Approaching the End of Life

Starred review from May 1, 2015

Senior minister Schaper's (Judson Memorial Church, New York; Sabbath Keeping) comprehensive book on death is based on her 40 years of counseling the dying and their families. She covers everything from the realization that one's illness is incurable to the memorial service and presents positive suggestions for disclosing the imminent death to loved ones and how to prepare spiritually (not necessarily espousing religion) for the end.

Grief counselor Van Bronkhorst, on the other hand, concentrates on using dreams to help give new insights and relate to others for the dying and those close to them. She maintains that dreams can assist people to focus on what's important, mourn alongside others, and be close with those who are gone. The author details how to listen to and open conversations with one's dreams, as they offer a way to talk about the imminent death in a nonthreatening way. VERDICT Both books are superb in discussing preparation for death. Approaching the End of Life supplies a blueprint and Dreams at the Threshold fills in the details.

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2015
Over the course of her long ministry, Schaper has comforted the sick and dying, presided over many funerals and memorials, and counseled the bereaved. Drawing upon these many years of experience, her book offers sensitive advice about planning one's own funeral or the funeral for a loved one. More important, her book encourages us to plan for a good death, which means living a good life. Everyone will die, and immortality remains an unresolved issue. Therefore, we need to find a place from which to die. Schaper argues that place is a spiritual home, one that gives our life meaning, joy, and purpose. Whether in a faith community, sacred space, or ritual, a spiritual home is a place where our faults and achievements are both recognized and affirmed. It is a place where we are comforted, challenged, and connected. It is a community of individuals, not an institution, amid whom we can die after having lived well. Reflecting upon one's mortality is scary. Schaper's thoughtful and helpful book eases the fear.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)