Loïc Cohen Livres

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, M.D., has profoundly changed perceptions of death and dying. With her classic study, On Death and Dying, and her work with terminally ill patients, she has provided comfort and understanding to millions facing their mortality. Now, at seventy-one and confronting her own death, she shares her life story and her belief that death does not exist. Her memoir, written with warmth and honesty, reflects her intellectual and spiritual journey. Kübler-Ross embraces her individuality, stating, "If I am opinionated and independent... so what? That is me." Her conviction, which challenged dogma and skepticism, began in her youth in Switzerland, where she vowed to address the world's injustices. Her experiences, from aiding in war-torn Poland to counseling the terminally ill and leading seminars at the University of Chicago, contributed to her understanding of life and death. In a society that often avoids the topic of death, she courageously brought it to the forefront, encouraging acceptance rather than fear. Driven by compassion and resilience, Kübler-Ross illustrates that free will is our greatest gift and that our purpose lies in spiritual evolution.

After experiencing a paralyzing stroke in 1995 and facing her own mortality, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross (author of the renowned On Death and Dying ) realized she had some unfinished business to take care of. "I wanted to write one more book, not on death and dying, but on life and living," she explains. So she joined forces with coauthor David Kessler, a leader in the field of hospice care, and together they wrote about the lessons we can learn about living from those who are dying. As Kessler explains in his introduction, "The dying have always been teachers of great lessons, for it's when we are pushed to the edge of life that we see most clearly." In days gone by, the community would have gathering places where children and adults listened to elders tell their stories of life's challenges and the meaning they found in life. In lieu of that kind of extended community, the authors offer this book, filled with stories from the edge. Then, like fireside elders, they weave these personal stories into themes, such as living authentically, the importance of play, finding one's power, loving relationships, and self-compassion. One cannot say enough about the lasting value of this beautifully written and carefully rendered book. This is your chance to see life from the 20/20 vision of hindsight. In the end what will we value most? Here are some hints: the days we surrendered and became calm, the times we healed that which was broken, and of course all the moments we opened ourselves to love. --Gail Hudson