2.5*
Absolutely loved the first fifty pages. She discusses her father’s death at the age of 60 and how she failed to provide a “good death” to him. However, also discusses ways to prepare for death such as advance directives and POLST’s. Then Neumann starts writing about subjects that relate to a “good death” such as abortion, assisted suicide (aid in dying), brain death, the death sentence and even forced nutrition. It was thought provoking but I didn’t particularly like how she wrote certain topics nor her general writing style.

Very disappointing. I was optimistic when Neumann included a chapter on the disability rights movement and its critiques of assisted dying, but I didn't feel that she engaged with the topic in good faith. She refers to what she says are logically flawed online arguments by disability activists, but doesn't make the effort to find better ones (they exist!).

I was also disappointed by the chapter on prison hospice - an intriguing premise I'd have liked to learn more about, but Neumann essentially said she met with a patient in prison hospice once, and she didn't like him.

There was a lot of potential here and the writing was good but ultimately I felt Neumann was writing from a position of great privilege, where she wants what she wants and didn't care to engage with the complexities involved on a genuinely deep level.

I had looked so forward to this but when I finally started reading, I just couldn't get into it. The topic is interesting - Neumann volunteers with hospice and gets to know dying intimately - and it's well-written so I'm not sure what blocked me.
I got about a third of the way through and went to check it out again and the library said, "No. You've checked this out 8 times already. That's your maximum so bring it back" and I did and I felt no remorse.

I'm hoping to try this again down the line but I'm not going to beat myself up if I never actually do get back to it.

Let's make it 2,5 stars. It's not a bad book, but the exploration of death part alluded to in the subtitle didn't quite deliver what I was expecting.

I used this book in a class I was teaching on Death and Dying, based on the recommendation of another professor. It worked really well for my course, and helpfully delves into several important and thought-provoking issues around 'the good death.'

There are points to critique - the other reviews here aptly cover some of its shortcomings, but overall, I will definitely be using this book again for my class.

This book introduced me to a lot of new issues and perspectives pertaining to the death care industry. The author's vulnerability and willingness to share her own experiences make this read much more interesting and touching.

I will be listening through this again... likely more than once. I appreciate the way a difficult topic is handled with compassionate candor.

Took a little while to come together and was a little disjointed.