We pay a steep price by keeping the idea of our death in the shadows. If we think about it at all, it's with middle-of-the-night panic and disbelief. Then when the time comes, we are no longer in control - more often than not doctors are, and so come heroic procedures and dehumanizing machines, cutting us off both from our loved ones and the spiritual rite of death itself. It doesn't have to be this way, Virginia Morris argues, if we stop, take a deep breath, and start talking about our death instead of denying that it will happen. Skillfully weaving personal stories and practical advice, scientific fact and emotional sensitivity, Talking About Death Won't Kill you is a powerful and thought-provoking book that shows how every reader, at any age, can and should prepare for a good death. Ina good death, patient and family are fully informed and their decisions are respected. Pain relief, both spiritual and emotional, is not considered an alternative to invasive medical treatment but rather an essential part of care. Whenever feasible, death occurs where the patient is most comfortable and has the most control. With its emphasis on conversation; a roundup of information on living wills, medical directives, value history forms, and hospice; and clear-eyed appraisal of both the wonders and limits of medical technology, Talking About Death Won't Kill You is a blueprint for individuals - and ultimately society - to find a gentler and more meaningful way to die. Hard cover, 294 pages, 6"x 9". To Order By Phone Call Toll Free: 866-596-9982.