Reviews (7)

Start here sociology student
This is still considered the first book on sociological theory.Not only does Durkheim provide us with a working model to use social statistics to draw very strong inference but if one reads carefully between the lines, he provides us with theoretical rhetoric as well as the afore-mentioned practical design.Durkheim was overall pessimistic; he saw the forces of society as overwhelming to the individual and makes little or no provision for escape (unlike Marx).Suicide, in Durkheim's view, was merely a symptom of a greater sociological ill.But unlike those who had come before him, Durkheim based his sociological assertions on solid empirical evidence and helped create an entire new science, which like the "hard" sciences, was based on the collection of data and research.Next time you read a report which links household income to education attainment, or prison rates among African Americans to a never-ending drug war, remember Emile Durkheim.He was first.

The best and first tutorial to the sociology
Durkheim says at the beginning; the sociology is the current science, but nobody knows what it is.Even now, his words sound contemporary.This study aims at introducing the necessity and importance of the sociology to the public, but not at sophisticatedly professional people. PIONEERING WORK IN SOCIOLOGY
This is the work considered the pioneer of modern sociology, with its author hailed the father of sociology.The innovative nature of the work lies in putting together all the methods of social analysis available at his time and providing a comprehensive view of the nature of suicide in society.Read more

Subjects:  1. Customs & Traditions    2. Sociological aspects    3. Sociology    4. Sociology - General    5. Suicide    6. Social Science / Sociology / General    7. Sociology, Social Studies   

Reviews (10)

Why not suicide?
It's real easy to judge people when you haven't walked a mile in their shoes. I have been in inescapable pain for 25 years and resent the so called fact that suicide is evil. When a Russian sub sunk to the bottom and was lifted 4 years later, thank God those men died and didn't have to suffer for 4 years being burned by fuel and chemicals. This sounds like a bunch of Bible thumping fanatics that have never endured extreme suffering in their life.
***** Moral of the Story: How NOT to End Your Life *****
A carefully-crafted, moving, timely text on the consequences of failing to realize that the "you" inside your head is eternal. It is the circumstances outside your head that is the illusion, merely a trick of light and shadow co-created by six billion souls bumping into each other in a state of slumber. In other words, we are consciousness itself once awakened to that reality. On a more personal note, I have been at the scenes of suicides, and other transitions, and there is a qualitative difference that can be felt -- if not put into words. One such case is etched into my mind forever as I was sitting in the office when my close colleague, James B., got a call that something awful had just happened to his wife, Wendy. Together, at the request of the police, I drove him to the country home of his in-laws outside the city limits of Huntsville, Alabama where we immediately saw the body of his dearly beloved spouse of 10-years lying still on the manicured front lawn. Disbelief, horror, panic are only a few of the emotions I sensed in these early minutes as I observed the parade of reactions of a husband, parents, friends, as well as myself display that fateful September day. Wendy had put a bullet through her head upon suffering for a year of in again/out again hospitalization for the manic-phase of bipolar disorder, yet finally yielding to untreated clinical depression and a sudden overwhelming self-destructive impulse. But, all-in-all, what stays with me is the unmitigated grief and shame that was inflicted upon these families by a suicide that they did not prevent, making available even the best medical care and drugs for her. As a therapist, and former crisis counselor with the U.S. Navy, I urge you to read this book and take it to heart, for that is where lives are won, or lost, not in our head, where the unvarnished reality of after-death communications, near-death experiences, etc. have been validated again and again only to be unfairly classified as anecdotal and thereby ignored by the mainstream. Indeed, as many of us researchers know today, the topic in science and religion that needs urgent resolution surrounds the definition of consciousness itself. Not only when awareness enters into the fetus but when does it leave the body to go beyond the grave? Now that is the mystery! But at least we do know where our "sense of self" resides and with what molecules it interacts as psychiatrist Rick Strassman, M.D. revealed in his magnum opus text DMT: The Spirit Molecule: "I believed the source of DMT was the mysterious pineal gland, a tiny organ situated in the center of our brains .... Descartes, for example, believed the pineal was the `seat of the soul,' and both Western and Eastern mystical traditions place our highest spiritual center within its confines." Don't be hoodwinked, therefore, you are an immortal spiritual being but seeking to overcome the challenges of physical mortality, so, ultimately we must begin to live -- and "die" -- with that truth still intact. My own studies reflect the sober conclusion that we create our own heavens and hells as we live day-to-day but those also become our dwelling places between lifetimes. One message that comes through loud and clear from suicides is that realization that what goes around, comes around, or more bluntly: "our choices here, have consequences hereafter!"
Logical and clear, rich in insight, certainly calls on one to adapt.
Very coherent presentation, without any obvious agenda except the truth -- this is a book that demands significant time for the serious reader to adjust to new premises and then to absorb.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Channeling    3. Channeling (Spiritualism)    4. Future life    5. New Age    6. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    7. Spiritual Healing    8. Spiritualism - General    9. Suicide victims    10. Body, Mind & Spirit / Channeling    11. Mind, body, spirit: reincarnation & past lives   

Reviews (2)

i needed it for class
I bought this book because I had to have it for school,
More than the essentials
Essentials for the Activity Professional in Long Term Care turned out to be much more than just the essentials. The book is well thought out, and goes into detail when it is needed. I believe that it would be valuable to both the seasoned long term care manager, as well as those new to the field. I particularly liked the "Key Terms" and "Objectives" at the beginning of each chapter, which was great for quickly seeing what REALLY is included in a chapter, which is often difficult to tell in textbooks just from the chapter title. The book also includes facsimiles of actual forms in the documentation section, and there is nothing quite like seeing the real thing. A very well rounded look at long term care. Lots of pictures and charts keep things moving along, and there are self-assessment exams. I would recommend this book to anyone in long term care, regardless of their position. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Administration    2. Allied Health Services - Medical Assistants    3. Health Care Delivery    4. Long-Term Care    5. Long-Term Patient Care    6. Long-term care facilities    7. Medical    8. Medical / Nursing    9. Nursing - General    10. Recreation For Special Groups    11. Recreational activities    12. Terminal Care    13. United States    14. organization & administration    15. Care of the elderly    16. Community care    17. Medical / Nursing / General    18. Nursing   

Reviews (4)

Review of On-scene guide for crisis negotiators
Good 1st book to read on those wanting to be Negotiators in the Law Enforcement field.

A Worthy Addition To The Field
Frederick Lanceley's "On-Scene Guide for Crisis Negotiators" is a long needed compendium of technique and definition in the field of crisis negotitations. Mr. Lanceley's vast experience has enabled him to providetechniques based on real-life situations not just theory. The volume isarranged in a concise, easy-to-reference format which should be a part ofevery negotiator's "Ready Kit". One of the most important pointsabout this book is the fact that it addresses the types of situations faceddaily by police negotiators. Suicide intervention, long a subject ignoredin many negotiations seminars, is given in-depth treatment. In addition,the entire book is an interesting read. His account of his involvement atRuby Ridge is fascinating. I would recommend this book to anyone involvedin the field, police commanders and anyone interested in crisisintervention.

On-Scene Guide for Crisis Negotiators
Recently retired FBI Special Agent Fred Lanceley gives us the benefit of his expertise in this highly detailed book on the actions a crisis negotiator must take in the field.Lanceley describes techniques that willbe of benefit to any police officet, tactical dispatcher, hostagenegotiator or crisis counselor who is confronted with a barricaded subject,a mentally disturbed individual or a potential hostage taker. These peopleare encouraged to read Lanceley's book and to include it in your currenttraining.Dave Larton, Member, California Association of HostageNegotiators ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Criminal Law - General    2. Crisis intervention (Mental he    3. Forensic Science    4. Hostage negotiations    5. Legal Reference / Law Profession    6. Life Sciences - General    7. Negotiation    8. Prevention    9. Science    10. Science/Mathematics    11. Suicide    12. Abnormal psychology    13. Criminal or forensic psychology    14. Law / Forensic Science    15. Police & security services   

Editorial Review

Like Kurt Cobain, Nick Traina lived for punk rock (his bands made two CDs, Read more

Reviews (186)

A Mother's Heartache
As a Danielle Steel fan since the dawn of her writing career, I've often wondered how she captures emotional anguish so vividly.In researching manic-depression while writing LOVING LARRY, I found the answer apparent in HIS BRIGHT LIGHT.From the heart of a mother she lovingly introduces her children, shares her personal history and bares her soul in this painful account of her son's struggle with manic-depressive illness and its effect on her family.The poignant portrayals she creates in fiction come--at least in part--from heartbreaking first-hand experience.

Steel's best work to date
Widely known for her romantic novels in far off places, Danielle Steel managed to create a career that likely exceeded her wildest dreams. Yet beneath the veneer of gentile refinement, the famous author struggled to help her son Nick Traina, a young man who was taken from Earth before his time. Lucky for him, and for us, Steel didn't let his passing go without triumph for those like him.
His Bright Light Can Save Lives
Danielle Steel wrote this book with a purpose greater than many may realize. As a pure and loving tribute to her son Nick's life and as a direly needed awareness among people about how BPD (Bipolar Disorder, or manic depression) is a disease that kills people, because they do not have proper medical diagnosis or treatment.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Depression    6. Family relationships    7. General    8. Manic-depressive persons    9. Mental Illness    10. Parental Memoirs    11. Specific Groups - Special Needs    12. Suicide    13. United States    14. Women authors, American    15. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (8)

Stuparyk's writing lifted my broken spirit like the wings of an angel...
For anyone who has loved and lost a beloved pet, I highly recommend "When Only the Love Remains" by Emily Margaret Stuparyk. Her words will heal a broken heart and connect your soul eternally with your pet's soul. She understands the pain of pet loss because she has experienced it. I was devastated at the loss of my bunny, a Dwarf girl named Cinderella Rubi, who lived for only two years. Emily's writing lifted my broken spirit like the wings of an angel and reflect hope and belief in the afterlife. I have learned that although my beloved Cinderella is with her Creator now, she left me a legacy of love that lives on as my inheritance. This love will continue to grow for I will always remember my precious rabbit friend. I treasure this book and also you, Emily.

Moving Account of One Woman's Loss Helps Us All
My beloved kitty companion of nine years died suddenly on September 16, 2004 - as I write this, just three days ago. The totally unexpected loss of Sugarpuss is a terrible shock. Stuparyk's book was recommended to me that morning and I immediately ordered it on one day delivery from amazon (and I might add it arrived on the 17th as promised - thank you, amazon). I read most of it in one sitting, crying as in my mind I put my kitty in the place of Stuparyk's beloved rabbit, Poochie, who also died on September 16th several years ago. The poems are moving, especially the final one, which is also used for the title of the book. I very much identify with the poem where the author wishes for one more chance to hold her bunny alive again, which is what I feel about my Sugarpuss. I know I will go to this book again over the next several weeks. I would particularly recommend this book of poems for someone who feels grief but has problems expressing it, or who feels "funny" being so emotional over the loss of a companion animal.

The best book on pet loss
The author could have been writing about my own pet.Her sincere, honest portrayal of her feelings touched me so much that I was able to write down my own feelings on paper about a much loved and missed pet.It was like she knew me and my pet.I could feel her pain of her loss--it matched mine.Her book gave me so many things to think about. I recommend this book highly and plan to share it with others who need help healing with the loss of a pet. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Death, Grief, Bereavement    3. General    4. Pets   

Reviews (10)

The Best Grief Book I've found
I read about 20 books on this subject after the sudden death of my young husband.I was looking for a road map to get through the shock and grief.This book was the only one that really helped me.It is an excellent, practical guide for those who have experienced a death of a loved one.Sudden death is especially traumatic and the book really helped me understand that what I was feeling and doing was perfectly normal.Good Luck.

Great Book
This book came to my attention in the late 80's.I was taking a course in college on death and grieving.This book was one of the books we were required to read.Since that time I have purchased or referred that book too many times to remember.Over the years many people have thanked me for it.I feel it is most important after some time has passed as it can be to "ready" and you do want some distance in order to process the information.This book provides comfort.It points out that not only are you not alone, but that each stage takes each person different amounts of time to process through.The only reason I am not giving it a four is that I had one client tell me that it was not "religious" enough for him.

The courage to what?
I bought this book soon after the death of my 11 year old daughter. I found the approach very uncomfortable and it left me feeling as though i was failing because i was not following the prescribed way of grieving. The examples given in the book led me to belive that if i did not follow the advice of the author i would be doomed to a life of sadness and despair. The most damaging aspect of the text was the insistance in "letting go", and idea i still find very difficult to accept. The freightening examples of people who had become overly interseted in the cause of a loved one's death only to fall victim to the sane illness would have been better placed in horror fiction. Stear clear, this book will help know one except the author. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Death / Grief / Consolation    2. Death, Grief, Bereavement    3. Psychology    4. Coping with death & bereavement    5. Self-Help / General   

Reviews (13)

Incredible Book
Stephen Levine is a master when it comes to simply describing mindfulness and conscious living.This book should be read by everyone who expects to die and who truly desires to live.The truth permeates the pages of this masterpiece.Highly recommended.

Getting your heart open in the face of death
Steven Levine, formerly director of the Hanuman Foundation's Dying Project, and his wife, Ondrea Levine, have been counseling the dying for over 30 years. In this book they explore the question: "What is the difference when the dying person and those around him have their hearts wide open?"

Outstanding reading !!!
Death is an uncomfortable and frightening topic to most people. Levine's book "Who Dies ?" will put an end to this fear and will help you confront death and make peace with it. Life and death are one. Fear of dying is only a reflection of the fear of living. Death is not some external Ogre that we must conquer and defeat. We must embrace death to enjoy and appreciate life. This book will guide you toward this gentle and final embrace.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Death    2. Death, Grief, Bereavement    3. General    4. Psychology    5. Psychology of Religion    6. Religion    7. Coping with death & bereavement    8. Religion / Psychology of Religion   

Reviews (2)

Rays of Hope
After loosing my husband of 40 years to cancer in January of this year, I read many publications that were supposed to help me in the process of grieving and getting on with my life.They were well meant and did offer some comfort, but this book truly touched my heart and was the most helpful of all.
From someone who knows
This book comforts and makes you feel like you are not alone, because you are not.I have given it to other women who have lost their husbands and they have been blessed by it as well. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Death, Grief, Bereavement    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family/Marriage    4. Life skills guides    5. Religious life    6. Sociology    7. Widows    8. Women's Studies - General    9. Family & Relationships / Death, Grief, Bereavement   

Reviews (4)

How to Best Live Life
I would give this book 10 stars if I could. First, I should mention this is *not* a book about running any more than Moby-Dick is a book about whales. Rather, it is a discourse on how best to live one's life, written by someone near the end of his. I read this every year, and every year I'm amazed at how wise Dr. Sheehan was.Like Shakespeare or the Bible, it opens up to me the more I read it, and every time I learn something new, if only because I've changed and understand it better through experience.It helps me measure my own growth. I can't express what an influence it has been.

Going The Distance : All Sold Out
I bought this book when it first came out in 1996. I have now just gotten around tor reading it (1999). I am bad about putting off things I suspect are going to be very good (Delayed gratification). this book will touch every runners heart
This was the first running book I ever read, I am trying to read all of his books. But some are hard to come across. A touching story of a man and such a stong devotion of the meaning "life," god bless him. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Biography/Autobiography    3. Cancer    4. Cancer (Psychosocial Aspects)    5. Death    6. Death, Grief, Bereavement    7. Health, Exercise & Fitness    8. Patients    9. Psychological aspects    10. Sheehan, George    11. United States    12. Biography: sport    13. Non-Classifiable    14. Track & field sports, athletics   

Reviews (9)

I wish I had read this book sooner !
I have loved K�bler -Ross's work and bought this book when I bought "On Grief and Grieving" by her and David Kessler. I have had it by my bed for months now. I thought that K�bler Ross's last book with Kessler is one of the best books on Grief I have ever read. Now after reading "The Needs of the Dying" I am so sorry I waited so long to read it. Any one who has a loved one with a terminal illness needs this book. It begins with how to deal with the diagnosis, the importance of hope and very helpful tips on getting the help you need from the medical system. It has two great chapters on dealing with pain and preventing unnecessary suffering. There is great information on medications and the fear of addiction. It has sections on advanced directives and how to use them in the hospital situation. What I loved the most is it gives you the information that the doctors and nurses don't always have time to explain. Beside the vital medical information it just has great suggestions on how to have the hard conversations. There are great stories with examples on what to say and not to say to children and insightful information on spirituality. David even talks about people having visions as they near death. It also tenderly describes what to expect at the end. It helps you feel like you can have some control in a situation that makes you feel you have lost all control. I wish I had this book when my loved one was dying. I know this is not a book that anyone wants to read, but if you find yourself in this situation , do not wait to read this book. I now know why Mother Teresa, Marianne Williamson and Elisabeth K�bler Ross and my friends felt this book was important. I highly recommend it. Don't miss the comfort it will bring you and your loved ones.

needs of the dying
the author is to much in the zone of "I". I have difficulty reading writings of those who are to much in the "I".I think using the words we or they at times tends to make the reading much more palatalable

Beautiful...
What a beautifully written book about death and the dying process.I only wish that I had been able to read this and so many more like it when my beloved mother was going through the dying process. I would have been able to understand so much better just what she was trying to communicate to me.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Death    2. Death / Grief / Consolation    3. Death, Grief, Bereavement    4. Family relationships    5. General    6. Hospices    7. Psychological aspects    8. Psychology    9. Terminal Care    10. Terminally ill    11. Thanatology    12. Self-Help / Death, Grief, Bereavement   

Reviews (10)

Wonderful animal story
This is the book to buy.What a wonderful book to write about a dog that has been through several struggles and survived.I would read all of her books that she writes.Great reviews....

The Miracle that Keeps on Giving
This was a great story about a dog who survived an animal shelter gas chamber and lived to tell about it with the help of Randy Grim. No dog has ever survived the gas chamber in St. Louis, but Quentin did - named after the infamous Sam Quentin.Quentin was one of the millions given up by his guardians, more like sentenced to death by his guardians.If it weren't for Randy Grim's incredible work with the St. Louis Stray Rescue, Quentin would've survived the chamber only to put back in.But that wasn't the case.Randy was called and claimed Quentin, who became a nationwide spokes-dog championing no-kill shelters.Thanks to Randy and Quentin, St. Louis replaced the gas chamber (where animals truly suffered at the end of their lives) in their animal shelters with HUMANE euthanasia.Hopefully some day it will be a no-kill shelter, along with every animal shelter in this country.
Great story - book needs work
A great story about the Miracle Dog - heartfelt and emotional.The book itself could use some reorganization and definitely needs someone to spell and grammar check it.Was disappointed with the quality of the copy, but the story was too good to not give 4 stars to. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anecdotes    2. Animal Rights    3. Animals    4. Dogs    5. General    6. Human-animal relationships    7. Missouri    8. Nature / Animal Rights    9. Pets / Dogs / General    10. Quentin (Dog)    11. Saint Louis    12. Social Science    13. Sociology    14. Dogs - General    15. Euthanasia of animals    16. Nature    17. Pets    18. True Stories   

Reviews (3)

This book is amazing
I was given the amazing opportunity to spend time with Virginia Fry while living in Vermont this past winter. My 14 year old sister had recently passed away after her stuggle against cancer. I was completely lost, and met with Virginia several times. She is one of the most amazing people that I've ever been priviledged enough to have come into my life. This book enveloped every part of her ideas and extremely heartfelt suggestions to get you through the most horrible times. She is such an amazing person and this book reflects that to the fullest extent.

Chapter 5 is about me
My name is Amy Petrucelli and chapter 5 is about me, my sister Betsy and our brother Frankie. IT WAS EXCELLENT!I LOVED IT!
I really enjoyed this book.I bought it a few years after my mother died, and it helped me a great deal with what I was feeling, thinking, and seeing.It also helped me deal with the day-to-day struggles that Iencountered.Thank you so much for writing this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bereavement    2. Bereavement in children    3. Bereavement in youth    4. Children's 12-Up - Politics / Current Events    5. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    6. Death, Grief, Bereavement    7. Juvenile literature    8. Politics & Government    9. Self-Help    10. Social Situations - Death & Dying   

Reviews (10)

For Every Cat an Angel
I had originally read "For Every Dog an Angel" and saw that it came in an equally loving Cat version, so when my brother's cat of 18 years crossed over, I just had to send his family this story as a consolation book...just perfect.

Beautiful comforting book after the loss of my cat
This little book is much like the Rainbow Bridge poem, such a sweet touching childlike story that tells the special bond between human and cat. The pictures are cute and it really gave me comfort after the loss of my beloved Kitty Thumpy. I love it so much I will buy it for all my friends. They have a "For Every Dog an Angel" also that is just as lovely. I also recommend the book "Do Dogs Go to Heaven?" By M. Jean Holmes, if your looking for more Bible based factual book..

give this book to someone saying good bye to a cat
This book was given to me by a friendwho knew it would be soon I would be saying good bye to my pal Snaggle Putty of 20 years. That was Christmas eve. Two days after Christmas- it was time. This book helped me through a painful loss. It puts a unique perspective on the ineviable. I highly recommend for all animal lovers. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Angels    2. General    3. Cats    4. Cats - General    5. Self-Help    6. Fiction    7. Pet loss    8. Pets    9. Dogs    10. Guardian angels    11. Death, Grief, Bereavement   

Reviews (3)

Excellent and practical!
This book is spectacular. It covers all of the major points in palliative care giving the reader very practical and useful information. The chapters on non-pain symptom management and communication are fabulous.I just can't say enough good things about this book. It is an excellent overview for students, residents and even beginning palliative care fellows.

Excellent Resource
Dr. Hallenbecks book should be part of your core library if you have any interest in Palliative Care.Not only have I found it an excellent clinical reference, I've found it an accessible, easily readable entree to the subtleties of good palliative care practice.Highly recommended reading for all disciplines.

Excellent, compassionate and very pertinent
Reading this book is like having Dr. Hallenbeck at your side coaching the reader to think critically about the evolving discipline of palliative care. Dr. Hallenbeck's voice is compassionate, articulate and strong throughout the book.I have placed Palliative Care Perspectives alongside some of my other references as I struggle to learn to care for patients at the end of life.I highly recommend this book to careproviders (physicians, nurses, PAs, nurse practitioners, socialworkers, chaplains etc) who have patients who are near the end of their lives.I have met Dr Hallenbeck and been privileged to work with him; if you are unable to work with him or to hear him speak, this treatise is like having him at your elbow when you need help. It is an intimate and thoughtful book that should be required reading for professionals in training. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Emergency Medicine    2. Medical    3. Medical / Nursing    4. Pain Medicine    5. Palliative Care    6. Palliative treatment    7. Physician and patient    8. Terminal Care    9. methods    10. Medical / Terminal Care    11. Medicine | Palliative Medicine    12. Palliative medicine   

Reviews (2)

Tales of great courage and compassion
I read this book on many airplane trips back and forth from Berkeley, where I was running a small business, to Sante Fe, where my brother was dying much too young of pancreatic cancer. magnificent, healing, one-of-a-kind; shows what is possible
Stephen Levine was for several years the Director of the Hanuman Foundation Death and Dying Project (wording may not be exactly right). In this capacity, he and his wife, Ondrea, kept their home telephone open 24 hours a day, as a "hotline" for people in catastrophic situations involving death, dying, and extreme grief.The transcripts printed out in this book are nothing short of amazing.They show what is possible, when one's mind has been stilled by meditation (or for an "old soul" like Stephen, but that place is there somewhere in each of us), and one's heart is receptive and in a place of love.Many of us feel embarrassed of frightened by death. Stephen shows that honest, loving acknowledgement of the person's situation is a prerequisite before healing (of attitudes, mainly..physical healing may or may *not* follow, the Levines say) can happen.He goes straight to the heart of callers' situations, including those of a parent whose child was recently murdered, another parent whose child was washed away at sea and the body never found, and of many people who themselves are approaching death.He has the courage to be direct, and the compassion to be gentle (the ability to give a little "tougher love", too, when needed, always appropriate to the person's strength and capacity).And AMAZING transformations follow. Stephen is able to give people a space for their emotions, that they were often not previously able to give themselves.The book shows that it is possible to have a spiritual presence that is "contagious"..that is, that others can derive strength from, and use as a starting point to accept their own situations.Seeing that such usefulness is possible for one human being to develop in himself,any even "moderately caring soul" who reads MEETINGS AT THE EDGE will keep Stephen's example at least in the back of his/her mind until he/she has become able to actualize such compassion and service in his/her own life. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Death / Grief / Consolation    2. Death, Grief, Bereavement    3. Philosophy    4. Psychology of Religion    5. Philosophy / General   

Reviews (7)

An important book for all Christians to read
This book is not about the hereafter in the sense that it doesn't go into extreme detail as to what life will be like in the hereafter and then from there, to the New Heavens and the New Earth.For that sort of details account and examination, always within a literal Biblical point of view, I would suggest Alcorn's Heaven.This book, another masterfully explored book by Billy Graham, focuses on the here and now in such a way as to examining out outlook toward that day when we die (or even better, thank the Lord, when He comes and Raptures the church).What does it mean in this, now, 21st century to live and to die?What are we to make of the culture of death that we see in the media and across the United States--from the tragedy of the late Ms. Shiavo to abortion on demand and on to euthanasia for our elderly for any old cause or reason? Basically such deaths come about because they are convenient, not based on literal Christian point of view toward the meaning of life and the dignity of dying and death.Graham asks and uses the Bible to answer questions such as "what does it mean to die as a Christian" verses "what does it mean to die without hope" (i.e. without Jesus Christ in your life as your Savior and King).For those who are dying with Jesus as the Savior, as examined by Graham, there is peace even if the death is in the face of persecution by those who do not see the light.For those who are dying without, well, there is only a slow decline into darkness, as Graham explains using the truth of the Bible. Thus, Mr. Graham is not afraid to ask questions nor is he afraid to look for answers through the written words of the Lord and through those He has touched through the ages to be His messengers, great and small.I would suggest anyone to take this book and seriously read it, examine what it has to say about death, dying, and eternity...work it into reading such books as Deadline and Heaven by Randy Alcorn...and really then falling on your hands and knees for a true talk with the Lord.Here and now you need to understand the eternal truths of living and dying and eternity.Graham points the way for the reader to go on and to use the Bible so that it shows the reader the foundations of truth and of forever.

Reasons to Believe
I read this book in the hardback edition when it was called FACING DEATH (AND THE LIFE AFTER), and all these years later, I still myself talking about it.
Read this BEFORE you lose someone.
Billy Graham takes a gentle yet uplifting look at death, loss and the afterlife, offering biblical advice and insight into this process we all must face at one point.Sadly I have had to face it sooner than I ever ever thought I would have to when I lost my wife of twelve years to liver failure in September of 2003.Reading this book after the fact offers little help or solace with my grief and one should really read it before facing the supposed Great Unknown.This is an ounce of prevention, what I am in need of is a few pounds of cure.Perhaps a re-reading of A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis is in order.Nonetheless, I recommend it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Death    3. Death, Grief, Bereavement    4. Eschatology    5. Evangelism    6. Future life    7. Religion    8. Religion - Theology    9. Religious aspects    10. Theology    11. Christian theology    12. Grief, Suffering & Consolation    13. Personal Christian testimony & popular inspirational works    14. Religion / Eschatology   

Reviews (15)

Gives you hope at a dark time
My 45 year old husband died suddenly of a heart attack. He was a very thin, active person who never smoked and had NO family history of heart disease.Besides dealing withmy loss I was distraught at this staggering blow to our three children, 18, 15, and 10.This book gave me hope that our children could go on to live whole and happy lives in spite of this loss.Eight years later, our children have, for the most part, thrived.I recommend this to anyone dealing with this tragedy in their lives.

As bad as it is for surviving spouse, it's worse for the children
This book was a life-saver for me some 10 years ago when my husband, at age 40, died from cancer. We had two children - ages 5-1/2 and 20 months at the time - and this book helped me empathize with their plight and grief at their daddy's death.
Unspeakable Grief
My father died suddenly 44 years ago, shattering the illusion of security that nearly every other child takes for granted : the ongoing presence of a loved and caring parent.I was almost seven years old, but it has been the single most determining experience of my entire life. No other book I have ever read on the subject (and there are regrettably few) has offered as much illuminating information or insight into this under-researched,too-often- unacknowledged life changing loss.This author leaves no stone unturned, no question unanswered.She deftly gets out of the way of the 66 individualsRead more

Subjects:  1. Death, Grief, Bereavement    2. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    3. Psychology    4. Coping with death & bereavement    5. Popular psychology    6. Self-Help / Death, Grief, Bereavement   

Editorial Review

The only constants in nature are change and death. Terry Tempest Williams, a naturalist and writer from northern Utah, has seen her share of both. The pages of Read more

Reviews (37)

This verse unlocks the heart.
Terry Tempest Williams is a national treasure. Her unvarnished verse carries one deep into the mystery of the Earth and sends us helplessly into the depths of our own hearts. The landscape of wildness breaths a spectacular wisdom under the watchful eyes of this keen observer of wind, rock, desert, sky, sage, along with the birds who soar and dance and play in a benediction to non-sentient life.
If you have been affected by cancer it is worth reading!!!
I loved and hated this book. It is beatifully written.I found the author frustrating at times.Some parts got a little long winded about the birds. It takes you on a emotional rollercoaster but the pay off of finishing this book is worth it.Any one who has been affected by cancer will find this book very inciteful to the process of going through treatment and also the death process. Terry Tempest gives the most authentic and honest account of what life is like living through cancer I have every read.She put into words thought and feelings I could never express fully.
Suprising turn of events
Terry Tempest Williams is a naturalist living in Utah who has the history of cancer in her family.Cancer in this novel is paralleled with the flooding of the neighboring Great Salt Lake.Overall this book goes to show that cancer goes deeper than the person who it is diagnosed to.I would suggest this book on limited circumstances: One-if you can get past the strong feminine presence and domination of this novel. Two-do not read the last 60 or so pages.I approved of this book up until that point.If the book ended at that point, leaving out the harassment of the government it would be ten times better. To anyone who is in the process of reading Refuge, you won't want to read past around page 230. Enough said.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Breast    3. Cancer    4. Essays    5. Great Salt Lake Region    6. Health    7. Health Care Issues    8. Natural history    9. Nature    10. Patients    11. Social Science    12. Sociology    13. Utah    14. Williams, Terry Tempest    15. Women's Studies - General    16. Biography: general    17. Coping with death & bereavement    18. Nature / General   

Reviews (6)

An all-purpose book.
I purchased this book after the sudden death of a friend.I was at a complete loss as to how to deal with it, and had never experienced this type of loss before.I was shaken.