Description

Handbook for Mortals is warmly addressed to all those who wish to approach the final years of life with greater awareness of what to expect and greater confidence about how to make the end of our lives a time of growth, comfort, and meaningful reflection. Written by Drs. Joanne Lynn and Joan Harrold and a team of consulting expert physicians, this book provides equal measures of practical information and wise counsel. Readers will learn what decisions they will need to face, where to look for help, and how the health-care system operates. From down-to-earth advice on how to talk to your doctor to personal stories of how people have come to terms with dying, Handbook for Mortals encompasses the needs of both the body and the spirit in our final years.

Reviews

"Nowhere does the book gloss over problems with philosophical unction; instead, it suggests actual words and questions that can be substituted for the usual meaningless well-wishing. Also, helpful images of the human spirit appear in the contributors' words, in literary excerpts, and in the many illustrations. This is one hospital and church library natural that should be in public libraries, too."--Library Journal

"If death has become more real through a serious illness--whether for oneself or another--here is a nicely written guiding light through the tunnel of fear, confusion and grief that such a diagnosis brings."--Fore Word

"A clear guide and a steadying hand for those with a life-threatening illness: medical, emotional, spiritual--and above all, practical--help for day-to-day living.... An unflinching look at the painful tasks and opportunities for growth that accompany the end of life; coupled with invaluable help for completing them."--Kirkus Reviews

"This handbook, edited by the director of the Center to Improve Care for the Dying...exudes a compassion and warmth that will appeal to individual readers."--Library Journal

"I strongly recommend this book for apprentices and the experienced head and neck surgeons and oncologists. Through the highlighted quotes, the sidebars, the tables, the subtle pictures, and description of live experiences, it supplies us with words to the wise that may allow us to become a friend at the time of final needs." --Head & Neck

Product Details

256 pages; 86 halftones & line illus; 6-1/8 x 9-1/4; ISBN13: 978-0-19-514601-1ISBN10: 0-19-514601-8

About the Author(s)