The Needs of the Dying: A Guide for Bringing Hope, Comfort, and Love to Life's Final Chapter

"David Kessler's book, The Needs of the Dying, is written with honesty, compassion and humble insight. It is easy to read, understand and apply to your own life experiences. It allows us to see our own journey as a joyful appreciation of life. We learn that our human needs are woven together in life and in our journey to the other side."
~ Written on 2008-08-30

"I have begun to work in a hospital and I am trying to enter nursing school. Under these circumstances, I will encounter death constantly. Aside from professional reasons, I feel that I would like to come to terms with death more since my father has passed. At the moment, a close friend has cancer. I would like to be effective in my interactions with her, or at the very least, not say the wrong things. Kessler's book has made death less mysterious to me. I have read it over once quickly, but I plan to look this over and over to digest the contents. I am sure that I will be reading more of Kessler's writings. "
~ Written on 2008-01-01

"This book did a great job of telling you what to expect when someone is dying, especially good at outlining what physical symptoms to look for. It is good to pair this book with "Final Gifts"."
~ Written on 2007-09-30

"First I want to say that there are a number of good points and areas of this book that will provide comfort to many. BUT for those who are well read on the subject of death and dying this book leaves a bit to be desired. I think I could have been more invested in this book if the author had written it from something other than the "I" perspective..,to use a previous reviewers term. Additionally, it could have been much more inclusive of people who either don't believe in any god or believe in a different spiritual or emotional guide in their lives. Some of the analogies are a bit cheesy and I found myself doing a bit of eye rolling and saying "give me a break". The issue of dying is emotional enough without needing to add empty sentiment such as ...the loss of a grain of sand impacts the world. A bit much for my taste. For a more inclusive and less self-absorbed perspective I would recommend Final Gifts over this book. "
~ Written on 2007-08-12

"This book thankfully arrived the week before my Mother died of fast moving Adult Leukemia (AML). She made the decision to enter hospice and was gone within a week.

This book was a true godsend to me as the caregiver, for navigating the emotional minefield that accompanies home hospice care. Focusing on the emotional needs of the dying, it helps the living understand what is happening. It helps the caregiver meet the emotional needs of both the person being cared for and themselves.

If you only read one book when a loved one makes the decision to do hospice, then read this one. Other books focus on the nuts and bolts of 'doing' i.e. how to get the best care, how to handle the paperwork, etc. This book focuses on 'feeling', on handling the emotions of those facing death and dying. You'll need it. Order it first as it will really, really help."
~ Written on 2007-04-16