyzing it, was a breakthrough for their therapy? *eye roll*
Not saying there is no benefit to talking about and analyzing dreams, but...come on.
There were other little things that didn't sit right with me, such as the way some people were described depending on their walk in life.
I also wholeheartedly support the reasons this book was published - there is a lot of avoidance surrounding death, at least in America. We have separated ourselves from it as much as is possible, and I think it's a disservice to our ability to live, love, and connect.
However...
This book would probably be better received by someone just starting to dip their toe into conversations and considerations about death (and psychology). I did not care for the constant philosophy references (personal preference) in part because every individual referenced was a man. Overall it read very much like it was written by a man, which probably contributed to it not resonating deeply with me. I was uncomfortable with the whole chapter (also the longest chapter) with personal anecdotes, especially as it pertained to his therapist-client-turned-friends and the individual who couldn't stop having sexual thoughts about a current client. HOW does that have anything to do with the topic and WHY ON EARTH did that man keep seeing that client?
Therapists are just human beings, I know! My own father is one. And sure, that man didn't act on his feelings and sought therapy, but I did not need to read about it in a book about coping with death anxiety, and it made my trust of the author waver in that he didn't recommend that client/friend stop seeing the client they were having thoughts about. He even referred another client to him during the same time!
I was very tired with the dreams. It seemed every client listed 'coincidentally' had a dream which, after analyzing it, was a breakthrough for their therapy? *eye roll*
Not saying there is no benefit to talking about and analyzing dreams, but...come on.
There were other little things that didn't sit right with me, such as the way some people were described depending on their walk in life.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Drug use
maryvdb2024's review against another edition
5.0
I first read this book in 2008 when my younger brother was dying from terminal cancer. It was profoundly helpful in understanding fear of death and I have returned to it many times since and given this book to many people. I find myself reading it again as I witness a second brother dying from terminal cancer and its message has not diminished. Thank you Irvin D Yalom
bittersweet_symphony's review against another edition
4.0
An insightful tour of the ways in which death anxiety manifests in people's inner lives. Few books are as therapeutic as those written by Yalom. I read about one a year for some psychological hygiene.
cattheteawitchfairy's review against another edition
slow-paced
2.0
Some helpful passages but it did feel quite long and some aspects seemed unnecessary.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death