I wasn't able to fully read this book since it did not download properly onto Kindle. The formatting was not easy to read off of the kindle.

This type of book is important but hard to design to work for everyone. There is an overwhelming amount of information to log, which makes it rather depressing even though most of it is needed. There are sections my husband and I wouldn’t need but also many areas where there’s not enough space. There is space for recording three bills that are auto paid, for instance, which made me snort. My husband has dozens, from Duolingo to IMDB to my website to the garbage collection. Do people really need to know an entire page of information about every one of our pets? Well, there’s detailed pages for 2 pets, 3 dependents and 4 kids. I guess one of my kids has to count as a dependent and we can pick the two pets we like best. As I said, it’s just really hard to personalize a book like this. I am now determined again to do this but I am (sorry) going to use a notebook.

I read a temporary digital copy of this book for review.

A friend of ours died this year. My son served as the executor of his estate. After watching how much effort he had to expend to gather all of the needed information to settle the estate, I decided I needed to gather as much of my own info together in one place to make it easier for my family when I die. This is a great organizer to coordinate the task. There are so many different items needed that I might not consider on my own. I recommend this book. “Thanks, Zeitgeist (@zeitgeistpublishing), for the complimentary review copy.”

4.5 stars

Everybody is going to die. That is a fact. But you do not have to leave this world without a plan in place for your loved ones after you pass on. I totally get it, not everyone is comfortable discussing end-of-life plans with family and loved ones because it seems so, well, morbid. Personally, I am an avid death rights supporter and am passionate about people having access to the proper death-care tools, information and language to advocate for themselves and others. The more we can talk about something, the less stigma and fear there will be surrounding it.

This planner gives you the perfect place to keep track of all the vitally important information your loved ones will need to properly take care of your assets and affairs after you pass on. It's divided into very simple sections which you can fill out privately or with assistance, and there are little blurbs in each section "Changes to Make Now" and "Steps for Loved Ones" so you can feel adequately prepared NOW for any eventuality LATER.

The only reason I didn't give it a full five stars is because I'm Canadian, and this book is specifically set up in the context of the American legal and funerary system. So it's perfect if you're from the States, especially because it's written by a Nevada lawyer who specialises in estate planning, elder care and guardianship, and probate law. If you're from anywhere else in the world, I'd say it's still an excellent framework and basic guide for end-of-life planning but it may not be as overtly useful for you if legal and funeral customs in your own country are vastly different from the United States.

Thanks to NetGalley, author Kim Boyer, JD, and Zeitgeist publishing for providing me with an advance review copy of this book for free to read and review. All opinions are my own and provided voluntarily.

‘My Last Gift’ by Kim Boyer is a comprehensive end-of-life planner designed to help individuals organize and plan their final wishes and arrangements. While it aims to make the topic more approachable, its execution may not appeal to everyone.

Accuracy: ★★★★☆

The planner is thorough and accurate in covering all necessary aspects of end-of-life planning. It provides detailed sections for personal information, legal documents, final wishes, and more, ensuring that nothing important is overlooked.

Perspective: ★★★☆☆

The planner attempts to lighten the mood of the end-of-life topic, but it often comes across as cheesy and condescending rather than genuinely uplifting. This can be off-putting for some users who might prefer a more straightforward and respectful approach.

Relevance: ★★★★★

End-of-life planning is a universally relevant topic that everyone will face at some point. The planner's content is undeniably important and useful for ensuring that one's final wishes are clearly communicated and organized.

Engagement: ★★☆☆☆

The planner struggles to engage users due to its tone. The attempt to make the topic less sombre can detract from the seriousness and importance of the task, resulting in a lack of genuine engagement.

Readability: ★★★★☆

The readability is strong, with clear instructions and easy-to-follow sections. The planner is designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible to individuals who may not be familiar with legal or financial terminology.

Enjoyment: ★★☆☆☆

Given the subject matter, enjoyment is inherently limited. However, the planner's tone and approach do little to make the process more pleasant. The cheesy and condescending feel can make the experience less bearable.


‘My Last Gift’ by Kim Boyer is a well-intentioned end-of-life planner that provides comprehensive and accurate guidance for organizing final wishes and arrangements. While its relevance and readability are strong, the tone may not resonate with everyone, leading to a lack of engagement and enjoyment. It is a useful tool for those looking to plan ahead, but its approach might benefit from a more respectful and straightforward presentation.

My Last Gift: An Essential End-of-Life Planner: Important Guidance for You and Your Loved Ones by Kim Boyer, J.D. is an excellent resource to have and use.

My siblings and I recently lost my mother, and my parents did have a living trust. However, there were still many things that were not specifically spelled out in their trust. This book provides a useful roadmap to the things each of us should have in place, such as vital documents, medical information, financial information, service providers (electric, mortgage, etc.), and even what to do with your pet if you should pass.

As the book states, I really need to get all my documents and wishes in order. This is an essential and vital book that covers all areas one may not think about. It provides helpful tips.

I would highly recommend this book.

#MyLastGift #NetGalley