The End: The Human Experience of Death

Through engaging, heartfelt anecdotes, Australian journalist Nogrady (The Sixth Wave) researched what it might be like to die—from those who have experienced it and those who have observed the experience intimately, such as caretakers. Moved by the “good” death of her grandmother Nan, comfortable and surrounded by family at her nursing home, Nogrady approached experts for explanations of the why and how of death: along the way she lists what illnesses are the top killers around the world and sifts through the contrasting definitions of death (does it occur when the heart fails, the breathing ceases, or the brain stops functioning?). From the science of the dying body Nogrady moves to “experiencing death,” such as near-death journeys, and while her evidence is more like hearsay, it is still valuable and fascinating. Throughout, Nogrady discusses what it’s like to help a dying person find a safe place and suitable time, and what observers should expect (skin sensitivity, dementia, letting go). She has produced a brave, clear-eyed work and is not afraid to join science with spirituality. (July)