3/5. Read this back in 2018 and did not review it back then. I don't remember enough about it to give it proper feedback.

Wow. This was just incredible. Not many books intimidate me, and this did it for sure. Don't be fooled by the length, for Mayshark is a terrific writer and his style impressed me to say the least. I'm definitely reviewing this on my YT channel.

Guau. Esto fue simplemente increíble. No hay muchos libros que me intimiden, y este lo hizo con certeza. No se dejen engañar por lo largo, ya que Mayshark es un excelente escritor y su estilo me impresionó por decir lo menos. Definitivamente voy a reseñar este libro en mi canal de YT.

Video: https://youtu.be/TdaJ6ZcYzls (In Spanish)

This was a well-written and researched book about death. My only issue with it is that it is not long enough to cover the subject with any real complexity. That being said, I enjoyed reading it very much. What it covers is done with balance and insight. I hope there will be more to come from this author as she writes very well on a subject so many of us find difficult to contemplate.
My thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for my honest review.

This was a very brief exploration of death which hardly touched upon the different aspects of death/dying. After all how could one explore the subject of death in 100 pages? It provides valuable food for thought but it feels more as a compilation of thoughts, ideas and theories than a well-thought-out study upon the subject of death.

This was a very interesting book that discussed death and fears that many of us have about it or of the preconceptions we may have. This book was honest without being preachy.

What a well written balanced book.
The author takes the reader on a journey to explore the way societies and religious communities embrace death and the process of dying.
The research undertaken allows them to make a number of excellent points without ever championing existing views. That this book will allow the reader to contemplate death in new and refreshing ways is the success such a book can hope to achieve.
That the book may very well also enhance one’s view of life and the act of living is an unexpected bonus for me.
I love the idea captured in this thought that humankind want to embrace immorality but often do not know how to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon.
I also value the thought that the certainty of death can give impetus, energy and ambition in life.
A short book that opens one’s mind to this somewhat gloomy subject we eagerly keep at arm’s length. This intelligent piece of writing with references to other subjects and individuals to follow up will hopefully be universally accepted and well received.

This was indeed a short exploration into the ultimate outcome of life, death. While short, it gave an enticing introduction into how other cultures view death compared to the United States' uptight almost formulaic and overly structured approach. (In my opinion.)

No matter how you deal with it culturally or personally, it's a fact of life and I appreciated the few views and quotes that were scattered throughout that may spark a new way of looking at it for readers that are new to exploring the subject whether out of interest or if they are actually coming to grips with a loss and grief.

My only qualm with it was that it was rather short and I do hope that it is in fact book 1 in a series. However, I tend to be death positive, meaning that I'm open to talking about it and exploring it from all angles and cultures. It is most likely just the right size for someone new to the issues.

A remarkable little book (just over 100 pages) that offers multiple and profound looks at the subject of death. The author reaches no conclusions about what comes after death just presents various aspects of the experience of death. I highly recommend this book to anyone who will die at some point in their life.

Death: An Exploration: Learning to Embrace Life's Most Feared Mystery. Mayshark has a B.A. in World History from Manhattanville College. He is the editor of cantheman.com, an alternative media resource focused on social justice, and The Jovial Journey (thejovialjourney.com), a website dedicated to food and travel.

Death is something we do not know first hand. We experience it through others -- family, friends, news, and pets. We have religions that promise eternal life in heaven, paradise, or Valhalla. Loved ones will go to a better place. Is that based on us having hope in our impending deaths or to make us feel less of a loss? Catholic funerals I have gone to call it a celebration rather than a mourning. The loved one is with God; we should all be happy. Other religions teach of a reincarnation that allows the spirit to return to life again.

Mayshark presents other people's ideas and thoughts on death in several short chapters. Steve Jobs' battle with cancer changed his outlook on life. What good is it to be the richest man in the cemetery? In a way, most would not understand, he accepted death as an achievement.

Mayshark also looks at life as part of death. Would there be a thrill in dangerous or seemingly dangerous undertakings if there was no death? Approaching death but not touching it provides excitement. What about immortality? Would it become boring? As we extend the human lifespan we must also consider the quality of life. Life has gotten longer, but has it gotten better? Is the process of mechanically extending life really living? 

Mayshark poses questions and other's view on death.  It is enough to get the reader thinking about the subject but it is hardly more than an introduction to death.  The source material, however, provides enough information for the reader to begin his or her own research.